Need Advice on Buying Second Hand Single Cab Ute

noideaa on 29/11/2024 - 16:28
Last edited 29/11/2024 - 20:58 by 1 other user

Hi, I’m looking to spend around $15k - $20k on a single cab ute for gardening only and hoping they can last for solid 5 years.

This is my ideal setup and leaving the trailer aside for the occasional big clean up so nothing fancy.

Can I please have some advice what to look out for to ease my mind?

I saw some Hilux workmate, Triton and BT-50s with 50k to less than 100k km’s advertised around $20K but I’m more concerned about the condition of the vehicle than the price considering they were used and probably abused by tradies everyday. Thinking to spend less and pay the rest when I lodge my tax.

Thanks

Automotive Ute

Comments

  • Murkymerv on 29/11/2024 - 16:51
    +3

    Whatever you buy , if your not savvy with mechanical workings of a vehicle , get it checked out by an accredited inspection, RACV. Save yourself headaches later on .

    • noideaa on 29/11/2024 - 17:25

      Thanks, will definitely book for a pre purchase inspection.

    • AustriaBargain on 29/11/2024 - 19:44
      +1

      Lower your odds of headache later on. There's no guarantees with used cars.

  • barge-in hunter on 29/11/2024 - 17:08
    +2

    If your gardening business is metro based - I strongly recommend you don't get any 2nd hand diesel from the last ~10 years. The constant short trips will clog up the DPF something shocking and you'll be up for a huge repair bill & lots of time off the road.

    I know this basically limits your choice down to a base model Toyota Hilux, but honestly that's a very solid option in this market.

    If you do have to go for a diesel model, then the DPF is definitely something you need checking by a qualified mechanic (not just some RACx checklist ticker).

    • noideaa on 29/11/2024 - 17:24

      Hilux workmate is my top preference.

      Are they seen as #1 when it comes to second hand ute reliability like Camry/Corolla?

      • Euphemistic on 29/11/2024 - 17:49
        +1

        Best reputation, not necessarily significantly better than the other main brands. Each model has its specific quirks. Overall some specific variants of hilux might be less reliable than a specific variant of another brand.

      • AustriaBargain on 29/11/2024 - 19:45

        Can you get a small business loan maybe and get an even better ute?

        • noideaa on 30/11/2024 - 08:31

          I just want to spend within means so ideally $20K.

          There’s lots of single cab utes with 50k - under 100k km’s advertised around that price so all i want to know if they can run solid for 5 years without expecting any major issues.

          • Euphemistic on 30/11/2024 - 09:48

            @noideaa: Modern vehicles should run to 300k km without too much drama if they are well maintained.

            Of course, there is always a chance something goes bang.

            Of my recent vehicles, with up to 200k km on them nothing serious has gone wrong. All have had minor problems, costing a few hundred in repairs. Biggest cost was a clutch replacement, but thats a wear item. The cost of the repairs has been less than the depreciation of a new vehicle under warranty.

      • FullPrice on 30/11/2024 - 07:06

        One thing I noticed with the workmate compared to the SR is that the cabin is/was smaller so less leg room/comfort if a tall person.

        • noideaa on 30/11/2024 - 08:27

          It’s for work purpose so it won’t bother me.

          Compact size and long tray with lots of room for garden tools is what made workmate very tempting for me.

          • Euphemistic on 30/11/2024 - 09:50
            +1

            @noideaa: Dont forget to allow for a bit of space for secure, watertight storage. A single cab ute is really hard to keep items secure and dry in because theres no space in the cab.

  • Euphemistic on 29/11/2024 - 17:14
    +1

    Overall condition of the vehicle will help determine if its been an abused work fleet hack, or just a sole trader who looks after it. Fleet vehicles do tend to get more regular servicing.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 29/11/2024 - 19:42
    +1

    Avoid anything that looks like it's been setup for towing, camping or 4wding. Find something bog stock ex-fleet.

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