School me on commercial vehicles.

**Homestar** · 6th July 2022, 03:49 PM

So, I have one for the brains trust. I currently have an SR5 Hilux as a work car. It's due for replacement and I want something more comfortable if possible. Only catch is that it needs to be a commercial vehicle for rego purposes to avoid FBT - this is about the only stipulation.

So, below is the must haves - any recommendations on a vehicle that meets all of the below and is more comfortable than a Hilux - I'm assuming most dual cabs ride about the same but if someone has experience on any that may ride better, then please sing out. Ideally I'd like a wagon body rather than a ute but not sure if there's anything that would fulfill the brief.

MUST HAVE
Brand new not used
Budget is up to $80K
Be able to be registered as a commercial vehicle
Ideally have a towing capacity of 3000kg but can be as low as 2600kg
Be more comfy than a Hilux dual cab

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

TIA

**grey_ghost** · 6th July 2022, 04:00 PM

Isuzu D-max?

Anything has to be more comfortable than a Hilux

**Homestar** · 6th July 2022, 04:25 PM

Well that’s a good point re the Hilux…

I’ve driven a D max - I didn’t find it any better to be honest but it was a couple of years old. A dual cab is a last resort but not sure if there’s a commercial option that is a wagon rather than a dual cab.

**RobMichelle** · 6th July 2022, 04:26 PM

What about the LDV

**Homestar** · 6th July 2022, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by RobMichelle

What about the LDV

Appreciate the input but No. I should have stated that earlier - no dodgy cheap arse brands. For $80K I want something decent.

**chuck** · 6th July 2022, 04:38 PM

Just about get a LC 76 for your budget

Next go to would V6 Diesel Ranger

Lot of the wagons are not commercial i.e. Everest

**Saitch** · 6th July 2022, 04:47 PM

This may help!

**peterjj** · 6th July 2022, 05:33 PM

We live out of town and the trip home involves some corrugated dirt roads, so comfort and handling is made obvious daily.
Wife had a 2018 Amarok and there was never any comment about ride or handling being worse than the non-utes she had previously. It was almost car-like to drive.
I currently have a 2022 Hilux and the ride is so hard that the wife will not use it unless absolutely neccessary. (The ute is for highly active dogs so not much weight).
The Amarok was bought used and had various electrical issues especially with the stop/start resulting in a couple of no starts in the middle of Sydney traffic, so it was sold. Not sure if that is indicative of the model.

**TonyC** · 6th July 2022, 06:35 PM

Point 3, must be commercial

Does if have to be commercial, or just LCT exempt?

What is the definition of commercial, is it geater than 1 tonne payload? If so then none of the wagons will comply.

I think the 79 series wagon is exempt from LCT, as it should be as its exempt from luxury.

The Ranger Raptor is quite possibly the best riding dual cab, but it has a low payload and towing, and it's a Ford, and I believe I've heard you express an opinion about Ford.

Tony

**scarry** · 6th July 2022, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by TonyC

The Ranger Raptor is quite possibly the best riding dual cab, but it has a low payload and towing, and it's a Ford, and I believe I've heard you express an opinion about Ford.

Tony

Thats the one,rides on FOX suspension,but i wouldnt buy one either.The best ride of the utes buy a country mile.

Any 70,even the 76 needs a hell of a lot of work and $$ to make is very comdortable,and you will need to find a very good suspension guy.
And the utes have one hell of a turning circle.

You won't get a 76,they are years off,but you could get one of the utes.

So that leaves all the other dual cab utes on the market,sorry i cant help.
But something like a Hilux with good aftermarket suspension may be the go.You will need to do a lot of research and find a GOOD aftermarket suspension guy,who as experience in them.

We drove an SR5 when we were looking for something to replace the D4,and yes it was rough as,didnt take long to work out it wasnt for us.

Ended up with the LC 200,plated commercial and LCT exempt,but those days are now long gone.
It rides and drives very well.

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