Hilux vs Navara vs Ranger

[Bran602]

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting my first 4x4 and I think a dual cab ute will work for what I'm looking to do and now I'm trying to figure out which specific ute to go for.

I have a budget of $15k and I've been looking at a Hilux SR/SR5, Ranger XL/XLT or Navara ST/ST-R so far.

Any tips/advice on which is the best make/model to go for, and then anything of note I should look for when doing my research/purchasing a vehicle? Is there another, better option that I should also consider?

 

[Rusty Panels]

You may be able to find any one of those in good condition for that sort of money but take somebody with you who knows a bit about cars.

Four wheel drives have more going on in them than normal 2wd vehicles, so you really need somebody with a bit of knowledge or pay someone reputable to perform a detailed vehicle inspection.

I have always been a Toyota fan and had a couple of Hiluxes over the years that have been fantastic vehicles. Both were earlier models one a 2001 the other a 2002. I'm not sure but I think the 2005 was the last model to be built in Japan. Many consider the Japanese built ones to have been the best. Even the old ones still fetch top dollars which is testament to how good they were.

I'm not sure about Rangers. I don't know if you would pick up a decent 3.2 for the sort of money you are looking to spend.
I have had little to do with Nissan but I think they were generally less expensive from new, so you might find a later model one for the $15k spend.

One thing that you need to be aware of is that there were a lot of ex Western Australian mine vehicles around that may have all sorts of issues. I would be reluctant to purchase anything that has been in that type of environment. Look for signs of roof bars where they would have had the revolving light and the reflective tape that went up the sides. General interior damage like holes where radios and gear have been removed.

It would be a good idea to purchase the history report of the car. Service NSW, VIC Roads or whatever state you live in can provide a history check. You might get a better idea of it's previous life.

As a guide I would say if it looks too good to be true it probably is. Good Luck.

 

[Bran602]

Okay, thanks for those tips!

$15k is the goal, but I'd be willing to spend a bit more if it means getting a better-quality car.

I'll definitely get someone who knows far more about 4wds than I do to take a look, and purchasing the history report for the car sounds like a good idea too. I hadn't thought of potential mine vehicles, but I'll look to avoid them!

Navaras do seem to be the cheapest, but I've come across a few horror stories abut d22/d40s - do they have known quality issues or are the stories maybe just overblown/down to luck?

 

[2002GU3]

I know a couple of guys with Navara's and neither have had any problems with them, but in saying that, ALL makes and models will have some issues over time..........just choose a good one to start with and keep up the maintenance and whichever you choose should be fine.

 

[cam04]

RC Colorado/dmax will drive you $ further and arguably the most reliable of any of them.

 

[greysrigging]

Good mate of mine bought a Nissan Navara new in 2012........ of course I bagged the bejesus out of him.... but.... he still has it, trouble free, towed a camper van all over the place. All he's ( diesel fitter by trade, retired ) done to it is a small suspension lift and twin lockers.
As he reminds me, never paid the Toyota Tax. Serviced regularly and never missed a beat.
There are good ( and bad ) examples of all breeds out there.... just gotta be able to sort the wheat from the chaff......

 

[TYNO87]

I’d steer clear of the 3l rangers/ bt50s. Plenty getting around with no issues but plenty have also required new heads. I don’t think you’d get a 3.2 for the money.
The 3l d22 navara’s weren’t a bad vehicle. But tight in the back. The yd25s found in the d40s and later d22s had a few issues. That being said, neighbour across the roads yd25 d22 just rolled over 500,000kms and it’s been treated terribly it’s whole life.
As above, I’d include rodeos/ colorado’s in your search and even ml tritons with the 3.2l 4m41 motor.
They’re thirsty but the 4.0l petrol hiluxs were just about bullet proof and sell a fair bit cheaper than diesels as well if you don’t mind the fuel bill.