Thread: Buying classic trucks verses newer plastic models

No. There is good reason for that, they are plain awful to drive. The steering on an early F series has got to be the worst I have ever experienced especially with non standard wheels. I had a customer complain about his ex ambulance and I told him to put standard wheels on it and then it actually went somewhere near where it was pointed but was still atrocious. I cannot think of one redeeming thing about them but take one for a long drive and see what you think as your view may be different to mine.

I fully agree with Mini, I grew up and drove these heaps of crap! gutless, heavy on fuel, terrible to drive and woefully uncomfortable, comparing these things to say a modern day Nissan or Toyota is like comparing a Rolls Royce with a mini moke, not in the same stable!, go relatively modern and enjoy the drive not lament it! nostalgia is not the same with a good memory!

Heaters no good, wipers not much chop,... the list goes on. What have you got in mind? A 4 x 4 wellside is one thing... a 30cwt flat deck is another.... Depends on the loads and the conditions....

I bought a brand new FJ45 LandCruiser truck with a tray body back in 1976. As a single boy, at the time, I had a great time with it. The local 4WD club was where we all learned how to operate (not just drive) our vehicles and that time forged some real friend ships as well.
The Land cruiser was thirsty at 13 MPG (petrol) and looking back it was a struggle at times to afford the fuel for a weekend away. (I was self employed for a while them went on wages).
The cabin was hot and noisy even though I added matting and air conditioning I have a real soft spot for my old truck even now. I had it for 15 years and 220,000 Ks and really only routine maintenance apart from a clutch and new bearings in the transfer box and a set of rings at aout 70,000 Ks(apparently there was a factory design change to the rings)
When our first daughter came along it was time to move the old girl on and so we bought a HJ60 wagon. It was quiet more comfortable and being diesel went all the way to 26 MPG. We bought it second hand in 1988 and did a few trips but not so many as circumstances changed. We still have it and its done 400,000Ks and pulls my tandem trailer with any sort of weight extremely well. My intention is to keep this thing and just keep up the maintenance on it and give it a coat of paint.
From what stories I hear about Newer models makes me wonder if they will last as long as my old wagon.
To some up....my Landcruiser suits me!

I have a 1995 HZJ75 landcruiser. Drives like a truck and isn't the fastest thing in the world but i only drive it on the weekends and i didn't need to borrow any money to buy it.

Off road the only time i've got it stuck anywhere has been on the beach and that's probably because i've only got skinny tyres on it.

Compared to the 80's versions it stops a lot quicker thanks to decent 4 wheel disc brakes and steers a lot better too compared to others i've driven, even if it is 4 turns lock to lock.

I'd like to put an aftermarket turbo on it to gain an extra 40% power.

If you want something that is less like a truck look at a hilux, mid to late 90's or newer.

Don't buy an old v8 with a carby unless you want to throw all your money into the fuel tank.

hey guys...

sorry i forgot a wrote this thread, (it was 2am at the time)

yeh i like the old ford 250's but ones that have modern drive-trains, certainly not original ones.just original on the outside and interior.

i saw a car the other day, it was a old pontiac (not sure what year, about min 60's) the guy put in a nice clean chev 400 i think, turbo 400 gearbox, resto diff and some other goodies, but nothing over the top. that sort of set up on an 60-70's model f250 would be sweet.

and then lowered with some steering and suspension work.

what a ride...! the old V8's are the best sounding engine in the world.

but who knows, this sort of truck maybe be better suited just as a play vehicle on later in life.

i'll probably just settle on a late model Colorado when i can.



La H

The Holden Rodeo became the Colorado in 06/07. I have been advised to avoid the Turbo Diesel Rodeos pre 05/06 (without the air scoop on the bonnet). Engines are fine but pieces that bolt onto the engines have issues. I'm looking for a dual cab turbo diesel 4WD in pretty much any make/model in the 2003-06 range which nearly rules the Holden out for me.

If you're getting a 4wd to be a 4wd I really don't see the point in lowering it though? Best of luck with your search

Corbs

naa, wouldn't be a 4x4, just a nice pick-up of some kind...

i currently have a au falcon ute, had it for years, gosh there crap.

i hear sooooooo many reports of problems with modern utes, people are even buying them new and having them just end up back at the dealer for problems, i think they are a lot of money for very little. compared to say a nice car.

yeh you got to get the 2007 model in the rodeo Corbs, there much more refined, there good value in the dual cabs, you should be able to get one for little more than a 06 plate price (previous version) just look on carpoint.com.au

La H