Features on new 4X4's
Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 12, 2003 at 23:10
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KIM
I don't know about you guy's, but I am becoming frustrated with new vehicles and where they are apparently going in terms of design.
A couple of days ago I had a look at the new Prado and had no doubts from what I've read, that it's off road ability will be quite good.
My problem is their useability (not just the Prado). For Instance:
Cargo area is usually plastic, meaning that a fridge side can't be secured to the floor.
Most vehicles coming out now don't have a provision for a any form of two way radio in the dash board.
Seating arrangements don't allow enough room to sleep in the back.
Apart from the big fellows (Toyoto 100 and Nissen) it's becoming a struggle to find space for a second battery.
Lack of drivers height
seat adjustment unless you purchase the top of the range model.
Decisions by companies to exclude important item such as the new Prado's Down Assist Control (PDA) from all but the Toorak set model.
I would be Interested to hear your point of view, because, as I said at the beginning of this e-mail, it is really starting to become frustrating.
Reply By: Savvas - Thursday, Mar 13, 2003 at 08:30
Thursday, Mar 13, 2003 at 08:30
Talking about the Prado. Like you say Kim, to get the useful items such as the descent control, etc., you need to now shell out $71k, plus onroads. Also, these features are appearing in the model of the vehicle that's least likely to ever go offroad. In other words, where they are least useful.
Jeep did the same when they released the current shape Grand Cherokee. To get the Quadratrac (or was it Quadradrive?) system, where you can continue forward movement when only one wheel has traction, you needed to buy the most expensive Limited model, and again the least likely to be used offroad. At least they saw the light and made it optional on the lower Laredo model.
I tell you what, the Nissan Patrols look better REAL value all the time these days.
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Reply By: Member - Melissa - Thursday, Mar 13, 2003 at 16:14
Thursday, Mar 13, 2003 at 16:14
OK Guys,
At the risk of being the odd one out, the changes over the years haven't all been bad. Having owned 2 old L/C's in the past and been jolted, jarred, cooked alive (from excessive in-cab heat) all at a top cruising speed of 80km/h, terrible fuel economy (nothing's changed) and yes you could drill, wield, scratch them and everything was simpler, easier and cheaper to fix BUT you won't catch me pining for the good old days. (don't get me wrong, I LOVED our old shorty's).
Take our 4.5L GU for instance. Comfort second to none, heaps of grunt, extremely capable on and off-road, better handling and safety features, looks great, air con etc etc. All of these things come at a price both in $ terms and convenience.
Lack of space for UHF and DBS etc is frustrating but not unable to be overcome. UHF manufacturers have responded by bringing out remote head units and new wave batteries are packing more power into smaller and smaller packages.
Bottom line is you get what you pay for and in this regard, nothing has changed. But, maybe the vehicle manufacturers will take another look at the which models get the optional extras when everyone starts hanging on to their fourbies for 10 or more years because that's the only way the can afford and justify the initial cost.
Just my thoughts...
:o) Melissa
Petrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
AnswerID:
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Reply By: cocka2000 - Thursday, Mar 13, 2003 at 20:48
Thursday, Mar 13, 2003 at 20:48
An interesting range of opinions but I wonder if the 4X4 marketing folks are listening. Back to the original question though by Kim, you have a gripe and so do a lot of others, but if you remain blinkered you wont solve your problem. Firstly, what do you really want to do ?? If you want to be a serious out back traveller make sure to get a vehicle that is strong and can do the job. I have a mate with the new Prado and it suits him because he fishes for trout beside a stream and is on the bitumen 99% of the time, that's what that vehicle is all about. If you want to spend that kind of dough you can get what you want, but look at the second hand market, there are plenty of good late model vehicles with the extras going dirt cheap. I just bought a 2002 GU 3 lt Diesel Patrol, raised, and all the extras + radios, 14000 Kls for $46K. Malissa and I might be about the same vintage, we both once did it tough and it was great fun, we made the most of what we had and never whinged, but I have moved on since those days and enjoy the comfort and convenience. I hope you enjoy what ever you get as much as I have. Have fun.
Cocka
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Reply By: ThePublican - Friday, Mar 14, 2003 at 14:39
Friday, Mar 14, 2003 at 14:39
All a matter of perspective,no such thing as a"basic" vehicle any more, and more importantly who would buy one?? The answer is of course no one, would you realy want to go back to the days of NO power steer,auto,syncro,disc brakes,Air con, ect,ect.
Comparing prices alone does not reflect the true value of the vehicle,
1967 HR Holden cost 52 weeks avg male wages
2003 "basic"Holden Comodore cost 32 weeks avg male wages.
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Reply By: Suzuki Viagra - Sunday, Mar 16, 2003 at 03:32
Sunday, Mar 16, 2003 at 03:32
What it comes to is this - if Toyota tried to sell a BJ40 or Nissan a G60 today.....
NONE of you would buy it cos they're uncomfortable thirsty noisy and crap. Seriously who here would pay $50000 for a NEW BJ40?
it wouldnt be allowed to be sold in Australia as it would fail emmissions, crash testing, noise pollution restricitions, minimum cup holder requirements.....
The Prados (and other 4wds) sell because that is what buyers who are prepared to spend their money on new stuff will buy.
If you're a vulture like me who only buys second hand vehicles you have sealed your own fate (and you have no right to try and dictate to the factory what to make) - because it's the Mum's and Dad's (lets not be sexist) who buy brand new shiny power everything Toorak Tractor 4wd's who actually keep Toyota and Nissan and the rest in business.... without them there would be NO market for 4wd's at all - as none of the current 4wd models (except MAYBE the Landcruiser 78 ute, Holden Rodeo ute and Ford Courier Ute) would be bought in sufficient numbers for the factory to bother with the cost of importing , meeting design requriements, sots of testing and development etc.
You don't like it - then all go out and but a new Landrover Defender tomorrow and prove me wrong......
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Follow Up By: FATBOY - Sunday, Mar 16, 2003 at 13:53
Sunday, Mar 16, 2003 at 13:53
I reckon I've got 20 years (MINIMUM) use left in my 80 series and by then I'll probably be reduced to pushing a walking frame down a corridor and weeing my pants along the way, so I guess I don't really care.
I'm sure that manufacturers do care more than you think because they probably make ten times as much on parts than they do a new car.
It's all good debate and only supports the purpose of raising the issue really.
I agree not many would pay $50K for a BJ40
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Follow Up By: Suzuki Viagra - Sunday, Mar 16, 2003 at 23:04
Sunday, Mar 16, 2003 at 23:04
LOL then you don't use the 80 like I use m y Vitara....
Seriously though FATBOY has a good point - manufacturer markup on parts is normally 300%-400% on what the individual parts cost when assessed for new car purchase price which can keep them in business to some degree (ie Short term not long term), although many of us buy shockers CV's etc from other distibutors...... after all they're cheaper and we don't have as much money as Toyota does.... (although we may not have the debt that Nissna does either)
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