Thinking about getting a larger (tow) vehicle...

[glider]

At the moment with the Calibra getting close to being back on the road (in the next 4 weeks) I've been starting to think about getting a bigger vehicle as my daily. Part of the reason being given the Calibra's age and their proven far superior reliability, I thought it would be appropriate to buy a 4x4 or van so I can trailer the cali to events (if they're a fair distance away - eg. Wheels on Wide Bay if it was to occur again).

As such looking for suggestions for vehicles suitable for towing a 2000KG trailer (when loaded). So far I've looked at a few vehicles but haven't really done too much research as of yet. I would prefer to buy brand new and to be realistic would like to spend less than $50k. Being new would also allow me to use ABN to get possible discount.

Wont be buying til early next year, so have a bit of time to weed out the vehicles unworthy of my requirements

Please feel free to suggest vehicles or comment on vehicles in contention so far.

Contenders so far
VW T5.2 Transporter TDi
-limited with 2t tow capacity (previous t5.1 had 2.5t)
-only 2 or 3 seats
-has 7speed dsg auto & can have awd
-VW standard safety features
-mid 40s to high 50s for spec I would want
-known manual gearbox issues

Mitsubishi MN Triton GLX-R 4x4
-2.7t tow capacity
-ASC, TC + side/curtain airbags
-low/high range 4x4
-mid 40s for top spec model

VW Tiguan TDi 4motion
-limited with 2t tow capacity
-mid 40s for TDi
-VW standard safety features

Holden Colorado LT-R Crew Cab
-lacks advanced safety features
-3t tow capacity
-low 40s for top spec model
-is a rebadged Isuzu D-Max with Holden ECU

Toyota Hilux SR5
-2.25t tow capacity
-price ranges from low 50s to high 50s for SR5 Diesel
-lacks advanced safety features (optional afaik)
-will last forever and a day

[poita]

What about a Prado? 2.5T braked tow capacity.

Not sure if this will help, but is a comparo from march 2001 about different models towing capacity
Vehicle tested are; Towing Comparison: LandCruiser v Prado v Patrol v Jackaroo v ML270

http://www.overlander.com.au/vehicle_tests/index/209/Towing-Comparison:-LandCruiser-v-Prado-v-Patrol-v-Jackaroo-v-ML270

[Wraith]

Wow, what a huge choice...

As a pure work horse and looking for reliability I'd choose the Toyota Hilux...

Close 2nd would be the triple diamond Triton, they've also got a good rep and how could you ever go wrong with that 10 year Mitsubishi warranty !

[glider]

What about a Prado? 2.5T braked tow capacity.

Not sure if this will help, but is a comparo from march 2001 about different models towing capacity
Vehicle tested are; Towing Comparison: LandCruiser v Prado v Patrol v Jackaroo v ML270

http://www.overlander.com.au/vehicle_tests/index/209/Towing-Comparison:-LandCruiser-v-Prado-v-Patrol-v-Jackaroo-v-ML270

problem with a prado is for a new, you're looking at 60k+ onroad and I'm not keen on getting something that big as a daily

yeah ange, tbh I'm leaning towards the triton so far, coz it'd probably be around 10 grand cheaper than a hilux

still looking around tho, havent looked at the navara's specs as of yet for example

[poita]

what about a great wall :p

[glider]

I was going to say in that last post 'and anyone that mentions great wall, diaf' but thought it'd just beg for a smartass comment :P

[poita]

:lol: well if you bought a great wall, no doubt you prob would diaf.

yer navara is another good option

also you do realise there is sfa diff between a SR and SR5 hilux?
if you want the pretty chrome bits buy em seperatly later on. will save you a shitload up front

[glider]

:lol: well if you bought a great wall, no doubt you prob would diaf.

yer navara is another good option

also you do realise there is sfa diff between a SR and SR5 hilux?
if you want the pretty chrome bits buy em seperatly later on. will save you a shitload up front

I thought SR5 was the 4x4 model and SR was 2wd

[hazrd]

i vote triton or hilux toby.. they are the two most popular vehicles that are the best for both comfortable ride and being a tow horse :yesnod:

[poita]

nope not at all, like i said its a handful of shiny bits

chrome side steps, chrome bullbar, chrome mirrors, SR5 badges.

i would get the full list for ya, but my net is capped

jump on the toyota site and do one of those 'build my car' thingies

[glider]

hmm, the hilux doesnt even have ABS or aircon standard o_O (and is the price of a top spec triton with all the goods)

triton is looking better

[xplosv57]

Just from reading your first description of all the cars, the Triton is a clear winner!!!

Good friend of mine has a current Hilux SR5, done quite a few ks now and hasn't given him any issues, and doesn't mind getting dirty in the mud either but 10k more than the Triton and less safety features makes it less of a good choice!!

Also as Ange said, 10 year warranty is another great selling point for the Mitsi!!!

Or just slap a tow kit on the 2.2, she'll be right!! =P

[IfSRi]

We have an ST-X Navara for towing the boat after years of hilux's & Bravos
(Those are Both made in Thailand now)

Navara/Pathfinder has 3000kg capacity, all the luxury's, a better ride, and a 6spd auto that makes it a great towing vehicle.

Triton also is much improved nowadays and has a central differential.

[Ice]

The Toyota's are the toughest here. Get a land cruiser 4.2TD !

When you see a Landcruiser or even LC prado towing, it doesnt look like its under any stress whereas some of the other despite their towing capacity's do ! go check on their respective forums and you should be able to see whats best. Ill bet the Landcruiser comes out best.

[Ice]

oh yes...the 100 series diesel they are. 2001-2005 i think. Bullet proof engines !

[IfSRi]

Cruiser is over budget if he's buying new.

I see the Mitsi's 10 yr warranty has been mentioned.

thats pretty hard to go past for a long term proposition now that the Triton is a much improved vehicle.

Also check the Safety ratings for dual cabs as a couple of them have improved recently.

[chrissn89]

My vote would go to a the Navara ST-X 4x4 with 6 speed manual turbo D dual cab, then the Trition 4x4 dual cab turbo D. Best pick imo.

[Ice]

10 year warranty ??? Yikes thats great.....very hard to look past that.

[maloo97]

Either the Hilux or Navara

[J]

Interesting article here:
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=62980&vf=15

The article is a little dated: I believe the Triton has since received an update, including a longer tray. The Navara has also had an update since, with a better engine. Regardless, this article is not a bad reference point to start off from.

[glider]

those saying navara... any reason behind this?

[gmonkey]

I'd suggest no matter what make it a diesel..

[gmonkey]

The sr5 is petrol isn't it?? My brother owned the 3L hilux pretty sure.. It was quick but was very meh. I hired out a Mazda bt50 few months back and I loved it! Pulled like crazy

[xplosv57]

The sr5 is petrol isn't it?? My brother owned the 3L hilux pretty sure.. It was quick but was very meh. I hired out a Mazda bt50 few months back and I loved it! Pulled like crazy

the 3.0 IS the diesel.... theres also a 4.0 V6, both available in the SR5, my mate has the current SR5 in a diesel.

[glider]

im not looking at any petrol models, want it to be cheap when not towing too...

[hazrd]

only just thought of it when brenton mentioned it then..

have you considered the mazda bt-50? just had a read of it and its a pretty decent piece of kit

3,000kg braked tow capacity
can get in 2.5 or 3.0L diesel
and the freestyle and dual cab models look pretty good for a work horse

http://www.mazda.com.au/Vehicles/BT-50.aspx

and second hand price they seem pretty affordable imo.. look at the '09 models valuaton and details
http://www.drive.com.au/buy/market_value/details.aspx?nvic=JV009J&make=MAZDA&model=BT50&variantseries=BOSS%20B3000%20DX%204x4:09%20UPGRADE&year=2009&body=DUAL%20C/CHAS&pg=1

9.2km/100 city fuel consumption, and a 70L tank... not bad either

[glider]

hmm no ESP tho.. problem I'm having so far looking at other vehicles is the triton has tc and esp, hilux has it as an option, n/a on colorado, navara has it as an option I think and BT-50 doesnt seem to have them

[hazrd]

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/43648/mazda-bt-50-gets-additional-comfort-safety-and-convenience-features


DX+ versions gain alloy wheels and ABS with ESP on top of already standard power windows and mirrors.

looks like only some models have it...
not too bad considering the DX+ starts at $32k

[poita]

if your looking at the BT50 also consider the Ford Ranger, since it is the same vehicle.

not sure on pricing between the 2 though

[adam_92]

im gonna go completely away from what evryone is saying here and if you would consider a van then go for a hyundai i-load or i-max. i work on them evryday and they are massivly reliable. comfortable as a daily and they arent very expensive either.

[gmonkey]

Ohh I had a customer come in with a ford ranger ?wildcat? Interior was leather and really nice. Also the crewcab rangers have suicide doors which are really practical

[ChrisMaz]

Last I saw was prices starting at 25k to about 50 for the wildcat... Make that Wildtrak

[IfSRi]

those saying navara... any reason behind this?

We bought one last year after 25 years of Hilux's and Bravo's(rangers).

Made in spain and just under 50k for top spec ST-X model with diesel and 6 speed auto.

Rides better, better built, better equipped and towing capacity.

Typical Nissan it took 30,000ks before its run in properly and free's up in the motor dept.

Only a 2.5 auto but gobs of power and torque.

Just put a replacement 160 litre fuel tank in it last week.

Test drive one for yourself.

Also I see VW has a 'Amarok' penned for Oz next year wich looks the goods.

[stevedee3]

For something a bit different:

Holden Commodore SV6:
- 5 star safety
- Large and comfy
- 2100 kg towing capacity (maybe a bit marginal?)

[glider]

Must be diesel and don't want a car for towing.

I was looking at a transporter, but have decided vans just aren't practical enough, lot of money for 2 or 3 seats (which is why I'm leaning toward a dual cab ute).

I also want the vehicle to have modern safety features, by that it must have alot more than abs.

I have been looking at the amarok, but being a brand new vehicle it will probably have a very long wait to get one, like the tiguan was apparently. Having thought about it a bit more don't want to know what parts/servicing would be like on a European 4x4 too

[hazrd]

if the amarok's servicing costs is anything like the Toureg's, i hope u got DEEP pockets..

was looking at one before the polo, and fark me, not cheap to maintain

[maloo97]

I had a 6 STR D22 3.0L Turbo Diesel 5 speed Manual. For a company vehicle a few years back, 90% driving City with 10% off road, got about 700 k's off a tank.
Found the Stock bridgstone tyres useless, needed coopers, also if you were tall, pedals seemed really close. Crap Turning circle but then again it is a 4wd, in the rear, not much leg room for passengers,
Gear changing is easy and smooth and clutch is light. Good dash layout and dash functions are within reach, plenty of room for storage.
Def have a hard top or hard canopy as with not weight they tend to slide,

Didn't have any dramas, service costs were reasonable, build was good, Remember a focas rear ended me, they wrote there car off, mine just had a bent tale gate lol

I think the new D40 is a 6 speed manual, more moden and the rear is more roomier, and the seats fold up when not in use, Bit more gadgets and safety. better towing capacity,

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/demo/details.aspx?R=8812729&__Qpb=true&Cr=14&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201252%204294963846%204294963186%2 0900&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=90&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=316&__sid=123C3881C49C (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/demo/details.aspx?R=8812729&__Qpb=true&Cr=14&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201252%204294963846%204294963186%2 0900&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=90&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=316&__sid=123C3881C49C)

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/bncis/details.aspx?R=8925346&__Qpb=true&Cr=14&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201252%204294963846%204294963186%2 0900&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=180&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=316&__sid=123C3881C49C (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/bncis/details.aspx?R=8925346&__Qpb=true&Cr=14&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201252%204294963846%204294963186%2 0900&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=180&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=316&__sid=123C3881C49C)

[liam]

I can vouch for the mistubishi quality wise, ive just had a lancer and a few years ago we had the top of the line pajero. fit and finish is excellent on both for their respective price brackets.

Hilux are expensive for what they are IMO, you are paying for the reputation they have gained as "the meanest ute"