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Offline Griswold

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VW Amarok
« on: September 10, 2012, 12:03:11 AM »
Hi all,

I've been looking a a few new 4x4s of late. I.e Prado, Pajero and about to look at the patrol. I have a Jayco swan to tow and someone suggested I look at the VW Amarok. Just wanted some feedback if it would make a comfy tow/tour vehicle?
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Offline lostindust

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VW Amarok
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2012, 06:57:40 AM »
It is a very comfortable tourer. Easy to drive, holds the road well, and reasonable seats (at least front). Fuel economy is good, we average around 8.5 without trailer, around 10 with soft floor camper behind.

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Offline dazzler

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2012, 08:06:14 AM »
An Amarok would be a great tow vehicle.  Comfy - depends on what it is compared with.

Comfy belongs to the twins - Prado and Pajero. (or Santa Fe if off road ability is not a huge issue)

The Amarok is still a commercial vehicle and will ride like one.  Not bad like the old days but no where near as comfortable as the twins.

Patrol is more capable, but was designed in 1989 and has NVH to match.

Maybe identify what your requirements are and they will probably guide you a bit better.  Which is important - off road ability, comfort, load in the back, cost?
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Offline GeeTee

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2012, 09:03:20 AM »
Do you need a wagon or duallie? On-road, or off, ability? What does 'comfy' mean? Saying you've been looking at a few 4WDs is very broad... The VW is a damn good drive but there is no getting around its torque 'hole' just above idle. This will frustrate you when moving off, loaded, up a slight incline. The new auto will cover this but being eight-speed, its up to you to decide if you want to service it in 140,000km time... if you own it that long. And I think it is only available on one model...
 
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Offline Griswold

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2012, 09:58:12 AM »
The main purpose of this vehicle is to tow the swan on weekends, long trips..I'm also planning do longer trips i.e middle of OZ from VIC etc. I currently drive a 2001 dual cab Hilux. I want to do off road although don't think it would be serious 4x4 stuff but don't want to be restricted by the vehicle if I change my mind. Ill have a couple of teenagers in the back for the first couple of years at least.
With a trade in I could get a GXL prado for $55 or a demo pajero exceed 1900km on the clock for $60.
We get allot in the exceed for the money but build doesnt appear as good as prado and a little noisier, seems pretty quick though..The prado middle seat however was like sitting on a milk crate and we felt the pajero had more room..I havent checked out the patrol yet, they look huge..
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Offline dazzler

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2012, 01:03:11 PM »
Sounds like one of the twins  ;D

Never ever ever pay more for a Pajero than a Prado.  The Prado will hold its value waaaay better so the only reason to grab the Paj is if its cheaper so you save at the start.  Either will be good.

The Paj is noisier which is down to the setup of the engine and the fact that its design is now 12 years old.  Prado is 3.

Have fun!
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Offline Bird

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #6 on: September 10, 2012, 01:08:58 PM »
Quote from: kangareigns
I want to do off road although don't think it would be serious 4x4 stuff but don't want to be restricted by the vehicle if I change my mind.
Then as Daz says, the ute probably isnt what your looking for if you might change your mind.
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Offline BigJules

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #7 on: September 10, 2012, 01:14:03 PM »
With teenagers in the rear, I reckon you'll want more space and comfort than any dual cab ute can offer, especially for longer trips.

I saw recently that 2011 Pajero's (~40,000km) at huge savings over a new vehicle.
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Offline Griswold

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2012, 02:12:32 PM »
Does it matter being the Top of the range pajero compared to standard prado? Should I consider the patrol? I will drive this afternoon but after driving both prado and pajero, Im still undecided..
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Offline Moxley

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VW Amarok
« Reply #9 on: September 10, 2012, 02:27:27 PM »
Don't rule out a Pathfinder if looking at Prado and Paj. More space in boot, quieter than Paj, good towing ability, cheaper in some cases (not sure about servicing costs), lots of inclusions.
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Offline Bird

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #10 on: September 10, 2012, 02:46:47 PM »
Quote from: kangareigns
Does it matter being the Top of the range pajero compared to standard prado? Should I consider the patrol? I will drive this afternoon but after driving both prado and pajero, Im still undecided..
What things are important to you in a car?

Whats your budget?


Go the Prado, still has decent suspension
but drive both, you will find out for yourself which you like/dislike...
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Offline Sixtys Guy

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #11 on: September 10, 2012, 03:01:52 PM »
I have gone from a dual cab Ford Courier to a Pajero. Loved it at first, but after nearly 12 months I want another dual cab. The Paj is really comfortable and has a lot more room in the cabin that what I had previously, but has relatively little room in the back. My compromise will be a late model dual cab as they have more room in the cabin, but will have to wait 18 months or so to get the loan amount down on the Paj  :'(.
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Offline Redback

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #12 on: September 10, 2012, 03:12:43 PM »
We have an Amarok, anyone that thinks these are not capable has never driven one offroad.

VW claim the Amarok will do a 1 in 1 grade with no throttle, they are also equiped with anti stall, trailer stability and Dynamic stability control, traction control, Hill Decent control and a rear locker.

They pull from 1100 RPM right through to 3500RPM, even with a load of wood in the back and a 1.5t camper in tow, we love our Rok, they do run out of puff around 4000RPM but by that time your doing 130kph :angel:

Down side is clearance, they need a lift and heavier springs, a set of 32s and it will go anywhere any other 4WD will.

Probably not suited for what you want though, sounds like you would be better suited to a wagon.

Baz.
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Offline 99disco

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« Reply #13 on: September 10, 2012, 04:12:51 PM »
Mate depending on what you want, don't discount the patrol. I have a current model CRD wagon. I really love it I find it great. Fairly comfy for a solid axel coil sprung wagon, plenty of power and fairly economical. The prado will be more comfy and better on fuel, but for us I really wanted the off road ability and ease of suspension mods, so the patrol won. I also find after coming from a couple of discovery wagons that the extra width of the patrol makes for a very stable tow car. We just got home from a 4000km drive up the west coast and could not fault the patrol, towing our viscount wind up camper (similar to the swan) weighing about 1500kg was a pleasure.



Shane
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Offline dazzler

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #14 on: September 10, 2012, 05:40:43 PM »
How did the patrol compare?
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Offline Griswold

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #15 on: September 10, 2012, 06:12:58 PM »
I didn't get out of work in time unfortunately but def will head out tomorrow and take a look. It won't be an everyday vehicle so perhaps I could live with the extra fuel it will take.

Good deal on the pajero exceed so that has me thinking somewhat...
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Offline Bird

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Re: VW Amarok
« Reply #16 on: September 10, 2012, 06:51:17 PM »
Quote from: kangareigns
Good deal on the pajero exceed so that has me thinking somewhat...
They are excellent to drive... I've driven a couple from the place in Nunawading that Speewa bought his from. Also drove the VRX...
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