The best medium sized Dual-Cab 4WD

The hilux up until the last model (i.e. up until 04 model and not too sure how much earlier on - at least year 2000 I think) has the 1KZ-TE 3.0Lt turbo deisel. This engine has been tried and proven across the whole world and has been used in the hilux surf since something like 1992 or there abouts. Also used in the Prado. Very good reliable car.

Could somebody add reply clarifying my dates a little?

Cheers

Plantman

I would go the Navara mate, look for resale figure service cost etc, Navara has a good name in Australia, personally i think if you can get a car that is easy to sell, that is eveyone else wants one, you have picked a winner. Personally i would buy the Hilux over any of the old rodeo, mazda or navara, there are heaps of spare parts well priced and available anywhere, good accerories, etc. I personally feel resale should be strong on the product you buy, so buy low and sell as high as you can.

Hi all Rodeo just does not go wrong, 2.8 or 3.0 they are pretty much bomb proof, direct injection with cast iron head and mechanical injection. Also the rest of the drive train is strong with very little gearbox probs.Honest and reliable without too much excitement . My 96 2.8td has now done 300.000 and is still on all original running gear and is returning 9.5/100km with a regular loaded weight of 2.25t.
Regards Ken.

Hi Rick P
I can offer you some first hand knowledge. My boss owned a 2002 3Lt R9 Rodeo and swore by it. It drove good, went good, and towed good. Now i own it and I agree. He then owned a 2005 3 Lt Navara (series 2) and hated it from the day he got it. Wouldnt tow his tandem trailer up a hill, was noisey on the road and steered like a boat.
However my neighbour owned a 2003 3Lt Navara (series 1) and used it for work (towing those mobile light up signs they use at roadworks etc) and said it was better than the 4.2 Lt Patrol he had before. I have also heard that the 3Lt Nissan motors (same motor in the Patrol and Navara) have been giving some problems with the injector pump (expensive repair).
In a recent edition of Overlander 4WD they did a comparison of Navara Vs Rodeo Vs Bravo. They all ahd there good and bad points depending on what you use it for. Well worth trying to get yourself a copy.
Hope some of this helps.
Cheers Andrew

Mate i've got a 2004 series 2 STR Navara.
It tows a tralier every day of the week that weighs around 1.3t..
It's uses around 12.5litres per 100km with the trailer on and around 7.5 liters per 100 km without on the highway.
It's been to the beach several times towing camper trailers and to the Cape towing a camper trailer.
It's never got me stuck (it's limited slip diffs work a treat) and i've never had a problem with it.
I've driven all the dual cabs and the Navara and the Hilux are the pick of them and it then comes down to personal choice

"...Hi guys, what’s the best medium sized Diesel 4wd?..."

There is no "best" of anything, only that product that fits your needs and requirements. Your needs and requrements are quite different to everyone elses and so the product you choose will also be different.

By all means, listen to others experiences (if that is the real point of your question), go for test drives, read magazine write-ups, and generally do your research.

"What is the best..." is one of the commonest questions from noobs who haven't yet learned that it usually leads to a bunfight in the forum, with no really productive answers as ppl try to justify their loyalties.

Try "What are your experiences with..." as a question, you will generally get more meaningful responses

Not sure about best, but can offer my opinion/observation:

I've had a new model Hilux for 12 months. Love it. Very comfortable, goes like a shower of s***. Tows very well (better than my 2000 Diesel Prado). Great on or off road. Ave 8km/lt diesel. Brother-in-law has in the past 6 mths turned over all 4 work utes to hiluxes. I'm confident I'll make up for the cost on resale.

The farm Rodeo (2yo) has the towing capacity of a wet sock, though I feel the Rodeos are a bit variable - a mate who makes a living as an agronomist covering many km & towing frequently is quite happy with his. Having said that, another mate recently traded his Rodeo on a Hilux and lost around $20k in two years on the Holden. I could list more people unimpressed with their Rodeo, than pleased.

And for christ's sake, stay away from the Ssangyong!

Hi all, it may be worth waiting a few weeks and having a look ot the new Triton 3.2 common rail diesel. I think that the vehicle looks better than the new shape Hilux [ihave seen one in the [flesh'] the body is in much better proportion to the size of the wheels.

Regards Ken.

i reckon in 5 years there wont be a diesel without a turbo. cheers

i have a reliable d22 navara for sale pretty cheap 165,000 kms and plenty of acesories and extra's 3.2 litre diesel and i have a turbo option still in the shed.
been very good to us .
feel free to holla