Subaru Commercial Range

You could have a missing tooth on the differential or some other problem that is leading to the clunking noise. But don’t rule out something like a broken or worn engine or transmission mount, either. These mounts control the movement of the driveline relative to the chassis and wear in them can allow excess movement that can sometimes be heard as a clunk or knock.

You may also have a problem with the suspension. This is a very common source of knocking sounds, caused when something worn or loose has develops enough movement to contact another part of the car or suspension. You could start by checking the suspension struts, ball-joints and bushes for wear and play.

You’ve pretty much covered the field there, so it should come down to what you want from your car. Do you want comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, offroad capability, cabin space? If you are mostly driving on the highway, then a diesel SUV is probably the best bet. I would rule out a dual-cab ute because of comfort, unless you need the flexibility a ute gives you. I would rule out a hybrid, they’re not at their most efficient on the highway; they’re better suited to town use. Based on your annual mileage I wouldn’t keep the car any more than 3-4 years, that way you’ll have a decent resale value when you get out of it.

The Brumby would have been a good choice 10 years ago, but finding one now that hasn’t been driven into the ground, beaten to death, or rusted away is nigh on impossible. Instead of buying a dodgy old your son a favour and buy him a decent car, one that doesn’t belong in a scrap yard, and will serve him well for some time into the future. I would go for a Hilux, Triton, or Bravo 2600.