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