5 years ago it was that in post 81503 I examined all the available options for my new car requirements and in a close call brought a car not quite as good as the one I was replacing but able to get there with a few electric axe modifications.
Ultimately I got my 4800 Patrol (the last made) for around $35k less than my 2nd choice, a 200 series.
This cost was a major motive for me as I considered the cars about equal.
Now that its time to again consider a new car I find in useful to examine that post.
Checking the assumptions then made against what has happened in the last 5 years.
Over that 5 years ,the price of fuel has actually gone down, interest rates have halved, there are no GU petrol Patrols to be had.
But my 2nd choice then, the 200 series cruiser is still here, much the same car and actually about $3k cheaper, and I still have the $35k I saved then.
For many the ute configuration has replaced wagons for an affordable 4wd, but leaving the wagon configuration short of models.
I have long awaited the release of the new Ford Everset, a wagon variation of the BT50's, that some friends have.
The Bt50/Ford Rangers work
well, if a little stiff and I have been able to
test then
well on our 4wding property.
So it was with some hope that I recently examined the new release, but I'm afraid it left me disappointed.
Basically , despite its size and appearance its not a full size wagon.
For us a major requirement is to be able so sleep inside the car , but while the
Ranger utes are big enough (not in dual cabs) the new ford Everest has succumbed to modern styling and actually got a bit narrower in the rear bodywork.
So no chance of a standard double mattress going in.
To make matters worse the seats do not fold flat to form a sleeping base.
Removing the seats leaves you with all sorts of protrusions unlike the Patrols floor which can easily be turned into a large bed base.
Sitting in the front the high bonnet nose may look tough but its really lousy to see over it. Even the front seats are close together despite the width across the doors being large.
Next surprize was the "Blue liquid" container.
This car now relies on a small 2nd fuel tank that holds 18lt of Blue Urea compound , and this liquid is injected into the exhaust to reduce emissions. It lasts for over 10000kms but is another thing you don't need in the bush and it you run out the engine reduces your output power till its re-filled.
There are good points, like more car like feel and finally rear coils but with its slightly reduced power (147kw now 143kw), and major weight increase (now 2400kg), and only 3 tonne towing I'm afraid my dream is over as far as its concerned.
Gee you would think they could at least do a VW to fix the emissions !