MAZDA BRAVO DIESEL

Hi Ian,

I have a friend with a Bravo T/D. It originally started life as a normally aspirated diesel but was considered gutless. A quick trip to Berrima fixed all that. He tows a van quite happily and has been known to lurk on this forum.

If I ask him very nicely, he might even come out of the shadows and talk to us. Come on, I know you're out there.

Mike

Hi Ian

My TD courirer uses around 11 litres per 1ookms, bit less on the hwy on 31's, even though its done 260000kms.

Power is good, and does well off road.

We took 6 Bravos and a tray back up to Cape York in 98 just after they were released. They were all stock standard and handled the OTL fine. They are a good honest economical litlle truck and work fine within their limitations. Cheers Rob.

I have one as work vehicle (not my choice company vehicle) and it is gutless . When using it to try and climb any sort of hill from a standing start until the turbo cuts in at about 2400 RPM you go nowhere. Try taking off at an intersection without reving the ring out of and you will soon be in trouble with oncoming traffic.Off road capabilities are very limited .As for towing Good luck.
Don,t waste your money go for Rodeo,Navara or Hilux.

Penguin,
Please chase up your friend - I'm interested.

Rob,
Within limitations, you worry me! - anything in particular, do you have time to expand?

Mark,
Aw gee mate! Not what I wanted to hear, but then I did ask didn't I.

C'mon peoples, there must be more opinions out there, (even if it's not complimentary), I'm keen to hear anything that might help my decision process.

It's not that i'm indecisive, I'm just not sure.

Ian

Ian
I did not mean to sound too critical BUT I do use this type of vehicle every day. If you could overcome the Turbo lag this would improve it,s take off ability. Once wound up it goes well for a 2.5ltr T/D ,it is down low that lets the vehicle down badly.
Do yourself a favour and go and test drive one and then maybe try another brand of T/D.
At the end of the day it is your choice and money.
Good luck.

1 Mark,

I just have to disagree with you. Have you got a lemon?

Mine is great! 2002 TD Courier with 80,000 on the clock. I have taken it all over the high country and into some pretty steep country.

Both on descent under compression braking and ascent in high and low range I find it excellent. Good engine with well matched gearing and diff ratios. To date I have had it in sand, steep stuff, mud and bog holes and general touring and high country touring.

Up Collingwood Spur out of Talbotville it easily outstripped the 3ltr diesel Hilux and climbed away from it.

I tour with fairly loaded rear with drawers, 120ltr touring tank, 60ltrs of water and fridge, with gear for at least 2 adults and often the kids.

On a night drive with the club in the Strathbogies after rain it climbed stuff that had the lifted 'luxes on M/Ts on the side of the track and making second attempts, drawing incredulous remarks and requests to know what tyres I was running (Cooper ST's incidently).

Fuel economy is good and when I tow the boat with a family load of bikes and gear up over the divide to go to the nsw south coast it performs well though when towing it does bog down a bit when climbing out of the likes of Omeo towards Hotham or from Talbingo up on to the top.

Mates have the new Navara which I would consider next time, I wouldn't buy a Hilux of the same era (haven't driven the new one) as they are overpriced for what they are. Can't say I've driven the Triton.

The only thing that has let me down was clearance under the diffs leading me to get stuck in Toolangi - but to be fair that would have happened to any vehicle running the factory height wheels in the places I got stuck.

I'd own another one if I had a choice. My mate I just did the Canning with (in his Patrol) has remarked on several occasions that it is a well setup and capable vehicle.

You can see my setup here.

Mark sounds like he might be expecting SS ute performance out of his. I drive 6.5ltr turbo diesel chevs, and 7.3 ltr TD F350's and I don't have a problem with my Courier.

Dave

Hi Ian,

I had A Bravo Petrol and loved it. Eventually traded it for a Bravo 4X4 diesel and love it as well. Have taken it to Fraser pulling off road camper trailer and 2 kids no problem. I am taking it around Australia next year. Only problem is small fuel tank ( mine had a 60l ) but put a long range 138 litre and will buy another one if they are still made when the one I have now is up for renewal.

On a full tank without towing I get nearly 1300klm. Going to Byron at easter got near on 1,000klm on a full tank.

Brad

Hi Ian,
I'll probably draw some flak here, but I have driven a 2001 model Bravo SDX turbo diesel 4x4 for 75,000k and I have found it to be barely adequate. We do a bit of sand driving and the lack of power and the turbo lag sucks. I have found the suspension to be way too soft when loaded up on rough tracks and they lack clearance. The fuel tank is way too small. The engine revs way to hard on the highway for good economy and I have to drive it hard in town to keep up with the traffic. However, the suspension gives a great ride for a truck and there is room for adults in the back seat which some of it's competitors lack. Mechanically I have not had a single problem in 75,000ks. We pick up a jayco camper trailer next week and I don't believe the engine is up to towing it on the sand. I will be trading the bravo in on a nissan patrol or a petrol prado.
best of luck with your choice, JJ.

Thanks for all the replys,

I suppose I was vague from the point of view that I did not explain my uses.

I'm not a hardcore off roader, I tow a Halls Off Road Camper Trailer with a boat on top - just "HER" and I. Yes we do do heaps of K's on rough corrugated roads, National Parks & State Forests, we have not got into any beach or sand towing only because it's not todate been presented. I chose to purchase my first 4wd purely for the confidence of being able to tackle loose, soggy tracks etc: when getting into the coastal esturies & lakes we like to fish - when there is just the two of you stuck on a soggy track miles from anywhere and the mossies biting, it's hardly the time to renew your wedding vows if you know what I mean.

As a side issue - buying new cars

After my nasty experiences with supercillious Toyota Salesmen I rang Mazda Australia and explained that I would like to test drive 2 & 4wd Bravo Crew Cab Utes back to back and asked what they could do - Something like twelve minutes later they returned my call and gave me two dealer locations where it was possible, after I nominated McGrath Liverpool they said they would have the dealer phone me. Within 15 minutes a sales consultant Paul Clarke phoned me and asked when it would suit me to test drive. I arrived at the dealership to find both vehicles out on the driveway side by side and ready to go.
After test driving I asked Paul for his first and last price which he provided with no tapdancing whatsoever, and which happened to be 2500 under the next best price I had received.

THAT was a pleasant buying experience.

Ian

The Bravo is out of date and old spec in every way.

You get what you pay for .

Yes, I now see that from the plethora of information you offer in support of your supposition.