New 4x4 Ute required. Which One ?

[riderx]

Hi all,

The boss has give me the go ahead to get a new work ute. Is will be replacing a 2003 D22 4 x4 Nissan Navara Ute. Budget is between $35K - $40K ( this might limit things a bit). I have been happy with the Navara but is getting a bit small in the back seat as the kids are getting bigger and it is a little underpowered towing the camper.

It will be used for my daily drive to work with the occasional camping trip involving towing a 1.25t camper trailer (loaded) with some light to medium off road work.
So the priorities would be in order 1. Day to Day driveability on tarmac 2. Cabin space 3. Off Road capability

Suggestions and or comment please

Thanks

RiderX

[toad]

D40, or any of the current crop of diesel utes.
All would fit the bill, budget allowing.

[Bm0]

im not sure if the budget will stretch.. but as Toad says the D40 fits the bill. Much more refined than the D22 is.

I love mine

On the underpowered note, what engine is in your D22? Im not 100% on the newer ones but i know for a while they where putting the 2.5L motors in them like we have in our D40's. Plenty of power in them (I have a Jayco dove, but also tow a 2.2t boat) so if the budget wont stretch then maybe a new D22 with a better motor than what you have now?

b

[Bird]

I'd say go and sit in them and drive them all.

That will cull 1/2 of them and you get a better idea what will fit you and your kids

[Moxley]

And consider safety too eg airbags in the back for kids.

[mrdenn1s]

GLXR Triton $40,990 Drive Away

[mattz]

I know the triton will fit your bill......great back seat too.
There are some pretty good specials on pricing and finance at the moment.......might be worth considering. 


Go hawks!!!!! 

[cheif carlos]

Stuff the budget 70 series dual cab!

[toeball]

The new Colorado?? If you buy one you'll have $5 change

[Trolsy_N_Trailer]

spend a few dollars more and get the Ford Ranger

[chappo555]

spend a few dollars more and get the Ford Ranger

Or $2K less and get a BT50.

[PAC1977]

I just  picked up my new D40 ST. You could get a manual under 40k comfortably. I'm 200cm and can drive it with room behind me for the kids.

[Trolsy_N_Trailer]

Or $2K less and get a BT50.

Whilst theyre the same ute under the skin, the BT50 has NOTHING on the Ranger in the looks department.

[cyberess]

Hi all,

The boss has give me the go ahead to get a new work ute. Is will be replacing a 2003 D22 4 x4 Nissan Navara Ute. Budget is between $35K - $40K ( this might limit things a bit). I have been happy with the Navara but is getting a bit small in the back seat as the kids are getting bigger and it is a little underpowered towing the camper.

It will be used for my daily drive to work with the occasional camping trip involving towing a 1.25t camper trailer (loaded) with some light to medium off road work.
So the priorities would be in order 1. Day to Day driveability on tarmac 2. Cabin space 3. Off Road capability

Suggestions and or comment please

This is just a quick suggestion as it's not everyone's cup of tea

Your main issue is your low budget -- I built up a Mahindra Pik-up ute and the whole setup set me back about $45000 on the road with all my mods --  Now when I set my budget I considered the complete setup
The setup included:
Rear Alloy Canopy body setup with side lift up doors, on the central locking system.
Dual Spare wheel setup
Snorkel
Steel bash sump guard
Steel winch bullbar
Centre Bearing Guard
Dual Battery setup
Auto Ironman battery isolator setup
Ranva 9500 winch setup
Rear reversing camera
Extra 140ltr Aux fuel tank (taking total fuel that can be carried to 220ltrs)

O.K. you could delete the winch and the 140ltr Aux fuel tank and you could be within budget.

I have writing about my project at http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=17679.0

About ticking your boxes
1/ Day to Day driveability on tarmac
* The Mahindra Pik-up is a easy drive -- it is a little more truck like, with extremely easy visibility  -- high sitting position.  (The vehicle may be a bit long it you are constantly parking in small parking spots)
About the canopy setup and the spares wheels on the back etc -- with central locking it is easy to use at shopping centres etc. (Much better than rear wheel swing aways and I lift up glass window)

2/ Cabin space.
* Cabin space the Pik-up had the most leg room than all the other utes I looked at the rear seat is huge -- that does included the latest Amarok and Ranger -- My kids are now all adult sizes.  -- The duel front and rear air con is also useful.

3/ Off Road capability
* The Pik-up does have good off road capability, good clearance -- Eaton Diff lock included, and my setup did include a suspension upgrade, bash plates and the sliders are standard. -- and I also count my extra spare wheel setup essential for my outback travels. (Haven't totally tested the off road stuff yet -- it will be on a few 4WD club trips soon so I will be reporting back on that soon)

About the towing capability -- you will have to tee a test this with a dealer, as my camper is real light -- Something nice though, the Mahindra comes with a solid clutch  -- and it is easy and light to use.. dual mass clutches on the other new utes can be a bit of a nightmare.