Undecided , trading in patrol .......

Funny you should post this, we were discussing the same here this morning, My 4.2tdi 2003 has 380,000ks, original clutch! The only thing that has failed is the alternator. It will be interesting the comments on the most suitable vehicle! Michael

G`day Mate,

The only one better than what you have would be a 60 series T/D L/cruiser. LOL ((:>)

Just MHO.

Scrubby.

A lot of the decision process needs to be based around what you need to use the "new" vehicle for.

If you still need a full-size 4by (for towing a large trailer/van etc), then I'd be suggesting a cruiser.

I went from a 2000 Patrol 4.2TD to a 2000 Patrol + 6.5 Chev V8 diesel (not the same Patrol), then upgraded to a 2003 100 series Landcruiser 4.2TDi.

The difference in performance between the Patrols and the cruiser had to be seen to be believed. Note: the 6.5 V8 Chev motor was naturally aspirated and had about the same torque as the Landcruiser (ie: more than the 4.2TD Patrol), but the power of the Chev was VERY VERY disappointing, especially when towing. I now believe that adding a turbo would have corrected most of that deficiency, but still that was how I saw/felt it through the driver's seat.

Now if, on the other hand, your days of long distance touring, towing heavy/ish loads are behind you, then by all means I would consider a d-max or any one of the myriad of similar dual cabs.

However, as much as I like the dual cab concept (the Patrol + Chev was a dual cab), I really can't get comfortable with the idea that ANY of those Japanese dual cabs (the Landcruiser 70 series double cab being the one exception) being up to the task of long distance, heavy hauling.

Yes, I know I'm just a silly old phart who is way too set in his ways and that there are hundreds (nay, probably thousands) of satisfied D-Max, Hi-lux, Navara, Triton, Ssanyo, etc owners out there who swear by their common rail whizz-bang shopping trollies......but I could never be one of them.

I love the concept of the dual cab so much that I DID buy one....but it is slightly larger and with more than double the engine capacity and torque of those dual cabs I listed above....

If you have the coin and need to tow a decent load, have a gander at one like mine;-)



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Have you had a look at a Pajero. 147kw of power. Comfortable, 7 seats but just remove the 3rd row. Very economical. 3.2 litre diesel. One of the most reliable vehicles around at the moment...read customer reviews on Google... Good to tow to 3 tonne. I,m getting on average 11-12 klms per litre on highway and 9lts around town. I have always had landcruisers and can say that this car is a welcome relief!! Nimble, frugal comfortable, more features, and at around $53,000 a good buy. Easier to drive and as I said great when driving in traffic. Hasn't got that truck feel to it either. You do sit up higher than a passenger car and are still aware that it is a 4wd. . Off roading it is more than capable of keeping up to the Toyotas and patrols. Hold their resale value ok too.

Anyway, just another option.

OK, I am biased, but with 20k now on the clock, the D-Max just keeps getting better and more fuel efficient. We are averaging 12.7 kms per litre, but it is the more fuel efficient auto. From what you say you want it for, go get one.

Mind you, go test drive them all, we did

G'day Bega Boy,

Although not directly answering your question, my experiences may help you make a decision.

I have had two GU's, over 15 years time frame. The first was retired to a badly cracked chassis; the second because of unreliability in the form of engine management issues.

I thought long & hard about a replacement.

Ended up with a Mazda BT 50. Strong chassis (much better than dual cabs of any make which precede it, IMHO), great engine, close to twice the payload of a wagon (irrespective of brand). Fully loaded at 3.1 t, with a canopy roof-full of 7 swags (they catch the wind) & towing a 1.5 t trailer, I get 17 litres/100 km. Tad better than the Patrol towing the same at 25 L/100. Reckon I'd save about $4,000 on fuel costs per annum. Probably close to that in reality. Easier to drive with more smart features like downhill braking assist, great sound system and more comfortable over the big drives - e.g. >1,000 km in a day.

Am I happy?
Yes.
Would I buy another BT 50?
Yes - or its Ford Ranger twin.

Would a DMax do a similar job? - probably, and no reason to say it won't. However I can't comment about its chassis strength.

PS - A mate of mine, a well known 4WD operator and workshop owner, has always been a 'Yota man. Now he also drives a BT 50.........

No swags on 4WD but some on trailer. Photo in Buffalo River valley, Vic

Cheers

G'day Bega Boy

What Rick said x 2

Cheers

Gazz

Bega Boy

I sold my 2000 4.2 Patrol 2 years ago and bought a twin cab. I went through 6 months of research including driving almost every dual cab on the market before I made my final decision. I chose and auto Amarok. Extremely comfortable and very economical. I have done 48,000 kms without any real problems. Had one minor electrical problem which was repaired under warranty. It is a pleasure to drive.

I know Dmax owners and they are very happy with them and it is a good vehicle. After driving both the Dmax was nowhere near as nice to drive.

My daughter and son-in-law have a BT50 and love it. Very good vehicle. In my research it came down to a BT50 or the Amarok and I chose the Rok. There is very little between them.

We have now done 72K in our 2012 D.Max (latest model) and not one problem. The chassis is as good as any of the others, but the reliability is the best around, sales figures December was Hi Lux Ranger than the D.Max. We did the GRR in 2013, plus the Gulf and are off to the GRR again this year towing the Jayco. I have changed the suspension at 5K to a Sax and the ride is unreal.

I have spent $4K on my Hilux with new injectors and extra fuel filtration. Now at 130kkms.
Nice comfortable ute (that pleases the wife!), but disappointed with the spend on the D4D motor as many Hilux/Prado owners are.

Hi Bega Boy,

I changed over from 3.0ltr Gu Patrol to Spacecab DMax in late 2012.

I went for the Spacecab as I do not need the car to cart kids around, they have all grown up. This also meant I has no back seat, but we use my wifes car when needing more than 2 seats.

I have been extremely happy with the change over to the Dmax, some of my feedback is:

1 - Patrol fuel usage highway driving approx 12ltr/100km, DMaz is 8.0ltr/100.
2 - Patrol fuel usage towing 1.1t camper driving approx 19ltr/100km, DMaz is 12.0ltr/100.
3 - I save approx $80-$100 per week on fuel alone.
4 - Patrol had a more upright driving seat position which I preferred, but DMax seat are more comfortable for long drives. I recently drove 1600km from Brisbane to Broken in 2 days and felt really good.
5 - I have installed a canopy, so I have plenty of rear storage. If I had my time again I would consider not have a styleside ute rear, but buy a cab chasis and install an aluminiumcanopy with solid roof, to take storage or rooftop tent.
6 - A/C on the Dmax is much better than Patrol
7 - I installed a 2 inch lift kit (with additional spacers to the tailshaft centre mount) and it improved the ride and stability to a really firm vehicle....highly recommend.

I have always had utes prior to Patrols. I like driving them. The biggest issue to accept is the fact that there is a physical separation between driving capsule and storage area....you can only access from outside the drivers capsule. I think this is a good thing.

I have now done 55,000km in the Dmax and I am extremely happy with the decision I made to purchase the vehicle. The engine is a tried and tested long lasting performer, so I will get 400,000km hassle free.

I like a vehicle that sounds like a workhorse, feels like a workhorse, drives like a workhorse and I can treat like a workhorse, so the DMax suits my needs.

I would recommend the DMax as your next car.

All the best

Tony