Wondering what vehicle to get.

I hate Prados. They look like a mum's taxi.
I have a Hilux and it has an excellent ride. While Hiluxes are commercial vehicles, the suspension on most models isn't overly harsh and really does give a sweet ride - plus you won't like like you've got the missus's car... They can also be bought with all the fruit.

Young_codger, everyone to their own opinion. While I agree with you that there are alot of mums Taxi's around city area's, there are also a huge amount of prado's with muddies, bullbar, lights,uhf etc and decked write out touring the outback, with their huge 180Litre tanks on the 120 series 159L on the 95 series fuel range expecially in the diesel is brilliant, Your looking closely to 2000k with the 120 series with a D4D in it. As far as the hilux goes their is no comparison in ride comfort especially when empty. Your talking about a comercial vehicle meant for carrying loads, the other for carrying possibly a family of 4 or 5 in comfort. I personally do miss the hilux I use to have as I was able to carry stuff around town, then when going away load up the back, fridge on the back seat (duelcab) 170L water tank in the rear plus all the gear. I do find the prado a bit restrictive in the cargo area and definately cant get as much in plus also alot more carefull not to go damaging inside the rear of the cargo area. With kids,a trailer is needed depending on where and how long your going for. The hilux was very good ride when loaded but unloaded was tail happy especially in the wet, the ride wasnt too bad didnt need a kidney belt like some of my mates did I had OME all round but still doesnt give the comfort ride of a prado admittedly myn was leaf sprung all round not torshion bar like the IFS models. There is so many plusus and minusus I can think of between the two vehicles but in general both will get you where you want to go. IFS will let them down BUT that is mainly when you start getting into the hard stuff and have heard of a few IFS shockies not handling the ruff stuff as well as coil or round. Personally cant beat the old/new 4.2D patrols or 80 series cruiser. Once again personal choice for me. WHG

Hi Porl, The model they used for that test was a 4X2 single cab, and the Isuzu D-Max is the same vehicle as the Holden Rodeo/Colardo. They are both built in Thailand but at different factories.

Cheers Bruce.

My neighbour has had two of these The first one kept chucking cranksahft pulleys ( The old model)
The new model was thirsty when towing.
He sold it and has a 1 HZ 100 series now. Probably no better fuel economy but much more capacity which is a problem with the Kia.
They dont hold much in the back.

I totally agree, If you are patient and careful you can buy a very tidy and well set up 80 series wagon or similar in the low $20s and pick up a 4cyl city runaround with the rest. the extra rego will be offset by the savings in fuel and other running costs that 600k a week will amount to in a 4x4.

Regards,
Joe.

Start a caryard at home!!!

It will always be full, as the car's will need work done on them. Then when you do go on holidays, it'll break down on you.

I think hiring a 4wd twice a year would be a better option than this.

Bit pessimistic, I feel, young-codger. I've never had a serious break
down in either of my 15 year old Peugeots. My 2000 Jack went
around Oz without a spanner on it. All 3 of them wouldnt make
$15k if I sold them. Give me the $35k budget this bloke has & I
can get a car & 4wd that will give years of trouble free service.
Paying around $5k to hire a 4WD every year doesnt appear very
good value to me. However if you feel you are unable to buy
reliable used vehicles you should stick to new ones & perhaps
avoid all those breakdowns. Mind you, the $5k to $10k a year depreciation you're paying would fix the odd problem.
cheers...oldbaz.

I do spend most of my time in the sticks, unlike some, have yet to see a petrol powered tractor or much other farm machinery. Also bulk storage of diesel is much safer than that of petrol. Property I left yesterday had 4000l diesel, 200l unleaded.

It's a pity RACQ figures don't tell you what they take into account.
Or if they do could you show a breakdown of the $404.00 a week. Please? Is this a diesel Rocky or a F250?
Cheers
Krakka