Hilux vs Navara Vs Rodeo

I'd cross Nissan off your list.

Nissan Warranty....not worth a pinch - Click here to see why

Leroy

I've got a 2003 RA LT 3LTD.

I found Hilux's were overpriced compared to either the Rodeo or Navara. Rodeo in the LT form comes standard with a lot of things the STX Navara didn't.

Found the Navara more truck like to drive than the Rodeo and this is what finally swayed us to get the Rodeo.

Over the last 4 months I have done around 10,000 km's towing our Pioneer camper with ease, sometimes I forget that I'm towing a trailer weighing around 1200kg's. I have also fitted Polyairs to rear and this has made a big difference to the balance of the car while towing.

Had no major problems or breakdowns in 4 1/2 years. The Rodeo seemed to also have more space in the rear than the Navara and about the same as the Hilux.

Fuel consumption is around 10 - 11L around town and this increases to around 13 - 14L when towing camper.

Tars, I think they are all pretty good vehicles.
The Navara is being panned in the press today on safety issues:
Australian Newspaper report on Navara
This link is to the Australian report, but if you Google it, you will find lots more.

If you move up to the 2005 model, you will start to get into the newer common rail diesels with more power, better economy etc. Will cost a bit more, but worth considering.

All will tow a CT without difficulty.

The 2005+ Hilux had an advantage in rear leg room for a while, but I don't know if that is still the case.

The Hilux retains it's value better than the others. Means you might pay a bit more for it, but will get more back when you sell it.

They are all OK off road, but not brilliant. Very long wheel base give poor ramp over, but for normal off road, dirt roads, sand etc, they are fine. Also the IFS at the front and leaf springs at the rear limit wheel articulation for serious off roading.

I have a 2005 Hilux, which has been a great vehicle. We use it just for touring. Have done about 60,000 KM in it, 90% on trips. But have just ordered a new Land Cruiser cab chassis to increase payload and towing capacity. So we will say good bye to the Hilux around August when the new ute arrives.

I heard on the radio this morning that the Navara only got half a star in safety ratings. Not sure why, you may need to do more research before making a choice.

There are also issues with the front diffs breaking- stripping crown wheel teeth- in the Navara (and, of course, Nissan are claiming driver abuse)..

what about the 2.8L Turbo Mitsubishi Triton. Bullet proof in all departments.
would not touch Rodeo due to parts pricing and terrible supply of parts
you will pay $5k more for a Hilux over other brands and you get nothing for it

Tars

The new Triton should be up there with your test drives....

Stef

Hi Tars
My opinion is the Hiluxes prior to current model are the most supirior by a long way.
Current model HIluxes seem to be suffering from serious clutch failures from the few i know of (like every 20 to 25 000km with only on road work!!!)
I have a 1999 LT rodeo and bought it because it was a lot cheaper new than a hilux and was also lower as i use it at work and need to get in and out often. I though i would use it often for trips away but find it is quite limited in its ability. It is thirsty and lacks towing power. I have an old HJ61 and love taking this old grirl on trips as it has much more ability off raod and better on fuel + towing etc etc
Having said that, the previous model Hiluxes were pretty good i think, only got 2 mates with these and both done gear boxes in a big way at around 120 000km but are much cheaper to replace than a cruiser one.

Did that trip in 2006/7 with a Ford Courier TD and had no problems towing CT. We now have a Ford ranger and very happy and auto makes driving easy.

1) Triton.

2) Hilux D4D.

3) Do you want towing power or ease of towing?

4) All with a 2 inch lift kit but Triton has an optional rear diff lock.

5) Hilux D4D but all are very reliable but then again anything will break down.

Don't you think you should take each one for a drive and see for your self what is the best for you!

All 4x4's are that close to each other it's not funny.

Everyone will bitch and carry on about something could be better, this breaks and that falls off or I had one of them 15 years ago and it was useless.

My only advice would be buy one of the current crop of 4x4's say from 2005-06 onwards.

If you go by other peoples advice you may never be happy with your purchase.

Regards Richard

Here,here (i couldn't agree more with Richard)
Go out and drive them for yourself so you can make your own decision! I decided on the Rodeo because it suited me (and i work at a Toyota dealer) Any of the later model vehicles should serve you well and once you start looking and sitting in them you will soon pickup on the ones with no rear leg room.
Happy hunting

If you want leg room you wont go past the new Triton. I have one and it was a major factor with kids 8,6 & 3, with the two eldest being boys, when we bought ours last year. It has exellent fuel economy (low 9l/100km) and it tows our CT fully loaded with no problems. Im not a tradesperson, but I dont think it would be as suitable as the ute sides are lower and ute tray is shorter than the others. This is also a factor with fitting fridges and the like under the hard cover. I only just fitted my 80l waeco in and have to have it right up against the back of the duel cab to get the lid shut.
We are more than happy with ours for price, room and performance.

For comparisons between the 6 latest models see this link

PeterD

Hi All
Thank you all for your comments. We had a look at a few and crossed the navara off our list - my very tall hubby struggled to get in the back seats and even I found it a tad squishy. Will probably go and have a look at the new triton. I don't really like the look of them but if they have good leg room that is a major factor.
Thanks again
Tars