Dual Cab Ute - $30k

2jzzzz on 15/08/2015 - 09:54
Last edited 15/08/2015 - 09:57

Hi everyone,

looking to get a dual cab ute in the next couple of weeks and want people's opinion. This is designed to throw the dogs in the back to go to the beach, the odd weekend getaway with some light 4wd'n but mainly used as a work commuter. I travel about 60km each day.

So far my search has narrowed me down to:

  • Brand new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton MN GXL+. Can be had for less than $30k on the road with side steps, tow bar and alloys.

  • 2012ish Toyota Hilux SR5 with around 100000km

  • 2011ish Ford Ranger/ Mazda BT50 with over 100000km

I've removed Nissans, Isuzu, Holden and any crappy Tata, Great Wall etc etc.

The Amarok looks great, but out of my price range and the servicing is high.

My research so far is from people and reading. Haven't driven any of them. Never owned a 4wd, have come from performance cars and a Yaris haha.

I've pretty much decided on the new car for this price but wanted some feedback. I'm happy with the basic features and vinyl interior.

The only thing I'm really finding wrong with the 2.5 Turbo Diesel engine is the intake manifold can get gunked up. My mechanic uncle said simple fix and insurance is to run fully synthetic oil with a catch can. Love the idea of a 5 year warranty and 10 year drivetrain warranty.

Financially, this will be either added to our mortgage or even a novated lease through work which looks very attractive.

Automotive

Comments

  • spackbace on 15/08/2015 - 10:35

    Why a 2012 SR5/2011 Ranger/BT50 with high mileage, but not the Colorado? Just curious.

    Also, any kids in the picture or in the near future?

    • 2jzzzz on 15/08/2015 - 11:03

      Not interested in the Isuzu/Holden. Personal opinion and backed up my uncle who's a diesel mechanic. He said no to those, nor the Nissans.

      Kids are in the near future, but not for 2 years or so. My wife will get the SUV thing for main duties in the near future.

      • spackbace on 15/08/2015 - 11:15

        No worries.

        I appreciate kids might be a little bit down the track, but it also might be worth considering during the purchase. Ie curtain airbags, ability to have 3 anchor points across the back. Look for 5 star safety if you can, certainly worth it.

        Personally I've heard very average things about Hilux for the last 10yrs or so, it's still banking on its name from the early 00s and later models don't have the same reliability. Certainly the features don't stack up against the competition.

        Dual cab utes definitely do need to be driven to be tested, too many different variables that some like and some dont. Be aware of the diesel noise and how instrusive it is, if the power/torque is enough. Try to avoid ex-mine vehicles, and ex-shire.

      • spackbace on 15/08/2015 - 11:19

        I should add, I've declared it in prior posts but I work for Holden. In terms of brand new cars, I like the Colorado for comfort and features, and I actually like the look. And actually don't get that many complaints regarding issues, nowhere near some of the others in our range! Only other dual cab (brand new) I'd look at would be the Ranger/BT50, but typically they're more expensive. Same power/torque, same features, just adding in a diff lock as standard.

        Might be worth looking at finances and seeing if you can find another $5k to get a demo car, or very near new. Have some warranty, less hard work on the ute etc. Maybe even capped price servicing. Yes I know uncle is a diesel mechanic, but sometimes it's just better to farm these things out to a 3rd party :)

        • 2jzzzz on 15/08/2015 - 11:54

          Thanks for the reply. Uncle is a mechanic, but in another city where he sees hundreds of diesel dual cabs. He won't be servicing it, so it's a pretty unbiased opinion.

          Do any of the dual cabs have 3 anchor points for kids? Be pretty damn squishy having three car seats in any dual cab I imagine.

        • spackbace on 15/08/2015 - 11:57

          @2jzzzz:

          Colorado (2012 onwards) is the only 1 afaik :P

          Not so much about having 3 in there, it's about being able to choose which seat you can put them in

  • andy19363 on 15/08/2015 - 10:50

    Ssangyong Actyon are worth a look if you can put up with the name…. and the looks, (although they look a lot better than they used to…).
    I've had the previous model, Musso sport, for over 10 yrs, and it's never put a foot wrong……
    http://www.carshowroom.com.au/showrooms/ssangyong/actyon-spo…

    • 2jzzzz on 15/08/2015 - 11:04
      +2

      No thanks, just not going to get me in one of those. Not the Tata, Great Wall or Mahindra.

  • oscargamer on 15/08/2015 - 14:35

    Triton

  • Sober Thoughts on 15/08/2015 - 15:55

    Do yourself a favour and test drive the Foton Tunland. I was very suprised, so much so l bought one. Brand new 4x4 D/Cab with window tint, 3 year warranty, road side assist etc. $27,400 drive away. Have had it 3 months so far and love it. Dealership had a new 2014 4x2 D/cab model available which could be had for $21,500 on the road. You state you never owned a 4wd, have come from performance vechiles, then you maybe a little disappointed with the get up and go of a diesel 4x4. Good luck with your search and hope you get something decent. As Bacspace said, stay away from ex-mine vehicles.

    • 2jzzzz on 15/08/2015 - 19:54

      For under $2k more, I get a better known new Ute with 5 years warranty and 10 year drive train warranty.

      • Sober Thoughts on 15/08/2015 - 20:14
        +1

        So spend another grand to get extended warranty on the Foton and you would still be in front. Don't take my word for it though, go and drive one and then come back with the critism.

  • ozy on 16/08/2015 - 09:30

    2012 Hilux.
    I have the single cab version and its a dream! Never skipped a beat.

  • oli78 on 16/08/2015 - 10:35

    I have the older model Triton, and love it. Best space in the back for future kids if nothing else.

    goes great on the beach. Maybe consider a late model second hand though.

    • 2jzzzz on 16/08/2015 - 11:18

      I'm on car sales and a 2010 with 75000km still advertises for $26k. Can get a brand new one for a little bit more, or even the same with some hard bargaining.

      Have you ut baby seats in he back? Recommend a good canopy?

      • oli78 on 17/08/2015 - 10:12

        Just this weekend loaded up a third. Currently have two seats and a capsule. It fits, but is squishy to get then in. Still plenty of space for the kids though.

        Canopies are expensive. I've heard the mitsi ones aren't that flash, but haven't seen it in person. Keep an eye on gumtree they're often up for second hand, particularly the mn model. Personally I like the flexiglass ones, but really comes down to personal taste and what you need.

        • 2jzzzz on 17/08/2015 - 10:18

          If I get it on the novated lease, I should bundle it all in from the dealer. I haven't seen the dealer ones yet, but if hey have a smooth finish, colour coded I would probably go with them.

          www.newtrition.net is a wealth of knowledge I'm reading through.

        • spackbace on 17/08/2015 - 10:22

          @2jzzzz:

          In WA we recommend Flexiglass ones over the genuine ones ;) For the same sort of money, it's a better canopy.

          Looking at around $3100 for the canopy, smooth finish colour coded.

          Maybe consider a spray-on tub liner as well. For around $700-$1000 it's a much better option than the plastic ones, more hard wearing. Just means you can throw your stuff in without caring :)

  • Euphemistic on 16/08/2015 - 12:18

    If you've never driven a dual cab ute, be prepared for the bouncy ride. Spending on what your commute is like it could be horrid to get to work. I'd much rather a wagon. I've driven a few different models for work and some are downright horrid to drive and distance. The base model triton (not current model) was pretty ordinary, current Colorado are better but still bouncy on ordinary roads.

    Having said that if I was replacing my forester wagon I'd consider a dual cab for home Reno load lugging, but I only have a 6km commute

  • yogihogi on 16/08/2015 - 20:42
    +1

    I've owned a 2014 dual cab triton since this time last year, its a bit of a beast to drive, I've been to Stockton beach and some firetracks near me. Never has it let me down, no warranty issues at all (done 23k). I paid 28.5k driveway in NSW only option was the rear diff lock. It's ruff and a bit dated but considering an equivalent model hilux was over 50k it was really a no brainer.

  • PVA on 16/08/2015 - 20:54

    go for the titan. its the previous model (but same shape), but a great price I reckon.

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