Need help making a decision on a ute

[86mud]

Hi all

In a dilemma at the moment. I am looking at changing jobs - from white collar to blue collar and need a ute. I am looking at a single cab defender.

My problem is what to do with my Range Rover. After spending 5 years building it up with all the gear, i can not really justify having it and a ute.

As I can see it the options are:

1. Ute the Range Rover - initial outlay around $5,000 for the ute chop and tray.

2. Buy Defender ute - maybe around $10,000 - there is one on Carsales.com.au in Canberra but it has a rebuilt motor at 290,000kms which is of concern.

3. Transfer wheels/tyres (33 x 12.5 BFG muds), axles (MD axles, lockers and 4.11 CW&P, hardended CV's) and suspension (3" lift springs, Bilstein long travel shocks, modified shock mounts etc) from Rangie to Defender - can not really afford to keep both running. Is this possible?

Other options?

Secondly, are there any things I should look out for when buying a second hand Defender ute. Do Defender utes come with 3 seats or 2?

Any advice appreciated

Cheers
Andrew

[Utemad]

Do you really want your weekend plaything to double as your dependable work ute?

Bit risky if you break something.

What about buying a 2wd jap ute and keep the Rangie?

[Maggot4x4]

Why not just tow a trailer?

[spudboy]

What sort of ute cab are you looking for? Are you thinking 130 or 110?

The 2 door standard cabs are pretty cramped, and there is not much scope for moving the seats back if you have long legs.

There is a 2 door "Extra Cab" design that is much better with a bit of room behind the seats for storing small stuff like a briefcase or some tools. You lose a bit of tray space, but probably only 8" - 10"

[long stroke]

Rangie ute:cool:

[Grover-98]

Well if the trailer is not an option you could buy a cheap ute but then you would have the added cost of another car to keep on the road.

I would suggest turning the Rangy into a ute! seems cost effective you know the car pretty well im sure so you would know what its got left in it :) and you would also still be getting the comfort of the Range Rover interior :) and the timeless design!

James.

[Vern]

what are you doing and what are you using it for?

[86mud]

Thanks for all your comments

I am looking starting a building maintenance business - similar to hire a hubby.

I do have a trailer so there is no issue there.

The reason I was going a Defender ute was for the fuel economy. My Rangie currently runs at 20l/100kms. I would like to get the 130 for extra bit of cabin room.

The ute chops does sound appealing, but I am just not sure if that is cost effective in the long run.

It is really a hard decision at this point in time.

oh the pain!!!

Cheers

[Maggot4x4]

Buy and old Series ute or a 2wd [insert jap/aussie name here] cheap and keep the rangie.

[Blknight.aus]

initially Id run the trailer then if it showed promis

Id ute back the rangie and LPG it or slide in a diesel.

I have a line on another series highside ute like fozzy if you want to go the series route.

most of the running gear will change over without too much hassle aside from some potential legal stuff.

[Vern]

My advice, don't get something you have to work on all the time! Get something you have to work out of and be comfortable, reliable and most of all practical. As much as i think the idea of driving a fender with canopy on would be cool for work (electrician), just not practical, you can't beat a box van for what i do.

[barney]

DON'T ute the rangie!
have not seen a good one yet and if you want to go back you can't.
get yourself a work vehicle, you'll need it for work.
if you break something on the weekend, no work monday.
keep your rangie as it is, it looks like a good truck.

[86mud]

Hi all

Thanks for your comments

I think I am leaning toward buying a cheap ute. I agree with Vern...I to love the idea of a Defender 130 dual cab, but I think it would be a waste to just use it as a work ute.

I just can't bring myslef to buy something other then Landrover! I have never owned a Japcrap car before....

Any ideas on a realible 4 cylinder ute - either petrol of diesel around $15,000 - $20,000

Cheers
Andrew

[disco2hse]

For something different, buy a Transit van. Tough as nails and last for ages. Make a good wagon carrying all sorts stuff and tow trailers too. Lots of room on the side for advertising too (if you are gong into business you have to be pragmatic and things like that are important).

Alan

[Vern]

Hi all

Any ideas on a realible 4 cylinder ute - either petrol of diesel around $15,000 - $20,000

Cheers
Andrew
Anything jap, if you only need a small one tonne tray then for that price you could buy a new one, for me if i was spending 20k i'd get the ford ranger 2wd 2.5 turbo diesel, 20k with abn on road

[long stroke]

Hi all

Thanks for your comments

I think I am leaning toward buying a cheap ute. I agree with Vern...I to love the idea of a Defender 130 dual cab, but I think it would be a waste to just use it as a work ute.

I just can't bring myslef to buy something other then Landrover! I have never owned a Japcrap car before....

Any ideas on a realible 4 cylinder ute - either petrol of diesel around $15,000 - $20,000

Cheers
Andrew


If you don't want Jap crap, turn a peugeot 504 into a ute:p
We have plenty of spares:D

[bblaze]

I work out of my disco 1 quite happily.
I wouldnt have a ute simple because of security of tools, ok then you say put a hard cover on it, well that defeats the purpose of a ute (easy access to through in a load).
I heve worked out of utes,vans, rrclassic and now the disco and the rangie was the best with a trailer when needed.
cheers
blaze
ps
My choice would be a 92 rangie with a 300tdi