2012-13 dual-cab comparison

[evoeata]

Hey guys, looking at getting a new 4x4 in the next month or so. Looking at a diesel manual dual-cab but having a few problems trying to choose between the hilux,navara, triton, Colorado, d-max and ranger. Basically needs to be a dual cab ute so I can tow my bike. Maximum I would be spending would be ~$45k. Anyone got a link to any online comparisons or first hand experience? I'm leaning towards the hilux, navara and the triton although my folks have a 2009 ranger and they love it. Tows their caravan and boat no problems at all and hasn't missed a beat.



Cheers

[cplagz]

I have a Triton GLX, 5spd oiler and love it. I looked at the Navara and Hilux and couldn't justify the extra $ they wanted for them. Bear in mind the Triton does have a LONG tub and it can cause issues if you 4WD a lot, ie, it can get hung up on steep descents to flat ground.

I get about 9.5-10L/100k around the city and a little more carrying a load down south (2-3 bikes on a rack, luggage, food .etc)

[1SPRINT]

I've got a 2010 Hilux auto now and had a 2008 ranger before this. The Hilux is alot smoother ride and in my opinion just an all round better vehicle. I've driven a mates Triton and found it to be uncomfortable on long drives and a little thirsty (compared to my Hilux) when towing and fully loaded. I pick up my Hilux SR5 fully optioned late last year for $45k.

[huggy_b]

Having owned everything on your list aside from a ranger, I rate the Hilux the best. If I was in the market, I'd also consider an Amarok - took one for a test drive with the new auto and it was pretty bloody good.

[uzx83]

As above, have you looked into the amarok?

[evoeata]

No I haven't. Didn't really cross my mind as a 4x4 I'd own. Not really interested in them to be honest

[Yarms]

New ranger matty. Mate just bought one and yeah best on the market .

[crabman]

D-max. Nice inside, rear seats have heaps of room and semi recline. Tried and tested engine and drivetrain but with coil sprung front so rides better than the old torsion bar rubbish. The rear diff appears to be the old one with spacers between housing and backing plates/axle retainers. Slightly tuned up/refined the old motor so puts out more. If I wasn't so restricted budget wise I would be aiming to get a space cab end of the year. Hello 8yo d22 instead :(

[ADZ]

Honestly, go out and test drive them all.

All will do the job you want, and tick all the boxes. Just go with the one you like to drive the best.

I've done 9000kms on my Colorado in the last 3-4 months and absolutely love the thing. It's a weapon on the beach and serves it purpose as a more than comfortable daily.

[huggy_b]

Honestly, go out and test drive them all.

All will do the job you want, and tick all the boxes. Just go with the one you like to drive the best.

I've done 9000kms on my Colorado in the last 3-4 months and absolutely love the thing. It's a weapon on the beach and serves it purpose as a more than comfortable daily.

Maybe because I've been driving a lowered WRX, and possibly because its a cab chassis with an alloy tray but I find my Colorado a bit "pillowy" ?

[Passage GT]

I've had my d40 since July and I really like it, i don't flog it off road like I do my gq but it's great on the beach, very good for long trips (recently did 5000+ km in a bit over a week) and the ST has a lot of fruit standard from 2012 onwards, completed about 4 decent water crossings today without a drama also, drive them all and the see what you get for your money

[dattoman]

I believe the Hilux, Navara , Ranger etc all have dual mass flywheels and weak as piss clutches
So expect to be replacing them regulary at considerable cost (anywhere up to $3k)

I'd go the D40 in an auto myself
But the Triton seems to be a good thing allegedly

[Passage GT]

I actually wish I'd gone an auto, the 5 speed is quite nice to drive, clutches are an issue, usually if you tow decent weights, you can use warranty claims to replace or go a single mass conversion, old man towed his van for the first time recently with his auto 08 triton and had a lot of expensive issues

[2jzlux]

Hilux flywheel is not dual mass, just the clutches are a bit shit.

[ADZ]

Maybe because I've been driving a lowered WRX, and possibly because its a cab chassis with an alloy tray but I find my Colorado a bit "pillowy" ?

Should find the rear is quite stiff with the alloy tray (without any weight in it.. should hop around abit)

I wouldn't call it pillowy as such.. went over some corrugated roads over the weekend and the ride was MUCH nicer than what my 04 Rodeo was.

I prefer the ride to my cousins D40, again each to their own but I do love the turning circle that it has (especially as I'm trying to squeeze the thing in underground carparks in the city each week)