Recommended 4*4 double cab trucks pls?? - Looking for advice/help/guidance

[privacy121]

All,
Thanks for help - excellent and nice to have a debate/discussion/crack with y'all......
One other question - anyone got any preferred websites for looking for this type of kit??
Best Regards

[GB_Groundworks]

autotrader, we always sold and still do sell all of our spare motors on there,

ebay motors is second to that

[local patios and driveway]

transit tipper every time. ive had quite a few, everyone assumes you are a 'do as you likey' but they tow better than any 4x4 due to a stiff rear end and tip loads, i have a crew cab and a standard tipper but the crew cab is good for tools but not so good for weight. i also have a brand new dyna but i wouldnt recommend it, cheap to buy but not a nice cab and too short.

[dig dug dan]

If i could make one suggestion to the original poster. if you have narrowed it down to two vehicles, go and test drive them at dealers (even if you are not buying from them) to see which feels best to you.
It would be a shame if you brought one and were disappointed, but not knowing how the other felt like to drive too!

[GB_Groundworks]

especially if you pull in in your disco the main agents will be falling over themselves to get you to test drive

[baracuda]

got an l200 4 life for sale going too put it on e bay if anyone intrested due to lack of work
55 plate 34000 on the clock,mot till jan 11 back all cheq out with lockable tool chest in cheq plate too match £5k need cash no work getting grief from northern rock.

[jonnyboyentire]

Having actually owned one, and driven all five main contenders (Navara, Hilux, L200, Rodeo, Ranger (or Mazda) it has to be the Navara Aventura every time for me,
I'm saying that despite the fact the one I bought needing a head gasket after a month then a head proper after 3.
I drove/borrowed them all. The Nav is biggest inside, cleans up from muddy inside very very well (esp. if you get leather), has a good spec bluetooth, navigation etc, tows well, and mine was bloody awesome in last winters snow, I rescued 30 cars for the boys in blue who had just sold all their Mavericks off and it was super.
I've sold it now as we were going to rent a yard (fell through yesterday grrrrr) and I've got a spare Cabstar so the idea was to use a car to commute then the Cabby through the day.
Would I have another one? Yes but I would have it checked out properly - halfshafts, clutches overheating and aircon faults. I've got a mate with an L200 on its third engine (he doesnt shaft it) and one with a bouncy Hilux. As long as you get a d40 (post 2005) you shouldnt have much concern over it chucking conrods out of the block (that was the predecessor).

Get yourself over to the forum - http://www.nissan-navara.net/ the lads over there are top class - and there will be trucks for sale there there owned by enthusiasts not dealers who will ****ing rob you.

Good luck, you just missed mine (although it was £9500)

[fairview groundworks]

I use and fully recommend a Shogun, 3.2 turbo diesel 2002, 120k miles with only new springs and wheel bearings, will tow anything out of anywhere with some MT tyres.

Auto has superb control and saves on clutches, towes 3300 kgs that nearly the max.

take out the back seats if you need more space, plenty around for £5-8k

[Ted]

I am considering importing a Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8 to Angola. These aren't available in Europe but you can buy in the US and import. US$40,000 gets you a new one, basically. US$30,000 gets you a very smart, nearly new, one with some luxuries.

A 5.7L V8 will be expensive to run in the UK but would be a very good towing vehicle and is very comfortable inside - don't even compare a British 4x4 pickup to this... She'll also carry a load on her back at the same time as towing... But in the UK, US pickups have their problems (ie, warranty etc). In Angola, warranties do not exist so I don't care for warranties...

Anyway...

[Ted]

I also don't rate L200s...

They can't hack Africa and Africa is a 4x4 test. L200s can't do 100,000kms in Africa really before they die...

If I had to, I'd buy Hilux. Maybe the Nissan is OK too...

[Ted]

BTW I have a Lexus (essentially a Toyota Landcruiser - the Tundra has the same engine) with 190,000 miles on the clock and she still goes fine and can tow three tonne. 70% of the time she is off road. She just goes and goes and goes....