D40 vs D-Max vs BT50

[jmorgan1981]

So I'm thinking of going away from the Pajero wagon and into a Dual Cab.

I have a 4yr old and one on the way.

It will be for the wife to shoot around in plus a tow rig for the camper. I am also moving to Port Macquarie so a bit of work on the beach for fishing etc. Plus I will most likely put a canopy on it

I am going 2nd hand and thinking about a $30,000 budget. Plus no more then 100,000kms 

So I'm after opinions, experiences.

D40 vs D-Max vs BT50

[Isuzumu]

Naturally I am going to say the D.Max, we have a 2012 model (latest shape) has done 100Ks. Probably 70Ks towing CT and 2.5 ton van which we towed around Australia last year including the Gibbs River Road, second time for the D.Max. Max also done the Gulf towing the CT.
Best thing is we have not had one little problem. Our Max's GVM would be 3 ton has a 4 inch lift, roof rack and larger tyres and we still get 10LP100, not towing,  use about 16/17LP100 towing the van, but I cruise at around 95kph. The problem maybe finding a second one, ours is an LSTS and the 2012 with around 70Ks  are still fetching around $40 grand not bad resale.

[tracker]

So I'm thinking of going away from the Pajero wagon and into a Dual Cab.

I have a 4yr old and one on the way.

It will be for the wife to shoot around in plus a tow rig for the camper. I am also moving to Port Macquarie so a bit of work on the beach for fishing etc. Plus I will most likely put a canopy on it

I am going 2nd hand and thinking about a $30,000 budget. Plus no more then 100,000kms 

So I'm after opinions, experiences.

D40 vs D-Max vs BT50

                G'Day,
                         In my opinion is that you should do up a list of what you need the new tug to do......like what weight it need to tow....ball weight capacity and all that stuff then look at the specs of the afore said vehicles.....then of course your budget.....then i think you can make a judgement based on you personal feelings.......I have a 5 cyl. diesel BT50 and i tow a ecomate forward fold which i did the tip and back and i have about 200kg on the ball which is a fair bit but i know the BT50 can handle it.The puter on the BT50 tells me my average fuel consumption on the highway towing is 11.4 ltr. per 100 kms which i feel ain't to bad .  I also have a canopy as well as sliding drawer system which gives me plenty of room for gear and an extra fridge in the back.
                                                                              The main thing it is your decision .  There will be plenty of advise. IMHO see what you need to pull your CT and work out what you need to pull it with.
                                                                                                  Cheers Tracker.

[glenm64]

Another Dmaxer here.
Getting 9.5 with steel bar, 265/75/16 tyres and various mods.
Towing a 2T, 14ft pop top offroad van around 2.4m high averages 14.
Biggest economy changer out of all mods was steel bull bar.
Love mine, Dmax is just a good, reliable, well proven work horse.
 

Cheers Glen

[evolution]

All good options really. Just one thing to take note of is to check on child restraint points.
Some may have some, some may have none. On my ute it is a pain to get the kiddy seats in and most utes if not designed from factory with restraint points may require a crab bar which can be quite expensive.
I may be wrong and all of  your choices may have them already. BUT its worth checking

Cheers
Nick

[Moggy]

I have a bt50 for sale if you go that way. Bit above your budget but near new

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=45528.0


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[IanS]

Also have a look at the Jeep range, a lot more comfort, easier to get around town in, the 3litre diesel will tow as well as anything else out there. The other motors may be good for towing as well but I've only had experience with the diesel.

[jmorgan1981]

Thanks everybody for the advise.

Moggy
Great looking rig. We are selling up in Canberra but not till the end of June. So I won't be in the market till after then. I hope for your sake it still isn't for sale.

I am just gathering some info till then.

[Jakster1]

Gday, I have just been in a very similar situation as you  except I had a budget of $25000 so I was looking at the previous generation Utes and I ended up with a 2010 D-Max LSM with 100000 for $20000. Reasons I didn't get a navara were their reputation for reliability issues when the have a few ks up on them, And their low ride height. They're probably the biggest and most car like to drive which was a plus but I just couldn't look past all the mechanical issues that are plastered all over the forums.
The BT I just didn't like the look of at all (older models), a mate has a 2015 and its a pretty good all rounder. ( he's chucked ALOT of money on mods)
I'm pretty happy with the DMax and it'll do the job for what I need it for. To be honest I am a little disappointed in its all round ability.. It does everything OK  but I wouldn't say its a stand out performer in any part. As long as it's reliable then I'm happy.
This is our runabout 2nd car, and has 3 factory fitted child restraint points, so kiddie seats can be fitted

[jmorgan1981]

Gday, I have just been in a very similar situation as you  except I had a budget of $25000 so I was looking at the previous generation Utes and I ended up with a 2010 D-Max LSM with 100000 for $20000. Reasons I didn't get a navara were their reputation for reliability issues when the have a few ks up on them, And their low ride height. They're probably the biggest and most car like to drive which was a plus but I just couldn't look past all the mechanical issues that are plastered all over the forums.
The BT I just didn't like the look of at all (older models), a mate has a 2015 and its a pretty good all rounder. ( he's chucked ALOT of money on mods)
I'm pretty happy with the DMax and it'll do the job for what I need it for. To be honest I am a little disappointed in its all round ability.. It does everything OK  but I wouldn't say its a stand out performer in any part. As long as it's reliable then I'm happy.
This is our runabout 2nd car, and has 3 factory fitted child restraint points, so kiddie seats can be fitted

Thanks.
I did wonder about the navara as there seems to be alot for sale arounf the 3-5 yr old mark.
The D-Max seems to be the go. The only thing I can see being a issue is the comfort factor for the wife. The pajero is a very nice car to travel in.

[slcs78]

Good luck with the purchase. And welcome to Port Macquarie (or gods waiting room as the locals call it). Been here 10 years now and love the place

[Jakster1]

Thanks.
I did wonder about the navara as there seems to be alot for sale arounf the 3-5 yr old mark.
The D-Max seems to be the go. The only thing I can see being a issue is the comfort factor for the wife. The pajero is a very nice car to travel in.

Not sure about the new shape ones but the 2008 - 2012 (old shape) which is what I've got you'll definitely notice the ride comfort after the Paj. Heck I get in the patrol now and it feels like a limo after driving the DMax around all week. Haha, not quite but the patrol is nicer to drive but I have spent a fair bit on it to get it going well.
The other thing I wonder is the build quality seems a bit average. Sure they have a great engine and drive train but what good is that if the rest of it falls apart around it. There isn't anything wrong with my ute, but just driving it compared to the patrol it just feels a little on the "built to a price" side of things.

[chester ver2.0]

Like the Dmax i find it is a good allrounder
However
The pain is wafer thin
The seats are uncomfortable

I will probably look at the ford ranger for the next one

[Steffo1]

Just found this thread & thought I'd make a comment.
A nephew & his missus had a dual cab & after their 1st bub they traded for a wagon (Challenger) as they found it more practical with the little tacker on board.
Just food for thought, mind.
Good luck with it.

[jfella]

We went from a Pajero to an Amarok, the Amarok is not quite the drive the Pajero was but is better than the other utes I have driven and is quieter than the Paj.  We have 7 & 5 yr old and had a cargo barrier in the Paj so going to the ute with a canopy has been great as we have more room to stash our gear and its separate from the Cab.  Also looked at the D-Max and if I was looking at the 3 you are looking at with $30K to spend I reckon it would be pretty hard to beat.

Cheers,
Jay

[Nay-DMAX]

We have 2010 dmax 76000k's. It is my daily driver and our tow rig towing an Aussie Jays soft floor camper and sometimes the horse float. I love it and I actually find it very comfortable to drive and sit in but I have always had utes. (closest to car was probably VS) we just took it up to the high country this weekend (see Scarpsd40 trip report) and it did fine.  We have bullbar, snorkel, side steps, canopy, roof racks and roof rails and a basket on the canopy.  The basket is not always up there.  And we have an awning on the passenger side. I do not regularly check how many litres per k's for fuel because really I love the car and it is not costing me and arm and a leg to fill so it must be ok (all things have a cost). I went to this from a petrol rodeo so much better than that on fuel.

I recommend them to anyone who asks and if I was in a position to be looking at another vehicle if it was ute it would be dmax and if it was wagon the MUX would be at the top of my test drive list.

[chisel]

For $30k you should be able to get into one of the newer dual-cabs like the PX Ranger, BT50 (UP) and the Amarok.  All these started in 2011 I think.
I think also probably the newer dmax/colorado although I don't know the exact timelines for their model variations.

I've just been through the process of buying a ute and ended up with an Amarok although I bought new in the end.
I tried hard to buy a hilux but they were just too new and too expensive (no bargaining).  I would've been happy with the PX Mk II Ranger but the Amarok is nice too ... very close call.

You can get a new Colorado or Triton for $36-38k, new D-max or Amarok under $40k and new Ranger in the low $40ks (especially if you choose the 2.2L).  New vehicles come typically come with capped price servicing and might have cheaper insurance (amarok was cheaper).   Just some stuff to consider.

[jmorgan1981]

For $30k you should be able to get into one of the newer dual-cabs like the PX Ranger, BT50 (UP) and the Amarok.  All these started in 2011 I think.
I think also probably the newer dmax/colorado although I don't know the exact timelines for their model variations.

I've just been through the process of buying a ute and ended up with an Amarok although I bought new in the end.
I tried hard to buy a hilux but they were just too new and too expensive (no bargaining).  I would've been happy with the PX Mk II Ranger but the Amarok is nice too ... very close call.

You can get a new Colorado or Triton for $36-38k, new D-max or Amarok under $40k and new Ranger in the low $40ks (especially if you choose the 2.2L).  New vehicles come typically come with capped price servicing and might have cheaper insurance (amarok was cheaper).   Just some stuff to consider.

Thanks.

Something for me to look at.

[Adam84]

I'll throw the D40 in the ring and conveniently  mines for sale atm  http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-Navara-2012/SSE-AD-3889380/?Cr=52
Selling mine to go to a 76 series.

my circumstances where quite similar, I have a 4yo and a 1 yo. Car has been great for our purposes has child restraint points, good for running up the beach. Been great over the 3years i have owned from new with nothing but normal servicing required.

[Mitch92]

Gday

I've gone through similar in July last year, ended up brand new dmax.

Ultimately what you want is what you'll get, but my reasons where the reliability and ruggedness of the dmax.

I wouldn't touch a navara (had one before the dmax) due to so many issues

The triton I've just never liked (personal choice)

Amarok I don't like for towing (engine too small, and I think no low range?)

Hilux I can't afford

Holden - seemed OK, same/similar inside cab to dmax, but engine wasn't what I liked

Ford we had as work Utes, not going to spend the money there, asking way too much for them as well

Mazda, same as ford but cheaper.

[mrdenn1s]

I just went through this exercise myself before changing tack all together and getting a 105 series Landcruiser.

But.....

I had the D-Max well in front.

B90 rating of the engine is 500,000 kms. That means that 90 % of them will reach 500,000kms without ever needing anything major done to them. The other 10% is the idiots who don't change their oil.

That in itself gave me comfort. Add that the auto has the same tranny as a 200 series Landcruiser that has double the torque = no stress on the gearbox. Add diff breathers by default. Add downhill 1st gear low range will hold. Add extra underbody plate protection standard. Add Isuzu diffs and axels (just like a Patrol).

The engine looks down on numbers but the torque range is phenomenal. You can't tell that it is 380nM  and not 500 nM

Not the prettiest, but the one most likely to withstand your punishment.