MAZDA BT50

hi russ
your quote
hope to tow an off rd van I am told it will b 2,500km
do you mean km or kg
is your journey 2.500km's or does the off rd van weigh 2500kg????????
have you had a look at the lastest 2013 model vw amarok d/cab ute 132kw diesel 8sp auto its had some very good reviews
cheers

G'day Prickle/Russ

The new Mazda is a good vehicle and it will tow the world around backwards as they all do/claim.
The 5cyl 3.2 is very suited to what you require, but off road is what exactly.

The old favourite Oodnadatta track is "on road" just rougher and gravel in most places.

Have a look at 4wdaction Ford/Mazda - new BT50 and read post/things there which are more focussed on the overall picture.
Be aware that if you buy one with a GPS it will have old maps (complete with walking stick) and not new maps to suit the vehicle and the current roads/freeways. Freeways, what freeways?

If you have 2 1/2 Kilopascals on the back the springs and also most definitely the shock absorber will have to be considerably uprated to cater for the mass they have to control in a rough road situation ie Pitching action.

Personally because of the small size of the VW, "I Am a Rock" engine and the subsequent need for the two turbo compound setup I wouldn't ever begin to entertain the idea of a VW for your purpose. It's size is ok but it's engine although purposely built is the size of a Golf engine and smaller than some of their car engines. Normal use ok but for large towing loads and especially repairs and warranty somewhere else off road/outback, no thanks.

I never ever read reviewers write ups as they always seem to have their own agenda to fulfill in life and although connected with the scene don't have a basic understanding of many things.
Ask at a 4wd service centre what they would recommend and see what their responses are. Very different, to "motoring writers" who seem to only comment on new vehicles and are often journalists who can sometimes recognize a spanner or turbo at 5 paces.

Cheers

Ross M

I have the Ranger XLT 3.2 6 speed auto. I have done 40,000km now mostly towing about 1.25 tonne without issue.

It is almost the twin of the Mazda but for a few extras that are different and suspension tune I believe.

I think you won't have any issues with your intended use.

Cheers

Just priced a Cab/Chassis myself In the Nice Blue Colour from Cairns

With

Steel Bull bar
9500lb winch
Spot lights
Tow Bar
Bonnet Protector
Electric Rust Prevention
H/Duty Alloy Tray
Alloy Wheels
Snorkle
Fit & Comply Passenger Bucket Seat
Rear Diff Lock (Now Standard?)

Came in at $46K On Road!

Ford Ranger came in @ 51K

Holden Colorado Came in at 48.5K (No Diff Lock)

Regards Tony

Bear in mind that as far as utes go the only ones that have a centre differential are the Amarok and the top of the range Triton. i.e. on the bitumen all the others are 2WDs. This is not what you're used to if you had a Cruiser or Pajero before.

Cheers, Peter H

Does the Mazda BT50 have caped price servicing included cannot find anything on line ?

Just picked up new XTR dual cab utility yesterday - very happy. After test driving all the contenders the BT50 seemed the best value. Mazda currently has a free bull bar and tow bar. The 2013 update has 3500kg towing and strengthened chassis along with altered suspension - see here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBYlzc6rAzE. I could not find anything else about the suspension change other than what is in the video, however the ride does seem better than the demo we test drove.

There was a posting here about a week ago about one of the new utes, the back end of the chassis was breaking off where the towbar was mounted. Obviously heavy towing was the cause but it shouldn't happen. I just can't remember which vehicle it was. Maybe worth checking out. Michael.

I found it! Navara D40 between July 2005 and jan 2012. They must have fixed the problem since jan 2012. Chassis rails cracking around the towbar area. Michael

Sorry Prickle, but I still can't get past the fact you are getting rid of the 100s. Damn, like a loss in the family. I'll shed a tear for you.
Joel

Hi Russ,
If you decide to go with the bt50 be aware of the noise coming from Snorkel. Go for a test drive with one with and one without Snorkel. I have found the noise level excessive on my new bt50 and regret going with the snorkel. I am happy with the vehicle so far although I have only traveled 5000 km towing 2ton. regards Kevin

Russ,
Go for it! Also I've heard from a couple of people that Paradise Motors are more negotiable on price than most of the others.

May as well throw the Izuzu into the ring. Great engine, good value, 5year unlimited warranty with nationwide roadside assist thrown in, and good write ups for the 2013 model. I am really happy with the one I bought.

Did a lot of research before I bought and the value for money was a top selling point, but the Izuzu diesel engine is the clincher.

Tonyfish#58 sorry I was jokeing the car sales is a funny market offering all sorts of goodies so you will buy a car