Which "new" pickup truck?
Discussion
I have been thinking about getting a "special" weekend sports car for a while now (something along the lines of a Boxster/Cayman or maybe an Elise) but I am struggling to justify it, as at the weekend I like to spend as much time as possible with my two kids and a two-seater sports car doesn't really fit in with that. So, why not drive the sports car in the week and have something more practical but still fun at the weekend for spending time with the family?
I don't really have much experience with double cab pickup trucks but I quite fancy one, as we often have heavy snow in the winter, some 4WD capability would defintely be an advantage and getting out in a low-slung sports car could be quite a challenge. It would also be useful to have a practical vehicle for picking up materials for DIY projects, taking stuff to the tip and being able to chuck all our bicycles in the back and go out for the day. They seem like pretty good value compared to similarly aged SUVs too. So, I don't really need to do heavy towing but which recent 4WD double cab pickup offers the best reliability, comfort, refinement, low running costs and a fun drive?
The models that I am considering are:
Ford Ranger
Mitsubishi L200
Isuzu Rodeo
Toyota Hilux
Nissan Navara NP300
VW Amarok
I like the look of the Nissan and VW best, especially the new Amarok V6 TDI (although I probably don't want to spend that much). The Isuzu also appeals, as it seems like the leftfield option and I actually have an Isuzu dealer fairly local to me but I don't know how it really stacks up against the others, which are mostly more modern designs.
Any insight on the above options would be gratefully received.
I don't really have much experience with double cab pickup trucks but I quite fancy one, as we often have heavy snow in the winter, some 4WD capability would defintely be an advantage and getting out in a low-slung sports car could be quite a challenge. It would also be useful to have a practical vehicle for picking up materials for DIY projects, taking stuff to the tip and being able to chuck all our bicycles in the back and go out for the day. They seem like pretty good value compared to similarly aged SUVs too. So, I don't really need to do heavy towing but which recent 4WD double cab pickup offers the best reliability, comfort, refinement, low running costs and a fun drive?
The models that I am considering are:
Ford Ranger
Mitsubishi L200
Isuzu Rodeo
Toyota Hilux
Nissan Navara NP300
VW Amarok
I like the look of the Nissan and VW best, especially the new Amarok V6 TDI (although I probably don't want to spend that much). The Isuzu also appeals, as it seems like the leftfield option and I actually have an Isuzu dealer fairly local to me but I don't know how it really stacks up against the others, which are mostly more modern designs.
Any insight on the above options would be gratefully received.
Edited by white_goodman on Thursday 16th February 05:09
One of my friends bought and Amarok when they came out. Very capable off-roader, can tow and can do great on the motorway as well. He had the 2.5 TDI version with the red "i" (probably around 170 hp) and the most amazing thing was that that thing still did like 45 mpg.
If I was you however, I would go for the Isuzu, their engines used to be amazing and I don't think they changed in any way. Good luck with it
If I was you however, I would go for the Isuzu, their engines used to be amazing and I don't think they changed in any way. Good luck with it
That lead me to look at the Isuzu, that AT35 looks awesome (by englisg standards)
How far up the luxury ladder do these come now? Do we get active radar, cooled massage seats etc is thee ride non comercial these days? Not been in one since mazda b2000 days
Drove a new outlander last month and was quite surprised how good it was for a budget 4x4
How far up the luxury ladder do these come now? Do we get active radar, cooled massage seats etc is thee ride non comercial these days? Not been in one since mazda b2000 days
Drove a new outlander last month and was quite surprised how good it was for a budget 4x4
exelero said:
One of my friends bought and Amarok when they came out. Very capable off-roader, can tow and can do great on the motorway as well. He had the 2.5 TDI version with the red "i" (probably around 170 hp) and the most amazing thing was that that thing still did like 45 mpg.
If I was you however, I would go for the Isuzu, their engines used to be amazing and I don't think they changed in any way. Good luck with it
Thanks. I thought they were all 2.0 TDIs now. 122PS base engine and then a 163PS bi-turbo, which I heard had a few issues? Maybe the early ones had a 2.5 TDI, as you used to be able to get a 2.5 TDI in the Transporter? I heard that they were scrapping the 2.0 TDI and going to re-launch it with a 3.0 V6 TDI in various states of tune, which sounds awesome but will be beyond my budget I'm sure! If I was you however, I would go for the Isuzu, their engines used to be amazing and I don't think they changed in any way. Good luck with it
Maybe I'll try out an Isuzu though, as I do have a local Isuzu dealership. My local VW dealership only sells passenger cars.
Pvapour said:
That lead me to look at the Isuzu, that AT35 looks awesome (by englisg standards)
How far up the luxury ladder do these come now? Do we get active radar, cooled massage seats etc is thee ride non comercial these days? Not been in one since mazda b2000 days
Drove a new outlander last month and was quite surprised how good it was for a budget 4x4
Yes, the AT35 does look pretty cool but probably more than I need! I think the top-spec models are pretty luxurious now, especially VW but I don't know whether you get the features that you mentioned. The new Navara has an independent multi-link rear suspension, so should be a pretty decent drive and will also be the basis for the new Mercedes-Benz "truck".How far up the luxury ladder do these come now? Do we get active radar, cooled massage seats etc is thee ride non comercial these days? Not been in one since mazda b2000 days
Drove a new outlander last month and was quite surprised how good it was for a budget 4x4
We have a few of the facelift Ranger's at work in Wildtrak spec with the 3.2 and auto gearbox. The engine is powerful, but it's rough. Doesn't like cold mornings. Nice inside, all the toys you could want (nav/heated seats/bluetooth etc). We wanted one of the pickups that can tow 3500kg so that narrowed the choice down for us. As it's not an issue for you, I've heard good things about all of the new pickups really. Everyone I speak to seems quite happy with what they've got.
I'm interested to see the X-class pricing.
I'm interested to see the X-class pricing.
Yesterday I drove, back to back, our 04 Ranger XLT and the 2015 Transit drop side pickup. Yes, the Ranger is older, but the Transit is head and shoulders the better truck. It's quieter, drives significantly better and I mean miles better, the cab is designed to be a work truck with cubby holes and storage coming out of it's ears. You can actually get things in the load bed and it doesn't look like a tarts handbag.
Those Jap' pickups are all posing pouches, the lot of them. The beds are simply too high now to be of any use unless you have arms like a stretched orangutan. No doubt they will be offering a special, chromed (natch) set of steps that at the touch of a button deploys from the side of the vehicle with a satisfying ptisss noise so people can reach in to the bed, that is, unless less they have fitted the regulation fibreglass topper that offers all the load security of a double skinned bin bag. Not that you can get much more than a couple of bikes in the back anyway.
Those Jap' pickups are all posing pouches, the lot of them. The beds are simply too high now to be of any use unless you have arms like a stretched orangutan. No doubt they will be offering a special, chromed (natch) set of steps that at the touch of a button deploys from the side of the vehicle with a satisfying ptisss noise so people can reach in to the bed, that is, unless less they have fitted the regulation fibreglass topper that offers all the load security of a double skinned bin bag. Not that you can get much more than a couple of bikes in the back anyway.
Hi there
I've recently owned a 20144 Ranger Wildttrak manual, and sold it circa 1 year ago to get one of the first new Navara's.
As previously said, the engine in the Ranger pulls well but hates to be revved. the manual box is a big clunky at low speeds. I'd 100% recommend a autobox in any pickup over a manual as 1st and 2nd gears are really low to be able to pull away with said 3.5 tonnes on the back. I found the ride quite rough on it as well compared to my previous 08'plate Navara I had.
The main reason for selling the Ranger was after trying an auto one. So much nicer to drive.
The Navara is a good steer, the ride is definitely a cut above the Rangers, due to the Multi-link suspension, tows my race car really well. All the toys, and a lot less in your face than the Ranger.
I also have had a days test drive of an Amarok, really nice drive, just like a big wallowy Golf really. Didn't quite have the grunt of the others, and they become pretty expensive compared to the others once you spec them up to be equivalent to the Nissan and Ranger.
Go test drive a few of them and you'll soon see which suits you the best. if you decide on a Ranger do not get the Rolltop cover for the bed, its expensive and leaks like a sieve!
I've recently owned a 20144 Ranger Wildttrak manual, and sold it circa 1 year ago to get one of the first new Navara's.
As previously said, the engine in the Ranger pulls well but hates to be revved. the manual box is a big clunky at low speeds. I'd 100% recommend a autobox in any pickup over a manual as 1st and 2nd gears are really low to be able to pull away with said 3.5 tonnes on the back. I found the ride quite rough on it as well compared to my previous 08'plate Navara I had.
The main reason for selling the Ranger was after trying an auto one. So much nicer to drive.
The Navara is a good steer, the ride is definitely a cut above the Rangers, due to the Multi-link suspension, tows my race car really well. All the toys, and a lot less in your face than the Ranger.
I also have had a days test drive of an Amarok, really nice drive, just like a big wallowy Golf really. Didn't quite have the grunt of the others, and they become pretty expensive compared to the others once you spec them up to be equivalent to the Nissan and Ranger.
Go test drive a few of them and you'll soon see which suits you the best. if you decide on a Ranger do not get the Rolltop cover for the bed, its expensive and leaks like a sieve!
white_goodman said:
Thanks. I thought they were all 2.0 TDIs now. 122PS base engine and then a 163PS bi-turbo, which I heard had a few issues? Maybe the early ones had a 2.5 TDI, as you used to be able to get a 2.5 TDI in the Transporter? I heard that they were scrapping the 2.0 TDI and going to re-launch it with a 3.0 V6 TDI in various states of tune, which sounds awesome but will be beyond my budget I'm sure!
Maybe I'll try out an Isuzu though, as I do have a local Isuzu dealership. My local VW dealership only sells passenger cars.
I don't know if they plan to scrap the diesel or not, but that particular pick up was the 2.5 and it was a proper workhorse as well as luxury Maybe I'll try out an Isuzu though, as I do have a local Isuzu dealership. My local VW dealership only sells passenger cars.
Willy Nilly said:
Yesterday I drove, back to back, our 04 Ranger XLT and the 2015 Transit drop side pickup. Yes, the Ranger is older, but the Transit is head and shoulders the better truck. It's quieter, drives significantly better and I mean miles better, the cab is designed to be a work truck with cubby holes and storage coming out of it's ears. You can actually get things in the load bed and it doesn't look like a tarts handbag.
Those Jap' pickups are all posing pouches, the lot of them. The beds are simply too high now to be of any use unless you have arms like a stretched orangutan. No doubt they will be offering a special, chromed (natch) set of steps that at the touch of a button deploys from the side of the vehicle with a satisfying ptisss noise so people can reach in to the bed, that is, unless less they have fitted the regulation fibreglass topper that offers all the load security of a double skinned bin bag. Not that you can get much more than a couple of bikes in the back anyway.
I'm not sure if comparing a two year old Transit to a thirteen year old Ranger, which must be two generations old now is a very fair comparison. I haven't driven any recent UK market pickups but I drove my father-in-law's 2016 Toyota Tacoma (like a Hilux but not) when I was in Canada and it was a lovely drive. He uses it properly every day on the farm but then it's still a comfortable vehicle to drive the family into town in too at the weekend. I also had an opportunity to drive a new Chevrolet Colorado too which rode and handled brilliantly. In fact I had to keep reminding myself that I was driving a 19 foot long truck and not a small SUV! The last Transit that I drove was a brand new 2013 and I have to say it was one of the most unpleasant vehicles that I have driven. Noisy, the engine was rough and had a drinking habit to rival Oliver Reed, clutch like an on/off switch, a jarring ride and some of the most uncomfortable seats that I have ever encountered. I've also driven a '78 VW Camper and despite being a lot slower, I would have to say that was a more pleasant and comfortable driving experience all-round than the new Transit!Those Jap' pickups are all posing pouches, the lot of them. The beds are simply too high now to be of any use unless you have arms like a stretched orangutan. No doubt they will be offering a special, chromed (natch) set of steps that at the touch of a button deploys from the side of the vehicle with a satisfying ptisss noise so people can reach in to the bed, that is, unless less they have fitted the regulation fibreglass topper that offers all the load security of a double skinned bin bag. Not that you can get much more than a couple of bikes in the back anyway.
I appreciate that a 2015 is probably the new-style Transit though, which may be better and you make a few good points regarding the height of the bed etc but I don't really want a van. Can you get a double cab Transit pickup? If I did, I would consider a Transit but I would prefer something with 4WD that looks less van-like! I also agree that your load is less secure in a truck and yes, some of the top-spec models are pretty vulgar and bling but I would probably be looking at something in the mid-range and the Nissan/VW/Isuzu seem a little more restrained compared to the Ford/Mitsubishi.
I've driven a fair whack of your choices, mostly newer but of a high-ish spec (my old boss had a bit of a fetish for Transits and pickups so liked to spec ours out. Was great for the drivers! )
Ford Ranger - The 3.2TDCi engine is by far the best pickup engine to drive in the UK. Mountains of torque, will tow 5 ton up a hill and be able to maintain ~50. However I can't recommend it for your means. The Ranger, Amarok and latest hilux all tip the scales at >2ton unladen, meaning they are hit with the archaic 'van limits' on nsl roads. Which is a shame because honestly the Ranger is beautiful to drive. Engine has a couple of fueling niggles if I remember right, both of ours spent a stint in the garage for this at around 20-30k miles.
Mitsubishi L200 - I'm probably bias since I've owned one, and a Shogun... and a Shogun Sport(basically an L200 chassis with SUV body). Best AWD system on the market in a pickup (some 4x4s exceed it). Cheap, proven & reliable engine in 4d56 models (unsure of the new ones), not the best tow-er in the world but great on and off road handling under moderate loads. It's also one of the thinner pickups on the market so easier to thread along country roads.
Isuzu Rodeo - Its a D-max now by the way. Have never drove one of these but have heard good things, they are world renowned for their diesel engines, although the latest ones lack a bit of power compared to other stuff on the market. AT35 would be my first choice if I had money, although I've heard the interiors on the new ones are bit dated and somewhat more 'spartan' than other modern trucks.
Toyota Hilux - Honestly I don't rate them, no more or less reliable than the other Japanese pickups, new ones are too heavy, towing capacity ain't great, have a high cost. The only thing going for them in my opinion is their reputation and residuals which are fairly good.
Nissan Navara NP300 - Not driven a NP300 personally, the D22 however was fantastic. A favourite of caravanists up and down the country so I assume it tows well. Engines are chain driven and pretty bulletproof if I remember right, older ones suffered from a bit of nasty chassis rust. Not sure if that translates onto the newer ones.
VW Amarok - No experience with these what so ever. They do tip the scales at over 2 ton so you are going to have the speed limit technicality. I have heard they are very luxurious to drive, almost SUV like.
Personally I would recommend a L200. Excels at on and off road handling, is light & not too massive. In warrior and barbarian trims is very well kitted out. Although as you are a private buyer with a pretty low end usage case scenario I would strongly recommend you check out the latest Chinese options. Both the Great Wall Steed and Ssangyong Musso get great write ups in light load usage cases, are very well kitted out. I have sat in the Great Wall and it was as nice as say the last generation L200, a tiny bit rougher around the edges with a less refined engine than the Jap new stuff, but considerably cheaper & felt well built enough. They are rated for less payload but I doubt that would effect you.
EDIT: http://pickupand4x4.co.uk/pickup-truck-speed-limit...
)Ford Ranger - The 3.2TDCi engine is by far the best pickup engine to drive in the UK. Mountains of torque, will tow 5 ton up a hill and be able to maintain ~50. However I can't recommend it for your means. The Ranger, Amarok and latest hilux all tip the scales at >2ton unladen, meaning they are hit with the archaic 'van limits' on nsl roads. Which is a shame because honestly the Ranger is beautiful to drive. Engine has a couple of fueling niggles if I remember right, both of ours spent a stint in the garage for this at around 20-30k miles.
Mitsubishi L200 - I'm probably bias since I've owned one, and a Shogun... and a Shogun Sport(basically an L200 chassis with SUV body). Best AWD system on the market in a pickup (some 4x4s exceed it). Cheap, proven & reliable engine in 4d56 models (unsure of the new ones), not the best tow-er in the world but great on and off road handling under moderate loads. It's also one of the thinner pickups on the market so easier to thread along country roads.
Isuzu Rodeo - Its a D-max now by the way. Have never drove one of these but have heard good things, they are world renowned for their diesel engines, although the latest ones lack a bit of power compared to other stuff on the market. AT35 would be my first choice if I had money, although I've heard the interiors on the new ones are bit dated and somewhat more 'spartan' than other modern trucks.
Toyota Hilux - Honestly I don't rate them, no more or less reliable than the other Japanese pickups, new ones are too heavy, towing capacity ain't great, have a high cost. The only thing going for them in my opinion is their reputation and residuals which are fairly good.
Nissan Navara NP300 - Not driven a NP300 personally, the D22 however was fantastic. A favourite of caravanists up and down the country so I assume it tows well. Engines are chain driven and pretty bulletproof if I remember right, older ones suffered from a bit of nasty chassis rust. Not sure if that translates onto the newer ones.
VW Amarok - No experience with these what so ever. They do tip the scales at over 2 ton so you are going to have the speed limit technicality. I have heard they are very luxurious to drive, almost SUV like.
Personally I would recommend a L200. Excels at on and off road handling, is light & not too massive. In warrior and barbarian trims is very well kitted out. Although as you are a private buyer with a pretty low end usage case scenario I would strongly recommend you check out the latest Chinese options. Both the Great Wall Steed and Ssangyong Musso get great write ups in light load usage cases, are very well kitted out. I have sat in the Great Wall and it was as nice as say the last generation L200, a tiny bit rougher around the edges with a less refined engine than the Jap new stuff, but considerably cheaper & felt well built enough. They are rated for less payload but I doubt that would effect you.
EDIT: http://pickupand4x4.co.uk/pickup-truck-speed-limit...
Edited by caelite on Tuesday 21st February 19:20
caelite said:
I've driven a fair whack of your choices, mostly newer but of a high-ish spec (my old boss had a bit of a fetish for Transits and pickups so liked to spec ours out. Was great for the drivers! )
Ford Ranger - The 3.2TDCi engine is by far the best pickup engine to drive in the UK. Mountains of torque, will tow 5 ton up a hill and be able to maintain ~50. However I can't recommend it for your means. The Ranger, Amarok and latest hilux all tip the scales at >2ton unladen, meaning they are hit with the archaic 'van limits' on nsl roads. Which is a shame because honestly the Ranger is beautiful to drive. Engine has a couple of fueling niggles if I remember right, both of ours spent a stint in the garage for this at around 20-30k miles.
Mitsubishi L200 - I'm probably bias since I've owned one, and a Shogun... and a Shogun Sport(basically an L200 chassis with SUV body). Best AWD system on the market in a pickup (some 4x4s exceed it). Cheap, proven & reliable engine in 4d56 models (unsure of the new ones), not the best tow-er in the world but great on and off road handling under moderate loads. It's also one of the thinner pickups on the market so easier to thread along country roads.
Isuzu Rodeo - Its a D-max now by the way. Have never drove one of these but have heard good things, they are world renowned for their diesel engines, although the latest ones lack a bit of power compared to other stuff on the market. AT35 would be my first choice if I had money, although I've heard the interiors on the new ones are bit dated and somewhat more 'spartan' than other modern trucks.
Toyota Hilux - Honestly I don't rate them, no more or less reliable than the other Japanese pickups, new ones are too heavy, towing capacity ain't great, have a high cost. The only thing going for them in my opinion is their reputation and residuals which are fairly good.
Nissan Navara NP300 - Not driven a NP300 personally, the D22 however was fantastic. A favourite of caravanists up and down the country so I assume it tows well. Engines are chain driven and pretty bulletproof if I remember right, older ones suffered from a bit of nasty chassis rust. Not sure if that translates onto the newer ones.
VW Amarok - No experience with these what so ever. They do tip the scales at over 2 ton so you are going to have the speed limit technicality. I have heard they are very luxurious to drive, almost SUV like.
Personally I would recommend a L200. Excels at on and off road handling, is light & not too massive. In warrior and barbarian trims is very well kitted out. Although as you are a private buyer with a pretty low end usage case scenario I would strongly recommend you check out the latest Chinese options. Both the Great Wall Steed and Ssangyong Musso get great write ups in light load usage cases, are very well kitted out. I have sat in the Great Wall and it was as nice as say the last generation L200, a tiny bit rougher around the edges with a less refined engine but considerably cheaper & felt well built enough. They are rated for less payload but I doubt that would effect you.
Another vote for the L200, we've had 2 of them for nearly a year now (series 5 warrior & titan), superb to drive (and the only ones that can be driven in 4wd on tarmac, averages around 35 mpg (anyone says that the're getting 40+ is lying). )Ford Ranger - The 3.2TDCi engine is by far the best pickup engine to drive in the UK. Mountains of torque, will tow 5 ton up a hill and be able to maintain ~50. However I can't recommend it for your means. The Ranger, Amarok and latest hilux all tip the scales at >2ton unladen, meaning they are hit with the archaic 'van limits' on nsl roads. Which is a shame because honestly the Ranger is beautiful to drive. Engine has a couple of fueling niggles if I remember right, both of ours spent a stint in the garage for this at around 20-30k miles.
Mitsubishi L200 - I'm probably bias since I've owned one, and a Shogun... and a Shogun Sport(basically an L200 chassis with SUV body). Best AWD system on the market in a pickup (some 4x4s exceed it). Cheap, proven & reliable engine in 4d56 models (unsure of the new ones), not the best tow-er in the world but great on and off road handling under moderate loads. It's also one of the thinner pickups on the market so easier to thread along country roads.
Isuzu Rodeo - Its a D-max now by the way. Have never drove one of these but have heard good things, they are world renowned for their diesel engines, although the latest ones lack a bit of power compared to other stuff on the market. AT35 would be my first choice if I had money, although I've heard the interiors on the new ones are bit dated and somewhat more 'spartan' than other modern trucks.
Toyota Hilux - Honestly I don't rate them, no more or less reliable than the other Japanese pickups, new ones are too heavy, towing capacity ain't great, have a high cost. The only thing going for them in my opinion is their reputation and residuals which are fairly good.
Nissan Navara NP300 - Not driven a NP300 personally, the D22 however was fantastic. A favourite of caravanists up and down the country so I assume it tows well. Engines are chain driven and pretty bulletproof if I remember right, older ones suffered from a bit of nasty chassis rust. Not sure if that translates onto the newer ones.
VW Amarok - No experience with these what so ever. They do tip the scales at over 2 ton so you are going to have the speed limit technicality. I have heard they are very luxurious to drive, almost SUV like.
Personally I would recommend a L200. Excels at on and off road handling, is light & not too massive. In warrior and barbarian trims is very well kitted out. Although as you are a private buyer with a pretty low end usage case scenario I would strongly recommend you check out the latest Chinese options. Both the Great Wall Steed and Ssangyong Musso get great write ups in light load usage cases, are very well kitted out. I have sat in the Great Wall and it was as nice as say the last generation L200, a tiny bit rougher around the edges with a less refined engine but considerably cheaper & felt well built enough. They are rated for less payload but I doubt that would effect you.
Warrior is well specced, heated leather sets, sat-nav, dab, etc, but lot less gaudy that the Barbarian, comfy (memory foam seats), and easily tows a cattle trailer full of sheep.
Significantly as has been said before, it's narrower than most, which is useful in both town & country!
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