Comfortable, rugged 4wd utility for towing?
Submitted: Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 19:44
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wortgames
Hi, I need to start thinking about my next used vehicle and I'd appreciate some suggestions from the knowledgable folks here. I'd like something rugged enough for daily work around a small
farm yet civilised enough to tow a medium-sized van for extended touring.
I like the idea of a turbo-diesel auto, aircon & electric windows etc. Long-term reliability and reasonable economy (and a good airconditioner) are essential so I'm thinking Japanese. Common and easily serviced in a country town would be bonuses. Landcruiser would be nice if they did the 100 series in a ute, is the boxy one less comfortable? Maybe Patrol?
Not looking for a brand war obviously, just some ideas to put on the '
check out' list. Never owned a ute before and starting from scratch with this. Buying in maybe 12 months, budget around $30k. Appreciate any help.
Reply By: bibtracker - Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 19:57
Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 19:57
Don't overlook the Holden Colorado (which is to all intents and purposes an Isuzu D Max). I've had
mine (second hand) for a week now and done very litle travel, but I am impressed with the way it goes. Seems to have heaps of grunt and would easily tow a medium sized van. Comfortable, easy to drive and, from all reports, very economical on fuel.
Cheers, Tony
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Fatso - Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 20:05
Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 20:05
Are you after single cab chassis or dual cab?
For economy you will probably want a diesel & the range of single cab diesel autos is limited.
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Reply By: wortgames - Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 21:41
Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 21:41
Wow, the service around here is as prompt as ever! Thanks guys.
I would prefer a single cab as lockable external storage cages would be more practical to me than extra seats. However I would not rule out a dual cab if it is the only way to get a comfortable ride. Ideally a longer wheelbase model that retains a reasonable sized tray.
I realise that auto boxes and e/windows probably aren't common spec on diesel utes...
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Reply By: Crackles - Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 23:56
Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 23:56
Coil cab 4.2 TD Nissan Patrol. Unfortunately no longer made & in great demand.
Cheers Craig..................
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463305
Follow Up By: ben_gv3 - Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011 at 10:15
Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011 at 10:15
Which also doesn't come in Auto.
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737133
Reply By: Hilux fan - Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011 at 14:30
Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011 at 14:30
Check out the
Red Book website. You can search by transmission and body type and
check out the specs of selected vehicles. You can do a side-by side comparison if you have several types in mind. With a budget around $30k you should be able to get a mid-2000s vehicle in good condition. Diesel Hilux would be my choice (of course), but
check the towing capacity against your van weight.
I've got a 2006 Hilux dual cab, which has more than enough space in the tray for star posts, tools etc when working on the
farm. I tow a camper trailer with it and barely know it's there with a 3L turbo diesel motor. Fuel consumption never goes above 15L/100km when towing, even with the aircon on. Normally use around 10-11L/100km driving around empty.
Do you need high clearance around the
farm?
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Reply By: ozjohn0 - Wednesday, Aug 24, 2011 at 19:31
Wednesday, Aug 24, 2011 at 19:31
Put the MazdaBT50 and Ford
Ranger on the shopping list as
well.
OJ
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Reply By: Shaker - Thursday, Aug 25, 2011 at 09:29
Thursday, Aug 25, 2011 at 09:29
The Volkswagen Amarok has had excellent reviews, may be worth a look.
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Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Thursday, Aug 25, 2011 at 12:58
Thursday, Aug 25, 2011 at 12:58
With your budget it looks like you are looking at second hand. Have a look at these reviews:
Site Link . . .
Site Link
You seem to be worried about getting electric windows in an auto model. The upmarket models in each range mostly have the two.
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