Thread: Disco 1 days are numbered - which dual cab ute?

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Nobody's mentioned the Merc, is it available as a dc?

As a Navara.

Originally Posted by Saitch

I think you're correct. Isn't the Colorado the D-Max clone?

The 2021 BT 50 is based on the D-max. Here is the history of the D-max. The D-max was regarded as the true Rodeo successor, with a 3 litre engine.

Isuzu Ute D-Max (outbacktravelaustralia.com.au)

And the history of the BT50.

Mazda BT-50 (outbacktravelaustralia.com.au)

Edit- Mazda's BT50 became a Ford re-skin in 2011, and the 2021 model did the same on Isuzu mechanicals.

Originally Posted by Saitch

As a Navara.

A chook's foot Dato?

Getting back to the original question, I don't think it would matter what you went with, for the intended purposes indicated.

If you've got your heart set on the Datsun, go for it!
If another brand, go for it!
After all, if you took notice of the advice on dual cabs offered here, you'd sell the camper, join a bowls club and buy a Camry!

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I might have missed it, but did you say why you wanted a dual cab ute rather than a wagon?
Have you considered a Ford Everest? I've seen some very nice ones. Advantages of a Ranger plus a better rear suspension.
Or you could just get on car sales and buy a low kilometres Defender. Go on, you know you want too. Ha!

I just like the pure functionality of a dc, tray and custom box. But yes, as mentioned in an earlier post, i cant tolerate cart springs and that only really leaves the Navara or Merc. If they end up genuinely being a bad idea ( dcs generally and Navaras specifically for what I want it for) then I will probably look at Everest type wagons to get the coil rear and all round versatility that I want.

Originally Posted by edddo

I just like the pure functionality of a dc, tray and custom box. But yes, as mentioned in an earlier post, i cant tolerate cart springs and that only really leaves the Navara or Merc. If they end up genuinely being a bad idea ( dcs generally and Navaras specifically for what I want it for) then I will probably look at Everest type wagons to get the coil rear and all round versatility that I want.

The only one that fits the bill is a Def 130 and they're no longer in production.

ALL the modern crop of DC utes / tray backs are commercial vehicles, built to carry loads with stiff rear springs.

None have a beam axle at the front and springs at the rear to get full soft articulation.

Not one will come close to your D1 off road. Just the way it is.

DL

Originally Posted by Eevo

I thought th BT50 was based on the ford ranger, not the d-max?

The previous BT50 was a Ford Ranger or visa versa. The new BT50 is a Dmax with a nicer interior.

The Colorado is a GM, fitted with 2.8 diesel motor by VM. I drove a Trailblazer for a couple of weeks, the 2.8 diesel and 6 speed auto was a nice combination.

Originally Posted by 350RRC

The only one that fits the bill is a Def 130 and they're no longer in production.

ALL the modern crop of DC utes / tray backs are commercial vehicles, built to carry loads with stiff rear springs.

None have a beam axle at the front and springs at the rear to get full soft articulation.

Not one will come close to your D1 off road. Just the way it is.

DL

The 130 dual cab, with full time 4WD, coils all round and rear disc brakes was years ahead. A 2005 td5 130 is probably the pick.