Which dual cab ute?
Discussion
In an apparent show of appreciation for my hard work over the years, the MD has asked if I'd like a dual cab ute. Currently I have a car of my own and was considering changing it for a Kluger so the timing is quite good.
The thing is that I'm not really one for utes, but there are obvious tax (no tax) benefits to having one as a company vehicle.
I asked what the budget was and he says there isn't really one "go and try a few and see what you like"
I'm not into off-roading, don't have a boat to tow or anything like that - Just two kids under 4. It would need a decent canopy.
So which dual cab is "best" for a family of 4 who don't really need or want a ute and would be better suited to a Kluger haha!
I'm thinking Amarok?
The thing is that I'm not really one for utes, but there are obvious tax (no tax) benefits to having one as a company vehicle.
I asked what the budget was and he says there isn't really one "go and try a few and see what you like"
I'm not into off-roading, don't have a boat to tow or anything like that - Just two kids under 4. It would need a decent canopy.
So which dual cab is "best" for a family of 4 who don't really need or want a ute and would be better suited to a Kluger haha!
I'm thinking Amarok?
Thanks for the input - I'd not given any thought to the Merc. As you say, I'm really looking for the one with the most car-like interior. The MD has a deposit down on the V6 and apparently delivery estimates keep slipping. I'm sure the wait list would be pretty long if I joined now.
Apparently there's a new Hilux special edition with a carpeted well-body. Pair that with a decent canopy and it becomes a big 4x4 wagon. Not sure if I'd go that far though!
Budget cap just confirmed as "so long as it's not 100k".
Apparently there's a new Hilux special edition with a carpeted well-body. Pair that with a decent canopy and it becomes a big 4x4 wagon. Not sure if I'd go that far though!
Budget cap just confirmed as "so long as it's not 100k".
Bibbs said:
No tolls in WA.
Just stupid laws that make visiting more than one car dealer (with 2 small children in-tow) on a Saturday impossible! What kind of stupid does someone have to be to think restricting car sales on a Saturday is a good thing? What's the F'ing benefit?Anyway, having failed to sit in actual cars over the weekend I watched YouTube instead and its a 2-horse race. Amarok Vs. Ranger Wildtrack
Amarok has a distinct advantage it its drivetrain - permanent 4 wheel drive, making it easier for the wife to drive around corners in the wet with nothing in the tray. No low range but a well recieved 8 speed auto making up for it and more than adequate for our needs. Of course its the most powerful too.
Amarok has no airbags in the rear and now we have 2 small kids that's a problem.
Ranger Wildtrack would be in RWD 99% of the time for us, increasing the chance of the wife putting it in a ditch on a wet roundabout. However, when she gets there the rear airbags will help protect the kids!
Ranger wins on tech with almost everything included except blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking - But lets face it, I've managed just fine without them for nearly 20 years.
Edited by 200bhp on Monday 21st May 03:59
Bibbs said:
I passed over the VW at the start. No low range and no petrol.
Ford isn't too bad. But again, why have they not put the Mustang V8 (or even the i6t Barra) in it.
I really don't like diesel.
Apparently the lack of low range isnt a problem for most people who've actually driven it off-road.Ford isn't too bad. But again, why have they not put the Mustang V8 (or even the i6t Barra) in it.
I really don't like diesel.
The most laughable Ranger is of course the forthcoming diesel Raptor.
Found myself passing a Ford dealer on Friday so called in to look at Ranger with my wife and kids. We all loved the Ranger Wildtrack (in Orange!).
The new model comes in August so combine that with EOFY and there's some good discounts around.
Dealer indicated he could do the current model WIldtrack for $58k which, is a sizable chunk off the retail price.
The new model comes in August so combine that with EOFY and there's some good discounts around.
Dealer indicated he could do the current model WIldtrack for $58k which, is a sizable chunk off the retail price.
Well the decision is made...... Ranger Wildtrack in orange with ARB "Ascent" canopy including central locking integration. The canopy totally ruins the look of the car but its essential to maintain any kind of usability in the rear from a family point of view.
I had to laugh when at the dealership - I asked how water tight the Wildtrack roller shutter is and the salesman said "totally watertight, even after all this heavy rain we've had. Here, look at this......" and promptly unlocked one, rolled back the shutter to reveal two puddles in the tub!
The vehicle itself comes in at a little under $60k but with canopy, stamp duty and all the rest of the silly charges ends up at $64,900
I decided that the changes in the forthcoming facelift model arent really significant enough for me to wait, the boss wants to spend the money before the end of the financial year too. If it were my own money I'm not sure I'd buy one now as the resale value would likely take a hit being the "older" model even if only a few weeks older than a facelift version.
Why didnt I go for Amarok or Hilux?
Amarok has no rear airbags and I'm dubious about parts availability and support here in WA. We use some passat parts in a machine at work and the wait times for simple things like brake callipers is crazy compared to the UK. The local dealer is offering warranty backed remaps on the current model to 220kW though which, was tempting. However, the lack of rear airbags and lower ANCAP score (the numbers not the stars) put me off.
I really dont like the look of Hilux, even those new special editions. The proportions of the front end are wrong and the SR5 looks like the front overhang is 25% longer than it should be. Then you get inside and see the stuck-on screen and hazard switch/clock that look like an afterthought and it doesnt really tick the "car-like" box for me. Its a few grand cheaper than the Ranger though which would make it tempting if I were spending my own money.
Will be interesting to see how the Ranger goes and feels in the coming weeks!
I had to laugh when at the dealership - I asked how water tight the Wildtrack roller shutter is and the salesman said "totally watertight, even after all this heavy rain we've had. Here, look at this......" and promptly unlocked one, rolled back the shutter to reveal two puddles in the tub!
The vehicle itself comes in at a little under $60k but with canopy, stamp duty and all the rest of the silly charges ends up at $64,900
I decided that the changes in the forthcoming facelift model arent really significant enough for me to wait, the boss wants to spend the money before the end of the financial year too. If it were my own money I'm not sure I'd buy one now as the resale value would likely take a hit being the "older" model even if only a few weeks older than a facelift version.
Why didnt I go for Amarok or Hilux?
Amarok has no rear airbags and I'm dubious about parts availability and support here in WA. We use some passat parts in a machine at work and the wait times for simple things like brake callipers is crazy compared to the UK. The local dealer is offering warranty backed remaps on the current model to 220kW though which, was tempting. However, the lack of rear airbags and lower ANCAP score (the numbers not the stars) put me off.
I really dont like the look of Hilux, even those new special editions. The proportions of the front end are wrong and the SR5 looks like the front overhang is 25% longer than it should be. Then you get inside and see the stuck-on screen and hazard switch/clock that look like an afterthought and it doesnt really tick the "car-like" box for me. Its a few grand cheaper than the Ranger though which would make it tempting if I were spending my own money.
Will be interesting to see how the Ranger goes and feels in the coming weeks!
Looks like you need some wider wheels 
I was very tempted by the Ford flares until I realised that also meant wider wheels are required to make it look finished.
Mirror fold kit is already on the to-do list but first-up is a decent front recovery point and bash plat combination, much like the ARB offering but made myself at work as I refuse to pay $1000 for it!
Does the Grunt tailgate kit work OK around the standard support strap/wire? I'd heard/read that the wire and strut sometimes get caught up and you cant close the tailgate?
I was very tempted by the Ford flares until I realised that also meant wider wheels are required to make it look finished.
Mirror fold kit is already on the to-do list but first-up is a decent front recovery point and bash plat combination, much like the ARB offering but made myself at work as I refuse to pay $1000 for it!
Does the Grunt tailgate kit work OK around the standard support strap/wire? I'd heard/read that the wire and strut sometimes get caught up and you cant close the tailgate?
Edited by 200bhp on Friday 6th July 08:29
StefanVXR8 said:
How are you getting on with the Ranger Phil?
Mine is a year old now and no issues so far, had its first service recently and the underbody recall done.
Stef
Shows how often I come on here these days, only just seen your question!Mine is a year old now and no issues so far, had its first service recently and the underbody recall done.
Stef
Mine is going well, nearly 9000km on the clock now.
An early off road outing resulted in a heavy knock to the front underbody guard which is incredibly flimsy and bent right up to touch the radiator. I've now fitted an ARB version which is a lot stronger.
I also acquired a ForScan cable (via the forums at saeb.net) with the intention of enabling some features such as daytime running lights, cornering lamps etc. but havent had the time to do so as yet.
My thoughts on the car after this time:
1) The engine is OK but sounds terrible most of the time.
2) The electric window switches are too far back on the arm rest
3) The DAB radio switches randomly to Tripple J on FM sometimes on startup, despite me never listening to FM
4) Software operated radios are crap. Try turning off the radio in a hurry when you get in and turn the key. How many times does it take to actually turn the thing off?
5) Thank god for Apple Car Play - The Ford in-built nav and voice commands are clunky and dated despite being a new car
6) It is generally a nice, comfy place for me and the family to be.
7) Its a company owned vehicle with the option to buy outright at 4 years - Currently I think I'll buy it.
8) When i buy it I get to pick another company ute - I'm leaning toward the Ranger Raptor!
StefanVXR8 said:
Be interested to hear how you get on with the Forscan as and when you’ve had a play.
On the fence with the Raptor, like the concept but hesitant to loose some of the tech of the Wildtrak.
Stef
Its been a while since I was here but I've had a good play with my ForScan On the fence with the Raptor, like the concept but hesitant to loose some of the tech of the Wildtrak.
Stef
I have enabled cornering lamps - Turns on one fog lamp when at low speed with indicator on. Love this feature and it works really well.
I enabled the daylight running lamp functionality, set to "headlamps on" but its a bit pointless as you can achieve the same thing by leaving the headlamp switch in the on position (not auto). You can select to use foglamps as daytime running lights which I did for a day before deciding against it. It turns on a DRL menu in the cluster so you can turn them off which I've done.
I've enabled the ability to control AC fan speed and temperature using the steering wheel left buttons with a new "Climate" menu in the left cluster screen. Its totally pointless as it doesnt give full functionality. Seems like an R&D feature that Ford dumped at the last minute, even the graphic looks a bit half-finished.
Decided against changing the splash screen to "Raptor"
Its an interesting thing to play with for an evening but I dont see me using it very often.
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