Double Cab 4WD Ute

[Greylandy]

After 12 years and three Defenders, I'm finally moving on looking at a double cab 4WD ute. Would love to hear some opinions, good and bad, on the the current lot of double cab utes.

Currently I'm leaning towards the NIssan Navara, the ST model seems like good value for money (able to get a 2011 auto for 38k)

Hilux obviously top of the class but by far the most expensive.

I'm a big VW fan and like the look of the Amarok. I can live with a smaller Diesel motor and fuel economy is excellent but starting price for the Trendline is around 44K and no auto.

Triton, probably a great diesel engine but looks like a spaceship.

Over to you guys, any real wrold experience with any of the above?

[roverfan]

New ranger is a class above every other dual cab on the market by a mile

[dobbo]

I looked at the towing capacity of the vehicles, we have the potential to tow over 2700kg, the only three available that could handle it were the Triton (in alloy tray form only), Amarok and Dmax / Colorado. I came so close to buying the VW but in the end the Holden got it.

[abaddonxi]

Another long lost member reappeared. Hi Henry.:D

[ade]

why not a dual cab 110

[roverfan]

I looked at the towing capacity of the vehicles, we have the potential to tow over 2700kg, the only three available that could handle it were the Triton (in alloy tray form only), Amarok and Dmax / Colorado. I came so close to buying the VW but in the end the Holden got it.

But the ranger is 3350

[dobbo]

But the ranger is 3350



but I got a decked out holden (old but proven technology) for a lot less money

[stuee]

Latest 4wd Australia mag has a comparo of all the latest dual cab utes. May be worth having a read at the newsagent :angel:. Was interesting reading that the VW feels like it has more power than the 3.0TD Ford and Mazda, even though on paper its got quite a bit less. Supposedly, the Amarok has the best on-road handling by far and is up there in terms of offroad ability too. I'd still struggle to get past the small capacity motor (mental thing) so if I had the coin it would go on a BT-50 or Ranger.

Also from what I gather the Hilux is far from class leading atm, the platform is now one of the oldest out there, but you would think they would be due for a big update soon.

[VladTepes]

There was another similar thread recently.

Amarok mate !

[LandyAndy]

The new Rangers/BT50 are the go.
We have the past model at work,100000ks on it,no issues.
They drive well,good on fuel and HEAPS of power.
The new ones are even better than the previous model.
Have a drive.
Andrew

[CraigE]

Personally I would go 130.
But sounds like you want an auto.
After recovering an auto Navara 2 weeks ago I would steer clear of these. Any water fresh or salt buggers them. I believe any water in the auto filter and they go into limp mode, if you are lucky. I pulled one out that had its nose in fresh water for about 2hrs, The water was just coming in through the front doors, with about 70mm of water on the floor. It was left running. Pulled it out ok no problem, engine still running. Engine would not run above idle and intitially would not engage drive and would not come out of 4wd (electronic switch). No fuses blown at all. Eventually got drive and then some rpm. Maximum speed getting it home was 80kmph on a downhill. The guy was still having issues a week later after all fluids etc changed. He is going to get rid of it as it has had regular problems like this when you go anywhere near water. The creek itself was not deep at approx 300mm.
The manual may be a better option.

[DiscoMick]

My BIL just bought a Triton which he likes a lot, despite all the plastic, but the comparos are now favouring the Ranger/BT50.

[Penft]

Hi Greaylandy. This is a bit of a long post, but I found myself in a similar situation not long ago so I hope this helps.
I have a 2009 Triton with the older 3.2 Diesel and I can’t fault it. I was not a fan of its shape at first (keep mind the Defender is no oil painting) however throw on an aftermarket bulbar, snorkel, canopy, rear bar and some decent tyres and it really transformed its appearance – has even turned a few heads on site from a couple of Hilux lovers.
Some of reasons that swayed my decision were that at time the Triton had the best turning circle in the range, and had the most spacious rear seats. The space came at the cost of having a smaller tub however I have never had any issues with its size. It also had the best ANTCAP rating of all the dual cabs. Came with Aircon and Cruise control as standard. It also has the Mitsubishi super select with a centre diff lock standard. On top of that it has an unlimited kilometre 5 year warranty throughout the vehicle and a 10 year warranty on the engine and drive train.
When comparing the price with two friends who went the way of the hilux, I was able to purchase and have installed the ARB bulbar, TJM snorkel, Flexiglass canopy, TJM rear bar/tow and fit 5 new AT tyres all round with a some ashtray change. My mates have had to save to purchase some decent rubber and are still saving for their bullbars. My mates know that they payed about 10 thousand too much but they say when they sell it they will get 10 thousand more.
In the last 2 years my triton has done 75,000km without issue. From Canberra it has done 2 trips to FNQ as well as a trip to Cameron Corner not to mention a number of trips into Bendethra and around the Brindabella Mountains. One of the trips north included going all the way to the top where it conquered the old telegraph track with only the modifications listed above (ie. no suspension modifications and no winching or snatching was required). On week days the Triton performs work duties and tows a 1.5 ton 8x5 tradesman trailer.
In terms of off road ability, nothing is going to match the defender, however with careful wheel placement you are still able to get most places (ref Old telegraph track). The triton can be fitted with an option rear diff lock from factory (about $700 it think). I didn’t get the rear diff lock so have the LSD which is still tight and works well even after 75,000kms. I don’t know how all the other makes go but I do know that on the Hilux, around 40,000km it starts to loose affect (maybe driving habits play a role in longevity???) In comparing my triton with my friends hilux’s off road - they are both surprising, even in stock form despite the limited articulation. That said, the Hilux seems to need to use momentum to get through/over obstacles compared with the triton (centre diff lock maybe?) however with a cool head behind the wheel, both will get you into and out of enough trouble.
I have a third friend with a Navara and he has had one or two little problems. I can’t recall what they were exactly (gearbox or transfer case related) but it has been enough for him to not have confidence in its reliability any longer. It is an auto so maybe the manual is the way to go with the Navara.
If I was to be looking at dual cabs now, I’d get a 110 or 130 dual cab. If you have decided that it is time for a break from the green oval then i’d have a very close look at the new BT50. That said I personally don’t like pushing a button to engage 4WD so that cutts D-MAX, Colorado, Navara etc. I would probably avoid the Amarook – have had a few friends with various VW’s and they always seem to have expensive niggling problems. Stick with the Jap dual cabs as they are all very good these days. Push hard for a good deal and you should be sweet with any of them.

[Celtoid]

Just recently read something on the Navara, I didn't pay it too much attention and only read it at all, 'cause a mate of mine owns one and was complaining how bad the fuel eco is....it's an auto diesel. Another mate has a Colorado and raves about it....especially the fuel usage. I was blown away by how bad the Navara is on this front.......my D4 has almost a ton on it, 2 more pots and another turbo. It produces shed loads more power and torque, yet with the aerodynamics of a toilet block, absolutely flogs the fuel eco on his Navara.

Sorry I can't remember where I read the article but I'm certain they were stating that the transmission and engine just don't work well together....always requiring lots of revs, thus badly affecting the fuel usage and driveability....especially off-road. I think it drove pretty well on-road though....it's a bit lower than the other utes, is that right? But off course, that creates a downside too, with off-road clearance issues.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Kev.

[Casper]

IMHO,
1. BT50/Ranger, Well built reliable and apparently reasonably economical
2. Triton, Ugly as sin but very reliable, comfortable on and off road, very capable and economical.
3. Deefa 110 or 130, I need not explain
4. Not really worth going any further as the rest are just engines with a bucket behind them and all have theyr faults that out weigh their good points.

Cheers Casper

[ramblingboy42]

my mate, a mobile mechanic who services fleets of the current jap utes reckons the Mitsubishi Tritons to be the best of the current bunch. All the others have flaws, some really bad , but he reckons the Triton just does everything well and is probably the more reliable vehicle to own.....best warranty too.

[LandyAndy]

Penft.
There are NO Japanese dualcabs.
They are ALL made in the Phillipines.
Andrew

[DiscoMick]

Thailand, actually, just south of Bangkok.

[BMKal]

Penft.
There are NO Japanese dualcabs.
They are ALL made in the Phillipines.
Andrew


Thailand, actually, just south of Bangkok.

Yep ................... Thailand - except for the Navara which is made in Spain.

I'll take a VW over the lot of them any day thanks :D

[33chinacars]

Me I'd go for the Amarok.

Navara ST-X made in Spain. All others made in Thailand. Fit and finish better on lower models than top of the line. You just get more bits on ST-X. Seat material better on ST. Also if ordering bull bars, canopy's etc you have to specify which model as dimensions are different. Canopy's out by about 1/2" I think. Just enough so they dont fit properly.

Also one company I know of that converts dualcabs to 6 wheel laxy axle for 5-wheel caravans profers Colarado/ Rodeo over Navara. Has less power on paper but pulls better & more economical. You have to rev Nissan too hard to get its power.

Gary

[Greylandy]

Thanks for all the advice guys, apologies for the delay, had a small issue with a first born making an appearance. Some pretty compelling arguments here for a variety of vehicles. I haven't been on AULRO for a long time, certainly forgot how damn helpful this place can be :D

Leaning towards the Amarok at this stage but test driving the Ranger this weekend so time will tell ...

[BMKal]

I'm test driving the Amarok tomorrow.

For me, it's a choice between a new D4 or the Amarok. I'd love the D4 but have got to consider the difference in dollars.

Compared to the Amarok or possibly a DMax - there's not another dial cab on the market that I'd consider. Got Hi-lux's at work and they're over-rated rubbish. Navara is fuel guzzler (though that's with the 3 litre diesel - haven't heard what the new V6 is like). BT50 and Ranger are even fuglier than the Triton in my opinion. Defender - well I've got to be able to park it in the city, though a new 110 dual cab might be worth a look.

[amtravic1]

I bought a Dmax for work about 15 months ago. It has been all I expected. The things that swayed me to the Dmax were there was almost no reports of motor problems, fuel problems etc with the Dmax and Colorado compared to the other makes. I also compared the chassis to the others and thought the Isuzu looked stronger.
I t is no Landrover off road but in the time I have owned it, it has had zero problems carrying at least half- 1 ton every day.

There is new models of the Dmax and Colorado coming out in a few months so good deals can be had at present or wait and look at the new models. The Isuzu motor is really good. When I bought mine I went to look at a grey manual base model but walked away with a white auto top of the range for less than $40,000 drive away.
Interestingly, I find the basic (compared to a Range Rover) seats more comfortable than the Rangie ones.

[123rover50]

Tritons near Darwin Woops.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/05/18.jpg

[strangy]

delete

[Bigbjorn]

Reading your original posts It looks to me like you plan to buy used. The earlier Ranger with the 4 cylinder engine is to my mind the pick of the used prospects. The current one has problems. I know of at least three independent mechanical shops that refuse to book them in because of the well known oil change problem and the battery going flat on many if not used for a few days.

Find an earlier model with low k's if you can. Perhaps you will trip over the legendary driven only on sundays to church by a little old lady.

Norm Beechey advertised his Chev Impala 409 as one owner, 1500 genuine miles, driven only on Sundays on bitumen roads.

[discorevy]

Tritons near Darwin Woops.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/05/18.jpg


mmm.... Tip trays, be handy if parked on a downhill slope[bigwhistle]

[Arch]

I've worked on them all - they all have their problems. My pick would be the hilux or the triton with the super select gearbox. But hilux first because the parts are cheap and there is a lot knowledge about their problems, if any with the current shape.

Yes, I dreaded the rangers too.

[123rover50]

I only posted that pic showing a line up of bent chassis on campers.
Its an old thread and the OP is probably sorted by now