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I'm on a dairy farm and looking to buy a 4wd SUV and need your advice on which of the above 3 would be best to buy with reliability, cost, size and offroad capability. I have $8000. I've done some research and discovered that the Terrano is more affordable with low kms while the Surf is more expensive (1997 Terrano with 160,000kms is $6990 but a 1996 Surf with 258,000ks is $6250 or 1996 Surf with 165,000kms is $9999 and 2001 Wizard with 185,000kms is $8000), should I be concerned with kms? It will mostly only be used as a farm get-around after hours and to pick up larger goods without a trailer ie furniture but will still see some road use but probably not longer trips so road comfort isn't essential. Towing isn't essential but will happen eventually when buying my own farm bike/s and moving properties. Also taking the new rego price drop into account the post 2000 Wizards being the cheapest per year and the Surf being the most expensive.

I did consider a post 1996 Pajero or Challenger for a short period but they seemed to big and bulky with the Pajero weighing about 2.6tonne according to Carjam while the others bout 2.1-2.3 tonne. I've also been told that Mitsubishi have common problems with their gearboxes. I would still be open to your opinions on Pajeros too. One positive thing that sets the Pajero apart from the rest is it has a Tiptronic gearbox.

My criteria as follows:
Must be petrol; 3.4ltr Surf, 3.3ltr Terrano, 3.2ltr Wizard, 3.5ltr Pajero I notice fuel economy is bout the same with all 3,
Must be automatic.

I like the sound of all 3 and I'm sure all are reliable vehicles but I also know some makes and models have common issues but I have no mechanical knowledge which is why I'm coming here for your advice. If I remember anything else I need to state I will add them to replies.

Cheers guys,
Sam

Hi there,
I would start with the Surf, then Terrano, and then Wizzard as a last resort.
The drive trains should be ok, as they are strong. Petrol v6 engines would seem to be less
trouble than the diesels of the same vehicles.
As long as you are not worried about fuel economy, petrols tend to be thursty.
A Mitsubishi would be ok, as long as it's not an import GDI engine.

I've ruled out the Surf cos its too hard to find a decent one and I've ruled out Pajero thanks to your info. I'm going to view a 1999 Pathfinder and 1998 Wizard this Friday or Saturday. The Pathfinder has 214,000kms and the Wizard has 207,000kms both for $5000. The Pathfinder is an ex-rental car at U-Save Rental Cars and Trucks. I've heard rental cars are always looked after. Is there any difference between Pathfinder and Terrano? I'm just worried bout the high kms being an issue. I'm gona try get a 2-3 year warranty on whatever I get.

I would go for the best condition and lowest km's available. Also get it checked out before
purchase to make you aware of any issues.
I'm not sure that older rental cars get a very easy life.
I dont think there is much difference between pathfinder or terrano, seems terrano were
for the import market and share the same componants.

Should I still get it looked at if it comes from a dealer? The best I can find is a 97 Terrano with 153,000kms for $7000 or the 2001 Wizard with 180,000kms for $8000 both from dealers. The Terrano is in Wellington though and I live in Morrinsville so getting it would be an issue.

Yes we recommend an AA pre purchase inspection even from a dealer. It can also help with
price negotiations or repair requirements before you buy.

How much are inspections?

$149 members, $169 non members. Call 0800 500 333 Option 1 to arrange.