t reads like a who’s who of off-road heroes with some of the greatest names ever to put rubber to rut. The turning over of the calendar to 2000 heralded not only the brave new world but also a stellar collection of vehicles for the magazine’s test programme.
We’re revisiting the classic Class of 2000 because, five years on, those former newbies have now all graduated to the used-vehicle market, where without exception they make tantalising buys, the cruel early depreciation well and truly behind them.
Yup, five years on our class of 2000 has depreciated by at least 50 per cent in most cases, much more if the vehicle is not in excellent condition. Among our group the Toyota Hilux SR5 with the turbo-diesel motor retained the best value at just over 55 per cent. At the other end of the scale, the Suzuki Grand Vitara and Range Rover SE 4.0 were down to 44 per cent.
Others worth between 50 and 55 per cent of their original value were the Land Rover Defender 110, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class turbo-diesel, the Mitsubishi Pajero and the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series ute.
However, these figures are based on original list prices, not what the first buyer actually paid. So in some cases, the depreciation will not have been as high as we’ve calculated.
Still, you get the point: these vehicles are new enough to be far from clapped out, yet cheap enough that they no longer need to be on the wish list.
In alphabetical order, our 14 fine utes and wagons are: Honda HR-V; Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo; Kia Sportage Wagon Plus; Land Rover Defender 110 with traction control; Land Rover Range Rover 4.0; Mercedes-Benz ML270; Mitsubishi Pajero iO; Mitsubishi Pajero; Subaru Forester; Subaru Outback; Suzuki Grand Vitara; Toyota Hilux SR5; Toyota RAV4; and the Toyota Land Cruiser 70.
One from America, one from Korea, two from Britain, one from Germany and the rest from Japan.
For enthusiasts, there are some real possibilities among the group.
With all the fuss about the new Hilux, people are forgetting that the superseded model is still a very good machine and the turbo SR5 is looking really good as the base for a fine club machine that can do double-duty as family transport.
At the other end of the scale, the four-litre Range Rover SE would make superb buying for those in the market for a well-priced luxury off-roader. It easily has the most class of this Class.
And now the test of time seems to have given a thumbs-up to the electronics on the Defender, how about the 110 wagon as a commodious and competent family-hauler for off-road adventures?
Another great buy has to be the V8 Grand Cherokee Laredo with its factory-fit off-roading suspension.
As always, it pays to have any used vehicle carefully inspected, especially if there’s evidence it’s been used off-road. Mud, water, salt water, sand and rocks can all do nasty things to a 4WD so having some reassurance that the maintenance has been up to scratch becomes very important. .:
NOTE: The November 2005 issue of NZ4WD magazine includes a full page article on each of these vehicles, you can order from 09 478 4771 ask for Christina or go to
http://www.nz4wd.co.nz/afawcs0113534/ID=118/SID=623922354/page=1/productdetails.html
