Are you considering buying an updated 4×4 but are unsure where to begin? It isn’t difficult, but it can be done. You can make an informed decision by following these guidelines.
Your budget is the first and most important thing. There is a huge difference in the price of a new car between its list price and its drive-away value. The drive-away cost includes all additional costs such as stamp duty, registration, third-person injury insurance and dealer fees. Dealers must now quote a full drive away price, with no extra to pay, as required by law.
You may need to pay extra for accessories like a trailer bar or 4×4 accessories (e.g., a fuel tank, long-range fuel tank, or durable tyres).
Insurance is a major additional expense that must be considered when you purchase a vehicle.
Should You Buy A Ute With Dual-Cabs Or A Wagon With 4×4?
Next, is the obvious question: how many seats are you going to need? This may seem like a silly question. If five seats don’t suffice, then two-thirds or more of the available 4×4 vehicle models won’t work for you.
Be aware that though most 4x4s are designed to accommodate seven passengers, certain models can comfortably seat eight. The majority of these vehicles have very little luggage space or carrying capacity, especially when all seats are taken up.
This is not the only difference between most 4×4 for sale and dual-cabs. Dual-cabs may be very popular, but they are often not as refined and comfortable as a 4×4 wagon. Empty utes can have uncomfortable rides, and their road-holding can be poor on rough roads.
People rarely go on bush trips without having food, water, or equipment. However, a ute is more well-equipped to handle a heavier load. A ute can easily carry all of your camping equipment and semi-permanent accessories.
However, utes may require extra protection and security by having a canopy. You should consider whether a wagon has a cargo wall to protect the vehicle’s occupants and any equipment.
Petrol Or Diesel?
Although diesel or petrol power was once a significant buying decision, that question is almost irrelevant now as most 4x4s available with only a Diesel engine. A petrol 4×4 is an option, but there are some things that you need to be aware of. Although petrol 4x4s are typically more fuel-efficient than diesel, they still have the potential to be very thirsty for city driving or in challenging off-road situations.
Regular-grade unleaded often costs less than diesel. However, petrol 4x4s can require premium-grade petrol. Moreover, servicing petrol is usually more cost-effective and less frequent than servicing diesel. A lot of petrol 4×4 cars can be converted into liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to make them more affordable and allow for extended travel with multiple tanks.
Official government-mandated fuel-use numbers (listed on a yellow windscreen label of new vehicles) can give you an idea of relative consumption for your driving circumstances. Advertising uses the combined cycle figure as the fuel consumption figure. However, you can expect fuel use in real life to be at least 25% higher depending on your driving style.
Should A Manual Be Used With My 4×4 Or An Auto?
Another age-old dilemma is this: manual or automatic? Some 4x4s will only run on auto, while others will only run on manual. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind if there is a choice.
A manual is usually more economical than an automat, even though automatics are now far more economic than manuals. Because turbo-diesels produce high torque at low engine speeds, they work well with automatics. Automatics work well with the torquey engine than with high-revving engines. They are usually better for towing.
Although some people think you need a manual for offroad driving, it is incorrect. Automatics, especially those equipped with driver-selectable transmissions, are often more capable off-road than manuals. This is due to the grunt improving effect of the torque conversation and smoother power delivery.
