New pickup truck as a family car
Discussion
Hi all,
After some advice from owners on the pitfalls or benefits of running a newish pickup (Hilux/Ranger/Navara) as a family car. Not really a daily driver, more a weekend trips away. Supermini gets used for the supermarket and school run.
Thinking of replacing my Scooby Legacy with something with a bit more towing capacity and payload.
I am running the risk of being branded a hypocrite after previous posts on SUVs... Still would prefer not to have a soft roader or expensive SUV as the vehicle would need to go off road and would get a bit of abuse hauling boats, canoes & trailer about. Previous old shape Subaru Forester was a good workhorse. Would have loved a Defender but a) too expensive, b) I've seen a red one on another thread and it has put me off - I khahn't go there....
Thanks!
After some advice from owners on the pitfalls or benefits of running a newish pickup (Hilux/Ranger/Navara) as a family car. Not really a daily driver, more a weekend trips away. Supermini gets used for the supermarket and school run.
Thinking of replacing my Scooby Legacy with something with a bit more towing capacity and payload.
I am running the risk of being branded a hypocrite after previous posts on SUVs... Still would prefer not to have a soft roader or expensive SUV as the vehicle would need to go off road and would get a bit of abuse hauling boats, canoes & trailer about. Previous old shape Subaru Forester was a good workhorse. Would have loved a Defender but a) too expensive, b) I've seen a red one on another thread and it has put me off - I khahn't go there....
Thanks!
I had a pickup for a few years and absolutely loved it. It was a twin cab and was the perfect vehicle for pretty much anything, except sporty driving obviously (although with off road tyres it could drift magnificently round wet roundabouts). The only downside was it wasn't very economical, it was quite old so maybe new ones would be better. If I had space/ budget for another one I would absolutely have one again
Navara specifically: look out for the snapped chassis issue on the D40 model.
https://www.parkers.co.uk/vans-pickups/advice/2017...
https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/forum/topic/5079-n...
https://www.parkers.co.uk/vans-pickups/advice/2017...
https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/forum/topic/5079-n...
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Tuesday 22 September 12:57
PurpleTurtle said:
Navara specifically: look out for the snapped chassis issue on the D40 model.
https://www.parkers.co.uk/vans-pickups/advice/2017...
https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/forum/topic/5079-n...
Wasn't it that model of Navara that could suddenly destroy its own engine too?https://www.parkers.co.uk/vans-pickups/advice/2017...
https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/forum/topic/5079-n...
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Tuesday 22 September 12:57
Thanks for the heads up on fuel economy and the Navara chassis. Fuel economy not such an issue as now probably working from home for the foreseeable. It would be really a weekend activity vehicle.
Having driven Hiluxs in the desert on a few HMG funded holidays I remember them as a bit agricultural but that was a while ago and they were rather abused examples.
Was wondering if newer models were a bit more civilised?
Having driven Hiluxs in the desert on a few HMG funded holidays I remember them as a bit agricultural but that was a while ago and they were rather abused examples.
Was wondering if newer models were a bit more civilised?
TVRBRZ said:
Thanks for the heads up on fuel economy and the Navara chassis. Fuel economy not such an issue as now probably working from home for the foreseeable. It would be really a weekend activity vehicle.
Having driven Hiluxs in the desert on a few HMG funded holidays I remember them as a bit agricultural but that was a while ago and they were rather abused examples.
Was wondering if newer models were a bit more civilised?
Newest thing I have driven is a latest shape Ranger, absolutely nothing agricultural about it, just like being in a car with a large interior! Having driven Hiluxs in the desert on a few HMG funded holidays I remember them as a bit agricultural but that was a while ago and they were rather abused examples.
Was wondering if newer models were a bit more civilised?
Our engineers really like their Amaroks.
My mate has a current shape Navara, and I've done a few hundred miles as a passenger. Very comfy, but feet a bit higher than you'd expect due to the body-on-frame architecture. Particularly noticeable in the back.
Worth you going for a test drive, that's for sure.
My mate has a current shape Navara, and I've done a few hundred miles as a passenger. Very comfy, but feet a bit higher than you'd expect due to the body-on-frame architecture. Particularly noticeable in the back.
Worth you going for a test drive, that's for sure.
From my experience with a 2016 Ranger 3.2 and a 2019 Navara N-Guard I'd personally take a decent estate car over either.
Whilst they may drive well enough for what they are - a commercial vehicle, after all, a decent estate runs rings round it unless you need the towing capacity or ground clearance (or tax dodge). That said, I find a Defender better at towing than either, and similarly crap to drive.
Neither ride very well, especially from the rear seats. Both are noisy and tiresome on long runs. I don't even find them particularly practical. If you're 4 up, any luggage has to go in the pickup bed. Even with a Trucktop or a rollover cover, stuff in the pickup bed gets wet. You can't get long things in the car - I think only the Merc had an option for an opening rear window, so carrying anything over 1.2m long is a pain.
Fuel consumption is around 28 for both. Navara is an auto, which suits the type better IMHO. The Ranger has an agricultural 6-speed manual 'box. Both have been reliable though, to be fair.
Whilst they may drive well enough for what they are - a commercial vehicle, after all, a decent estate runs rings round it unless you need the towing capacity or ground clearance (or tax dodge). That said, I find a Defender better at towing than either, and similarly crap to drive.
Neither ride very well, especially from the rear seats. Both are noisy and tiresome on long runs. I don't even find them particularly practical. If you're 4 up, any luggage has to go in the pickup bed. Even with a Trucktop or a rollover cover, stuff in the pickup bed gets wet. You can't get long things in the car - I think only the Merc had an option for an opening rear window, so carrying anything over 1.2m long is a pain.
Fuel consumption is around 28 for both. Navara is an auto, which suits the type better IMHO. The Ranger has an agricultural 6-speed manual 'box. Both have been reliable though, to be fair.
Ok, Ta for that. Autocar rated the multi link rear suspension in the Navara, but good to hear a PH opinion. Ranger looks epic but I am not cool enough and would have to choose something a bit more Dad like.
Will go for a drive unless 2nd lockdown forbids!
Lastly - as only manually selectable 4wd, I take I'm not going to enjoy the same on road stability and confidence as I do with the permanent AWD scooby or my old proper mechanical A4 Quattro.....?
Will go for a drive unless 2nd lockdown forbids!
Lastly - as only manually selectable 4wd, I take I'm not going to enjoy the same on road stability and confidence as I do with the permanent AWD scooby or my old proper mechanical A4 Quattro.....?
I have a new 2.0 bi-turbo Ranger on order with the 10 speed auto box. This has 210 bhp and 500NM torque. I tested this and the Amorok. I went for the Ranger because it had a 3,500kg towing capacity and I tow a covered trailer and race car plus spare wheels etc. The Amorok was either 3,000kg or 3,200kg
The ride in the Amorok is better (coil springs at the rear I believe). The finish in the Amorok is also better but the Ford is very well appointed and not lacking technology or comforts.
The Ford is cheaper and available with 0% finance.
I am really looking forward to taking delivery.
The ride in the Amorok is better (coil springs at the rear I believe). The finish in the Amorok is also better but the Ford is very well appointed and not lacking technology or comforts.
The Ford is cheaper and available with 0% finance.
I am really looking forward to taking delivery.
Justin85 said:
From my experience with a 2016 Ranger 3.2 and a 2019 Navara N-Guard I'd personally take a decent estate car over either.
Whilst they may drive well enough for what they are - a commercial vehicle, after all, a decent estate runs rings round it unless you need the towing capacity or ground clearance (or tax dodge). That said, I find a Defender better at towing than either, and similarly crap to drive.
Neither ride very well, especially from the rear seats. Both are noisy and tiresome on long runs. I don't even find them particularly practical. If you're 4 up, any luggage has to go in the pickup bed. Even with a Trucktop or a rollover cover, stuff in the pickup bed gets wet. You can't get long things in the car - I think only the Merc had an option for an opening rear window, so carrying anything over 1.2m long is a pain.
Fuel consumption is around 28 for both. Navara is an auto, which suits the type better IMHO. The Ranger has an agricultural 6-speed manual 'box. Both have been reliable though, to be fair.
Copied. I think my days of 300 mile motorway trips are over so losing the big estate car comfort may not be such an issue. Good to know they were reliable, but interesting that stuff get wer in the back even with a hardtop - taWhilst they may drive well enough for what they are - a commercial vehicle, after all, a decent estate runs rings round it unless you need the towing capacity or ground clearance (or tax dodge). That said, I find a Defender better at towing than either, and similarly crap to drive.
Neither ride very well, especially from the rear seats. Both are noisy and tiresome on long runs. I don't even find them particularly practical. If you're 4 up, any luggage has to go in the pickup bed. Even with a Trucktop or a rollover cover, stuff in the pickup bed gets wet. You can't get long things in the car - I think only the Merc had an option for an opening rear window, so carrying anything over 1.2m long is a pain.
Fuel consumption is around 28 for both. Navara is an auto, which suits the type better IMHO. The Ranger has an agricultural 6-speed manual 'box. Both have been reliable though, to be fair.
We have a Ford Ranger and a Range Rover Vogue. Whilst the Ranger is longer, it is notably narrower than the Vogue and so is my preferred ‘errand’ car for shopping etc as it has more space in parking spots. Also the big running boards stop people hitting their doors against you.
For family use the Ranger handles all sports and outdoors. We are a couple of minutes from the beach and 40 minutes from the new forest so always throw kids of stuff in there to take down, bikes in the back, not worried about sandy feet etc. It is fantastic for that stuff and we do way more activities with it than if we had an estate. Just look how easy bikes are!
It carries a family of 4 in pretty decent comfort, much better than most other pickups for rear seats. Obviously it isn’t on the same level as the Range Rover, but the Ranger is by no means bad and I have done 6 hour trips in it easily enough. I’d definitely take it over a lot of cars, the high seating position and better visibility is far more relaxing for long distance driving.
Overall I’d highly recommend it. The Ranger really holds it own and is enjoyable to drive around in.
For family use the Ranger handles all sports and outdoors. We are a couple of minutes from the beach and 40 minutes from the new forest so always throw kids of stuff in there to take down, bikes in the back, not worried about sandy feet etc. It is fantastic for that stuff and we do way more activities with it than if we had an estate. Just look how easy bikes are!
It carries a family of 4 in pretty decent comfort, much better than most other pickups for rear seats. Obviously it isn’t on the same level as the Range Rover, but the Ranger is by no means bad and I have done 6 hour trips in it easily enough. I’d definitely take it over a lot of cars, the high seating position and better visibility is far more relaxing for long distance driving.
Overall I’d highly recommend it. The Ranger really holds it own and is enjoyable to drive around in.
Most, if not all of the new double cab pickups come under commercial speed limits.
Isn't a major issue unless you drive long distances not on a motorway.
I've had an older Ranger for nine years and it's been brilliant but I'd still have a car as well for longer journeys and the school run.
Watch newer Rangers for oil pump failure, electric issues, splitting seats...
D40 Navaras have already been mentioned but some spares can be difficult too.
L200 is ok but not perfect.
Hiluxes aren't as indestructible as they used to be - still very good but expensive.
Isn't a major issue unless you drive long distances not on a motorway.
I've had an older Ranger for nine years and it's been brilliant but I'd still have a car as well for longer journeys and the school run.
Watch newer Rangers for oil pump failure, electric issues, splitting seats...
D40 Navaras have already been mentioned but some spares can be difficult too.
L200 is ok but not perfect.
Hiluxes aren't as indestructible as they used to be - still very good but expensive.
Had a 2016 Ranger wildtrak (in mandatory orange) from new.
Really quite good. Compared to an SUV it was *a bit* agricultural in terms of refinement and ride, but it's all relative. It was comfortable enough, and worked well as a daily.
Very easy to live with, not a lot of things I didn't like about it (loadspace roller shutter being one of them!). Had all the kit, comfy enough seats, decent driveability. Quite long, but easy enough to maneouver/position. Off-road capability was decent for trips away.
Fuel economy was pretty poor, but if you're only doing limited mileage then it doesn't matter.
I've driven new Hiluxes a couple of times when towing, and for any sort of professional work, they felt a lot more robust, but as a lifestyle car, I'd take the Ranger all day long.
Rear seats end up being used as a boot, as otherwise there's nowhere for the shopping to go (putting it in the loadspace doesn't end well).
Really quite good. Compared to an SUV it was *a bit* agricultural in terms of refinement and ride, but it's all relative. It was comfortable enough, and worked well as a daily.
Very easy to live with, not a lot of things I didn't like about it (loadspace roller shutter being one of them!). Had all the kit, comfy enough seats, decent driveability. Quite long, but easy enough to maneouver/position. Off-road capability was decent for trips away.
Fuel economy was pretty poor, but if you're only doing limited mileage then it doesn't matter.
I've driven new Hiluxes a couple of times when towing, and for any sort of professional work, they felt a lot more robust, but as a lifestyle car, I'd take the Ranger all day long.
Rear seats end up being used as a boot, as otherwise there's nowhere for the shopping to go (putting it in the loadspace doesn't end well).
I have a UN-spec 2018 DC Hilux, which is quieter and more refined than the OH's ex-Shogun of a similar vintage. Happy cruising at 80, or crawling along rutted tracks.
Justin85 said:
If you're 4 up, any luggage has to go in the pickup bed. Even with a Trucktop or a rollover cover, stuff in the pickup bed gets wet.
^^^ I agree with this. Great for rucksacks/camping/bikes/shooting, not so good for dropping people at the airport in the rain.TVRBRZ said:
Lastly - as only manually selectable 4wd, I take I'm not going to enjoy the same on road stability and confidence as I do with the permanent AWD scooby or my old proper mechanical A4 Quattro.....?
You won't be able to drive any of them on paved roads in 4wd unless they have a centre diff.I think the later L200 does but the 4wd isn't there for on road stability.
It's to keep you moving when everything else has given up.
The rear axle LSD on my truck has kept me moving more times than I've needed 4wd.
I ran a Hilux Invincible X, 2018 model, for 18 months / 15,000 miles. Really liked it and only sold it last month as surplus to requirements (annual mileage has plummeted and I have another car). Perfectly refined and smooth for everyday use, great high up driving position. Cruises very well on motorway.
Only two issues in the interests of balance:
- Slow acceleration. Would be frustrating if you were trying to "make progress".
- A bit long for smaller multi-storeys.
Felt very well built, no faults in my ownership. £250 minor service, tyres didn't seem to wear at all, barely lost anything in 18 months (bought as pre-reg with a good discount).
Only two issues in the interests of balance:
- Slow acceleration. Would be frustrating if you were trying to "make progress".
- A bit long for smaller multi-storeys.
Felt very well built, no faults in my ownership. £250 minor service, tyres didn't seem to wear at all, barely lost anything in 18 months (bought as pre-reg with a good discount).
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