Buying a car for Gibb River Road

by Philippa
(Darwin)

We're in the process of buying a new car, and we were interested in getting a medium sized 4WD like a Suzuki Grand Vitara, so we could get about the NT a bit without hauling a massive Landcruiser around with us. But I wanted to ask you if it would be suitable to drive the Gibb River Road, as well as drive down all the side roads to see everything on the way. Would it have enough clearance?
Thanks very much for your help,
Philippa and Darren

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Buying a car for Gibb River Road

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Many mid sized 4x4s will be fine on the Gibb
by: Birgit

Hi Philippa,

Suzukis used to be good cars. They are a true 4x4, can handle a fair bit of abuse and go just about anywhere. However, the newer Grand Vitaras (after 2005) are rather low. Were you thinking of buying new?

For accessing any of the standard attractions on the Gibb you shouldn't have any problems. As I say many times on the site, it's nowhere near as wild as people make out.

(But then again, "everything on the way" is a vague term. Your and my definition of "everything" may vary somewhat...)

If you wanted to do some of the rougher tracks you have to be more careful about where you put your wheels. As long as you know what you are doing you will still get through. Basically, the less clearance you have the more experience you need and the more careful you need to drive.

Depending on the time of your trip you'll have to watch out for water crossings (unless you fit a snorkel). But that is the same for all vehicles without snorkel in the early dry season.

There are many smaller 4x4s that will do the job and be cheaper to buy and run than a Landcruiser (and several that offer more clearance than the new Grand Vitaras).

It's mainly a matter of what exactly you want to do, how many people in the car, will you be towing a trailer (I'd definitely go bigger then) etc.

Are you going to keep the car? What are your future plans? I'd get the vehicle that best suits your overall needs and the budget. No matter what you end up with, we have enough here for you to do to keep you entertained for a few weeks, even if you can't see truly "everything" (as in, my definiton of it :-).)

Also, this question keeps coming up in some form or other.

Here are some other posts that you may find useful:

Gibb River Road in Subaru Forester

Vehicle Suitability for Gibb River Road

Ford Territory to Bungle Bungles

Nissan Pathfinder for Kimberleys Camping Trip

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Submitted by: Birgit

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Comment
Hi Philippa, Suzukis used to be good cars. They are a true 4x4, can handle a fair bit of abuse and go just about anywhere. However, the newer Grand Vitaras (after 2005) are rather low. Were you thinking of buying new? For accessing any of the standard attractions on the Gibb you shouldn't have any problems. As I say many times on the site, it's nowhere near as wild as people make out. (But then again, "everything on the way" is a vague term. Your and my definition of "everything" may vary somewhat...) If you wanted to do some of the rougher tracks you have to be more careful about where you put your wheels. As long as you know what you are doing you will still get through. Basically, the less clearance you have the more experience you need and the more careful you need to drive. Depending on the time of your trip you'll have to watch out for water crossings (unless you fit a snorkel). But that is the same for all vehicles without snorkel in the early dry season. There are many smaller 4x4s that will do the job and be cheaper to buy and run than a Landcruiser (and several that offer more clearance than the new Grand Vitaras). It's mainly a matter of what exactly you want to do, how many people in the car, will you be towing a trailer (I'd definitely go bigger then) etc. Are you going to keep the car? What are your future plans? I'd get the vehicle that best suits your overall needs and the budget. No matter what you end up with, we have enough here for you to do to keep you entertained for a few weeks, even if you can't see truly "everything" (as in, my definiton of it :-).) Also, this question keeps coming up in some form or other. Here are some other posts that you may find useful: <a href="http://www.kimberleyaustralia.com/gibb-river-road-in-subaru-forester.html">Gibb River Road in Subaru Forester</a> <a href="http://www.kimberleyaustralia.com/vehicle-suitability-for-gibb-river-road.html">Vehicle Suitability for Gibb River Road</a> <a href="http://www.kimberleyaustralia.com/ford-territory-to-bungle-bungles.html">Ford Territory to Bungle Bungles</a> <a href="http://www.kimberleyaustralia.com/nissan-pathfinder-for-kimberleys-camping-trip.html">Nissan Pathfinder for Kimberleys Camping Trip</a>

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thanks
by: Anonymous

Thanks heaps, useful info. We were looking at a 2003 model so it sounds like it might do the job.
Your site has got me all excited about the trip, and it won't be until next year! cheers.

cars on gibb river road
by: Terry Lynch

We saw the "Raid 2008" Citroen 2CV rally at Home Valley and then watched them ford the Penticost
river. They traveled from Kalgoorlie to Kununurra and I believe 53 of the 56 that started completed the trip.This was early September 2008.
Any thing is possible.
Our Pajero lost one shock absorber near El Questro but was fixed there and we holed the radiator on the way to Mitchell Falls but this was repaired (excellently) at Drysdale River Staion.A new one was fitted at Broome. Also changed out steering idler arm. Pitman arm was O.K.I fitted new shocks before trip but nuts on top came loose and dropped off.Check them regularly.
One thing we found was that your should have the doors checked that they are adjusted properly as I had to adjust drivers door and rear door to stop them shaking themselves to bits.
Gibb River road 30% was pretty bad and Mitchell falls roar was twice as bad. (gave up after jump up after start of the pandana? forrest
One tourist bus just made it back to Drysdale Staion as well.
Wouln't have missed the trip for quids (2dollars old money)
Birgit, your book was indispensable.
Thanks.
Terry

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