I'm amazed. I've had many people tell me that the Santa Fe's high range is the worst for beach driving, but any 4WD system is better than an AWD system on the beach.
Depends how the gearbox gets screwed. One thing about 4WDing is that you can very easily wreck your gearbox. You have a higher chance of wrecking your gearbox if you have a manual. The trade off is if you blow a gear with an auto gearbox then you're stranded. If you blow a gear with a manual gearbox then you can still work around it.
CVT, and yep. The earlier X-Trails used a CVT only for the petrol models but it looks like it's used for petrol and diesel now in which case I'd probably avoid the X-Trail.
Honestly if it came down to these or the X-Trail, I'd go either the Vitara or the Mu-X. Both have low range options when it comes to 4WDing so they'll out do all of the others on the beach and off-road. But if they're not comfortable on road then it's probably not worth it.
Suzuki have always made really decent cars at a good price... just not at the forefront of many modern cons. Grand Vitara is cheaper than both too.
Mu-X doesn't have that much clearance either but more clearance than the softroaders and you can put a decent lift kit on it for a few grand.
Ive had a look on the X-trail forum and it sounds like they can be driven as a 4x4 but you guys are right..they tend to over heat and the clearance is not the best.
ive had a look online for a lift kit and sounds like a good idea if im having alot of issues first time i take it out for a hit.
Mine goes great on Stockton beach
True that
That’s the one
Nice looking Rig they are..
My mate got a new Navara about 6 months back. We've taken it through some pretty heavy stuff already. All over the beaches and some decent off roading.
Is it stock or has he lifted his suspension
Real comfy also
Stock. He's planning to get a lift but they have decent clearance as stock. Just have to be careful with certain areas due to the long wheel base.
If i do go forward with the Xtrail would you suggest i get a lift kit later on down the track? what else do you think i could do to give myslef a bit more of a chance to not get bogged/fk up the car?
Basically just a lift kit and larger tires. You can handle most basic 4WD beaches without a lift kit but it'll help. Also reducing the tire pressure. I generally reduce it to 20 but if you're having issues and getting bogged easier then reduce it even further. Also try to not overload the vehicle with junk. The less weight the better.
