wildfowler.250 Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 So I've tried a search on the above and thought there would be loads but I couldn't really track down much of use,(bar a few Navara snapped chassis threads). Keen to get a pick up mainly as a second vehicle for shooting. Likely need to take 3 folk so double cab most realistic. How do the models available compare for ride comfort / roads, off road ability, reliability,(and mpg although that's all very similar). Currently keen on the ranger? Any pros/cons on any of the models or any experiences would be very appreciated! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Recently drove on the same morning. Amarok,ranger and navara Amarok, most refined on road manners but slow steering short seat bases and lots of wind noise Ranger, best styling, louder engine and very jiggly ride and obtrusive tyre rumble Navara busy noisy engine,no center arm rest and back seat bast is too inclined to be good for adults These comparisons are relative to each other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfowler.250 Posted August 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Recently drove on the same morning. Amarok,ranger and navara Amarok, most refined on road manners but slow steering short seat bases and lots of wind noise Ranger, best styling, louder engine and very jiggly ride and obtrusive tyre rumble Navara busy noisy engine,no center arm rest and back seat bast is too inclined to be good for adults These comparisons are relative to each other Thanks for taking the time to reply. Which did you prefer? Amaroks are huge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Lots depends on your budget and what age vehicle you are looking for. Older rangers are pretty agricultural, new are holding value well. I'm on my 3rd l200 as it does what I need, reasonable economy and is my everyday transport. Hilux tend to be a lot more money as do Amaroks I also like the size of the l200 they aren't massive. If it's just a shoot vehicle I'd be looking at the hilux in the sale section Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckandswing Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 What year and budget are you looking at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennett Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Don't bother doing any research and just buy a hilux 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfowler.250 Posted August 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Thanks for the feedback! Do hilux tend to be the best thought of then? It's the old man that's buying but he's not as computer literate as myself.. he was looking at a ranger couple of years old for £22,000 ish so budget is reasonable but i was trying to steer him lower if it's just for shooting and getting a bit mucky. So really flex budget but which area of cars to focus on would be a good starting point. Many thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnytheboy Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 L200 well known for soft drive train, but cheap and loved by the masses Navara, snapping chassis and breaking timing chains! New model maybe better, take your chance Amarok, VW never got the 4x4 system together, but everything else will work spot on, early indications chassis not great either X-class, it's a navara with a new bumper, see above Isuzu, they never sold any, no secondhand bits and poor dealer network means expensive parts, new one has a 1.9engine Hilux, they don't call them invincible for no reason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennett Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 He would get a bloody good Hilux for 22k. My 14 plate 39,000miles cost me around 15k last year. Don't bother with the 3.0 autos, they drink fuel for not a lot of gain. My 2.5 will tow the horse, or beaters trailer or 2t of water quite happily. And returned 34mpg on a run from Suffolk to Yorkshire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfowler.250 Posted August 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Cheers gents. So verdict is hilux tops the ranger? Think I've discounted the amarok and dmax. The l200 is cheap and popular as mentioned. Many thanks again. All replies are appreciated as you can't beat first hand experience from folk who are using them as they should be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodeer Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Ford ranger 3.2 gets my vote or the Dmax in auto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferguson_tom Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 To be honest for what you want it for and the budget you have to spend anything will do the job and will come down to personal preference and the best deal you can get on an approved used. When I looked 18 months ago I was looking for a work van that would spend Monday to Friday on the road then weekends shooting and dragging vintage tractors to shows. For me my favourite was the new l200 barbarian. Imo the hilux seemed expensive and as I wasnt planning on keeping it long enough to sell onto some sand dwelling terrorists I really couldn't care less if they last 2 million miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Ford ranger 3.2 gets my vote or the Dmax in auto I am with you on that ford if something does go getting new wrong parts should not be a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michufc Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 I have had a older navara 09 plate and didn't get on with it and changed it for a 64 plate hilux and loved it as it suited my needs being self employed the hill was miles better than the navara. I have just changed it for the brand new hill and I love it really impressed with it so far but it was pricy. obviously it depends on budgets I did have a very basic 2002 l200 just purely as a shoot vehicle and to be honest it was no frills but I loved it until the tinkers came and stripped it for spares in the night on my drive and wrote it off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfowler.250 Posted August 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Cheers for all the replies. Very helpful! So hilux - great reviews. Really going to look into it. May I ask why so few have tried or mention the ranger? More costly? Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gustaff Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 hilux had a few over the years still got my 56 plate 2.5 hl3 double cab bit under powered for towing but good shooting dog carriage without wet dog smell in cab hard act to follow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walshie Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Hilux first choice. Isuzu second choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billytheghillie Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 I am on my 2nd L200, had a Hi lux but didn't like it. All of the above trucks will average 30 to 34 MPG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennett Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 I have heard of more than one ranger with fairly severe engine issues in not many miles. One machinery rep I spoke to had needed 2 engines in a 64 plate ranger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay404 Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Love my series 5 l200 barbarian ticks every box for me . Currently full laden with work tools but still would be fine to take the girlfriend out for dinner in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 At that budget you would get a nearly new l200 with balance of 5 year warranty. The new shape is pretty good and well up there economy wise. It all depends his use and whether it's a full time driver, best option is to test drive some as that's the real decider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 Thanks for taking the time to reply. Which did you prefer? Amaroks are huge! I didnt like ant enough to buy but if i really needed one it would be the Ford Wildtrak, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfowler.250 Posted August 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 Thanks again for all the info. Appreciate it! Basically the hilux and the l200 seem very popular. Has anyone seen the video of the "moose Test" for the hilux though? It would put anyone off.. ? We'll test drive a couple as that's always sensible but this thread has been really helpful in narrowing down the options. Many thanks and as always, any further replies are always appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldfish Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 (edited) Ranger and Navara were my favourites over the years, now have a Navara which has been faultless, the estate I work on has an L200 which has been nothing but trouble as was a mates nearly new one which put me off them, not scientific I know but was enough to turn me to another manufacturer. Hilux always gets a good review but not had enough time with one to decide. Edited August 5, 2017 by Goldfish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpy22 Posted August 5, 2017 Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 i have a ranger which i have had for five years cant fault it. had a l200 before but had never end of problems with, it never again. working in the trade i have always kept well clear of the navaras. 2 of my shooting mates now have hiluxs which is what i would go for next. or possibly a isuzu rodeo as fuel economy is suppose to be very good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.