WTK: Whats the best......?

Rutless Tiida · Postby **Rutless Tiida** » July 16th, 2010, 10:07 am

I got my D22 4x4 used at Nealco Mart for $95k. It is still under warranty and no major problems. All the minor problems where fixed under the warranty for free.
If you interested PM me and I will give you a contact.

rottedv · Postby **rottedv** » July 17th, 2010, 4:15 pm

Thanks man...taking my time with this....trying to do alot of research before I make my final decision....One thing that i've found is that reviews both locally and internationally are lacking for these vehicles or atleast after my search....Maybe you guys can point me in the right direction with some links for these reviews..... Iv'e spent alot of time with the search function but to no avail...Maybe i'm not using it right....lol

lighthammer · Postby **lighthammer** » July 17th, 2010, 4:58 pm

Here's a review of the D22 from Australian Magazine 4wdAction

http://www.4wdaction.com.au/articles/buying-used/41918-nav-man

- Ford Ranger review
- Mitsubishi L200 review
- Nissan Navara review
- Toyota Hilux review
- Mazda BT-50 review

There you go.

civic minded · Postby **civic minded** » July 17th, 2010, 6:30 pm

like i said before - dont buy anything as yet - they will be dropping prices galore closer to the end of the year - due to the dealership will try to get rid of 2010 stock to make way for the new ones - so look out for great deals - mitsubushi has already started with their L200 - Ford, Hilux and Niissan will follow suit.

rottedv · Postby **rottedv** » July 18th, 2010, 8:28 am

I wonder how long though....wish i had some inside info...

civic minded · Postby **civic minded** » July 18th, 2010, 8:32 am

do some dealership hopping - see what you can find out

lighthammer · Postby **lighthammer** » July 18th, 2010, 8:50 am

Best I can predict for u boss is that the new model-lineup happens every 2 years, and the 2012 Ranger model is set to come out very soon. AFAIK, the final production model was already tested and approved, now is just to officially announce it and to fire up the factory in Thailand, if they haven't done that already.

New models usually come out anywhere between Oct - May, so it might be worth waiting to see what kind of pre-release sales the dealers might have by around Sept or so.

rottedv · Postby **rottedv** » July 18th, 2010, 9:45 am

When I was shopping around, NM still had d22 and we all know how long those have been around. Mc en said I would have to wait by the middle of August for the model that I can afford so I guess they still producing. I just can't see myself with that l200 but I'll still check them out..

One thing I must comment on, you guys have been very helpful...I would not get this kind of advice in other manufacture specific forums...Thanks...

rottedv · Postby **rottedv** » July 25th, 2010, 9:14 pm

Guys, what about the dmax? Seems to be a good van....What you guys think?? not enough threads about it though..

nicholas7129 · Postby **nicholas7129** » July 25th, 2010, 9:30 pm

i like the d-max jus they was always out of stock when i wanted to buy it

lighthammer · Postby **lighthammer** » July 26th, 2010, 2:25 am

Just some info:

D22 frontier pickups available brand new in Neal & Massy - Basic model (no fender-flares, sidesteps, roof-rails and it's the Y25D non-turbo engine) for $153,000.

Dmax is a very popular truck in other countries such as Thailand and Philippines. 3rd most powerful engine after the Navara & Triton 3.2L, but it's overall rating is average compared to the rest of the local trucks. Performance, comfort, ride-quality, accessories & features - all average (there are better trucks for the money). However it excels in ruggedness & reliability. It's bought more as a workhorse pickup - lots of the construction companies use it for work trucks.

The engine is very loud, like the old-time diesels and when revving it can sound harsh like a Maxi engine; however I think their new 3.0L TDi If you're looking for a truck that's primarily about getting the job done, while pretty-boy looks being secondary, you can't go wrong with a DMax. You can however do better within the same category of compact trucks, eg. Ranger/BT-50.

Another alternative could be the Chevrolet Colorado (aka. the Holden Colorado in Australian & Asian markets). It's the cloned twin brother of the Isuzu DMax, they share a lot of the same chassis/engine/drivetrain components (like the Ranger & BT-50). Same ride quality/performance as the Dmax, but a bit different packaging from Chevrolet.

Here's a review of the Isuzu DMax

and here's a review of the Holden/Chevrolet Colorado

rottedv · Postby **rottedv** » July 26th, 2010, 6:33 am

Ok guys these are the prices i'm getting...My budget is 150K....Don't really want to spend more than that....When the baby comes in Sept. will need room in the back. When i 'm ready to move out my apt. I'll need a workhorse and to go to work from La romain to Trincity i'll need a fuel economical vehicle... I will need to sell my current vehicle first and then buy so here are the deal I'm getting...

(1). Ford Ranger 4x2 d/c basic i.e steel rims, 2.5 tdi wind up windows, outside hooks, tint and mats = 150K but I will have to wait till the middle of August for the next shipment. NB that the high grade 4x2 is 165K.

(2). Ford Ranger 4x4 d/c Basic plus tint, mats and bedliner, steel rims, bronze colour, 2.5 tdi, wind up windows etc = 165K. Last one available make me wonder if it was a test vehicle. Has some kms on it like 66 but said that it was driven down from the bond.

(3). Toyota 4x2 hilux d/c basic = 174K available for easy street financing.

(4). Isuzu Dmax 4x2 d/c LS high grade, power windows, tint bedliner chrome kit 2.5 td = 152K 3 more in stock and next shipment would be in early sept just before election.

(5). Nissan d22 frontier 4x2 d/c td27 non turbo basic wind up windows, no tint mats = 134K 2 more in stock.

(6) Mazda bt 50 4x2 d/c basic tint mats turbo timer bedliner outside hooks wind up windows steel rims = 145K

Didn't check the mitsu cause I just can't see myself in one....I 'm leaning towards the dmax...PPl say it really reliable and the space in the back is adequate but it slow to pick up in terms of acceleration, but speed is up to mark, a little rugged ride especially if your in the back seat and you hit a small bump (ppl fly up and hit the roof) safety features are adequate and it can take licks. soooo!!!

civic minded · Postby **civic minded** » July 26th, 2010, 6:54 am

if your having a kid - that changes everything - i won't suggest that you get the ranger or the dmax - best you go with a used SUV or maybe the L200 - the suspension in that is softer as well as the hilux.

lighthammer · Postby **lighthammer** » July 26th, 2010, 8:32 am

rottedv wrote:Ok guys these are the prices i'm getting...My budget is 150K....Don't really want to spend more than that....When the baby comes in Sept. will need room in the back. When i 'm ready to move out my apt. I'll need a workhorse and to go to work from La romain to Trincity i'll need a fuel economical vehicle... I will need to sell my current vehicle first and then buy so here are the deal I'm getting...

(1). Ford Ranger 4x2 d/c basic i.e steel rims, 2.5 tdi wind up windows, outside hooks, tint and mats = 150K but I will have to wait till the middle of August for the next shipment. NB that the high grade 4x2 is 165K.

(2). Ford Ranger 4x4 d/c Basic plus tint, mats and bedliner, steel rims, bronze colour, 2.5 tdi, wind up windows etc = 165K. Last one available make me wonder if it was a test vehicle. Has some kms on it like 66 but said that it was driven down from the bond.

(3). Toyota 4x2 hilux d/c basic = 174K available for easy street financing.

(4). Isuzu Dmax 4x2 d/c LS high grade, power windows, tint bedliner chrome kit 2.5 td = 152K 3 more in stock and next shipment would be in early sept just before election.

(5). Nissan d22 frontier 4x2 d/c td27 non turbo basic wind up windows, no tint mats = 134K 2 more in stock.

(6) Mazda bt 50 4x2 d/c basic tint mats turbo timer bedliner outside hooks wind up windows steel rims = 145K

Didn't check the mitsu cause I just can't see myself in one....I 'm leaning towards the dmax...PPl say it really reliable and the space in the back is adequate but it slow to pick up in terms of acceleration, but speed is up to mark, a little rugged ride especially if your in the back seat and you hit a small bump (ppl fly up and hit the roof) safety features are adequate and it can take licks. soooo!!!

^^ What civic minded said.

If you're having a baby soon, that's gonna be a huge expense for you man. Hospital/doctor costs, buying baby-supplies, house modifications, etc. etc. will cost some serious $$$.

IMHO, if it were me in your shoes, I'd go for a lightly-used or well-maintained 2nd hand vehicle instead of buying new and having to stress about financing/loan, insurance etc. I was calculating the cost of a new vehicle cuz I wanted to buy one soon, but the interest was killing me (and my budget was $200-$230K, eh... interest would have gone up to about $100K+ over 5 years). I mean if you have $150K to put down upfront, then by all means, but remember de baby eh. Doctor visit getting more and more expensive now. Plus health insurance/life insurance for you and your growing family.

Good used vehicles would be the Ranger, Hilux and Frontier. All are durable and reliable, have good reputation and parts are relatively easy to obtain once you have a supplier (besides the firm).

Look a good few examples here that are less than $150K:

Ford Ranger:
http://www.trinicarsforsale.com/database/featuredcarsDetails.php?04891-3761#top
http://www.trinicarsforsale.com/database/featuredcarsDetails.php?04671-3577#top
http://www.trinicarsforsale.com/database/featuredcarsDetails.php?04352-3276#top

This ranger here looks like a really good deal, plus it's already fully-loaded. All you'd have to do is take over the maintenance plus your insurance and the price should be in your range too.

Hilux:
http://www.trinicarsforsale.com/database/featuredcarsDetails.php?05532-4369#top
http://www.trinicarsforsale.com/database/featuredcarsDetails.php?04973-3842#top
http://www.trinicarsforsale.com/database/featuredcarsDetails.php?04428-3345#top

Mazda BT-50
http://www.trinicarsforsale.com/database/featuredcarsDetails.php?03049-2030#top

Take your time and shop around first. You never know if you'll find a better deal w.r.t. value-for-money in the second-hand sales. But then again, is your money dude, I can't tell you what to do with it - if you really like the DMax then fix up. Just be sure to post up pics when you do get it so we can ogle it too

rottedv · Postby **rottedv** » July 26th, 2010, 7:56 pm

Yeah the baby would be a huge expense but i've tried to look at all angles. If I get a good second hand vehicle i'll have to put out more downpayment (25%) which I don't have. I'm spending too much in routine maintenance for the car cause its premium and I work in Trinicity and live in La Romain (about 2k per month). Its a toyota and I'm meticulous when it comes to my vehicles. Hence the reason diesel, double cab and brand new. Every option I look at tells me to sell the car, pay off what remains on the loan (66k) take the rest and use it for the pregnancy (sept) take the savings that I have right now and use it on a new van that I could afford a reasonable installment. Any other options guy would be welcomed.

Rutless Tiida · Postby **Rutless Tiida** » July 26th, 2010, 8:46 pm

D22 might not be a good option the ride is not that good in the back.
Remember that if you buy new that to keep the warranty you have to service at the dealer so MAKE sure you calculate that in to your costs.
I know with N&M (Nissan) it is every 5000km and it costs $1000 and up. I think a used might be a better option for you. But do remember that the final decision is yours.

civic minded · Postby **civic minded** » July 26th, 2010, 9:02 pm

i thought you have the 150K in cash thats why i suggest you buy a used vehicle to avoid a loan. - if that is your budget with a loan then boi i donno - your options kinda limited, If i was in your shoes - i wont consider a new vehicle but try to fightup with what you have -save your money -Priority is your kid than anything else dude.
Later on then consider getting a new vehicle when you can afford it - don't end up like those guys that have a audi park under their board house!- if you know what i mean...lol

rottedv · Postby **rottedv** » July 27th, 2010, 5:17 pm

civic minded wrote:i thought you have the 150K in cash thats why i suggest you buy a used vehicle to avoid a loan. - if that is your budget with a loan then boi i donno - your options kinda limited, If i was in your shoes - i wont consider a new vehicle but try to fightup with what you have -save your money -Priority is your kid than anything else dude.
Later on then consider getting a new vehicle when you can afford it - don't end up like those guys that have a audi park under their board house!- if you know what i mean...lol

Yeah I was thinking about it and we had everything covered at the beginning of the year but if not for a certain soft drink company in south, we would have been fine but things never work out the way you plan. If the car does not sell for the price I want cause I'm not giving away the car to any lowballers of which they are many then I will keep it and fight up until the birth and then we will see what happens..... I went to check out the colorado today in lifestyle motors and the truck was fully loaded auto 4x4 for 295k. So I walked out....

lighthammer · Postby **lighthammer** » July 27th, 2010, 5:44 pm

^^ colorado SO EXPENSIVE???? Man dat thing is a Dmax clone, wtf wrong with that Lifestyle Motors "stealership"??

Dey figure just because it have paw-shh in the showroom everything else raise in value??

Fack dat shyet boy, go with ur 4x2 choices. Get your finances in order, set your budget and try to account for everything that may possibly come up. Good things come to those who wait - remember that new models in the Navara and Ranger coming out soon (possibly the sportero too) so wait and see if any prices fall by christmas.

Rutless Tiida · Postby **Rutless Tiida** » July 29th, 2010, 8:56 am

^^ where the hell did this a$$ come from.

Damn and I thought that the chevy would be reasonable but it is more than a Hilux. No wonder nobody buying it.

trinibajan34 · Postby **trinibajan34** » July 29th, 2010, 3:40 pm

Hey rottedv i am in the same boat as you,i have a new born and i live north and work in south ,and i am in need of a diesel pickup,but i am byiding my time i am hoping and praying that by next i will have my van cause my gas bill is HIGH ,and i work in otaheite ,so dont rush it,hold on to your car for now i know buying gas every other day is a pain but hold strain

rottedv · Postby **rottedv** » July 29th, 2010, 7:52 pm

Yeah man...I'll hold strain if the car does not sell for the price I want cause its sale is going to pay off its loan as well as money for the birth....Have you guys ever been at a figure in your personal savings and then you get your salary and it goes up to another figure and when all the bills are paid the savings go back to the same figure you in the first place??? Boy pressure... I was hoping the diesel would subsidize some costs and that my savings would move up atleast a bit every month but then the costs associated with the child might just keep it the same...lol...

But now I hear on news they thinking bout the subsidy on gas thing for the budget so.....

trinibajan34 · Postby **trinibajan34** » July 29th, 2010, 11:36 pm

buying diesel would help but paying back a monthly loan payment of lets say $2500/month then servicing of van every 3 months ,yearly insurance of $10000 or less kinda hard with a new born, i am not trying to discourage you or anything but i would be real sad to see that you buy a van and you have to sell it 6 months after because of some financial problem. really think it through and i mean REALLY think through.

ctrucks · Postby **ctrucks** » August 6th, 2010, 5:54 am

You have a choice of three trucks. The Ranger, Isuzu and Mazda.

My father, working on a mine and mostly drive gravel road and transporting heavy equipment, uses Isuzu and they never had any problems. I believe the Isuzu's to be a strong, tough and reliable. A friend of mine's father has a farm and owns a Ranger. Doing farm work on gravel road, he never complained about the Ford. I've never heard any one complaining about the BT-50 and have seen them in action on gravel road. If they perform well on gravel road, then they will surely do good on tarmac.

It all depends on personal preference, budget, finance and insurance.

lighthammer wrote:No other way around it man, just do your homework and research what van you want. Call around, ask around, test drive, compare pricing, check your budget & financing.

Like Lighthammer said, this might be the best way to choose the right truck for yourself. Asking a question like you did, will enable members to upspeak their favorite truck and it will be difficult to get a really good objective answer.