Although a little softer than the usual 4WD Action standard for new vehicle tests, Mark Allen jumps at the chance to take four high-powered luxury 4WDs for a run. Half a million dollars worth of metal in the form of a Chrysler Jeep SRT-8, Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg and a Range Rover Sport. Mark Allen also takes a look at some of the latest Patrol upgrades. Is the new 3L intercooled turbo-diesel Patrol up there with the leather-clad brigade?

All the Landrover lovers out there get excited, because Brendan Seymour takes a look at an awesome custom Disco 3. This is one Landy that’s not shy of getting down and dirty, but does it cut the mustard as a mean touring machine? We meet up with the director of ARB Penrith and Mannell Motors, Nick Mannell, to take a look at his 2006 Toyota HiLux with all the trimmings. Then we check out a GU Patrol with an alter-ego; come the weekend this Nissan ditches its trailer and becomes one serious off-roading beast. Are shorties with big V8 conversions and spring overs more your style? Then you’ll love this tough LandCruiser 40 Series.

What a cracker of an issue we have lined up for you this month! Packed with heaps of money saving tips for your beloved 4WD or that one you have your heart set on. If bigger is better in your opinion, then you will have to take a look at Ramsey Beacham’s tips at buying a used Ford F250. What’s your fourbie worth? We look at resale values of your pride and joy and show you a quick and cheap DIY insurance for your truck – a low-water alarm. We also look at the safest way to snatch-strap yours or somebody else’s bogged vehicle. 

We all love taking our vehicles onto muddy tracks but you wouldn’t imagine some of the places mud can get too. Mark Lowry shows us how to do a little post-mud brake maintenance. Roothy gets his hands dirty again on his project Jeep, Hot Lips. What do you do when your dream goes to the crapper, apart from have another beer? 

This month we continue our budget trips around Oz and the Nicholas family takes us along for a scenic journey on the way to Darwin. We head to other parts of this beautiful country of ours and see if the Birdsville Track really does live up to its reputation. Perhaps a place that strikes a cord with every Aussie, the Top End is more to your liking? Dick Eussen explores this mystical region. We also take a sneak peak at one of the NSW South Coast’s best kept secrets. 

Continuing from last month – the crew hit on up the Mecca of 4WDing and give us a look at part II of the Fraser Island DVD trip. Ramsay takes a look at two modern icons that have perhaps achieved a cult following, the Toyota 80 Series and the Nissan GQ. Which legendary vehicle offers you the best bang for your buck? Glenno gives us the goss on his project Rangie. He asks the question, “how can you fit 33in tyres under the body of an old truck that can barely fit 29in tyres?” Hello body lift!

Nestled down in the tranquil reaches of the Hawkesbury region was an event that had nothing tranquil about it at all – The Woodpecker Challenge. Brendan Seymour highlights the action from the November weekend of insane custom action that is sure to get the adrenaline charging for all the hard 4WD junkies out there. He shares the thrills, spills and tribulations of this awesome off-road event.