School me on commercial vehicles.

For a 4WD wagon to be able to be classed as a commercial vehicle, it needs to meet the “not principally designed for carrying passengers” test.

The following ruling explains why 4WD wagons generally don’t meet this criteria even if it is a 5 seater and the payload is more than 680kg (i.e. more than double 5x68kg).

https://www.ato.gov.au/law/view/docu.../NAT/ATO/00001

Thanks for all the input - a V6 Ranger Sport AWD has been approved. I’m pretty sure it will be an upgrade from the Hilux - date unknown for when it will be ordered and then turn up - I’d image some time for the latter.

I think I can even swing a silver one rather than white. [emoji16]

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Originally Posted by Homestar

I think I can even swing a silver one rather than white. [emoji16]

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We had a couple of silver work vehicles,never again.

The scratches seem to stick out like dogs nuts,white seems to hide them and they often polish out.

Anyway each to their own.

Homestar

The Sport V6 diesel is what i test drove at Essendon Ford - they have a silver XLT in stock if you want to check the colour out.

Many of the tradies around here seem to be ditching utes and buying vans from Ford, Renault, VW etc.
I guess they can load them up with lots of tools and gear and then lock the doors and it is all safe inside.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Homestar

Thanks for all the input - a V6 Ranger Sport AWD has been approved. I’m pretty sure it will be an upgrade from the Hilux - date unknown for when it will be ordered and then turn up - I’d image some time for the latter.

I think I can even swing a silver one rather than white. [emoji16]

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I drove a 2.0 Wildtrack today and was pleasantly suprised how nice it was, very quiet, smooth and comfortable. I've driven the Mazda/Isuzu and the tech is very intrusive with lots of alarms and the lane keep assist is downright scary, the Ford and Toyota are much better, I don't think I could live with the Mazda/Isuzu.
The Ford interior is at another level compared to the Toyota but as I can't get a V6 it will be a difficult choice.

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Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Many of the tradies around here seem to be ditching utes and buying vans from Ford, Renault, VW etc.
I guess they can load them up with lots of tools and gear and then lock the doors and it is all safe inside.

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I need a back seat for the dogs. :) Won't be a tradie vehicle - it basically is a commuter - no sign writing or anything, just my work car to and from with the occasional extension lead or something in the back - would have preferred a wagon but it will save the company dollars to be commercial.

Yes i looked to see if the back seat lifted up so the Newfy can fit in.

The storage boxes don't have lids but you can buy lockable that create a flat space where the bins are.

Yep, except for maybe brickies and farmers, utes are not practical for so many use cases. Don’t know why anyone buys them!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Many of the tradies around here seem to be ditching utes and buying vans from Ford, Renault, VW etc.
I guess they can load them up with lots of tools and gear and then lock the doors and it is all safe inside.

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Originally Posted by simonmelb

Yep, except for maybe brickies and farmers, utes are not practical for so many use cases. Don’t know why anyone buys them!

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Recreational 4WD buyers tend to get twin or single cab utes because they at far more adaptable for their needs and when not 4WDing they can chuck their rubbish in the back to take to the tip[thumbsupbig]
However sparkies, plumbers and mechanics are better off getting a van so that their tools and hardware are secure from theft and kept out of the elements.[thumbsupbig]
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