Dual cab ute for work

[WildOne]

Righto folks,

Time is near for me to get a work ute, as opposed to working out of the disco, as much as i would love a 130 it simply is not practical as much of my work involves inner city carparks:(

So i need a dual cab ute, i've looked at the new Hilux, Navara D40, Rodeo, Ranger and BT 50. Want 4x4 for the better load carrying and towing ability.

Hilux is too expensive, I really like the Navara D40 and it has great power and torque figures and the ranger/bt 50 are better priced.
I know this is a rover forum but i'm sure i can get some good advice and real life experiences from fellow aulroians on the merits/disadvantages of each model;)

thanks all, Phill

[George130]

Most common I see are slow luxes and nabanas.
I am impressed with how well the rodeo can tow masice loads.

[LandyAndy]

We have Rodeos at work,not much good.
Triton are supposed to have the best rear seat if you have kids to cart,specially bigger ones.
Mate has the Bravo,very happy with it.
Triton do a 2wd with the 4wd suspension/tyre sizes.
Andrew

[Xavie]

I liked the d-40 when I looked about a year ago. I prefered it greatly over the Hilux, especially considering price difference. It makes me angry even seeing someone buy one!

I did get the feeling when looking though that hilux and nissan are much the same and well we all know the mazda and ford is much the same.

For me I would of gone the D-40 as long as it was still possible to have it modified for camping.

Xav

[amtravic1]

I have a few friends with the Mazda/Ford. They are impressed at how well they go. I have been in the Mazda and it rides poorly unladen (everything does compared to a Rangie) but it would be better with a load.

Ian

[waynep]

A guy at work has the new Triton ute ( diesel ). Seems very happy with it. An electric rear diff lock is available as a factory option. ( which he has ).

[PAT303]

I've had all of them and the navara wins hands down for me.I put stiffer springs,shocks in the front though as the sloppy front end on all jap utes gives me the s%#ts.The bravo/mazda is well worth a look but all of them are dear on parts compared to LR. Pat

[CraigE]

The hiluxes are overpriced POS.
The Navara is a better option, well appointed, not a bad price and Nissan will generally negotiate.
The Mazda BT is the pick however if price is a factor and for the price offers a better package.
I am generally a Holden / LR man, but the Colarado is way over priced. I optioned up one up the other day and it was going to cost $53k so dropped to the bottom of the list.

[Michael2]

What about.....

pick up a 300Tdi Defender Wagon ($12K) - turn it into a dual cab 110 ($2K) - replace all the springs with airbags for getting into low car parks ($2K).

1/2 the price and twice the fun of a Navara.

[Olive Drab]

work mate has the triton, gives it a terrible time, things like towing loads that break his trailer. He speaks highly of it, and if he can't kill it my guess is it would be pretty good.

[Capstan]

I had a new model twin cab Hilux 3.0td manual 2WD as a co car for 3 years. It was a beaut. 720kms for 65 litres around town. Heaps of power. Didn't handle really well on the 8 ply light truck though, needed to change the tyres, changed the job instead and got a Falcon.

But I miss it for the weekend Bunnings trip, tip, farm, etc.

[Hymie]

I'm waiting for the new Isuzu utes to come out.

[RMB3218]

What about.....

pick up a 300Tdi Defender Wagon ($12K) - turn it into a dual cab 110 ($2K) - replace all the springs with airbags for getting into low car parks ($2K).

1/2 the price and twice the fun of a Navara.


Who would do the conversion from wagon to dual cab at that price?