Thoughts on Best Car for the "Grand Tour"

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by FlipXW

You’re kidding right? I drove my troppy from Newcastle to Darwin to Perth and everywhere in between over the course of 4 months then drove from WA back to Newcastle in 5 days. I had a set of XR6 seats fitted and I covered those miles with ease being comfortable driving and sleeping. Doesn’t have the ability to eat highway miles, please..

One company I worked for banned and sold all their troopies because people kept rolling them.

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

It's an extremely bad idea on a Ute if heading on off road tracks regularly.

Please elucidate.
If you're referring to the cart-springs, then yes that's an issue with the Ute & wagons.

[Sprintey]

Dazz, if you want a wagon/sleepable car with capability of some tracks what about an XG panel van, raise it a little and give it the XH outback wheels/tyres and hydratrack diff. Bench seat XG for more practical lounge space when parked.

Don't scoff, I was getting my ED Falcon sedan up radio tower access tracks (getting out to remove individual rocks) when my 60 series Cruiser was in for service!

[Sprintey]

Or:

https://buildyour.landrover.com/lr2/...5/47vjp/a-110/

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Surprised you haven't mentioned the Kamaz yet

Looks like I don't have to.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

One company I worked for banned and sold all their troopies because people kept rolling them.

One word..............bollocks!

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

One company I worked for banned and sold all their troopies because people kept rolling them.

I don't suppose it occurred to the company to teach people how to drive them off road.

[raised by monkeys]

As a novice camper, my partner has an 2011 SR5. We bought a frame for the tub someone had already fabbed to suit, put on a rooftop tent and bought an awning. All in all about 10mins set up/pack up. I live in a coastal surf, fishing and farming region. Plenty of almost identical set ups. Its cheap and efficient. It would be my recommendation to go this route. When you indulge in comfort you will lose in offroad capability or see a surge in costs. The SR5 has served us well, nearly 250000kms and bought at 130000kms. Partner does lots of travel. Were currently running 30% offroad (mainly sand) and 70% road. Frame leaves plenty of room for storage under the tent inc. 2 dogs, weber Q, esky, camp chairs, trestle, fishing gear etc. Car is fuel efficient with auto lock hubs and still running factory suspension. Being an SR5 has nicer interior and stereo. There is a reason why Toyota 2nd hand market can be overpriced, its because theyre proven. Plenty of aftermarket parts available. Lots of 2nd hand dual cabs on the market inc. alternatives (Bravo, Ranger and dare I say Navaras) with similar set ups already.

[Crazy Dazz]

What about a PV?
It wasn't something I initially thought of, and their is the age issue, but I have a line on a cheap XF PV.
It would have some advantages over a styleside, but wouldn't have the length or width of a tray. (And obs still only RWD)

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Now you know what I would pick if you could find one.

image

Err probably the 5th post, doesn't have to be 4x4.

[gooseneck]

Just go with a dual cab semi trailer truck and get your truck drivers licence.

Something like a Mitsubishi FK600. I would quieten down the exhaust and add noise dampening to the interior.

You don't want anything too modern because of the diesel particulate filters being expensive to repair and maintain.

You can also put a second car on the back of a gooseneck tray and make up yourself a motorhome on wheels that you can detatch from the main cab so you can take either the car or truck into town.

If that is too expensive the SR5 idea is ok I guess but as a Ford man I would choose a Ranger. But thats a dual cab.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by gooseneck

Just go with a dual cab semi trailer truck and get your truck drivers licence.

Something like a Mitsubishi FK600. I would quieten down the exhaust and add noise dampening to the interior.

I reckon those dual cab Scania's that MFB get around in would make a wicked project vehicle

**** off the fire fighting equipment and put a box body on the back.

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by Gothefalcon

If it's just you on you're own... you can sleep diagonally, which will buy you some extra length.
If it's just for sleeping. out occasionally... then perhaps consider a Wagon !??

Wagon's & Vans share the same wheelbase... but the Van has a shorter rear overhang. Basically, Vans & Utes had the same rear overhang as the SWB Sedans, where the Wagon got the longer rear overhang of the LWB Sedans.
Plus... you can move the front seats forward in a Wagon, to create a bit more room again.

Headroom is not as good in the Wagon, of course

Plan would be to do some touring in this, so being able to achieve reasonable comfort in the back, for myself and my son, is important.
Reality is that unless I pull the trigger soon on the PV, it could be a long time before another suitable one becomes available.

It would seem that based on dimensions I can rule out later model styleside Utes, but trays remain an option.

I think the critical issue I need to decide on, is whether I want 4wd?

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by gooseneck

Just go with a dual cab semi trailer truck and get your truck drivers licence.
.

Can't say I've ever seen a dual cab semi trailer truck.

[my67xr]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Can't say I've ever seen a dual cab semi trailer truck.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by my67xr

image

Nice, Single drive long wheelbase, must have been an ex fire engine ?

[Franco Cozzo]

Seems like WA has something similar to the MFB Scania

https://photos.liveitseeit.com/FireG...05/i-cK9wfZP/A

Now that's a dual cab I can get behind

[whynot]

Rolls-Royce Cullinan?????

[EDManual]

Get a v8 TDI VW Touareg, or V6 TDI , great comfy travelling cars with HEAPS of power.

"Welcome to the world of the Volkswagen Touareg V8 TDI, which delivers stupendous sophistication, plus 900Nm of torque, 310kW of power and enough urge to hurl 2305kg of five-seat luxury SUV to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds."

Get one!

https://www.carsales.com.au/editoria...review-121464/

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by whynot

Rolls-Royce Cullinan?????

I hated it when it first came out, but now I'd actually own a black one.

[TE029]

Another vote for an 80 series LandCruiser, Toyota reliability, room, room, room, & comfort, and not particularly expensive to buy if you don't mind a bit of cosmetic clear coat peel lol.
A mate bought a used one, serviced, paid a mechanic to replace all the wear and tear impacted parts, new wheels and tyres and decked the back out with drawers, and a mesh cage type roof rack, and was only into it for about 15K. That was a diesel, if you were happy to settle for a petrol 1FZ engine one it would be a few grand cheaper even, but you would quickly pay for it at the pump...
By modern standards they are not the most comfortable, Late model Falcon front seats make a difference for minimal $, and you could jump out and set up camp at the end of the day without needing a neck brace like you would in an old Falcon Panovan, I love the panel vans but when if comes to covering big distances, a Cruiser would eat them alive...

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by TE029

By modern standards they are not the most comfortable, Late model Falcon front seats make a difference for minimal $, and you could jump out and set up camp at the end of the day without needing a neck brace like you would in an old Falcon Panovan, I love the panel vans but when if comes to covering big distances, a Cruiser would eat them alive...

I reckon the ol falcon panel van bench seat is hundred times more comfortable than a Landcruiser.

[gooseneck]

Yeah but ex fire truck.

Comfy as.

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by TE029

Another vote for an 80 series LandCruiser, Toyota reliability,

Of the top of my head I'm not familiar with any engine changes that were made during their run, but I do recall the early ones. The straight diesels were gutless at highway speeds, the turbos ate their big-ends, and the petrols were gutless and thirsty.

Originally Posted by TE029

jump out and set up camp at the end of the day without needing a neck brace like you would in an old Falcon Panovan, I love the panel vans but when if comes to covering big distances, a Cruiser would eat them alive...

Those Cruisers weren't particularly good on the highway due to their long-travel springs.
I also found the best cars for highway cruising were the Falcon wagons. Yes, with their cart-springs. But I imagine that a PV would suffer more windage, and at the end of the day the running gear was mostly designed in the 60~70s.

[Bushbasher]

Forget that lot, you want this....


https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Custom-S...frcectupt=true







Failing, that, go find yourself a factory original. They come in petrol and diesel, long and short, and parts are readily available. I've had a diesel shorty 5sp for the last 7 years and apart from the injector pump failing which is a known issue and most would have been swapped out for a local one with better seals by now, it's been unstoppable and has taken me everywhere any pajero, patrol or cruiser would go.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

I also found the best cars for highway cruising were the Falcon wagons. Yes, with their cart-springs. But I imagine that a PV would suffer more windage, and at the end of the day the running gear was mostly designed in the 60~70s.

Hence why they would be a reliable cruising tourer.

[Itsme]

Seventeen years ago for my first ever trip around Australia I jumped in my AU forte sedan and off I went, had a ball driving the blacktop & dirt roads.
You don't really need a 4wd unless you planning the extreme off road driving something like the Simpson Dessert crossing.
Cheers.


PS: These days I have the Hi Rider Ranger 2WD with diff lock and still having a ball cruising around Oz.

[BradEL]

Have you considered a Territory? Not saying they are necessarily the best vehicle for the purpose, but they are very comfortable to drive on a long trip, reliable and easy to get parts for, can tow a caravan and they are surprisingly roomy with 2nd and 3rd row seats folded down, so unless your super tall you can sleep in the back if desired.
I had one for a while and loved it for camping in, and you could get it off the beaten track a bit if you want.

[Jack91]

80/105 series cruiser with 1fzfe (petrol) pr 1hdfte (diesel)
Gu patrol with tb48 (petrol) or td42 (diesel)

Both of those diesels are very expensive, but for good reason. The cruisers 1hdfte is very powerful and reliable. The patrols td42 is not powerful, but can be very reliable and economical.

The 1fzfe petty in the cruiser is an all round great motor. It only fails with poor fuel consumption.
The tb48 petty in a gu is very similar, but more complicated and technical. But they do sound and go well.

Basically if you buy anything other than either of those, you've made the wrong choice

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by Officemanager

You don't really need a 4wd unless you planning the extreme off road driving something like the Simpson Dessert crossing.
Cheers.
.

^^^^^ Exactly, there's being plenty of 2WD Cars do the Big Lap. back when Roads & facilities where Nothing like they are Today..

OP, I know It's a little left Field, But I'd look at a LWB High Roof Transit Van. Tall enough for you to Walk around In, Big enough for You & your Young Bloke to Sleep in. & enough Room carry everything thing You'd ever Need, under Lock & key..