I am just in the process of buying the tug and the van and would love your opinions on the following;
I have looked at a number of tugs and keep coming back to the Mazda BT50. There are presently some good deals on the run out 2013 dual cab 4x4 3.2 diesel. I read a few write ups from some disgruntled owners but have asked others who seem to think these are exceptional tugs. Has anyone out there got one and if so, what do you think of it. I am looking at buying a van of approximately 17 feet in length and somewhere around the 2200 loaded up.
If you can stretch the budget, you can't go past a Toyota Landcruiser 200 series. 650 Nm of torque to pull you van comfortably and very comfortable to drive. Take one for a test drive, it doesn't cost. Also whilst you may pay a bit more upfront you will also have a proportionaly resale value and you've got towing capacity to spare should you go to a bigger van.
Larry
You are spot on Larry but I could buy 2 rangers for the price of the cruiser,
There is a cruiser in my street done 950000Kms and still going with no major probs.
I have a BT50. The Freestyle cab/chassis. Bought in January last year. Left home in June and, to date, have done around 30,000kms. I beefed up the suspension in Darwin, otherwise it is stock standard. The Freestyle cab allows the maps, cameras and other travelling paraphernalia to be easy to hand but not under the wife's feet. It gives me a bigger tray for the must have gear.
I'm towing a large van and would be near my all up capacity.
The Mazda hasn't missed a beat and has been very economical. Plenty of power but I reckon a heavier clutch plate might be required some time in the future.
I tried the Ranger and cannot concur that it has more creature comforts. The Mazda was cheaper (by about $7k) and, IMO, better value. The Ford salesman told me that BHPBilliton had some design input into the Ford. That turned me off immediately and I went with the Mazda.
