Thread: New Truck Ideas

Hey guys,

Interested in your thoughts. What have you got? What's good? What's crap?

I am currently driving an '05 Legacy station wagon (3L petrol) as my daily driver, as well as towing my boat (5.8m centre console RHIB) long distances often for spearfishing - Anywhere from Wellington to the far-north. Problem is the wagon has bugger all ground clearance on it's own, let alone when the boat is hooked up. I also seem to chew through breaks and tyres at an alarming rate when towing.

I also have a SWB Suzuki Vitara with a body lift and mud tyres for hunting in 4wd access only spots (Haven't used this nearly enough to justify owning it).

Thinking about getting rid of one or both and getting something a bit bigger for towing. Criteria (in descending order of importance as I see it):

• It's got to be comfortable and practical as a daily driver.
  Reliable
  It has to be able to tow the boat comfortably (including potential to go bigger boat on tandem braked trailer).
  Comfortable on long trips.
  Economical, to a point - I realise I'm not going to get great economy from a tow vehicle but I don't want to have to mortgage the house to fill it up - It is my daily driver remember.
  Space for the dog
  Some 4wd capability - think wet grass or hard sand, I'm not talking hardcore offroading.

I can't see any real reason to get a ute (I'm sure the majority of people buy utes because they look manly)but could be convinced. I'm thinking in the $20k range but could probably stretch a bit for something that ticks all the boxes.

Cheers,
Adam

2004 Hilux 4wd d/cab

Toyota Highlander.
Had one as a hire vehicle and they go pretty well and comfy.
Would have enough grunt to tow the boat too.

Something like this maybe....
Toyota Highlander 2010 | Trade Me

I like my old 95 series prado 3 lt TD, reasonable offroad ability (i run mud terrain tyres) Its now also my daily driver/school run. Fit the whole family and gear for camping etc.

Could prob get the newer shape 105 series for $20k maybe. Good everything wagon, something like this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used...1232924285.htm

RUC increases have almost killed off the benefits of diesel for new vehicles. They are almost the same value as fuel for efficient modern diesels. Plus you get higher registration and maintenance costs. But I do really like the torque of a diesel.

Originally Posted by gadgetman

RUC increases have almost killed off the benefits of diesel for new vehicles. They are almost the same value as fuel for efficient modern diesels. Plus you get higher registration and maintenance costs. But I do really like the torque of a diesel.

Unless you are buying bulk diesel and it is a tax write off of sorts.

Originally Posted by gadgetman

RUC increases have almost killed off the benefits of diesel for new vehicles. They are almost the same value as fuel for efficient modern diesels. Plus you get higher registration and maintenance costs. But I do really like the torque of a diesel.

But there is virtually no petrol option if in the ute market.

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Originally Posted by veitnamcam

But there is virtually no petrol option if in the ute market.

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There's a petrol in the prado ��

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

But there is virtually no petrol option if in the ute market.

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I prefer a wagon, but yes, there are limited offerings in the more commercial market. Good things with a wagon are generally more leg room in the back and easy access to gear in the boot. Down sides are less cargo space and harder to put smelly stuff in the outside bit.

Originally Posted by GWH

There's a petrol in the prado ��

That is a wagon rather than a ute,

Originally Posted by gadgetman

That is a wagon rather than a ute,

This is true, he actually didn't say he wanted a ute did he.

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Originally Posted by GWH

This is true, he actually didn't say he wanted a ute did he.

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No but VC was pointing out the lack of power plant options in a ute in regards to avoiding RUC's.

Originally Posted by gadgetman

No but VC was pointing out the lack of power plant options in a ute in regards to avoiding RUC's.

Yeah I know, I was being smart, showing how much better an suv is over a ute

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Originally Posted by GWH

Yeah I know, I was being smart, showing how much better an suv is over a ute

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Too right.