Which Ute ??

Steve
I have just started looking at a similar thing for next year for us (although will probably go new for GST & ABN purposes..).

For say a 3 year old auto diesel d/cab ute sub 30k, when you look at all the offerings in 2007, it's hard to go past the last of the rodeos from 2007-08 for value.
There's quite a few 07/08 auto diesel Rodeo LX's on carsales (that have that current common rail donk that's essentially in the Dmax & colorado.)

Good?: old school tough design, Cracka motor that has no widespread inherent issues (that I know of), very good on fuel compared to others in class, Good interior room, good ground clearance from stock.
Not so good?: no stumpy lever 4 low range - electronic push button, torsion bar front end (although is this really that bad? - late 100 series has 'em).

You would get a lower mileage rodeo than toyota (also watch for ex-mines SR's that have done their 3 years service).

What I've said here is of course my subjective opinion...There may be some things I have missed and you may have looked at these already?

cheers
Mark

Geez you got an enviable choice like -

http://www.carsellout.com.au/ford-ranger-sale-acacia-ridge/ad3369-2008-pj-xl-crew-cab-utility.htm

I'd go the hilux or triton as they both have the front end set up the same as your prado. The rest still have torsion bars and offer less wheel travel and bottom out quicker on bumps.
Cheers
Dave

Steve!, How about a 130 landy?, only 200,000ks, oil leaks, and rattles come free!, Me thinks you and bubs would look good sitting up in her, Missus in the back!, all for nine GRAND!!!!.......HAhahahaha'



Cheers Axle

With the amount of money you want to spend it doesn't leave you much option, either buy something older or high kilometers or ex mining.

How about a NEW Great Wall V240 4x4 ute, just don'r read the 4x4 mags and you should be all right.

I wanted to by a 2006 Porsche GT3 for under $70000 but all I could find was a burnt out one!......Don't know why they are so dear.

Another vote for the Rodeo , three bugbears however , fueltank only 70lt - aux battery room and oil filter a tad to small and a pain in ---e to change unless on a hoist.

Steve,

It's not a diesel, but the Mazda Bravo/Ford Courier 4L V6 running sequentially injected LPG gives you 150 L of fuel for range.

As I know where you liive you've got access to cheap LPG which makes the V6 cheaper to run than a diesel with far more grunt.

You'd pick up a very good one for far less then 30 large.

Something to consider.

Regards,

Jim.

Get a 10 year old 100 series cruiser for 20 grand and spend 10g converting it to dual cab!

Barnesy

Good day Steve,
Biggest problem I have found is it is so much harder to find a well looked after ute.Where as with wagons most get an relatively easy life. Mind you we must have a doz d4ds at work all get a hard time with no real problems.
You will find the ride a lot harder after the plush ride of the prado, have you thought of getting a heavy duty trailer made up, best of both worlds.
Cheers Pete

2 years ago I bought a 2005 rodeo instead of diesel I went petrol mine was ex nsw police came with arb bull bar winch and 129liter tank
cost was around 24k I have no regret going for the petrol as the 6 k I save will more than pay for any additional fuel I use. I get 12.5 klm liter on the highway less obviously in town it hasn't missed a beat. mine has done 145000 klm bought it with 90000. 900 + klm to the tank drove from broken hill to melbourne on one tank. when I smile most is if I have to overtake 2 or three cars with a full load of things and people. less time on the wrong side of the road less risk./
happy hunting
meggala