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Hi, i am looking to upgrade my 97 Daihatsu Rocky 3 door diesel. Im looking for something of a similar size, 3 or 5 door. I have driven diesels for 10 years and wouldnt mind continuing but a petrol could be ok too. Must be reliable and economical (9.5L/100km at worst). Prefer to be ok drive on gravel roads, good on easy to moderate offroad conditions, such as snow, dirt, sand, and wet grass. Im not too fazed by bounciness in ride and speed isnt too much of a factor (100km/ph normal highway speed). Also would be using it for long trips. Just looking for a something a bit more modern and comfotable.

Have thought about Daihatsu terios (2006+), Suzuki Jimny (VVT), Suzuki grand vitara diesel, Mitsubishi Pajero IO, Ssangyong Korando 2.9.
What do you reckon would be best, or any other ideas?

oh budget is 20K max

The Mitsubishi Pajero IO normally has the GDI petrol engine fitted which are better avoided for they were known to be costly to repair when they gave trouble. The Diahatsu Terios and the Suzuki Jimny are great little 4x4 vehicles but have small motors and will not be that great at towing, but otherwise they are pretty capable and reliable. The Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0L petrol is a good size to have when going off-road or travelling long distance, it will use a bit more fuel than the smaller off-roaders already mentioned but at around 9.1L/100km you should be ok. The 1.9Diesel Grand Vitara has a powerful engine and has good fuel consumption, if it is fitted with the 1.9 F9Q engine you should confirm if the cambelt has been replaced, this is normally a costly exercise on this vehicle. The Ssangyong Korando looks outdated, you won’t find modern there. You should consider the Terios and Grand Vitara (petrol) as the top two contenders.

My present car has no airbags, no ABS, no air conditioning, no splitfold seats, harder suspension and a noisy engine! So when u compare a mid 2000's Korando, its modern!!!

Pretty impressive. You just need to have a modern car.