Which Ute

i reently went through this situation, ended up with the petrol hilux .dont care how ugly it is.triton are probably 4 k cheaper than the others...i think you can get a navara deisel for about 30[cab chassis with tray]....if i had to choose between nav and rodeo, i would buy the navara

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 :-))

Maybe there is an advantage to the triton being old school diesel. Easy to fix when there is no electronics. A large number of breakdowns in the Simpson now is electronics failing. Limp mode is not so good at getting over dunes.

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

New triton cant be too far away. It will have the paj 3.2did engine. Now that would be nice. Out of the Navara and Rodeo, if a dual cab prob the Rodeo for the extra rear leg room.

Leroy

nissan D40 by far the best. We have purchased one and it out strips all the others in touring requirements and a great price too!!

Hi all, Just wanted an opinion on duel cab utes. Reading this thread I fine people are prtty keen on the new Navara. I am currently going through the same process. Must admit I am a bit partial to Ford Courier. have had a couple of newer ones as work vehicles and also bought a 1997 courier for private use. Not had any major problems. I live in the NT back of beyond so gets a fair bit of work out bush have priced a number of diffrent utes Hi-lux, navara and courier. Still like the Ford courier and price wise with all the gear has come up trumps. Any one prepared to put in their 2 bobs worth, would be appreciated.

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.

I have just gone thru this exersize in WA and came to the same opinion then ended up with the navara ST-R.

I got an 05 compliance for what I think is a bloody good price. If you are in WA and are after a single cab I think there are 2 '05 model still at dealers who really nedd to get rid of them due to a recent shipment of '06 models just off the boat.

Let me know if you want more info

Steve M

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.