Basic Questions About 2nd-hand Pickup

[markwhite]

I'm going to need 4 wheeled transport in the next few months, and am prepared to try running a pickup for a while to decide whether it's worthwhile or horrendously expensive. My only previous experience has been 20 years driving petrol cars, and as I have been known to buy the occasional bag-of-nails I want to ask some basic questions.

I'm looking for something cheap, 4 door (child-seat needed) with a engine that won't drink too quickly. I'm down to choices *like* Toyota Mighty-X, Nissan Big M and Mitsubishi L200 which all seem to come in 2.5L 4dr versions and have been around for a few years. At the moment I'm leaning towards the Toyota as I read good things about them, and frankly I think it's the prettiest of the three :-)

I don't seem to see a lot of evidence for buying cheaper in one province than another (I'm happy to sit corrected) and looking round local (Nakhon Si Thammarat) dealers are revealing the same sort of prices as dealers in Bangkok though my browsing has been mostly online. Given my mechanical ability, I like the idea of using http://www.testcar.co.th/english.index.php before I buy, so I'm thinking of buying in Bangkok.

The sort of thing I'm looking at:

http://www.thaicar.com/en_showroom1.asp?GI...car=&type=2

http://www.thaicar.com/en_showroom1.asp?GI...car=&type=2

But I'm aware that a pickup that's 10-15 years old will have had a lot of hammer, and possibly indifferent maintenance. Am I being unrealistic to expect to get a reasonably running pickup for around this price?

And any other general advice really. I'd appreciate the benefit of your experiences.

TIA,

Mark...

[nakhonsi sean]

Hi Mark

Always thought around Nakhon pickups are a good choice. They seem to stand up well to the bad roads around here. Most cars over three years old here seem to have serious problems with their suspension and drivetrain.

Can't comment to much on price differences but I have not seen to much difference in pricees between here and Bangkok. Just that in Bangkok you have a greater selection. When buying from a dealer you need to make sure that the car/pickup is not a 'cut and shut' job. Having looked around many dealers over the years, many cars they are selling have been in two serious accidents, one for the back half and one for the front! Be very wary of any nice shiny older cars like those in the links you posted, both of them have obviously been rebuilt.

The other option for a cheaper car is an old Mercedes W123 from the late seventies early eighties, B140,000 - 180,000. Built to last a lifetime and drive much better than any pickup. Parts and repairs are pretty cheap. I have a 1978 300D, had it for a year now and love it to bits. Great ride, feels very solid and classy. Has about 600,000km on the clock and still running strong and is very economical (B1200 to Bangkok)

If you buy a second hand car here, make sure you have B30,000 - 50,000 in reserve. You will almost certainly need it for work that needs to be done urgently.

[madjbs]

You cant say they have obviously been rebuilt untill you have taken a look at the chasis. They might have just had a good wash and wax for the photo, and to be honest they look fairly standard anyway, for a double cab which wont have been used much for heavy loads etc..

[nakhonsi sean]

Ok, maybe a bit of a presumption, but they do look like rebuilds are a distinct possibility, especially the Toyota. Both have new interiors, the controls in the Toyota a very worn in comparison to the seats etc. and the engine bay is far to shiny. Both look to have had a respray in the not to distant past.

I have a Thai uncle in Bangkok who deals in cars. He has in the past told me that about half his cars are cut and shuts and many if not most or all car dealers make a lot of money this way. Have seen his garage where they do it.

That is not to say you can't find decent cars, they are out there but you have to take care.

Edited May 11, 2007 by nakhonsi sean

[lotus eater]

The other option for a cheaper car is an old Mercedes W123 from the late seventies early eighties, B140,000 - 180,000. Built to last a lifetime and drive much better than any pickup. Parts and repairs are pretty cheap. I have a 1978 300D, had it for a year now and love it to bits. Great ride, feels very solid and classy. Has about 600,000km on the clock and still running strong and is very economical (B1200 to Bangkok)

If you buy a second hand car here, make sure you have B30,000 - 50,000 in reserve. You will almost certainly need it for work that needs to be done urgently.

Hi Sean

Am quite interested in your idea of an old mercedes in robust condition - and I'd be willing to spend the initial extra for remedial work Would appreciate tips on how to locate such. But are these built to take the rough (sometimes dirt track) roads occasionally - of course driven with care?

You say economical, do you mean they run on diesel vs. petrol?

And maintenance, tracking down of parts, etc? (I'm not at all savvy with mechanics and insides of a car).

Would appreciate your comments - either by pm (if you think they would be off-topic ) or here.

[PeaceBlondie]

After 3 years on just a motorcycle, I added a 9 year old Nissan NV last year, and my partner is a local who got a good friend to accompany us, plus a real dealership mechanic who checked it out. What we got was repainted, but it checked out (except the air/con condenser had to be replaced, and we got new tires and a rubber floormat for the bed). So far, so good, but it's not the same as what you want, and we don't use it much. Definitely have it gone over thoroughly by a top mechanic before you buy.

[nakhonsi sean]

lotus eater Posted Today, 2007-05-11 10:43:46

Am quite interested in your idea of an old mercedes in robust condition - and I'd be willing to spend the initial extra for remedial work Would appreciate tips on how to locate such. But are these built to take the rough (sometimes dirt track) roads occasionally - of course driven with care?

You say economical, do you mean they run on diesel vs. petrol?

And maintenance, tracking down of parts, etc? (I'm not at all savvy with mechanics and insides of a car).

Would appreciate your comments - either by pm (if you think they would be off-topic ) or here.

Hi

Maybe a bit of topic but looks like this is about cheap(ish) transport!

My car (1978 W123 300D manual) has a three litre 5 cylinder diesel. This is a fantastic engine with legendary lifespan, often been known to reach 1 million or more km! For an old diesel they are very quiet and refined engines if lacking in the power stakes. 240D's are extreeee-eemly slow! For petrol the best bet is the 230E, 2.3 litre petrol four with injection. Fairly good on fuel if not hammered. Stay away from the older 230 with carbs, use much more petrol and problematic. These cars were made from 1976 to 1985 but there are loads of them about in very nice condition. These cars can handle an increadible amount of abuse, look what the taxi drivers use in the Mid-East (W123's) I regularly go down dirt roads to my wife's house, no problems.

I was very lucky, I was given mine by a my Thai mother's best friend in Bangkok. They imported the car secondhand from Germany 19 years ago. Since then it has done 5-600,000 km with very little work on it. When they gave it to me it had not been driven for almost four years. Charged the battery and it fired up first time! unfortunately the clutch was shot. They had the whole clutch assembly replaced for me overnight. I then drove it down to Nakhon no problems. The original (!) suspension was shot, springs, shocks, bushes etc. I replaced everything, also fitted a new brake master cylinder, propshaft joints, battery, steering rods and bushes, air-con riadiator, fuel pump and much more. All with a local specialist. Nothing took more than 24 hours to arrive in Nakhon. Total cost has been about B45,000. Parts seem to be pretty easy to come by.

She may be old but she is a classy classic! She drives very well, very tought and quiet. Frankly she feels much better than almost all the older japanese (8 year+) cars I have been in here. Also rides and handles better than any pickup I have driven, including some of the newer ones.

And, every morning that bright little star at the front chears me up!

[taxexile]

those w123 diesel benzs are legendary for their strength and reliability , one of the best cars ever built.

.... and after 30 years it is still a good looking design.

[markwhite]

You cant say they have obviously been rebuilt untill you have taken a look at the chasis. They might have just had a good wash and wax for the photo, and to be honest they look fairly standard anyway, for a double cab which wont have been used much for heavy loads etc..

Like I said about the cartest check...

Thes are just examples of ones I've seen, and after having a good look at a couple of real examples, I'm still preferring the MightyX.

I'd not though about the double cab being used for less, er, industrial uses though. Good point.

[markwhite]

When buying from a dealer you need to make sure that the car/pickup is not a 'cut and shut' job. Having looked around many dealers over the years, many cars they are selling have been in two serious accidents, one for the back half and one for the front! Be very wary of any nice shiny older cars like those in the links you posted, both of them have obviously been rebuilt.

I would want someone who knows about these things to check the car over for me, but thanks for the warning.

The other option for a cheaper car is an old Mercedes W123 from the late seventies early eighties

I have considered cars, but will have need to shift stuff around that only a pickup will be able to do.

If you buy a second hand car here, make sure you have B30,000 - 50,000 in reserve. You will almost certainly need it for work that needs to be done urgently.

Good advice. Top post - ta very much.

[markwhite]

After 3 years on just a motorcycle, I added a 9 year old Nissan NV last year,

I looked at the NVs but didn't like the look and capacity of the queen-cab version.

Definitely have it gone over thoroughly by a top mechanic before you buy.

It seems to be pretty crucial from what everyone is saying :-)

[thai4u]

what about HONDA CIVIC COUPE 96-2000?

Is it cheap and reliable car to run in Thailand?

its about 350K baht.

[LivinLOS]

what about HONDA CIVIC COUPE 96-2000?

Is it cheap and reliable car to run in Thailand?

its about 350K baht.

He needs a pickup to move stuff around !!!

[Globeliner]

Go for a Ford Ranger, solid, reliable, and does the job

Edited May 13, 2007 by Globeliner

[Gary A]

Toyota and Isuzu hold their value very well and it's not likely that you will find any bargains. Look for Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi or Nissan for good solid vehicles at a more reasonable price.

[lotus eater]

Hi

Maybe a bit of topic but looks like this is about cheap(ish) transport!

My car (1978 W123 300D manual) has a three litre 5 cylinder diesel. This is a fantastic engine with legendary lifespan, often been known to reach 1 million or more km! For an old diesel they are very quiet and refined engines if lacking in the power stakes. 240D's are extreeee-eemly slow! For petrol the best bet is the 230E, 2.3 litre petrol four with injection. Fairly good on fuel if not hammered. Stay away from the older 230 with carbs, use much more petrol and problematic. These cars were made from 1976 to 1985 but there are loads of them about in very nice condition. These cars can handle an increadible amount of abuse, look what the taxi drivers use in the Mid-East (W123's) I regularly go down dirt roads to my wife's house, no problems.

I was very lucky, I was given mine by a my Thai mother's best friend in Bangkok. They imported the car secondhand from Germany 19 years ago. Since then it has done 5-600,000 km with very little work on it. When they gave it to me it had not been driven for almost four years. Charged the battery and it fired up first time! unfortunately the clutch was shot. They had the whole clutch assembly replaced for me overnight. I then drove it down to Nakhon no problems. The original (!) suspension was shot, springs, shocks, bushes etc. I replaced everything, also fitted a new brake master cylinder, propshaft joints, battery, steering rods and bushes, air-con riadiator, fuel pump and much more. All with a local specialist. Nothing took more than 24 hours to arrive in Nakhon. Total cost has been about B45,000. Parts seem to be pretty easy to come by.

She may be old but she is a classy classic! She drives very well, very tought and quiet. Frankly she feels much better than almost all the older japanese (8 year+) cars I have been in here. Also rides and handles better than any pickup I have driven, including some of the newer ones.

And, every morning that bright little star at the front chears me up!

Well I may be taking this more and more off topic, but what the heck....

Are sellers of these cars usually exclusively mercedes dealers/sellers? Where would I look to find them - any specific suggestions of a magazine? Or by asking the official mercedes dealer? What about checking the car pre-purchase - any easy ways? (AA/RAC equivalents around!?)

And the specialists to do the initial repairs and then maintain - similar question about locating one? Would most larger provincial towns have one?

Sorry to ask these too many and very basic questions.

[Clipped]

nah , you can pick up a used car magazine and find them in there, some will even have a 1jz toyota engine swapped in...there are usually benz/bmw specialists available, but any old mecanic can fix them, theyve been around for so long, the information stream has drizzled down to the current generation mechanics.

id seriously consider one witha swapped engine....i hada bmw e30 witha toyota engne and never had any problems, other than the final drive rato being to high, but it couldve been changed...

[nakhonsi sean]

lotus eater Posted Yesterday, 2007-05-13 20:22:51

Are sellers of these cars usually exclusively mercedes dealers/sellers? Where would I look to find them - any specific suggestions of a magazine? Or by asking the official mercedes dealer? What about checking the car pre-purchase - any easy ways? (AA/RAC equivalents around!?)

And the specialists to do the initial repairs and then maintain - similar question about locating one? Would most larger provincial towns have one?

Look at one2car.com and car-today.com, both have a fair few for sale. apart from that look at the various mags of cars for sale or scout the car dealers. You are unlikely to find one at a main dealer, bit old! Try to find someone who knoes a bit about mechanics and take them along. As has been mentioned, they are pretty low tech. cars, so should be fairly simple to check over. Not seen anything like the AA/RAC inspection services in Thailand. I have seen one service for checking cars, new outfit called Testcar (testcar.co.th), can't say what they are like though.

Most larger provincial towns seem to have someone specialising in older Mercs. They have the contacts in Bangkok to get parts quickly. As Clipped says, almost any mechanic can sort them out but its always better to have someone who really understands them, tends to save time and repeat visits to the mechanic. I have not yet had to go back to my mechanic for something he has already looked at.

Clipped Posted Yesterday, 2007-05-13 23:38:48

id seriously consider one witha swapped engine....i hada bmw e30 witha toyota engne and never had any problems, other than the final drive rato being to high, but it couldve been changed...

I have nothing against putting other engines into cars. However, it does seem a bit of a shame to put one into a car that is now becoming a classic. I understand that the 1jz is a good choice but have been warned by my mechanic that if not done very well it will leed to serious problems in the drive train. He refuses to do the swap himself and says he cannot recomend anyone. As for the 300D, would be mad to put anything else in its place, nothing lasts as long as these. Better to get a good re-con engine. Only reason I can see for a swap is to get a bit more oomph!

[markwhite]

Go for a Ford Ranger, solid, reliable, and does the job

When I looked before I thought they were out of my price range, but looking again now, maybe they're another one to look at.

Cheers.

[markwhite]

Look for Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi or Nissan for good solid vehicles at a more reasonable price.

I did have a look earlier when I thought I could get something in budget for <200k, but maybe I'll have to go a bit higher so I've have another look.

Oh well - no hurry.

[sg1]

Look for Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi or Nissan for good solid vehicles at a more reasonable price.

I did have a look earlier when I thought I could get something in budget for <200k, but maybe I'll have to go a bit higher so I've have another look.

Oh well - no hurry.

Dear friends,

Test car is a full computerized service that cover all the car system and body and do also visiual test, i paid 3200 baht for It.

the only problem is that some car dealer don't let you to check the car, so do as i so i look for a nice car and insist to check it - i didn't tell the dealer how we going to check it only that i will use a mechanic i know.

he come with me to this place on srinakrin Rd. and we check the car, bassicly the service is very good they detect everything and i reduce the price for this car in 25,000 baht the amount i need to fix things in this car.

its worth and its very good for us the second hand buyers.

Chirs