Which BASIC pickup would you buy new or almost new?

[Sandboxer]

As the title suggests, I'm a total cheapass when it comes to spending any money on add-ons I don't need. My only non-negotiable is A/T.

 

I need it to last fairly reliably (at least in terms of drivetrain) for about 5 years, and I don't care about any resale value as I'll probably end up having it officially scrapped to legally/conveniently/efficiently get it out of my name. 

 

So, which make/model pickup/UTE would you guys go for? I prefer buying new, but a low km (less than 50k), max 2 year old vehicle would be considered as well provided no accidents and still under factory warranty.

 

Am I right in thinking that the MG Extender is the cheapest in this respect?

 

Toyota Hilux....? Mitsu Triton? Mazda?

 

I'm not interested in any of the Fix Or Repair Daily models.

 

 

 

[NoDisplayName]

We're borrowing my wife's BIL's old work truck and will eventually buy it.  12 year old Toyota Hilux basic contractor's model, dual fuel (petrol or NGV) with nearly 400K on the clock.  Don't know about AT as an option, though.

 

Runs great, expect to get another 5 years out of it.  I'd buy another similar model used next time around.  Toyatas seem to go forever, any mechanic can work on it, and repair parts are readily available.

[Coota]

I'm in a similar boat to you as I'm looking for a second car for myself and I want a basic pickup and I'll settle for manual. Our family car is a Mitsu Expanda and it great for the family of five but useless for getting the dirty jobs done like buying gardening/farm stuff etc. I also want a King Cab just in case I have to transport the family.

 

I have settled on the basic Toyota Hilux Z edition. Mind you I've never been a fan of Toyota, probably because there are so many on the road. I've been quoted 629,000 baht for the manual. I believe it's about 50,000 baht more for an Auto on most vehicles here. The single cab would be cheaper and there are a lot around here.

 

Close second would be the Mitsu version although they seem to cater for the rev head in some models. I did look at Ford and considered them but did not feel comfortable with the dealership here.

[KhunLA]

MG Extender ... shouldn't be a surprise from me.

 

Though do spec shop, before spending that ฿฿฿.  Never really shopped for a truck, as no need for  one, but do like the look of the MG.  Not a big fan of add-ons I'll never use either.  And the base model is about as stripped down as you can go, I think, for full size pick up.

 

฿549,000 ... that's inexpensive transport ????

Based on Maxus T60/70 and been around for awhile.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxus_T60

Edited June 26, 2023 by KhunLA

[hkt83100]

Toyota Hilux

[Soondae]

I also am in the market for a new pickup, still haven't decided if I will get a 4 door or the extended cab version. I'm leaning to the 4 door models but would like the extra bed length of the extended cab. My GF has a good friend whom sells for Mazda, she offered us a good finance option that I almost pulled the trigger on last December, however she called the GF recently to tell her that Mazda Thailand is leaving the pickup sales business as they don't sell enough of them and that there is too much competition.

 

I spoke with a mate whom has owned both recent Isuzu and Mitsubishi models. He stated to me that the Isuzu with the 1.9L engine was total crap and that the Mitsubishi with the 2.4L engine is the sweet spot (especially if you are going AT). Correct me if I'm wrong, but many of the Isuzu dealers charge extra for bumpers and steps, those were included as well as a bed liner in my Mitsubishi quote. However the Mits is not cheap 4 door AT with most the whistles 920,000 baht. A similar Isuzu with the 1.9L would run around 750,000 baht.

[verticalift]

I was faced with the same issue about 25yrs ago when I bought my first vehicle here. What make and model should I buy…?

My question was answered when I started noticing the number of Isuzus on the road. They’re relatively inexpensive and cheap to maintain. If you’re going to be doing any traveling, you can install a cover over the back bed (Carryboy) for all your gear. If you do breakdown somewhere, there’s probably a Thai kid walking down the street that knows how to fix it. Look at what the older generation Thai guy drives and your question will be answered. 

[thailand49]

Confused. if you are looking for a longer bed then you aren't going to get it in any model that is a 4 doors, you will need minimum a Extra cab. 

I don't buy American no matter what learn my lesson although attracted to the Ford.  

This is pretty much the same with Chinese, have a neighbor with one rides as if you were in a tin can. MG. 

My brother has a MIT, it doesn't have a solid feel seats sit low as if it was a sport car he paid around 860,000 but after riding in my Hilux he regrets it. 

I got a 2018, after much research and going to Bangkok auto show. 

Although my first choice was Toyota since I had a Yaris already with a budget in mind prices are basically the same now I got a Hilux model E,  4 Door Auto, 2.4 Diesel  list price was 890,000, this would basically include tinted windows, door and window guards, floor entry boards, rear bed liners, floor mats. leather like seats and interior with 1 year insurance.. One of reason I choose this model old school basic dash instrument are dial next model up all digital which I don't like. This model also has front vents A/C only the next model G,  price 969,000 has a second A/C vent system rear center console. So if you plan to carry people regularly long distant something to consider. 

In the end,  I walked in to my dealer offer 860,000 for the E Model cash deal done. 

The model also sits the same height as the 4 wheel model trucks are trucks in regards to rides but I and my brother noticed built much more solid,  ride and suspension Much smoother and seats much higher than his MIT. The 7 speed auto is a big plus.  5 year Warranty Chon Buri service oil change around 3000 baht. 

Good luck. 

Edited June 27, 2023 by thailand49

[PB172111]

For the odd time you need a tray for- fridge, bed, tv etc. then rent one or borrow from a friend. I have owned a few in Australia, which are great for a work truck. But for family, they are thirsty, uncomfortable for all but the driver, too big for city/town traffic. Basically,IMHO, they are a waste of time in Thailand. 
now if you live and work rural then awesome ????

[Sandboxer]

18 minutes ago, PB172111 said:

But for family, they are thirsty, uncomfortable for all but the driver, too big for city/town traffic.

I live in Phuket and the vehicle would leave the island maybe once a year for a road trip to Ao Nang.

 

I pretty much hate everyone in my social circle (they just don't know it 555) and don't want to be asked to give people rides, don't have any little breeder trophies nor a wife/gf, only "date" hookers who come and go on motobike taxis.

 

I like to sit/drive high for field of vision reasons. SUVs are an option as well but tend to cost more than pickups.

 

So basically, a single cab (no rear seats) is fine with me as long as I can sit fairly comfortably (187cm) and my giant goofy fatazz Saint Bernard can ride shotgun and attract the lay-deeeeees (I figure the ones we catch can ride back to the crib with us in/on the tray. 

Edited June 27, 2023 by Sandboxer

[billd766]

What do you class as a basic pick up?

 

A single cab 2/3, a 4/5 seat 2 door queen cab, a 4 door 4/5 seat cab?

 

Then you need to decide if you want petrol, diesel or NGV/LPG.

 

It seems that the only thing you do want is A/T.

 

Do you want a small pickup or a standard size.

 

You need to bear in mind why you need a pickup as the cab size dictates the load bed size. Also you need to know the weight and size of the loads you want to carry.