Advice needed - episode 1

[jphanna]

This will probably get removed, but maybe I can get a few responses before it does. I will give you a brief background, then I will ask the question.
14 months ago I made a decision to buy a 4WD to tow my jet ski on regular trips to Murray bridge in SA. I desparately needed more room inside and boot space and pulling power for this trip. I did the rounds checking out various softroaders. Then petrol prices went nuts and closer to purchase time, it was $1.60 a litre and increasing by the week. Dad (rip) told me buy an LPG car or your crazy. It had to be factory LPG. The FG wasn’t around so I had a good look at the BF, and of course, the VE. It got down which boot could fit my sons kneeboard….so the VE won
Fast forward to 2009. Murray bridge water levels dropped so low that the council has posted 4WD signs at EVERY ramp for 140kms along the river. So summer is over and its not so important now, but next summer (6 months) we cant use river anymore. My car has dropped $10,000 in value now (valued by dealer) so do I trade in my VE for a newish 4WD and lose a car I really love driving (and kiss 10,000 away!)….or keep the VE and buy an old ‘weekend’ 4WD that has still got good supply of parts. For those not familiar with SA, the closest place along the murray with enough water to launch safely is a 380KM round trip from my house. Too much for one day, and the caravan park is in inundated with other people in same predicament so they are booked constantly.
The EA is for my son from April next year so its on ‘light duties’.
If you recon keep to VE, then can you get reliable 4WD for under $10,000?