I'm thinking ....
Toyota Hilux 3L TD 4x4 dual cab (so you can fit the kids)
SR5 or SR
a Flexiglass sports canopy with racks with sliding side windows
towbar
canvas seat covers
bullbar with spotties
just need $57,000
Unless you go the 1999 model, with which you could probably do all that for less than $20k. That's what I want to do. You've got functionality spot on though.
Might want to add a UHF radio to the checklist if you plan on going remote. Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, extra tools too.
Legal 7 seater.
Alpine stezza with 160 gig ipod, 6inch splits and 7x10's.
and a 4 ton load rating.
although its's not a 4x4 it's still a party bus.
My old Nissan will do me for a while yet but I wouldn't mind a 4x4 van if I could find one that goes as well offroad. The old hi-ace with the mattress in the back and storage underneath for all your gear makes it a bit easier than setting up a tent or swag when you are on the road.
For those who want to travel in style...
Personally I want a ford focus with the GT stripes...yeah. anyone know whats the going price on them?
Dont bother with the Hilux, wayyy too expensive.
If your on a budget like myself, check out the Courier or the Bravo. great cars and damn cheap 2nd hand. I picked this one up for under $14K and it only had 150,000 kms on the clock. Plus it already had a long range tank, dual batteries, UHF and everything else you can see on it.
These have a 2.5 TD but its just as guttsy as a 3L Nivara or Hilux
Best of all, it came with a DVD player to watch a kite movie when there's no wind.
I got a hilux 04 SR5 V6 with 47 thousand ks a few years back just when the new model came out for 27k put it on LPG with the gov rebate. now i travel 100 ks for $10.. its gold.. near new second hand is the only way to go. let some one else take the big loss.
are they still susceptible to rust .I had a 94 couriour 4 x 4 that was great but was getting eaten by rust .Was stolen with my uninsured kites and torched
Lada Niva (I thunk that was the 4wd)
Nobody will steal it, dirt cheap to buy and run.
You drive it on the beach where it breaks down you sail.
When you've finished sailing come back get out the 1lb hammer couple of love taps in a strategic position, the car starts you go home happy after sailing a new spot
Gold
I love my company car - petrol is so cheap......
Why is everyone so keen on the Hilux ? I have a Navara and wouldn't trade it (not really mine to trade anyway)
my next car 
looks like you can pick up a decent one for 10-15k. Sleep in the back. roof racks for gear.
Check these out, my mate has just got a vw transporter converted, looks the dogs dangly bits, mind you its around 32k-au for the conversion.It has a area down one side seperated off for a complete windsurf kit fully fibreglassed, a shower, fridge, gas hob,sink, drop down dvd player, fully speakered up and storeage everywhere, bed in popup and seat folds down at back to another bed. But im not jealous at all. His one is exact of the photos above.
Check out www.exploria-online.co.uk
Here is my pride and joy
It used to be called the beacon, Now its just called a piece of ****.
As i remember it was around the $57,000.00 ish mark. 
Enjoy everyone
I saw a 2000 Jeep Laredo; macho condition, low kms; for sale in last weeks Quokka and thought to myself, 'self - that would be the dream car for kitesurfing'
And it was sooo cheap - Im sure Ive got the details here somewhere. PM if you want me to track them down. 
I use this....and it's a transformer too.....press a button on the dash and it turns into an Underground 138 flx(saves having to stash the keys) and when i'm finished it serves as a chick magnet.
I have a 76 kombi van camper with fridge, stove sink cook top 2 beds and a flat screen tv. cool setup as now my wife can cook my dinner have my faverate kite vid playing and give me a cold burbone as soon as i come in after a hard day at the office. but as soon as i get in i have to look after the kids and do the dishes while she goes for a kite alls fair though at least i dont have to be home for tea on time
