As you would know I looked at the Holden Colorado twin cab ute last week and was very very impressed. Thankyou to all that commented here on the open forum, by PM and a few phone calls as well.
Early this week I test drove the Mazda BT50 twin cab ute and was very disappointed, seemed a bit sluggish and felt like it was missing a beat pulling away from the dock. Might have just been me as most people I speak to that have the BT50 love it.
Yesterday I test drove the Isuzu Dmax and came in very close to the Colorado, that close I reckon it is on the tow bar. I had the pleasure of spending a few hours today driving around with a friend who has a Dmax and it now is sitting on top of the list. Very impressive tug indeed.
The Ford Ranger will get a turn next week. The Navarra is out as is the Hilux.
I think I am on the right track with the twin cab utes.
Cruising Cruze said
10:08 PM May 22, 2014
is your Prado still playing up Doug ?
try to drive another BT50 by a different dealer ,maybe it was the car itself you never know
there is an dealer in Ayr as well around 60 or 70 K's down the road
Good Luck
John
Dougwe said
10:40 PM May 22, 2014
No John it seems OK for now anyway, I just have a lot happening in my head about time to upgrade both tug and den. Maybe even living style.
One thing I like about the twin cab utes is they come "Black Cat" proof
I think I better come dressed in a full suite of armour when I visit in Few months, maybe even sooner
Cloak said
06:35 AM May 23, 2014
A twin cab will have room for Swedish backpackers.
bill12 said
08:15 AM May 23, 2014
Are you going for a diesel or back to a petrol Tug? I think the diesel auto is the way to go. Bill
Dougwe said
08:51 AM May 23, 2014
Diesel Auto 4x4 Bill.
_wombat_ said
08:55 AM May 23, 2014
Cloak wrote:
A twin cab will have room for Swedish backpackers.
Correct, we all know Dougwe likes his twins or any nude girls as long as they are young, well that is what he told me the last time we met.
bill12 said
10:31 AM May 23, 2014
Let us know which one you get. Have a look at the Mitsubushi models. They are cheap at the moment. Bill
bill12 said
10:32 AM May 23, 2014
Let us know which one you get. Have a look at the Mitsubushi models. They are cheap at the moment. Bill
Cruising Cruze said
10:52 AM May 23, 2014
Hi Doug
you always welcome here my friend :))
grahamg said
11:15 AM May 23, 2014
just have done the same process, was happy with the colorado but the price the salesman gave me was 10k (48K) above what I had been quoted 2 months ago (39) for the basic model with air and auto.
I now see that they are being advertised as this price again of TV.
finally decided on the isuzu mux , 7 seater.
deverall11 said
11:45 AM May 23, 2014
200 series Landcruiser not on your shopping list. A bit more outlay initially, but you get a good trade-in n your next vehicle. It's all relative.
Larry
bill12 said
12:37 PM May 23, 2014
A friend is trading in his last model 200 series Sahara, for which he paid $105k , on a new one which is $155 k.Out of my range a bit.......Bill
Dougwe said
01:43 PM May 23, 2014
Mine too Bill so I spose that answers your question Larry.
The twin cab utes a dear enough but doable in the not too distant future.
normn said
02:18 PM May 23, 2014
Graham
Fantastic mate join the MU-X club
Incredible car to drive I love it so does my misses, we have the LS-T auto
1600km and 8.2l/100km
Cheers
Norm
-- Edited by normn on Friday 23rd of May 2014 02:21:58 PM
Kendo said
10:24 AM May 24, 2014
Hi Doug,
Yeah depending on your needs don't overlook the Mitsi Triton.
The Triton doesn't have the top end load rating of some of the vehicles you've looked at, but when I bought mine 12 months ago (Dual cab 4x4 Diesel Auto) it was the most "driveable" that I had tried. Some utes out there have the stat's of a small truck and (not offence meant) that's exactly what they feel like when you drive them, a Truck! .
I'm not pulling the Quean Mary, but I have been very happy with the performance and fuel economy of the Triton (and no I don't have figures to back that up), and being an auto my wife has no issues sliding over and driving it as well.
I'm waving the Triton flag mainly because I think many people get caught up with "Got to have the biggest tug out there" syndrome.
Many people in this forum council people to look around, keep an open mind, and find what suits you and your budget best, and I would do the same.
Good Luck mate
The Phantom said
12:36 PM May 24, 2014
If you don't buy the Mazda (or it's stablemate, Ford Ranger) you are prepared to settle for mediocrity
The Phantom
Dougwe said
01:59 PM May 24, 2014
I think they are all very similar really, maybe I need to test drive the BT50 again. I will ring them Monday and ask to test drive it again but this time on my own. I test drove the Dmax on my own and it was much better without the sales person beside me. If he is not prepared to let me go on my own then I won't go back. Maybe his loss eventually.
I will do the same with the Colorado as the one I test drove had mud tyres and other goodies on it so I would like to drive one with just HT tyres on so it is the same as all the others. Same question will be asked as the BT50, no drive on my own, no go back.
It's my money and heaps of it so my way or not at all. If they want my $$$$$ they will do it my way I'm sure.
Kendo, I have enough problems with the twins and Navlady giving me trouble do I really need to add missbitchie as well
The Triton is on the list but I must admit 3rd from the bottom and the bottom two will not be driven now. So will take a bo peep this week.
Thanks again everyone for your input. When the tug is decided then starts the fun and games again with the Den.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Saturday 24th of May 2014 02:18:18 PM
PJK said
02:10 PM May 24, 2014
I hate the way the Mitsi looks with the curve in behind the cab in front of the tray.
Just doesn't flow in my mind, and would look even worse if you wanted to fit a flat tray.
Also worked for them some years ago and bad luck if your motor blew one day out of warranty.
Just my humble opinion after some first hand experience.
PJK
_wombat_ said
02:11 PM May 24, 2014
if they say no you cannot drive it yourself let them know why you will not be buying from them.
Grevo said
03:43 PM May 24, 2014
Doug,
I bought my DMax from Pickerings in Townsville and found Troy very good to deal with. When I wanted a test drive he just gave me the keys and said away you go. The wife and I took it for a decent run out on the highway and took our time with it. He also said that when I put my car in for servicing give him a ring and he would give me a loaner if he had one available while the service was being done and I have taken him up on his offer a couple of times. The other thing to consider is the warranty and roadside assistance. Not sure what the others are but the DMax is 130,000 km/5 yrs warranty and 5 yrs premium roadside assistance. I only got the 100,000 km/3 yrs warranty as I bought mine in late 2012.
Cheers,
Grevo
Dougwe said
05:03 PM May 24, 2014
Just sent you a PM Grevo.
justcruisin01 said
06:31 PM May 25, 2014
grahamg wrote:
just have done the same process, was happy with the colorado but the price the salesman gave me was 10k (48K) above what I had been quoted 2 months ago (39) for the basic model with air and auto. I now see that they are being advertised as this price again of TV.
finally decided on the isuzu mux , 7 seater.
Makes my iveco a real bargain a love it
JC
Legendts said
08:47 PM May 25, 2014
bill12 wrote:
A friend is trading in his last model 200 series Sahara, for which he paid $105k , on a new one which is $155 k.Out of my range a bit.......Bill
If he's paying $155k for a new Sahara he is being ripped off as you can still get a new 2014 diesel Sahara with hard bargaining for $105 ~ 107k. Sounds more in the Lexus price range but they are only petrol with more "bits".
irishlass said
10:07 PM May 27, 2014
We would reccomend a look at the 3lt V6 deisel Navara, 550nm of torque is hard to beat ??
Dougwe said
08:43 AM May 28, 2014
Hi John and Tina, thanks for your input. The Nissan was on the list but I must be honest, down the bottom. Personal choice thing and from a previous life so will not go into details here.
Edit...Welcome to the gang, enjoy here and out in the playground.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Wednesday 28th of May 2014 08:44:30 AM
Simshaz said
08:51 PM Jul 24, 2014
Best advice I can give is read the forums. Especially the ranger forum then make your mind up . The dmax is the most reliablu dual cab at the moment. Ranger and bt50 are great vehicles but lots of teething problems. Not a problem if u are hanging around town but not off the beaten trac . The dmax has 5year road side assist. All new technology has its problems that will be rectified on future models . Being a retired mechanic with info gathered the dmax won me,
As you would know I looked at the Holden Colorado twin cab ute last week and was very very impressed. Thankyou to all that commented here on the open forum, by PM and a few phone calls as well.
Early this week I test drove the Mazda BT50 twin cab ute and was very disappointed, seemed a bit sluggish and felt like it was missing a beat pulling away from the dock. Might have just been me as most people I speak to that have the BT50 love it.
Yesterday I test drove the Isuzu Dmax and came in very close to the Colorado, that close I reckon it is on the tow bar. I had the pleasure of spending a few hours today driving around with a friend who has a Dmax and it now is sitting on top of the list. Very impressive tug indeed.
The Ford Ranger will get a turn next week. The Navarra is out as is the Hilux.
I think I am on the right track with the twin cab utes.
try to drive another BT50 by a different dealer ,maybe it was the car itself you never know
there is an dealer in Ayr as well around 60 or 70 K's down the road
Good Luck
John
No John it seems OK for now anyway, I just have a lot happening in my head about time to upgrade both tug and den. Maybe even living style.

One thing I like about the twin cab utes is they come "Black Cat" proof
I think I better come dressed in a full suite of armour when I visit in Few months, maybe even sooner
Correct, we all know Dougwe likes his twins or any nude girls as long as they are young, well that is what he told me the last time we met.
you always welcome here my friend :))
I now see that they are being advertised as this price again of TV.
finally decided on the isuzu mux , 7 seater.
Larry
The twin cab utes a dear enough but doable in the not too distant future.
Graham
Fantastic mate join the MU-X club
Incredible car to drive I love it so does my misses, we have the LS-T auto
1600km and 8.2l/100km
Cheers
Norm
-- Edited by normn on Friday 23rd of May 2014 02:21:58 PM
Hi Doug,
.
Yeah depending on your needs don't overlook the Mitsi Triton.
The Triton doesn't have the top end load rating of some of the vehicles you've looked at, but when I bought mine 12 months ago (Dual cab 4x4 Diesel Auto) it was the most "driveable" that I had tried. Some utes out there have the stat's of a small truck and (not offence meant) that's exactly what they feel like when you drive them, a Truck!
I'm not pulling the Quean Mary, but I have been very happy with the performance and fuel economy of the Triton (and no I don't have figures to back that up), and being an auto my wife has no issues sliding over and driving it as well.
I'm waving the Triton flag mainly because I think many people get caught up with "Got to have the biggest tug out there" syndrome.
Many people in this forum council people to look around, keep an open mind, and find what suits you and your budget best, and I would do the same.
Good Luck mate
If you don't buy the Mazda (or it's stablemate, Ford Ranger) you are prepared to settle for mediocrity
The Phantom
I think they are all very similar really, maybe I need to test drive the BT50 again. I will ring them Monday and ask to test drive it again but this time on my own. I test drove the Dmax on my own and it was much better without the sales person beside me. If he is not prepared to let me go on my own then I won't go back. Maybe his loss eventually.
I will do the same with the Colorado as the one I test drove had mud tyres and other goodies on it so I would like to drive one with just HT tyres on so it is the same as all the others. Same question will be asked as the BT50, no drive on my own, no go back.
It's my money and heaps of it so my way or not at all. If they want my $$$$$ they will do it my way I'm sure.
Kendo, I have enough problems with the twins and Navlady giving me trouble do I really need to add missbitchie as well
The Triton is on the list but I must admit 3rd from the bottom and the bottom two will not be driven now. So will take a bo peep this week.
Thanks again everyone for your input. When the tug is decided then starts the fun and games again with the Den.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Saturday 24th of May 2014 02:18:18 PM
Just doesn't flow in my mind, and would look even worse if you wanted to fit a flat tray.
Also worked for them some years ago and bad luck if your motor blew one day out of warranty.
Just my humble opinion after some first hand experience.
PJK
if they say no you cannot drive it yourself let them know why you will not be buying from them.
Doug,
I bought my DMax from Pickerings in Townsville and found Troy very good to deal with. When I wanted a test drive he just gave me the keys and said away you go. The wife and I took it for a decent run out on the highway and took our time with it. He also said that when I put my car in for servicing give him a ring and he would give me a loaner if he had one available while the service was being done and I have taken him up on his offer a couple of times. The other thing to consider is the warranty and roadside assistance. Not sure what the others are but the DMax is 130,000 km/5 yrs warranty and 5 yrs premium roadside assistance. I only got the 100,000 km/3 yrs warranty as I bought mine in late 2012.
Cheers,
Grevo
Makes my iveco a real bargain a love it
JC
If he's paying $155k for a new Sahara he is being ripped off as you can still get a new 2014 diesel Sahara with hard bargaining for $105 ~ 107k. Sounds more in the Lexus price range but they are only petrol with more "bits".
We would reccomend a look at the 3lt V6 deisel Navara, 550nm of torque is hard to beat ??
Hi John and Tina, thanks for your input. The Nissan was on the list but I must be honest, down the bottom. Personal choice thing and from a previous life so will not go into details here.
Edit...Welcome to the gang, enjoy here and out in the playground.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Wednesday 28th of May 2014 08:44:30 AM
Best advice I can give is read the forums. Especially the ranger forum then make your mind up . The dmax is the most reliablu dual cab at the moment. Ranger and bt50 are great vehicles but lots of teething problems. Not a problem if u are hanging around town but not off the beaten trac . The dmax has 5year road side assist. All new technology has its problems that will be rectified on future models . Being a retired mechanic with info gathered the dmax won me,