Alternative 4x4's

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Which Alternative 4x4


  • Total voters
    67
  • Poll closed .
When I was buying my P38 I was very close to plunging for a G-wagen but couldn't get a RHD with a turbodiesel. Again though, like the Amazon, they were double the price of the P38.

Talking about it a few weeks ago with Seanmull we concluded that the only thing to replace a P38 is another P38. Believe it or not the 2.5 litre engine size is a big advantage in favour of the P38 in Ireland where annual road tax is €1,000 for the 2.5. a 3.0l would be €1400 and anything bigger nearly €1700.
 
You missed one on that list in my opinion. Suzuki (jimny), best little 4x4. Just a mini defender with reliability. Mods are available now. Mine has been over stuff that has ripped bumpers off discos etc, and stuff that a disco or defender would bottom out, and not got stuck where some do because its so light. No over hang and short wheelbase. Bottom line, great offroad. Pants on long distance because I am 6ft4.

Does it replace my 4.6 lpg HSE, does it hell. I love the RR and would choose it everyday over the jimmy.

So p38 it is, because of comfort and everyday living. Offroad, jimny.
 
Last edited:
The other 4x4 I had before the RR was a pajero lwb. 2" lift with some insa turbos on. Went to landcraft and made sure it did well. Spent most of the day winching and pulling people up sloppy hills and out off holes. Just tyres on that occasion made the difference.
 
Nissan Patrol.
Had an ancient one (the UN version) that survived being seriously used and abused until it just became too difficult trying to find bits. Replaced it with a slightly newer version, SWB again, about the same time that I bought the P38. The Patrol is impressive, it's got road presence, is good in the forests and tows well but - it's just a tool for a job.
It's the Rangie that makes me smile.
 
you missed out isuzu, I bought one as well as my rrc as I concluded the only stress free way to own a landy was as a hobby :D
 
I'm stickin' wiv the Classics meself, but if I'm being really honest, what my heart really, really desires is the Daddy of 'em all ... a 1943/44 Willys MB. Not that I'm ever gonna find one for around £5k. Even the Hotchkiss copies have moved into the silly price ranges now, but methinks 'er indoors just might be havin' a strong opinion on the subject if I ever find one. She rather likes the ol' Rangie and didn't object when it replaced the Jaguar.

No ... do not even mention Jago. Even after 30 years in the Army, I'd rather have a Series II/III Landie than one o' them plastic sheds.

I do still have a small soft spot for Lada Niva Cossack and Hussar though ... You have to have owned them to understand. :rolleyes:

Johnny
 
I saw a brand new one on 5th gear driving some nice lanes, I might try em in my trooper if I can ever get up there and find em
 
Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol.

Personally a G wagon if there were no rangies or land rovers

The Nissan and Toyota's have their problems
Both the petrol and diesel version are very thirsty and the diesel engines are very old design and style compaired to the euro style of diesels.

The new Toyota v8 diesel has a good reputation of blowing up after a few amount of miles
The Nissan like to blow up gear boxes. both have floating axles so if you break a shaft your nackered.
When traveling in the outback they will tell you in the 4 major towns of Australia , your are mad to take a land rover outback. But if you get out to the outback they will tell you that a land rover is the tool of choice in the outback. Because if they break they will always get you home. Not so with the Nissan and Toyota. And that is important when you can easily be 500 miles from the nearest person or help in the outback

I live in Brisbane and I am surrounded by them , but still have 4 Land Rovers
 
I am not going to drop names here... but I know a nationally respected over land travel expert who would not go nearanything but g wagen

His opinion... despite starting with LR is that the availability of the extra diff locks... and the standard of manufacture has got him out of trouble many times

I respect his opinion, but i find LR fun!
 
I am not going to drop names here... but I know a nationally respected over land travel expert who would not go nearanything but g wagen

His opinion... despite starting with LR is that the availability of the extra diff locks... and the standard of manufacture has got him out of trouble many times

I respect his opinion, but i find LR fun!

i respect his choice, and perhaps Merc sponsored him in some way, but after working for the said company for 12 years +, i wouldnt go near 1. not only for the price of spares, but the cost of servicing, its expensive as hell for a 36k full service.
 
i respect his choice, and perhaps Merc sponsored him in some way, but after working for the said company for 12 years +, i wouldnt go near 1. not only for the price of spares, but the cost of servicing, its expensive as hell for a 36k full service.
My friend explored the Sahara for many years... driving mostly solo. He told us that although the Merc was not cheap... it was worth paying for the quality he needed and the reliability was second to none (though it did go into limp home mode once and he had to drive it all the way back to Berlin at stupidly low MPH to get it sorted out.
 
Merc Quality? For about 20 years now they've been totally ****. Rumour has it they're out the other side of the hole now but I wouldn't trust a Merc. I'd rather put my trust in a Ssangyong - a Merc under the skin but it's been put together properly! :D
 
Back
Top