Dual Cab 4x4 Vs Patrol,Prado,Landcruiser etc.

[MarkVS]

Guys,

Our family has a new Subaru Outback diesel and a new CT for our touring holidays. At the moment, for our longer holidays, they are going to be bitumen/dirt,but not across the desert etc.

What I am also looking at getting is a 4x4 for use for weekend get aways. Because we live just north of Brissy, there are heaps of places to go offroad. eg. Fraser Island, Moreton, back area camping.

I am looking to spend $15K on getting a 4x4, for overnite getaways..maybe towing the camper, maybe just using the tent for the night.

I have been looking for a month, and after some advice on the differences on getting a dual cab (Triton, Navara etc) type car, or an older sedan type 4x4 (80 series Land Cruisr, Prado, Pajero etc).

For the money I am spending, I seem to be able to get 'more value for money' from the dual cab style, but I obviously get more 'resale' value from the sedan' styles.

Can you give me some insite on differences between the 2 types I should take into account.

Thanks

Mark.
 

[D4D]

You should be able to get a great GQ or early GU for that money.

[darren]

Dual cab utes are really terrible off rd. The have no articulation, stiff rear ends and short front control arms. The ride is poor compared to your patrol / cruiser. But based on you description of what you want to use it for that's probably not an issue. My wife has a 03 courier xlt twin cab that we bought a few years ago for 13k in perfect condition. As you said you can probably get a lot better car for you buck if you go for the ute.
 Hope that helps

[FZJ]

Gday Mark,

We went through a similar thing a couple of years back.Id had luxes cruisers and troopies before a family arrived but needed to find somthing for around 15k that would be comfortable,the wife could drive,be a decent 4x4 and could be added to.

Im not sure I agree that dulcabs are better value.I narrowed my search down to a 04 lux d/cab petrol and a 98 prado petrol.both16k
.The lux was standard with lower ks but the prado came with bullbar,ipf spotties,cb,dualbatts,cooper stts,2 inch lift and impecable service record.Plus standard dual tanks.If i had to put all that plus a canopy on the ute it would have cost a packet.

love the diesels but am really happy with this prado on and off road.

Everything is a compromise and its just about what suits you at the time.
hope that doesnt confuse youmore...
pete

[dno]

Something to remember is a duelcab May work in better with your Tax, especially when only doing limeted Ks. Just something to thinkabout. But i do agree your patrol, cruiser are a better off roader.

[Campa]

IMO the 4x4 wagons (Patrol, Landcruisers, Pajero etc) are alot more comfortable than a dual cab ute.

[gibbo301]

A lot more passenger room in the back of a wagon if that,s an issue. 

[stepheng]

Also went through a similar things and I really wanted a dual cabs as it provided a more versatile option, ie the tray is good for camping, going to the tip and generally carting stuff around.

The wife also liked the idea of a dual cab but when we actually got in it, drove it no good. There is plenty of room in the front but having three kids they wouldn't have fitted in. Or if they did, would have been a nightmare when driving - constant squabbling, pulling hair etc...ended up buying a diesel Prado - got eight seats, can split the kids up, no carry on. The real reason it got bought though was for the color but that is another story.

[Fivid]

We started out with a dual cab Rodeo and have since had a couple of Patrols.  Patrol is more capable off road and a nicer more comfortable drive but the dual cab was great in that you could throw in just about everything you could think of taking camping and still have space for more.  The mud, dirt, smelly, wet stuff can all be kept in the ute tub rather than in the car with you, etc.  When we bought out first Patrol we still had kids at home and we really noticed the space difference, had to start carrying stuff on top of the Patrol.
 

Dave

[camdyson]

Dual cabs have some questions hanging over chassis strength lately too, especially towing over uneven ground.

If you google it, you'll find some horror stories of several brands where the chassis have bent badly -  for that reason alone I'd go a "proper" wagon.

Cam

[GGV8Cruza]

Have gone from a dual cab to the Patrol and when the going gets tough you cant wipe the smile form my face instead of the worry. All in all it is a better set up for me, I only miss the storage room occasionally but I live with it

GG

[koshari]

i have a twin a tritan, nice car, suits me because i use the rear tub, but doesnt compare ride wise to a prado,patrol, pajaro ect with coil rears.