New Car
Submitted by Riles on Tue, 2014-01-28 19:34
G'day everyone.
Its time to upgrade my 2002 hilux due to its 1.8t towing capacity to something which can haul a greater load (the 670C barcrusher aprox 2t) . I'd mainly use the new vehicle for off roading, towing the boat locally and on long trips, and travelling to and from work etc. I've currently narrowed it down to the following choices a new Ford Ranger XLT, a Mazda BT50 XTR, the Volswagon Amarok tdi420 highline or the Nissan Navara STX. I have looked at the cruisers and patrols but my missus would prefer a new or newish car as opposed to an 2007 cruiser and I'm due to a lot of negative comments I'm also unsure on the Patrol. Also I think these two vehicles would exceed my towing needs and would just use more fuel than required
It would be great if I could get some input, especially from those that have of are currenly driving one of the previous mentioned models.
Cheers
shonky
Posts: 203
Date Joined: 22/04/12
Stear clear
I had a navara and give it the flick after 9000 ks, thirsty as when towing,and uncomfortable after a couple of hours in the seat. Currently dragging the boat around with a jeep grand Cherokee (crd)and really happy with that.
This habit is getting expensive!
Vinesh87
Posts: 2751
Date Joined: 02/04/11
I like the look of rangers
I like the look of rangers and i hear they tow well. But as above my Jeep CRD does a more than brilliant job ! at the same price of any of those you listed!
Browndog
Posts: 581
Date Joined: 10/04/12
+1 Jeep
1,000km per tank around town, driving it like I stole it. Awesome power, could easily tow an Anzac Class frigate. Very comfortable, family friendly vehicle. No comparison for ride quality to any dual cab ute.
Cheers,
BD.
dodgy
Posts: 4563
Date Joined: 01/02/10
Why not a prado? Great one
Why not a prado? Great one the road and tow the boat easily. Women love them.
Does anyone know where the love of god goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
roberta
Posts: 2773
Date Joined: 08/07/08
Love you dodgy
love my bought new 2010 Prado, I got all the bling on it and it tows great, get nearly 11klms per liter on my turbo 3lte desiel, so comfie. Poor old 93 Hilux is like driving a sludge bucket, but old fart won't part with his 2.9liter (no f....king computers I quote from old fart) hahahah
Ginger Tablets Rock
tayranosaurus
Posts: 17
Date Joined: 17/04/13
Ranger
About a month ago my partner rolled my 05 hilux and it was written off. I bought a ford ranger XLS 2013 it has all the same running gear and accessories but less fruit like chrome roll bar and side mirrors. I cannot say to much about towing yet. I did manage to get it onto the beach last weekend and despite its highway tires it handled a litle better then i thought. it is heavy on the sand and a little slow as first and second gear are a lot slower then im used to. The diff locker did its job fine and i should have just driven in reverse because that gear never bogged down. Creature comforts are nice the a/c is cold and the bluetooth phone and music are simple and work great. The only thing that might be trouble some is the gear stick, its a short shift on a short stick much like a performance street car. It was a little weird the first few weeks but it is growing on me. Overall im glad i bought the car.
Happy hunting.
triggy
Posts: 128
Date Joined: 14/09/11
New Ranger
I have a new Ranger and tows around 2.5t better than I could ever expect in a ute!
Towed my boat to Exmouth and pulled in at Shark Bay on the way home last year and it couldn't be faulted. Fuel economy seems good considering the weight I was towing, but it is a work vehicle.
Leaves my Navara for dead when towing. I had a Hilux as a work vehicle previously and I'd choose the Ranger any day over that.
clogwog
Posts: 265
Date Joined: 01/02/11
Happy with my 2009 ranger
Happy with my 2009 ranger xlt, comfortable to drive, 3.0lt turbo diesel has plenty of grunt and very fuel efficient. Still pulls up small hills in 5th gear. Tows my 18ft heavy fibreglass boat effortlessly. Picked the car up for 24k with lower Kim's, pedders suspension, long range tank, fibreglass canopy, arb bullbar and locker. The only issues are they are a little uncomfortable in the rear and there is some minor clutch shudder which I believe is a common fault. Other then that very happy, the new models looks superb.
Also driven a 2010 hilux dual cab back from shark bay and thought that it was pretty good, little expensive to buy though.
good luck
Broady
Posts: 131
Date Joined: 16/01/13
Mazda BT50
Is my tow vehicle. Same running gear as Ranger but it was cheaper to buy. Do have a love it/hate it look to them. Tows the signature 632 (~2.3t) extremely well - been to Exmouth and back, Dunsborough and back, and my regular run home from the boat ramp is up Welshpool road hill. Fuel economy around 15l/100km when towing. Can't speak for reliability as mine is only 22k km young.
Feel free to have a look if you want. 4wdaction forum is a good place to check on owners problems on different types of cars.
Good luck.
Swompa
Posts: 3783
Date Joined: 14/10/12
I have a 2010 ST Manual
I have a 2010 ST Manual Navara and get ~650 before the fuel light turns on. Towing a tonne that goes down to around 450/500.
Seems that whenever you plug in a trailer plug, the economy goes to shit.
For what it is worth it is diesel and I hear the petrol versions are significantly worse.
Bro in law has a new Ranger and off-road they are very similar but the auto is better in sand.
cudbfishn
Posts: 1311
Date Joined: 06/04/09
Currently up to 98 000kms in
Currently up to 98 000kms in my bt50. Got one of the first in oz a tad over 2 years ago so mines rated to 3.35t the current one is 3.5t but unsure of the difference? Has been totally trouble free and i love it. It is a work car so its the base model. It tows around 1.5tonne 98% of the time. Mines manual and the gearing is perfect for towing but can be a pain without the trailer. Auto would be better for a daily driver. Getting around 11l/100km with trailer under 9 without and im a leadfoot.
i dont know what its worth and how true but ive heard of lots of problems with the amarok.
cudbfishn
Posts: 1311
Date Joined: 06/04/09
Also consider when going for
Also consider when going for ranger/bt50 the ranger service interval is 15000 and the bt50 is 10000. Only found this out after buying my bt50. The bt50 at the time of buying mine was around $5000 cheaper than equivelant ranger.
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
Colorado or dmax?
Just out of interest as I am currently researching for an upgrade later in the year for similar purpose. Why not look at the Colorado or dmax?
after what I have looked at so far they seem pretty comparable to those you have mentioned
cobia15
Posts: 300
Date Joined: 04/01/12
Navara
Glad I read this post, looking to get a 4x4 to tow the dingy and get up the beaches....starting to get strange looks when I back the wrx down the boat ramp! I had thought seriously about the navara or the dmax. The fuel usage may tip it in the isuzus favour, plus their diesels are bullet proof.
THE BEST BILGE PUMP IS A SCARED MAN WITH A BUCKET
Nelly
Posts: 518
Date Joined: 04/05/08
I have had a dmax since 09
I have had a dmax since 09 and done 123k km.Been faultless and returned 9-10l the whole time in auto form.The way i look at it isuzu make the most reliable diesels around .There engines have a b10 rating which means 90% of the motors will do 500000+km before needing a rebuild,what other manafacter offers that.When i upgrade within a couple of years it will be another dmax
Swompa
Posts: 3783
Date Joined: 14/10/12
I tow my 3.95 tinny with 20hp
I tow my 3.95 tinny with 20hp behind my d40 ST dual cab.
Far more comfortable than the old GQ Patrol
One thing worth noting is cab space. I am 6 foot 3. Before buying a car or even test driving one, I sat in the passenger seat and the back seats to see if I could fit. My mate has a DMAX and it is cramped with two adults in in the back, where the Navara seems to have a bit more room on the inside. My knees were pressed into the dash. Not comfortable for long distances let alone a 4WD tour through his block.
Also, my car topper fits in the tray of the Navara (yeah it hangs out a bit, but with tray down on a track it was fine). Wouldn't fit in a Lux or DMAX.
wickky
Posts: 72
Date Joined: 24/11/13
Ive only dealt with older
Ive only dealt with older cruisers and patrols so ill give my 2cents worth on them.
What patrol are you talking about? the Y61 or Y62? The Y61's had a terrible 3.0di engine. They stopped that engine in 06 and replaced with a 3.0CRD much better engine with no grenade problems. Decent fuel economy and still a great tower. Only a 4pot turbo but still strong. Solid axels all round so great comfort on and offroad. Pretty sure there reasonable on price from new still. They also came out with a TD42TI. Best engine patrols have ever came out with. Started intercooling them from 03 then stopped all together in 06. the y61 have pretty much stayed the same from 04/05 until now. These things are towing machines and great fuel economy. But still expect to pay 40k+ for 7 year old car.
y62's the newer looking patrols big v8 petrol engine but from reports good on fuel. But ugly as hell and IFS and IRS no thanks. also you would be looking at 100k+
My father inlaw works for VW. And rekons stay clear of the amarok. Full of problems still and VW australia is far from helpfull with warranty issues.
If you need anymore patrol answers just ask
Cheers zac
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
my understanding is the
my understanding is the 3.0CRD and earlier 3.0DI engines are mechanically the same ZD30, just a different fuel system and same power?
Other than of course the fixes and mods Nissan made to sort the problems out one of which consisted of remarking the dipstick so the oil level was higher
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
Hambo
Posts: 68
Date Joined: 17/11/11
+1 Jeep CRD
+1 for the Jeep, great value for money, excellent on fuel and great offroad. The 3.0lt Diesel is brilliant and with the new model coming with an 8spd gearbox even better fuel economy. 3.5T towing and a comfortable ride. Youll never know the boat was there!
**The more I learn about fishing the more I realise how much more I have to learn about fishing**
strike_zone
Posts: 403
Date Joined: 09/09/10
Mitsubishi triton
No one has mentioned the triton yet I have the 3.2 l turbo diesel triton great on fuel plenty of grunt have left some sad faced young goons in hiluxes navaras ect behind in a cloud of smoke from traffic lights upto the speed limit of course it's comfy to drive and tows the whaler no probs at all I found them much better priced than the others and couldn't be happier with my decision well worth considering as well
Swompa
Posts: 3783
Date Joined: 14/10/12
I was looking at them when I
I was looking at them when I purchased but just thought they were ugly and couldn't do it. Personal preference but 5 year warranty is great
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
quote "left some sad faced
quote "left some sad faced young goons in hiluxes navaras ect behind in a cloud of smoke"
That doesnt sound good!
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
strike_zone
Posts: 403
Date Joined: 09/09/10
Sorry
Goons a typo should of been hoons cloud of smoke is a saying but it is diesel so you do get some more smoke than petrol I hope that clears it up for you rob h
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
Been through the same storey
Been through the same storey myself over the past few weeks.
Couple of items to consider
Isuzu D-max is not 5 star safety rated
Colorado - towing capacity is down rated dependant on the number of people and weight you put in the tray. I am unsure if other Utes (BT-50, Ford Ranger etc are the same).
I ended going for a new VX Cruiser Diesel, but I've got 3.5 tonne to tow about.
I currently have a Jeep commander 2008 Limited edition, to be honest I cant knock the car, been great, except the jeeps just don't have the ground clearance, so If your going on the beach it becomes a real issue. I don't know if the new Grand Jeep's still have the same issue, but they did when I looked a them in 2008.
Vinesh87
Posts: 2751
Date Joined: 02/04/11
Yeh ? Ive got the 2012 JGC in
Yeh ? Ive got the 2012 JGC in CRD and its wicked on the beach, heaps of clearance ( stock QL). Much better than my 200 series haha. I even prefer to tow with the Jeep over the 200.
200 way better for camping and the big trips i do.
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
yeah, the 2008 commander was
yeah, the 2008 commander was / is quite low. I got bogged big time down at Hamelin bay... tires down. Jut didn't have the clearance. Could hear it dragging on the sand all the way up the beach.
Nelly
Posts: 518
Date Joined: 04/05/08
Dmax is now 5 star rated and
Dmax is now 5 star rated and has 3.5t tow capacity.Can tow 3t with at max gvm (1 tonne in car) or 3.5t with 500kg in the car
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
Still doesn't help me,
Still doesn't help me, 3.5tonne required :)
I like how all these dual cabs are promoted as able to tow 3.5 tonne, but pretty much only if your in the car on your own!
Nelly
Posts: 518
Date Joined: 04/05/08
Yeah its pretty ridiculous
Yeah its pretty ridiculous and dangerous as once you factor in towball mass and a tank a fuel your pretty much there with one passesnger!Most people dont realise this either.I wouldnt feel comfortable with more then 2.5t in any duel cabs on the market anyway (excluding f250's etc)definitely the right way the go to a landcruiser to tow 3.5t like you have.
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
all cars/machinery
guys all cars/machinery etc fall under this position. Thats why alot of people when buying a new car go for a GVM upgrade so it is signed off my an engineer
load is load
Nelly
Posts: 518
Date Joined: 04/05/08
*
*
Riles
Posts: 119
Date Joined: 20/02/11
Cheers for everyone's
Cheers for everyone's replies. After having a read and taking all opinions on board I believe the best car for me would be the ford ranger. I was wondering what people's thoughts were on manual or auto. I've always been a manual fan but after taking the auto for a test drive today I might be a convert..
Swompa
Posts: 3783
Date Joined: 14/10/12
Bro in law has a 2013 top
Bro in law has a 2013 top range auto. Goes like a monster. He loves it and it tows a few tonne of caravan around without minimum effort.
cudbfishn
Posts: 1311
Date Joined: 06/04/09
I suggest you test the
I suggest you test the manual. It is a handfull as first and second are VERY low. As i said before the auto would be a better daily driver. Its a 6 speed too. I just dont like the idea of autos for full time towing as ive heard of alot blowing up in the trade im in.
clogwog
Posts: 265
Date Joined: 01/02/11
Hey Riles, my Ranger is a 5
Hey Riles, my Ranger is a 5 speed manual, I would have preffered an Auto but the Ranger I purchased had heaps of extra goodies with it and was reasonably priced. As far as drive ability is concerned the clutch is not heavy and the gear shifter is in a comfortable driving position. As said before there are times when it feels like there is some minor clutch shudder but have had it checked and the mechanic can't fault it.
If you are looking to buy from a dealer have a chat to Ashleigh Clarke at Lynford ossie park, I checked out plenty of dealers and this guy was the only sales guy that was a straight shooter, most of the others could only be described as wankers. There prices are fair aswell but be prepared as they try to rip you off on extras and extended warranties. Good luck
Mike17
Posts: 323
Date Joined: 30/06/13
Grand Cherokee
We were in exactly the same position as you are now and was looking at the same cars you are.
After looking a them and driving we shifted our thinking and looked at the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee's.
They are the same price as the others you listed and the feel like driving a nice car rather than driving an expensive ute.
Tows the boat like it's a box trailer and as comfy as a limo.
I can't say enough about how happy we are and would not hesitate to reccommend them to anyone else.
Just go and have a drive in one before you make a desision.
I'm not sure where you live but if you don't mind a drive we got ours from Bunbury Jeep and saved at least $2500 on the price i was offeerd form any metro dealer.
Mike
Use The Force
Riles
Posts: 119
Date Joined: 20/02/11
Cheers MikeWhile I do like
Cheers Mike
While I do like the jeeps, I just can't see myself covered in sand and salt and possibly smelling like fish jumping in and out of them. They look to much like a car I wouldn't want to take off-road for my liking.
dodgy
Posts: 4563
Date Joined: 01/02/10
Just one of the reasons I
Just one of the reasons I couldn't buy a jeep.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zaYFLb8WMGM
Does anyone know where the love of god goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
Vinesh87
Posts: 2751
Date Joined: 02/04/11
haha yeh give it a go with a
haha yeh give it a go with a cruiser or most of the other cars...
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
with a Landcruiser you just
with a Landcruiser you just go over the friggin moose.
Then eat the moose and put its horns on the poolroom wall.
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
Swompa
Posts: 3783
Date Joined: 14/10/12
Most uses would just go
Most utes would just go sideways I would think
Mike17
Posts: 323
Date Joined: 30/06/13
Old model
That's the test for the last model.
The new model is perfect and blitzes the same test.
www.youtube.com/watch
Use The Force
Ian S
Posts: 71
Date Joined: 20/01/14
As a Jeep and BT 50 owner
I haven't done any head to head tests and while I understand the reluctance to get a car dirty or smelly, I use my 09 Grand Cherokee 3.0 litre CRD to tow my 6 metre ally rather than the BT 50 with its 3.2 litre.
1 the Jeep has slightly more power
2 the Jeep is auto the BT manual
3 the closer the towball is to the rear axle the less you get pushed around by the boat ( Jeep wins Again)
After 90,000 in the Jeep and 50,000 in the BT I would say that fuel consumption is similar (around 10 litres/100ks unloaded) , the Jeep is more comfortable but the BT's not bad by any means. I would definately look at the auto for city driving I think the six speed manual has quite good ratios for towing but it is a bit like driving a roadranger (you have to remember what gear you are in)
glastronomic
Posts: 892
Date Joined: 16/02/11
Took delivery of a new XLT
Took delivery of a new XLT Ranger Auto from Lynford yesterday as a new tow vehicle.
Dealt with Brendon Ashby and after being treated like shit in other dealerships Brendon was very professional.
Bought my wife a new Patrol at the same time.
My wife just loves the patrols despite just using them for shopping and running around.
The Ranger is the best in class in my opinion after doing some homework on the matter.
Have now 2 Nissan patrols now for sale:))
Both have done less than 150.000KM