Which Ute
Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 01:17
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Billowaggi
I am looking at new diesel utes [4cyl turbo diesel] and have narrowed the choice down to Navarra and Rodeo [sorry dont like the new Hilux , Triton and Bravo are indirect injection which I think is antiquated and inefficient]The vehicle will be used for outback touring and camping
does anyone have an opinion on the above choices?
Regards Ken.
Reply By: Kiwi Kia - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 07:17
Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 07:17
I took a
test ride in the Navarra on a VERY steep
test area. Scared me *** at what it was capable of. I was VERY impressed, both feet flat on the floor (off pedals) and it crawled on idle up, down and across an incredibly steep green grass slope.
My nephew, a panelbeater, describes the Navarra as being made of tissue paper !
So - your choice :-))
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159262
Reply By: Member - Andrew W (VIC) - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 09:50
Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 09:50
I did the same exercise just before Xmas and ended up with the navara st-x 6 sp Man Diesel. In summary: engine - unbeatable in its class, comfort, ride, handling, extras, load capacity and all else I could find out about it also came out tops. I tow a 2.3 tonne van with it and it eats it up. Fuel consumption towing 13 l/100, unloaded 9.5 l/100. HOWEVER! be aware the clearance isn't as good as it could be in rough off road situations, ramp over angle is very low for the deep washouts, and it does tend to sag a bit in the bum with 250 kg ball weight. However as soon as ARB come up with new leaves, shockers and torsion bars that will fix its very few shortcomings. Price for ST-X 6 speen manual diesel with Nissan snorkle, ARB steel winch bar, Nissan Bin liner and soft tonneau cover, UHF fitted, car phone fitted, spotlights, weathershields was $48,500 on the road (Vic) on a novated lease. All in all a superb vehicle in my opinion - and this is after a Patrol 4.2 diesel, and a V6 Jackaroo
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Follow Up By: Member - TonyG (Qld) - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 17:01
Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 17:01
Hi Andrew,
Great to hear you are happy with the new model.
I must admit the price of the new model surprises me.
I paid approx $40K for
mine in mid 2003, and I can't believe that a dual cab ute is now close to $50K.
And this is still cheaper than other brands.
Boy, I am in for a shock when it is time to upgrade.
Thanks
TonyG
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413911
Follow Up By: bigcol - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 23:49
Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 23:49
Save yourself some money and just put some decent shocks on it.
Throw some airbags under it and crank up the torsion bars
FollowupID:
414034
Reply By: Gun - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 19:19
Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 19:19
I bought the '05 RA Rodeo 3.0 diesel 4WD cab chassis, fitted a tray to carry about 900kg, as
well as airbags. My impressions of the Rodeo so far: A little low geared even in 2H (2600 rpm at 100kph in 5th), but still got up to 15L/100km loaded up, on highway, with careful driving. I get about 10L/100km unladen around town. Some probs with airbag & engine management warning lights falsely lighting up. Electric windows won't work unless ignition on (you'd be amazed how often you forget to lift windows before switching off), 4H shift button is too close to radio controls - I've had a few accidental activations. I think Rodeo is probably second cheapest 3.0 turbo diesel around, so represents good value.
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159365
Reply By: Billowaggi - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 23:14
Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 23:14
Hi all , thanks for the input's I have just about decided on the Rodeo. The local dealer is Nissan and Holden so I have been able to compare the vehicles sitting side by side and drive them one after the other. Conclusion, Nissan has more go and engine is smoother, interior has a better 'feel' [ I am looking at single cab trayback] but chassis and
suspension is much more lightly made .The Rodeo has 15mm deeper chassis rails and they are set wider apart also the front shocks on the Nissan are very small and no space for an upgrade , The Rodeo looks stronger underneath all round. Engine wise I like the tryed and tested Isuzu unit it is very similar to the old 2.8lt.The ZD30 in the Nissan with twin cams 16 valves and ally head has a chequered history at best.
Regards Ken.
PS. My impression of the new Hilux is that it has very poor ground clearance between the front wheels and the front
suspension looks very spindly, similar set up to an EA Falcon!
Ken.
AnswerID:
159424
Follow Up By: hound - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 13:17
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 13:17
Billowaggi,
Hilux has spindly looking
suspension, have a look under the Rodeo a shocker and a torsion bar. The Hilux has the same
suspension as the Prado, which has been acclaimed for years as one of the best IFS setups.
If your looking for a Cab chassis the hilux wins hands down.
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Follow Up By: Billowaggi - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 18:20
Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 18:20
I have looked under the Rodeo and I see two very substantial control arms and a large shockie, much the same set up, maybe even stronger, as carried my two previous Rodeo's for over 600,000k without failing. I did have a Hilux for a while [previous model] and swore I would never buy another.
Regards Ken.
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414179