Tradie Ute - which would you pick?

[b2tf]

Once my current bucket (D40 Navara) leaves my driveway I'm going to replace it with another Ford, but I am having trouble deciding which one. Have narrowed it down to a Ranger or another FG ute. I'm a Pest Controller so I have a lot of chemicals and gear that will need to go in the back, and also have the odd ladder on it from time to time. It will also be the daily driver and also what we take when we go on holidays etc so comfort is fairly important. Other than that fuel consumption is a big issue - its why the Navara is going. The new vehicle will also do a lot of towing.

So, if you wouldn't mind, give me your opinion on what will suit better, and what you'd pick if you were me. The budget is as close as we can to $20k so it rules the PX Ranger out.

Option 1 - PJ or PK Ranger - must be 3.0L 5sp manual and I would go a dual cab

Pros - Diesel Economy, Cheap to buy, Easy to work on, parts interchangable between models (eg XLT stuff will fit an XL etc)
Cons - Diesel servicing costs, limited space in the back seat of the dual cabs, anything else??

Option 2 - FG Falcon - probably an XR6, maybe on gas?, probably an auto due to most available being autos.

Pros - look good, comfy, hold a lot of stuff in the back. Cheap to buy, gas might be cheap to run (never had an LPG car), easy and cheap to service.

Cons - only 2 seats, resale value, low to the ground (issue when on sites etc), anything else?

Feel free to add other vehicles if you think they're worth considering, but please remember the budget. Keeping as close as I can to $20k.

[T4ME]

Great Wall?

[XR6TCraig]

XR6T ute on gas. Youll get to the job quicker that way. LOL

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by T4ME

Great Wall?

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm no.

A centre seat isnt going to make any difference to me?

[flooded one]

not sure about XR models but on your lower spec FG utes you could and still can get the optional centre seat with a column shift auto?? might be something too consider if you really want a falcon ute??

[PridenJoy]

What do ECOLPI utes go for these days? That would be my pick. If it's a work ute, i won't need more than two seats.

[pottery beige]

RTV on gas

[FGX-351]

Originally Posted by pottery beige

RTV on gas

Agreed, this is what i'd be looking at.

[naddis01]

Originally Posted by pottery beige

RTV on gas

I agree here but will add, get a petrol one and convert to a liquid injection gas system. In my experience in an RTV, the Egas is a pig on fuel out on the highway. I think it actually used less just poking around town. I don't know if it is the extra ride height or because the tray I had stuck outside and above the cabin but out on the highway (flat road with cruise set at the limit of 110) it would be averaging between 16-18L/100. Once I brought home a ute tub, so about 300-400kg, which sat above the cabin and it used 26L/100. I generally averaged between 18-20L/100 with mainly highway driving at an average speed in the 70's.

Otherwise go the FG and live with the ride height. The only Ranger I would get is a PX. I was given a PJ (I think) while I was waiting for the tray to be fitted to my PX and I couldn't wait to give it back. You certainly won't be winning any races if you get a diesel one especially if it is loaded up. My PX 2.2L certainly won't win any races either but it makes the older Ranger feel like a slug. I don't know if that is right but just what the bumometer was telling me.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by naddis01

The only Ranger I would get is a PX. I was given a PJ (I think) while I was waiting for the tray to be fitted to my PX and I couldn't wait to give it back. You certainly won't be winning any races if you get a diesel one especially if it is loaded up. My PX 2.2L certainly won't win any races either but it makes the older Ranger feel like a slug. I don't know if that is right but just what the bumometer was telling me.

Thanks Nick, would love a PX but not willing to spend the $$ right now. I have driven a PK, not a PJ though but I didn't think there would be much difference. I have however found a lot of bolt on bits that should wake the 3L donk right up

[KAB]

I have a FG M2 Ecolpi XR6 ute with a canopy and roof racks and it works well for me. I travel 600- 1000km per week from Tamworth too Moree and further north sometimes. Getting gas is not a problem, you just need to do a little research before you go to a place you haven't been.

[Bluehoon]

If going for ECO LPI, just check and ensure lpg availability in rural areas... Great car but could get snagged trying to fill up.

I'd opt for diesel being in rural nsw (imo) as availability isn't an issue. Go for ranger, dual cab.

[I8hsv]

Toyota hilux 2.7 work mate all my work cars are Toyota I wouldn't bye anything else

[302 XC]

Originally Posted by I8hsv

Toyota hilux 2.7 work mate all my work cars are Toyota I wouldn't bye anything else

Go take a ford 4L ute , regardless of what version for a drive,youll never buy a 2.7L hilux again .....
Handle better,tow better,more power,and surprisingly similar if not better economy,and more comfort

[b2tf]

No Jap utes other than the Ranger worth looking at. I would buy a Hilux, but I would only buy one that still had manufacturer warranty due to the issues they have with injectors, and they start at around 45k for something decent, so rules them out.

[JuzzT]

chippy here. got an 06 bf tray back, carry alot of tools and occasional towing
this girl does not miss a beat. i treat her like **** sometimes, but she still gets me to work and back no worries
on straight petrol, 75 lt tank, 600kms around town with i reckon a good 600kgs every day.
was told never to go near the gas versions, got a mate who was using the boss's bf straight gas for years, coz they play up all the time, and u also only get like 300kms max out of a tank that will cost u half the price, so its costing you the same anyway. the fg's might have got a bit better tho.
go for an fg work horse mate, you'll fit plenty of stuff in the back but i recommend a petrol all the way
if ur gonna go for the ranger, get an auto. they tow heaps better and you won't be replacing clutches all the time. got another mate who tows a tandem chippy trailer everyday on the back of a diesel auto ranger, bit sluggish but keep spoolin up the hills.

just my 10cents and hope it helps mate

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by I8hsv

Toyota hilux 2.7 work mate all my work cars are Toyota I wouldn't bye anything else

What about a Ranger? The single biggest purchaser of Hilux in aust, "Downer Group" made the switch from lux to Ranger maybe you should have a drive in one.

[H.G]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

What about a Ranger? The single biggest purchaser of Hilux in aust, "Downer Group" made the switch from lux to Ranger maybe you should have a drive in one.

you will be flat out turning many from toyota.. most the guys on the mine sites Ive spoken to,that are now driving rangers. **** and moan about them..yet Ive driven my dads ranger, diesel.. sounds like an massey fergussen tractor..a few times... find it a little touchy on the throttle but otherwise not a bad vehicle at all to drive.. and alot more comfortable than my old boss's slow luxes.. and just as reliable.

[1TUFFUTE]

as if youd take the word of some random mine worker. The ranger is more then a generation ahead of the hilux...and has won world ute of the year along with many local awards. You don't get that for nothing....especially the world awards. DRIVE ONE
Or you can go for an FG ute....also well ahead of the competition and has a fuel economy dominating gas option. ECO LPI
Cant loose with either I say

[Dauphin]

Don't go for the Ssangyong Tradie! Got a recent write up in CarsGuide and was the lowest carrying capacity in its class. 350 kg or so.

[Auslandau]

If you want to carry weight, go the the Ranger ..... can be loaded to the hilt and loaded drives better than unloaded. Don't be put off by the cost of service. Mine is as cheap as all the other Fords .... except the GT. Now over 4 years old and will not be trading it in as it just runs too well .... and that's the smaller engine which pulls like a freight train. Bit too well in the wet unloaded. Ride is harsh especially unloaded.

FG of course is brilliant ..... but the load weight is not there in comparison but all depends what you are carrying of course.

I would buy another Ranger tomorrow ..... and of course the new ones are a lot more refined but too happy on how its going at the moment.

[XP6]

AusLandau the ranger load rating only beats the falcon 1T if you get the 2x4 single cab(1400+), the fancy 2 too many doors rangers are rated at 1041 and the falcon is 1215.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by XP6

AusLandau the ranger load rating only beats the falcon 1T if you get the 2x4 single cab(1400+), the fancy 2 too many doors rangers are rated at 1041 and the falcon is 1215.

Well there you go Only had the 2x4 and don't know much about the others in the range.

[Brazen]

EcoLpi Falcon ute, everything else is like a Kingswood in comparison.

They drive great and are low which is good for unloading gear, my XL is a 3 seater column shift.

[rag top]

BT50/Ranger/Navara would be what I would look at.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by rag top

BT50/Ranger/Navara would be what I would look at.

Wont get another Navara!

[rag top]

Originally Posted by b2tf

Wont get another Navara!

Diesel?

[Brazen]

The RTV should still be produced

[Elks]

Early f100 on gas. Outside your sphere but cool and no depreciation.

[Peuty]

Yep. Clevo on gas.

You'd be silly not to, seeing how often you go through cars.