4WD Travels: Field Research in Japan

Just a quick update: we're in Japan preparing for some 4x4 fun (and filming) in an area with very little internet access--thus the dearth of posts recently. We're also here to test drive and photograph as many 4X4's as we can, to put together a feature on Japan's 4x4 scene.

We're also woking on a feature about environmentally "friendly" 4x4's, such as the Suzuki Jimny, Mitsubishi Pajero Mini and Jr, and Daihastu Terios Kid. If fuel prices continue moving up, 4x4s like these may be the future of 4x4ing in North America as well--and that might not be a bad thing, as these are some of the most capable little rigs on the trails.

More to come...

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Aussie Locker: Long Term Test Update

After installing an Aussie Locker in the rear differential of our Toyota Landcruiser HJ60, we've been on the trail and street testing the performance of this locker as much as possible. It's only been installed for a few months now, but in that time the Aussie Locker has performed admirably.

Off-road performance has been vastly improved just as promised. And on the asphalt, the Aussie Locker is almost unnoticeable. Occasionally a barely audible clicking sound can be heard around tight corners, but other than that we hardly know the Aussie Locker is even there.

If you're considering adding more traction to your trail rig, definitely give the Aussie Locker a look. Compared to many other locker solutions, it's inexpensive, easy to install, very durable, and delivers on the promise of vast improvements in traction and off-road capability.

Only time will tell how long it hold up to prolonged use, so our long term Aussie Locker test continues...and more updates will follow.

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4X4 Guide: Buying a good used 4x4 vehicle

Buying a good used 4x4
Part I: Know thyself, know thy 4x4

Know what you need
The first thing to consider when when looking for a good used 4x4 vehicle is what you intend to use it for. This may seem patently obvious, but the image in our mind doesn't always live up to the reality. Yes, we imagine ourselves exploring green lanes and jeep trails all day long, but in reality, how often will you actually take your 4x4 vehicle off road? And when you do, what kind of off-road work will it need to perform? There is no point buying a 4x4 vehicle capable of extreme duty off-road use if you're going to drive it on paved roads most of the time. That is, unless you enjoy looking silly.

Read the reviews, then ignore them
Automotive journalists are notoriously and shamefully fickle lot, and what appeals to them often has no relation to reality. Read what they have to say, then file it away and make your own decisions. Do your own research, test drive various vehicles, ask around, and buy what feels right for you. For example, I remember reading that the Isuzu Trooper was "not recommended" by the Lemon Aide Guide. That was after putting 150,000 grueling kms on a used 1991 model over three years, from Alaska to Mexico and in between, in extreme off-road conditions and in temperatures ranging from -20 to +40, without a single breakdown.

Consider your passengers
You might not mind bumping and bouncing along the roads and trails, or having to use a rope ladder to climb into the drivers seat, or the lack of heaters, defrost, or power anything. But your passengers might, and you probably have to live with them/her. Buy a used 4x4 vehicle that doesn't provide the basic creature comforts your primary passengers require, and you'll regret it sooner than you think. And if the 4x4 vehicle is going to be driven by (or paid for by) more than one driver, it pays to check first and buy later.

Size does matter
It's doubtful anyone has ever told you 'it's too big', but when it comes to the used 4x4 you're planning on buying, it just might be. Ask yourself, and answer honestly, do you really need a large 4x4, or would a smaller one do just as well? This ties in to your intended purpose and your passengers of course, but with gasoline and diesel prices set to soar, this warrants serious consideration. Smaller 4x4's are just as capable (if not more) as larger 4x4's when it comes to tackling trail obstacles. Unless you carry a crew of 6, sleep inside your vehicle, or carry a large amount of gear, supplies, or equipment, you probably don't need a very large 4x4. Not only are smaller 4x4's are better on the road, as good or better off road, and far more efficient on both, they're even more fun to drive and usually much cheaper to own.

Accept that you will loose money
This applies to buying almost any used car, not just a 4x4. Although we often by 4x4 vehicles with the hope of at least breaking even at resale someday, it very rarely happens. And holding on to this notion can prevent you from enjoying and using your 4x4 vehicle to it's fullest potential. Find a used 4x4 vehicle that is right for you, try to negotiate a fair price, and then start using it and enjoying it. Once you accept that you probably won't break even at resale, you won't mind scratching and denting it on the trails--and you'll enjoy it that much more.

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4x4 Vehicles: The truth about the Suzuki Samurai

4x4 History: The truth about the Suzuki Samurai
I recently came across this YouTube video series uncovering the truth about the unfair testing of the Suzuki Samurai 4x4 by Consumer Union, a so-called "independent, nonprofit testing and information organization serving only consumers."

If you've ever wondered why the Suzuki Samurai (known as the Jimny in 100+ other countries, one of the most fuel efficient and capable compact SUVs ever designed--and still sold today) disappeared from the North American market, these videos--obviously part of a lawsuit or settlement--explain just what happened.

On a side note, I'd like to know when GM bought shares in Suzuki and Isuzu, as the same thing happened to the Isuzu Trooper II. Isuzu later sued Consumer Union and won, but Trooper sales never recovered.



Watch them all: Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

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4x4 Videos: Suzuki SideKick / Vitara 4x4

The Suzuki SideKick/Vitara 4x4 in action in the UK:




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4x4 Photos: 4WD Serenity

A 4x4 photo from a recent run that seems to capture, silently and subtly, some of the essence of why I enjoy exploring this planet along roads far less travelled.


























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4x4 Videos: Bigger 4x4's aren't always better 4x4's

If you're one of the 7 people on earth who believe that Hummer H2's make worthy off-road 4x4's, this 4x4 video should change your mind.





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