Hey guys, we are currently looking at picking up some sort of vehicle with good ground clearance and something good for Nigeria's road. Something that delivers a good miles/kilometre to the Gallon is worth bearing in mind as well. As it stands at the moment, I am looking at Light off-roaders.

Mitsubishi Montero sports.
I personally like this car, due to it reliability but I really do not know how it will perform on our road.

Honda Element.
Seen a few of these when I was home and I thought it looks good. Any comment on how this perform as well will ber appreciated.


Anyway, what other Light off roaders or light SUV should make the list? Please give your reasons. Thanks.

HONDA CRV & HONDA ELEMENT: Cos they are extremely durable, reliable and economical. Also good ground clearance, versatility, utility value and low maintenance cost.
DISADVANTAGE: They cost a wee bit more to purchase used! (pay now, enjoy later)

TOYOTA RAV4 & HIGHLANDER: Share the same advantages as the Hondas. The Highlander 4 cylinder variant is probably a lot more ideal than the V6.
DISAVANTAGE: The Toyota syndrome - costs much more to buy either used or new!

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER & PAJERO PININ iO: This vehicles share the qualities of the CRV and RAV4 however the Outlander is available as a US spec whilst the PAJERO Pinin iO is available in Europe and Asia. They are not similar in design but they both represent good value with economical 4 cylinder engines and solid build quality.
DISADVANTAGE: Tougher to find in the local Naija market but when you do price may just be right!

HYUNDAI SANTA FE & TUSCON: These SUV's have proven themselves over years. The best Santa Fe variant for Naija road is the 2.4L 4 cylinder variant, the same applies to the Tuscon. However, Tuscon may be tougher to find for a bargain cos the design (though smaller) is a much newer model.
DISADVANTAGE: Parts may not be so readily available (especially used parts) and the Tuscon may still be costly.

NISSAN XTERRA & PATHFINDER 2: These SUV's are very popular in naija cos they are simply bulletproof (reliable & durable). Built for rugged terrain, Parts are abundant and inexpensive too.
DISADVANTAGE: Higher gas consumption because of V6 engines.

Thanks dude. I forgot to mention that, I am not really keen on anything over 2litre for petrol. So I suppose that may rule a few of those light offroaders out? I know the Honda elements comes in a 2.4 litre engine or so. I think that is the only one I will make and exception for.

Any more ideas please?

ElRazur:

Any more ideas please?

I will get the first generation RAV4! The one for 1999 or so. They are tough little goats. Good gas consumption too. Unless if you think they are "too old"

Price can be very attractive too. heres the pic

Thanks, Just don't like them. I prefer the generation after this one.

Light off road for you will be a first generation Nissan Xterra, came with a 4cyl engine as an option

A Montero too is available with 4 Cyl and 5 spd

There is the Isuzu Rodeo/Amigo and the Vehicross

Lastly Suzuki (Grand) Vitara is available

Oooohhhh thanks man. I saw the vehicross here [UK] like two years ago and my god, I was drolling over it. I beleive less than 1000 of it was made. It is an awesome car, while I try to shy away from anything bigger than 2.5 litre, I will gladly buy a vehicross. I test drove the car and my god, it is something out of this world. I love the TOD [Tourque on Demand] system. It would be very ideal for Nigeria roads.

Photo is seen here
http://sportscarforums.com/showthread.php?p=774296

Or get the king of off roads a Wrangler