Which of these 4x4's are better! (1996 - 2002) Challenger 2.8 diesel or 3.5 GDI / 3.0 V6! Which is better on gas! Surf 2.4 , 3.0 etc - again as above Pajero!
Looking for a reliable 4x4 with low range that has good room for 5 adults, used for hauling dogs, moderate off roading. Budget - $10,000
mugenb20b,
Feb 1, 2:44am
Suzuki Vitara 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder petrol.
jazzyjack1,
Feb 1, 2:44am
too small, looked at them
n3d4sp3d,
Feb 1, 2:47am
challenger gdi = grenade with pin removedturbo diesel a little gutless due to auto,v6 good has plenty of power unsure of fuel enconomy though. surf 3.0 turbo diesel goes like a shower of shit espec the man ones but they are prone to craking heads if cooling system is negleced pajero good wagon but very thirsty as is a very heavy wagon
mugenb20b,
Feb 1, 2:51am
The problem is, an SUV in the $10k bracket is a risky purchase, it will either be good or a complete lemon. Being able to afford to purchase an SUV doesn't mean you can afford to run it, as many people have found out.
But, anyway, a diesel engine is better suited to SUVs and will prove cheaper to run, but will cost more to service and register.
A diesel will use around 11L per 100km. Petrol around 16L per 100km.
Provided the vehicles were well serviced, your safest bet would be a 2.7 litre petrol, 4 cylinder Surf.
mk3zephyr,
Feb 1, 2:14pm
Just to translate, An SUV outside of the main centres, United States or if you are a Soccer Mum generally means a 4X4 or 4WD in NZ.
phillip.weston,
Feb 1, 5:16pm
$10k can buy you a 2002-2004 Challenger while $10k will be buying you a 98-99 Surf.
The 3.0 Challenger is a bit gutless and uses about the same amount of fuel as the 3.5 GDI Challenger. The 2.8 diesel is a good unit and doesn't have a cam belt which requires changing, but just like the Toyota diesels they too must have their cooling system and general servicing up to date otherwise you can run into troubles. The transmission behind the Challenger is the same unit fitted in the Surf. The pre 2000 Challengers have leaf springs in the rear while the 2001 onwards have coils in the rear. The Challenger chassis is based on the 2nd generation (1991-1998) Pajero chassis which has proved itself to be quite capable off road - but so has the Surf which is based on a smaller Hilux chassis.
The petrol Surfs are OK but not spectacular - the 3.0 is GUTLESS and the 3.4 DOHC is marginally better. Both engines are prone to blowing head gaskets, warping heads or even cracking the block. The Mitsubishi V6s aren't known to blow the head gaskets as frequently (but it does happen), however the GDI system would probably be an area of concern. It will probably be fine but there is that element of something going wrong which could be costly to fix (more so because not many mechanics know their way around the system). Common issues are the high pressure pump failing or the small micro filter getting blocked up giving the symptoms of a failing pump. Have heard of the rare occurance of a cracked piston or a snapped crank shaft too.
I think at the end of the day the Surf will probably be more reliable (only just), however for the same price you will be able to get a Challenger 5 years newer with more features.
berg,
Feb 1, 5:26pm
I like the Challanger. Used to service them and found very few problems as long as they were maintained. Had some lease ones to a company who spent most of the day on logging roads and skid sites and apart from the odd stuck rear caliper slide and broken AC belt, no problems. Maintain the cooling system and if towing free up the exhaust and the 2.8 is a bloody good donk.
mike77,
Feb 2, 2:02am
I have a 96 Challenger,and nope phillip, it has a coil rear end - in fact most of the ones in NZ do (japa's). I get 12.5Lish /100km taking it very easy not too much more with 3 kayaks on either or an offroad trip thrown in, very similar to a mate who has the 96 Surf Petrol 2.7 - though I reckon mine has more go. Running costs - if I regulary carried heavy loads / towing don't get a petrol. End of story imo.
To your question, the best would be the Intercooled surf3.0 diesel. but you'll pay good money for one. I wouldn't consider a petrol pajero to be honest, thirsty, an extra 400kgs on the challenger and a bigger brick to push through the air.
Also owned the NL Pajero 2.8 diesel - went ok and plenty of tow, but not the fastest. That intercooled toyota motor of a mates (97 Prado - same as surf) just goes no matter whats on the back of it (6.5m glass hardtop) it's seems effortless.
If it matters the 96 onwards surfs have a bigger boot space than the challengers (which have built in compartments that can be removed) But smaller than the Pajero's.
One thing I realised about this moderate offroading thing . no make/model is bulletproof no matter what ya buy there will be little things here and there.
edangus,
Feb 2, 2:11am
From a parts dealer!
r15,
Feb 2, 2:25am
sorry what about that bighorn is higher quality finish than the surf or challenger!looks pretty basic to me.sure better than an old 130 series surf or early terrano but.
and if it matters at all i did the exact same toss up as OP, ended up with an intercooled 3.0 surf. pulls anything, goes anywhere, and does usually about 10km/l with mixed use
jazzyjack1,
Feb 2, 4:37am
This is great info, thanks
franc123,
Feb 2, 4:38am
Bit off topic but I'm certain I've seen Challengers with a leaf spring rear! It's my understanding that they were based on the Triton chassis and not the Pajero.Its self evident when driving one that its more in the Surf/Terrano/Cherokee size class than in the Pajero/Prado size.Depends on what you need of course.
franc123,
Feb 2, 4:50am
Nah Isuzu quality isn't generally regarded as being any better than any other mainstream Jap makes,they were at that time of course a GM product lol.Lotus of course had to be brought in as being a truck manufacturer they knew squat about how to make passenger vehicles handle. They were better but only by comparison.If you were looking for something perceived to be higher quality you would probably look at those Lexus SUV's.
phillip.weston,
Feb 2, 5:28am
First gen challengers use a pajero chassis but resemble a triton/surf in size. Second gen (current shape)is essentially a triton with wagon body. It must be jap market first gens had coils at rear while export market (ie USA) were late to get coils.
phillip.weston,
Dec 2, 3:11am
Kidding right! They were best known for their aweful handling despite the input from lotus. Not known for their reliability either.
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