Which 4WD???

Hi, you will have to consider many things in the process, but your only real options are the toyota LC, pajero, patrol, landcruiser, landrover. just purchased a new patrol as it was the best value for the money at the time.

Depends on your budget but I would at least consider other similar cars like Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT50 etc. We had a quick look at dual cabs recently, I liked the Triton but after test driving we actually both preferred the BT50, just shows it pays to keep an open mind.
We had a '04 model hilux, since you plan on towing I'd definitely go for a turbo diesel model. It drove well compared to my husbands landcruiser ute, definitely notice the lack of power (in comparison) when going up a big hill (both vehicles were TD)

Mate,

You asked this same question yesterday, sounds like you want someone to tell you to buy a Hilux.

I understand that it is a big $$$ decision, but if you are hooked on Hilux, maybe you should just buy one, rather than letting someone else make the decision for you. They are a good vehicle, whether they suit your purpose or not, only you can tell

Cheers, Dave

Hi,

All the dual cab utes have progressed a long way in recent years and they should all give a long service life.

The difference between a Hi Lux or Triton and a Prado or Pajero is that the ride and creature comforts will be better in the Prado and Pajero, but the ute has the advantage of the tray.

I'm in the market for a new vehicle and would love a prado but the ute is more practical.

Go out and test drive a couple of utes and couple of mid size wagons and see what you like.

Depending on your budget you can upgrade the suspension and install a tune up module on the diesel.

Regards
Geoff

Yes Toyota has a very good reputation and because of that you pay a premium for the brand (a used Hilux will probably cost more than a used something else for example). Recently though I think the playing field is becoming more equal.

Modern cars, modern engines and just modern technology is different to the days of old. New Hiluxes seem to have problems of sorts (clutch issues isn't it?) but then I'm sure if you go into the NewTriton forum or any other you will read people have problems there too (carbon issues). The trick is to figure out if there is any big or widespread issues rather than just minor ones. As you might know if people have a problem they will jump on the computer and complain, but just remember there are many more happy customers out there who are not having hassles and not venting anywhere.

The thing is that if you can be a bit open minded then you might get yourself a newer car with less km for the same cost as you might have brought a hilux with more k's on the clock. And I can understand where you're coming from, I think most people research and research to confirm that they are in fact making the right choice, so if you're not completely satisfied in your mind with anything other than a Hilux no matter how good it looks on paper then you've just got to go with what you think is right for you.

I can relate because we brought a Subaru Forrester but quickly found that it didn't suit us having a car that wasn't either a car nor a porper 4x4. Then we got the Lux which we sold because the Landcruiser was the better vehicle (we needed money at the time). But then we were left without a family 4x4 (just normal car and the ute which doesn't fit 4 people) and now we're once again looking at a 4x4 (probably Jeep Wrangler) this time selling the ute. We briefly considered dual cabs but since we'll probably have to tow a camper trailer of sorts anyway we thought we might as well get something more "fun" and the Jeep will keep the Cruiser Man satisfied because it's sort of like the old style toyotas Lol.

Enough of my ranting and raving....Dual Cabs, it sounds like what you're looking for, they can tow a fair amount, they're proper 4x4's and you have the separate part for the dogs. Some don't really have a great deal of room in the back though, and there is no question you would want a canopy. My only thought about the dogs is weather you will be entirely happy having them in the back, obviously if you're in a wagon and you have the air con on they get that benefit too, in the back of a dual cab it's just open windows, maybe a whirly on top of your canopy I guess. Just food for thought.

We went for a TD 100 series, only have a black lab as we lost our shepard last year, she doesnt drop that much hair.... The biggest downfall with the dual cabs is rear seating room as far as the family bit goes, and generally all dual cabs are running a 2.5 or three ltr engine. Great for round town and general driving but once loaded they will pull all right, they have to work pretty hard but fuel consumption goes through the roof if you go for a too big caravan. I put my 6.5 mtr boat behind a 2006 hilux (turbo diesel auto) it pretty much put me off buying it after 50 kms. Granted the boat is a bit excessive as far as a test but it did give a worst case scenario. Towing a camper trailer or campervan I expect would be better.
I am pretty particular and want something more than capable for its intended use.
There is no doubt a hilux can do the job you want but there is always a compromise.

This is my opinion only, no offence to hilux/dual cab owners etc..............

A 100 series Land Cruiser TD might be a better choice than a Hilux (I have both). Then the dogs will then get the Aircon benefit. Avoid putting my dog (Shepherd) in the back of the Hilux, even around town, as the distance to fly is too great. They like to look out the back window until you hit the brakes, then dog really is flying by the time it hits the back of the cab.

Also a canopy can get real hot in summer, I certainly wouldn’t like to travel or be parked up in there.

With the 100s and a cargo barrier installed all the hair should stay in the back. With mine I built a false floor in the back behind the barrier, about 250mm high. This allows storage underneath as well as enables the dog to see out the windows while lying down, a good safety feature. Also fitted automotive window shades on the rear three windows to stop the sun.

The towing specs of a 100s Cruiser are better than a Hilux, its long way around Oz.

Clive.