new ute

Submitted: Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 12:37
ThreadID: 77170 Views:3314 Replies:6 FollowUps:12
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I am looking at new 4wd cab/chassis utes to pull camper trailer, not planning on canning stock route etc so dont need l/cruiser spec. dont mind the ford ranger space cab with a steel tray built to my req. Any input from those in the know would be kindly accepted..also any constructive criticism/suggestions etc thanks
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Reply By: Member - ross m (WA) - Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 12:44

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 12:44
Price range is a good starting point.

Why do you want the steel tray? I like the aloy tray becuase of the lower weight.
AnswerID: 410323

Reply By: rocco2010 - Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 13:39

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 13:39
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

AnswerID: 410331

Follow Up By: escapesilv - Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 15:46

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 15:46
Second rocco

Have had a Ranger for three years, towing most of the time, I am very happy with it, and will update to another Ranger.

Cheers Rob.
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FollowupID: 680236

Reply By: D200Dug- Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 16:44

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 16:44
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.
AnswerID: 410350

Follow Up By: Tonyfish#58 - Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:37

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:37
I will 2nd the Rodeo - We feel they have the best and most comfortable seats, that is when we were looking at all the available models.

Other than that no issues in 70,000 k now.

Cheers Tony
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FollowupID: 680263

Follow Up By: D200Dug- Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:46

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:46
Before buying the Rodeo we were warned about how uncomfortable they were.

I think the person may have been comparing it to a luxury sedan car because Margo and I have no complaints about comfort or the ride.

We sure have driven in a LOT worse cars in our time :-)

New shocks and springs did make the ride firmer but by no means uncomfortable.
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FollowupID: 680264

Follow Up By: Tonyfish#58 - Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:52

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:52
Go Figure that?

We tried them all and the Rodeo seemed the best - Since then we have spent many a full day in the seat. No issues with comfort.

I put 3" lift on mine with Load assist air bags - Still good enough ride - considering it is a ute driven mostly unloaded when not traveling.

Good news is it is off to do the Simpson at the end of July :-)

Cheers Tony
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FollowupID: 680266

Follow Up By: D200Dug- Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:55

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:55
We out the 20mm lift and Poly air airbags in ours and no problems.

The 20mm lift did seem to get out of hand I little

It ended up a LOT higher than we expected, I will see how it goes when we hook the van on and load everything up. I may get them to drop the front end a bit so it rides level.


( I am told you save fuel if your front end is lower because you are always rolling downhill :-)
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FollowupID: 680267

Follow Up By: D200Dug- Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:58

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 19:58
Sorry for the bad spelling and wrong words.

I am just home from taking photos and I managed to annoy an electric fence getting into and out of a field :-(

OUCH ! ................. Bugga OUCH again !
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FollowupID: 680268

Reply By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 17:03

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 17:03
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
AnswerID: 410353

Follow Up By: escapesilv - Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 20:46

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 20:46
Hi Ian H and Jack
mine has 60000 Km towing most of the time, and had no clutch or suspension problems.

Cheers Robert
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Follow Up By: Marny - Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 22:07

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 22:07
It must have been an expensive clutch to make a toyota look cheap:)
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FollowupID: 680294

Follow Up By: rocco2010 - Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 22:35

Thursday, Mar 25, 2010 at 22:35
Gidday

And what do you have to do to turn the springs inside out?

Cheers

Rocco
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FollowupID: 680303

Follow Up By: escapesilv - Friday, Mar 26, 2010 at 14:48

Friday, Mar 26, 2010 at 14:48
Gdday

If I was Ford and somebody came in with a car that is driven by many and with clutch problems, I would send them on their way to.

Cheers
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FollowupID: 680382

Reply By: Outback Gazz - Friday, Mar 26, 2010 at 14:54

Friday, Mar 26, 2010 at 14:54
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




AnswerID: 410494

Follow Up By: Alloy c/t - Friday, Mar 26, 2010 at 15:17

Friday, Mar 26, 2010 at 15:17
Isuzu Dmax is manufactured in Thailand , ,, Holden Colorado also Thailand ,,, Dmax came about due to GMH and Isuzu parting company.
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FollowupID: 680386

Follow Up By: Outback Gazz - Friday, Mar 26, 2010 at 15:41

Friday, Mar 26, 2010 at 15:41
G'day Alloy - yes that is the current case and I understand all about the takeover of Izuzu from Mitsubishi ( being the major shareholder ) ( not me - Mitsubishi ) and while the Colorado is still being built in Thailand it is only temporary until GM gets production under way in South America which will happen very soon !

Cheers

Gazz
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FollowupID: 680391

Reply By: gidgea jack - Sunday, Apr 04, 2010 at 16:56

Sunday, Apr 04, 2010 at 16:56
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
AnswerID: 411639

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