Reseaching purchase of a *newer* Trademans Ute... *Canopy is loaded with weight of tooling/equipment.

[Deactivated] on 03/05/2019 - 21:06

My existing vehicle (Ford Supercab') is getting on and is older than I care to admit but it sure has been a great workhorse, if on the 'thirsty' side.
It lacks some of the more current/standard 'mod cons' thus I've been toying around with updating.
The suspension was bolstered with air shocks to accomodate the heavyish' weight of the customised canopy (tooling) contents. (weight related *requirement)
I do wonder sometimes about having a new ICC installed assuming it will improve BT comms. I'm using one of those FM/BT devices that plug into the lighter socket but it's often 'laggy' and outright glitchy at times… NOT good when speaking to customers! I'm also a big fan of cruise ctrl, which is also something I could have installed. As the vehicle is ageing I do have some concerns about more serious repairs that may be needed over the next couple of years so this serves to complicate matters. A new canopy will have to be considered in the future but for now will just have it swapped over/onto the newer vehicle after ascertaining that the conversion will be both possible and feasible. I'd assume/expect most engineers could create fittings to allow most any canopy to fit onto most any 'cab chassis' vehicle though within reason.

I don't need a 'dual cab' and I don't want a 'single cab'. I very much like the 'extended' type cab setup. Ford seems to get great reviews and this is surely reflected in the $$$.
I feel that the 3.2 engine would be a better decision than the smaller 2.2 version. Quite stylish as well with it's somewhat brutish' looking front end IMO. I'm warming to diesel fuelled vehicles as likely conducive to added weight of the canopy. Sure would be nice to have something that sits a little higher on the road as well. Being a heavier vehicle than other more basic/lighter vehicles I like the idea of having a better idea of whats going on up ahead of me especially for better anticipation and brake application.
I'm pretty much ruling out Volkswagens and Isuzu as the Fords alone are expensive enough. Would be happy to consider other brands except Nissan and Chery.
Nissans don't seem to get great reviews and the Cherys' haven't been on the market long enough to instill my confidence… not even sure they make a vehicle in this limited category. I initially liked the Mitsis' but they are said to be somewhat 'chunky' from a comfort point of view so I'm currently leaning towards the Ford 'Supercab' as they seem to have a higher weight bearing capacity (ref heavily tooled canopy above) & better mileage/reviews than others. I also like the styling of the Ford followed by the Mazdas. Toyota is in the running as well. I really don't need a new vehicle. I'd be happy with something aged from 2014 onwards.

Any helpful thoughts or ideas on the matter will be greatly appreciated.
Good thing is I'm not desperate or in a terrible rush so am somewhat hoping that I come across a great deal that I can't turn down!

Automotive

Comments

  • theHMASfriendship on 03/05/2019 - 21:12
    +2

    The 2.2s are awful. Get the 3.2

    • [Deactivated] on 04/05/2019 - 06:14

      Thank you, I did speak to someone who said the same so good to hear it confirmed.

      • brad1-8tsi on 06/05/2019 - 12:17

        I've been researching utes too. I just keep hearing horror stories about the reliability of the 3.2.

        I was discussing 2nd hand utes (I only need an older vehicle for local work) with a motor mechanic mate a few weeks backs (we are both mechs but he's still on the tools in NZ) and he said if I'm not doing big miles get a Hilux petrol v6 with the VVT engine. As much as I like diesel turbos with lots of torque, it made sense for my application.

        My BIL is a builder. Last year he traded in his 2005 v6 Commodore 1 tonner for an Izuzu single cab diesel auto and loves it. It was $25k with the tray after trade-in (which was not a lot).

        If I was buying new I'd probably get the triton although i know there are plenty of haters for the brand.

  • whooah1979 on 03/05/2019 - 21:38
    +1

    How heavy is your load and do you carry bulky cargo?

    • [Deactivated] on 04/05/2019 - 06:16

      Air shocks were installed to suit a 1 tonne vehicle, equipment is predominantly mounted to base.

  • spackbace on 04/05/2019 - 00:08

    I really don't need a new vehicle. I'd be happy with something aged from 2014 onwards.

    It's pretty tricky finding many extra cabs on the used market, as it's primarily a dual cab market these days.

    I get what you mean about the Ford styling up front, but I still couldn't go past the Hilux reliability and resale.

    New models would likely have longer warranties and will definitely have lower servicing with capped price servicing.

    Might be time to talk to your accountant about tax advantages on different aged vehicles if it's for a business

    • blitz on 04/05/2019 - 09:18

      Why the negs for Spacky here?

  • [Deactivated] on 04/05/2019 - 06:23
    +1

    I have noticed that there are many other types that the extended cab versions out there. I expect the other two variants are more useful/in demand than the extended.
    Very valid points about the Hilux and not so much a critical point but relative I don't find them to be stylish… especially the 'snobby' nosed ones that sit a bit low. The new car warranties are appealing if especially the Mitsis' (7 years?). Sage advice re. speaking to my accountant too Spack'. Greatly appreciated, hadn't thought of that yet! Doh!
    I can't imagine the budget would allow, thus hadn't even considered, but always worth a shot.

  • Nugs on 04/05/2019 - 09:44

    "long term serious repairs"?

    If yours is a Falcon based ute, plenty of taxis rack(ed) up high kms. I once got in an AU with 800,000km. Third tranny, engine never touched.

    Don't be the "I wish I never sold my old ute" person.
    .

    • spackbace on 04/05/2019 - 10:18

      If it's a business car, imo it's not a great look to rock up in an old POS that's struggling, or falling apart

  • brendanm on 04/05/2019 - 12:06

    Air bags are not the proper solution to carry extra weight permanently. They are good for levelling out a tow vehicle every now and then, or carry extra weight every now and then. If carry weight constantly, you need uprated shocks and springs. The chassis on leaf spring utes is not designed for the load that is placed on it by airbags.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/05/2019 - 14:44

      That is very interesting. Will definitely have to drop into some HD shocks and suspension place to get further advice.
      Thanks for adding this info. If upgrading to a newer vehicle isn't or can't be done wonder if I could have uprated shocks and springs put in to compensate existing setup? Or better to remove airbags and have done? Maybe one would compensate the other?
      Can you offer or explain worst case scenario with vehicle set up as is? Maybe breakage of shock/springs mounting bracket?
      An increasingly 'bowing' chassis frame maybe?

      • brendanm on 04/05/2019 - 17:47

        Yes you could definately do it on your current vehicle, there are suspension upgrades available for everything. You could always leave the airbags there for slight assistance at times if necessary.

        Yes can bend things, and it's just not the right way to do it, and wasn't designed to operate that way.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/05/2019 - 19:01

          Thanks again, more food for thought. Will add to the overall mix of decisions and options to consider.

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