new ute

Price range is a good starting point.

Why do you want the steel tray? I like the aloy tray becuase of the lower weight.

Gidday

I have had a Ford Ranger space cab for just over a year and 20000k and have been very happy with it. I do not tow but have no reason to believe that it would not do a good job. Engine outputs and towing limits are in line with its competition (except for the new more powerful Navara referred to on a previous thread, though the Navara king cab is not getting the new engine at this stage).

Nothing has broken or fallen off.

I recently spent a week or so away travelling iin the WA pastoral region in a Hilux dual cab and the seat of the pants observation there was that there was not any difference. My backside was still numb after an eight-hour stint.

As well as the reputation the extra money for a Toyota buys you a better interior and a few more bells and whistles as the Ford/Mazda is getting a bit dated in that regard.

I would buy another one, in fact I would like another one right now as it is pretty pockmarked after the hail storms in Perth this week.

Cheers

Rocco

We are happy with our Rodeo / Colarado / D Max.

New suspension for towing is probably a must but the same on all mid priced tugs.

The 3lt TD seems to have enough power.

Jack,
Just a word of warning re Ford ranger.
I am a member of our local SES and we have had rear suspension troubles with the springs turning inside out but the major problem is the clutch failure at 4000kms. Ford won't warrant it as it was driver error (in 4000kms????).
Makes the bit extra for a Hilux look cheap.
It is a diesel dual cab and was going well until now.
Ian

Howdy - sorry for the late reply, just read your post ! I own and run an outback 4wd and motor bike tour company and for the main supply vehicles we mainly use the " big 2" manufacturers and for what it's worth have found Patrols to be far more reliable than the other brand over the 1.6 million kilometres I have driven in and around this big brown land ! Now having said that I actually purchased a new 04 Izuzu ( rodeo ) for my own private use and in the 192k I have clocked up in it only 3 things have given me trouble
1 - the rear tailpipe fell off on a very rough corrugated road when the ute had done 130k ( mainly dirt ) 2 - the screws from the drivers side sunvisor fell out at 140k on the odometer 3 at 150 thou on the clock I had to get a new key coz it was so worn out it wouldn't start the car ! It has a 2 inch lift with 265/75/16 tyres and I've taken it everywhere the patrols and cruisers have gone without any trouble at all - in fact one rocky hill in the Snowy Mountains it was one of only 3 4wd's out of 7 to get over the hill with the other two being cruiser and patrol who both needed front and rear lockers to get over - no lockers in mine ! It still has the original brake pads on the front and original shoes on the rear ! I cannot praise this vehicle enough ! So in my humble opinion I would be buying an Izuzu ( Dmax ) if I was you - Colorado and Dmax are not the same - they are made in 2 different countries. Izuzu is the oldest engine manufacturer in Japan and supply engines to all types of trucks, 4wd's and cars around the world.
I will definately be buying another one if and when my current one expires ! Also the steel tray is a good idea if you are towing as the extra weight is valuable at the rear wheels in a cab chasis - if your trailer is a bit heavy and or you have very little in the back of your ute you will suffer lots of wheel spin at the rear wheels ! Good luck with your decision !

Cheers

Gazz

thanks for all your replies & advice still undecided on what to buy, but not in any great hurry to make the decision..we are looking forward to getting back to the channel country after things dry out a bit ..just to give the RTV another run, dont really want to part with it but as we like to travel alone feel the security of 4WD would be warranted..thanks again. hooroo