What is the best second-hand ute to buy?

Although sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have become the de facto 21st-century family car, not all families are satisfied with the typical'soft-road' SUV.

These families want a heavy-duty commercial vehicle with additional seating capacity, one that can transport four adults and their recreational trailers or boats to their desired vacation spot. The ute should ideally have off-road capability so that your extreme-adventure families can reach out-of-the-way campgrounds.

However, not every household anticipates the next vacation with gleeful anticipation. Some consumers believe that the dual-cab ute is the best of both worlds, serving as a reliable work vehicle for their companies on weekdays and a convenient family haulier on the weekends. The Australian Taxation Department partially subsidises the cost of car registration, and the driver only needs to worry about paying one insurance premium and one registration price.

The quality of dual-cab utes has increased dramatically during the past six years. Those on a tighter budget can still benefit from purchasing them as secondhand automobiles. Despite the wide variety of options, there is one that truly sticks out.

What vehicle can tow the most stuff, whether it's tools as well as a trailer on weekdays or one caravan on the weekend?

The one-ton dual-cab ute is unrivalled in its market segment. It can tow a boat to the next ramp or take the family on a weekend trip to the national parks in addition to its daily duties (and tax breaks, for some). Newer diesel-powered dual-cab utes with automatic transmissions are simple for anyone to operate and affordable to maintain.

Here are six used dual-cab utes we wouldn't mind having in our garage.

Dual-cab utes are the 4x4 equivalent of a mutt. Family hauler/business utility vehicle hybrid that is competent but not exceptional in either role. With such a broad consumer base, the new automobile industry is highly competitive; yet, the used auto market is a buyer's paradise thanks to the abundance of trade-ins from commercial customers.

The pricing range for any of these vehicles is $15,000-$20,000 (or more), depending on age and condition. There is a wide variety of four-wheel drives available, from "tradie hacks" that never venture further than a muddy construction site to "hardcore four-wheel drivers" to "waste-of-a-good-4X4" bling mobos.

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Toyota HiLux 

Years Made: 2005 to 2013

Engine: 126 kilowatts (kW) at 3600 revolutions per minute (rpm), and 343 Newton-meters (1Nm) between 1,400 and 3,400 revolutions per minute (1KD-FTV 3.0L inline 4-cylinder common rail turbo-diesel.

Gearbox: 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual

Toyota's "unstoppable" marketing momentum began with the HiLux, which dominated the market for so many years. Toyotas are also famous for their resale value; you can buy an early model for the exact same price as a brand new car. Despite this, the 'Lux is a sturdy piece of equipment, and for under $20,000, you can often find one with a bull bar and a few extras, having been previously used as a camping rig or a tax write-off for a hardworking individual. Fortunately, most of them are the standard fleet colour (white) thanks to kind business owners. It's important to exercise caution when using oil, as leaking fuel injector sealing can lead to clogged oil feeds and a possible engine seizure. Get the oil pickup checked and the injector seals changed every 45,000 kilometres.

If you're a gearhead in the market for a HiLux, you should look into the TRD trim level.

There is some justification for the HiLux's position as the industry standard. It's an all-around practical ute that, perhaps most importantly, can be relied upon to withstand the abuse its owners may subject it to.

However, its widespread acclaim has led to used-car values that are greater than those of many competitors. Not to mention the fact that there is the occasional?

We wouldn't rule out the Toyota, but we also think it'd be a good idea to look into some of the other options in this price range that perform better in certain key areas so that we can figure out what compromises we could make. Add these three to the pile.

This Ford has been around longer than the 2005–2015 HiLux as well as other dual-cabs that sell for a similar price.

It has a retro appearance and inadequate trunk room. It's not the easiest ute to drive, with nebulous steering and a bumpy ride.

However, it recovers some ground thanks to a brave and frugal 3.0-liter diesel engine, and despite some minor annoyances behind the wheel, it is less restricted on the roads than many other options.

While most comparable HiLuxes only provide dual airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS), this one lets you lock down side-airbags as well (they come standard on the top-tier XLT and are an extra cost on the base XL).

It has a good reputation for towing and off-roading and is a better buy than the Toyota on the used car market. If you can get past the below-average rear legroom, the interior is also rather satisfactory.

What we've learned from Top Gear is that the Hilux is one of the most durable vehicles on the market. Its resale value is over the roof, which is great if you're seeking to buy new, but terrible when you're looking to purchase used. It's important to exercise caution when using oil, as leaking fuel injector sealing can lead to clogged oil feeds and a possible engine seizure.

The HiLux has stood the test of time with remarkable durability. The HiLux has risen to the position of most popular vehicle in Australia despite the fact that Toyota is not even in first place when compared to its competitors. Even though Toyota was getting ready to release a brand-new model in 2013, the final 25 Series models remained a safe bet, selling roughly 40,000 units that year.

Although the judges didn't give the Toyota as high of a rating as some of the other cars in the sector (30 points), the RedBook score of 43.2 ran up to a sum of 73.2 pts out of 100, enough to position it ahead of both the Volkswagen Amarok as well as the Mitsubishi Triton.

Mitsubishi Triton 

Years Made: 2009 to 2014

Engine: 131 kilowatts (kW) at 4000 rpm and 400 Newton-meters (Nm) at 2000 rpm (manual) and 350 lb-ft (Nm) at 2800 rpm (automatic) from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-diese (auto)

Gearbox: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto

When new, the Triton was a fantastic bargain; today, you can still obtain a late-model MN for so little than a few of its older rivals would cost you. When the turbo kicks in, performance is excellent, but the initial lag is annoying, especially when combined with an automatic transmission. With a three-ton trailer, the ute can still carry over 750 kilogrammes of cargo, making it one of the best in its class. This is hardly a flaw!

The rear of the cab is not particularly roomy, making it ideal for children but not ideal for adults with broad shoulders. It's the first cab to have that unusual curving rear wall, which relocates the whole cargo hold behind the vehicle's rear axle. Keep in mind that these Tritons are prone to bending and breaking under excessive loads. Here we are again talking about gross vehicle weight ratings and towing capacities.

Compared to a Ranger, this Mitsubishi has a more modern appearance and better legroom for passengers in the back.

It has a decently smooth ride and is capable off-road. With optional side/curtain airbags (2008) and stability control (2009), it is among the safest pre-owned utes on the market.

Also, the desirable MY10 models come with a practical extended-tray variant and a willing, fuel-efficient 2.5-liter diesel engine.

Pre-MY10 inventory only has a few minor issues. The 3.2-liter diesel engine was originally designed for agricultural use, and the swooping cabin design resulted in a smaller tray than that of many competitors.

However, all Tritons with this generation are shaky and cumbersome around turns, and their shapeless front seats can be uncomfortable on lengthy trips.

Used Tritons offer fantastic savings. The performance is decent once the turbo gets up to speed, but the latency is annoying, especially when combined with an automatic transmission. An outstanding tow rating allows for a trailer weighing up to three tonnes to be pulled while still leaving more than 750 kg of payload space in the ute.

The taxi is pleasant to ride in, but it's cramped, and the curving back wall can easily bend or shatter if you overload it.

Check out this post on WHAT USED TRUCKS TO AVOID? – USED PICKUPS TO TOTALLY AVOID FOREVER

Mazda BT-50 UP/Ford Ranger PX

Years Made: 2011 - Present

Engine: 147 kilowatts at 3000 rpm and 470 Newton-meters between 1750 and 2500 rpm (BT-50) / 470 Newton-meters between 1500 and 2750 rpm (Ranger)

Gearbox: 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto

The Ford Ranger/BT-50 is a terrific vehicle with a powerful engine and drivetrain; it's the ugly sister to the beloved Ranger, but nobody wants to be seen with her. The BT-50, with its distractingly cheerful exterior, is the better bargain because it costs only a few thousand less than vehicles of a similar age and condition. The Ranger in particular of the twins is so sturdy and dependable that it has become the industry standard. Used vehicles from the first few years of production are now available for about $20,000, making now the perfect time to buy a pristine show pony and use it as the foundation for your ideal 4x4.

The Mazda BT-50 GT, which is mechanically similar to the Ford Ranger, beat over the Volkswagen Amarok for second position this year. Due to the Ranger's popularity, the Mazda may have been missed. At the time, the two-year new-car warranty did not help matters. Sales data for brand-new automobiles seem to bear that out. New-car warranty is no longer an issue, making the BT-50 a more compelling option for dual-cab purchasers.

The Mazda retained its 42-point RedBook score from the previous year, however the BT-50 gained a further 39 points from judges, bringing its total to 81.

A Red Book estimate of $30,450

Even though it lacks the visual appeal of the Ford Ranger, with which it shares its underpinnings, the Ranger Double Cab Ute is an exceptionally capable work vehicle.

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Nissan Navara 

Years Made: 2005 to 2015

Engine: 140 kilowatts (kW) at 4000 rpm and 450 newton-meters (Nm) at 2000 rpm from a turbodiesel 2.5-liter engine.

Gearbox: 5-speed auto; 6-speed manual.

The D40 Navara and the D22 Navara coexisted side by side, with a distinct rich man/poor man relationship. The D40 was a more up-to-date option thanks to its superior engine combination, nicer cabin, and some other noticeable upgrades. However, it appears that clutch issues are widespread in manual transmission vehicles, especially when used for towing. In any case, a recall has addressed cracking issues in the chassis, which Nissan claims are limited to the authentic tow bar but which many owners claim are much more widespread. To get your hands on a Navara, you may get chassis repairing plates from companies like Superior Engineering. Should you have your mind made up on purchasing an old D40, you should be aware of the numerous chassis faults we have observed both domestically and internationally.

The 2.5-liter diesel engine in this Nissan provides greater power than is typical for dual-cabs of its era while also making the vehicle feel more like a passenger car to drive.

Also, unlike many dual-cabs, the rear seat squab may be folded up to make additional room in the cabin for longer things.

With the inclusion of curtain airbags & stability control from the Series 4 upgrade in 2010, it is just as safe as the Triton and can carry more cargo and travel over rougher terrain.

Although these desirable safety features are only available on top-tier ST-X models, finding a good one at this price point may prove challenging.

The fuel economy of its diesel isn't great, and the rear seat, while adaptable, isn't very spacious or comfortable. It's not unheard of for there to be the occasional quality issue.

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Holden Colorado 

Years Made: 2008 to 2011

Engine: 3.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel: 120kW @ 3600rpm, 333Nm @ 1600rpm (auto); 360Nm @ 1800rpm (manual)

Gearbox: 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual

Even though early Colorado and D-MAX models from the same era don't get much love in the 4X4 world, the owners of these vehicles are fiercely loyal to their rigs. Aftermarket attachments have improved and now number in the hundreds, albeit they still pale in comparison to those available for standard dual-cab utes.

As the final Holden to be manufactured by Isuzu, the Colorado experienced a few hiccups in its infancy that should finally be resolved. Even when fully loaded, the 3.0-liter diesel manages surprisingly good fuel economy, but the ride is rough and truck-like. Isuzu is known for producing reliable vehicles, and this model is no exception. Manual transmissions have a tall first gear that is hard on the clutch when fully loaded, but once in low, the torque is abundant and the gear ratios work perfectly.

Isuzu's first generation Colorado had some problems that ought to have been ironed out by now. The 3.0-liter diesel gets great fuel efficiency even when fully loaded, but it feels like a truck. While the manual transmission's high first gear might be tough on the clutch under load, the low end torque is ample and pairs well with lower gear ratios. It's safe to say that Isuzu's Colorado and D-Max are as dependable as their other vehicles.

Land Rover Defender 

Years Made: 1999 to 2006

Engine: Turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine, 2.5 litres in capacity; outputs of 90 kW (4200 rpm) and 300 Nm (1950 rpm).

Gearbox: Five-speed Manual

It's like the guest you neglected to invite but are now exceedingly relieved to see at your party. You'll love the Defender 130 Double-cab if you're an up-front kind of guy or gal. One of the first engines available in Australia was the 300Tdi, a thrifty old-school 2.5-liter turbo-diesel that moves a strongly laden 130 at whatever speed it wants to move at the time. Thankfully, an ECU remap may safely bring the TD5 back to its original level of performance. They are a significant improvement over its forerunners due to their modern interior, which features an air con that cools more than just your knees. Practical pride shines through in thoughtful design choices like a hose-out cabin, square profile, high and vertical seating position, and arm-out-the-window ergonomics. With a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3.5 tonnes and a gross combination mass (GCM) of seven tonnes, the 130 can legally tow a 3.5-ton braked trailer as well as carry a full and large load in the back. The payload is the highest in its class at 1.4 tonnes. The 130, a relic from another era, is the Clydesdale of the market's quarter horses.

Land Rover Defender 130DC 

The first 130s to reach Australia were powered by the antiquated 2.5-liter turbo-diesel known as a 300Tdi, which moves a fully laden 130 at a sluggish and erratic rate. The TD5 has a little more oomph and can be remapped electronically for even more power. In addition to its updated cabin, the 130 can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3.5 tonnes and carry a full load in the back thanks to its flexible long-travel coil-sprung suspension.

Conclusion

In its class, the one-ton dual-cab ute has no competitors. It's versatile enough to haul a boat to the next launch or transport the whole family on a weekend adventure in the national parks. Any of these automobiles can be purchased for about $15 000 and $20 000. (or more). You can usually find one with a bull bar and some extras for less than $20,000. It's a hardy ute suitable for a wide variety of uses and capable of withstanding the punishment its owners dish out.

Toyotas are well-known for their high resale values; in fact, you can purchase an older model for the same price as a brand new one. The HiLux you're looking at has side airbags in addition to the standard dual airbags and ABS found on most other vehicles like it. Caution should be used when using oil, as faulty fuel injector sealing can result in clogged oil feeds. 2011-present production years for the Mazda BT-50 UP/Ford Ranger PX. The engine produces 147 kW at 3000 rpm and 470 Nm from 1750 to 2500 rpm.

Overstressing it might cause the curved back wall to deform or even break. Long car rides are a pain in the rear because of the flat front seats. The Mazda BT-50 GT came in second, ahead of the Volkswagen Amarok. About $20,000 will get you into a used car from the first few years of manufacturing. Dual-cab buyers need not worry about the reliability of their new vehicle's warranty.

A more modern alternative was the D40 Navara. This Nissan's diesel engine, while being only 2.5 litres in size, outguns most dual-cabs of the time. However, despite its versatility, the back seat doesn't offer much in the way of legroom or support. The 3.0 litre diesel nevertheless has respectable fuel efficiency when fully loaded. Under load, a high first gear could be hard on the clutch, but there is enough of low-end power.

The Colorado and D-Max are as dependable as the rest of Isuzu's lineup. The 130 can carry a full load in the back and pull a braked trailer weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. The original 130s that landed in Australia were powered by a dated 2.5-liter turbo-diesel. With its increased muscle and ability to be electronically remapped for even more thrust, the TD5 is an excellent choice.

Content Summary

• Some consumers believe that the dual-cab ute is the best of both worlds, serving as a reliable work vehicle for their companies on weekdays and a convenient family haulier on the weekends.
• With such a broad consumer base, the new automobile industry is highly competitive; yet, the used auto market is a buyer's paradise thanks to the abundance of trade-ins from commercial customers.
• What we've learned from Top Gear is that the Hilux is one of the most durable vehicles on the market.
• The HiLux has risen to the position of most popular vehicle in Australia despite the fact that Toyota is not even in first place when compared to its competitors.
• Compared to a Ranger, this Mitsubishi has a more modern appearance and better legroom for passengers in the back.
• An outstanding tow rating allows for a trailer weighing up to three tonnes to be pulled while still leaving more than 750 kg of payload space in the ute.
• The taxi is pleasant to ride in, but it's cramped, and the curving back wall can easily bend or shatter if you overload it.
• The BT-50, with its distractingly cheerful exterior, is the better bargain because it costs only a few thousand less than vehicles of a similar age and condition.
• Used vehicles from the first few years of production are now available for about $20,000, making now the perfect time to buy a pristine show pony and use it as the foundation for your ideal 4x4.The Mazda BT-50 GT, which is mechanically similar to the Ford Ranger, beat over the Volkswagen Amarok for second position this year.
• Book score from the previous year, however the BT-50 gained a further 39 points from judges, bringing its total to 81.A Red Book estimate of $30,450
• Even though it lacks the visual appeal of the Ford Ranger, with which it shares its underpinnings, the Ranger Double Cab Ute is an exceptionally capable work vehicle.
• The D40 was a more up-to-date option thanks to its superior engine combination, nicer cabin, and some other noticeable upgrades.
• The fuel economy of its diesel isn't great, and the rear seat, while adaptable, isn't very spacious or comfortable.
• Even when fully loaded, the 3.0-liter diesel manages surprisingly good fuel economy, but the ride is rough and truck-like.
• Isuzu is known for producing reliable vehicles, and this model is no exception.
• Isuzu's first generation Colorado had some problems that ought to have been ironed out by now.
• The 3.0-liter diesel gets great fuel efficiency even when fully loaded, but it feels like a truck.
• It's safe to say that Isuzu's Colorado and D-Max are as dependable as their other vehicles.
• Land Rover Defender 130DC The first 130s to reach Australia were powered by the antiquated 2.5-liter turbo-diesel known as a 300Tdi, which moves a fully laden 130 at a sluggish and erratic rate.
• The TD5 has a little more oomph and can be remapped electronically for even more power.
• In addition to its updated cabin, the 130 can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3.5 tonnes and carry a full load in the back thanks to its flexible long-travel coil-sprung suspension.