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Pickup Or Saloon Car


guzzi850m2

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Hi everybody,

Now the time have come for me to buy a vehicle with 4 wheels as my wife is expecting a baby. I have been looking in this forum and other places what to buy but are not much wiser. I have decided to spend max 400.000 bath on this vehicle as my beloved Harley Davidson will NOT be sold, but kept as my primary pride and joy. :)

So it will be a second hand car for sure and it will primary be used for short shopping trips around Pattaya but also an occasional trip Northeast (wife's family) about 650 km each way.

Now to the essence of my question, pickup or saloon, well I like pickups and so does my wife so that is not a problem, but is a diesel engine suitable for short shopping trip(s)? Are they more expensive to run than saloons?

I been looking at the following vehicles: Toyota Vios and Honda city/civic, Ford ranger, Mitsubshi Triton, Isuzu whatever. I want a new car as possilbe, so year app. 2000-2004 is the range I am aiming at. Please don't say add 200.000 and you can buy a new, I am not interested.

Please fell free to comments on this, I am looking forward to your input.

Thanks

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Hi everybody,

Now the time have come for me to buy a vehicle with 4 wheels as my wife is expecting a baby. I have been looking in this forum and other places what to buy but are not much wiser. I have decided to spend max 400.000 bath on this vehicle as my beloved Harley Davidson will NOT be sold, but kept as my primary pride and joy. :D

So it will be a second hand car for sure and it will primary be used for short shopping trips around Pattaya but also an occasional trip Northeast (wife's family) about 650 km each way.

Now to the essence of my question, pickup or saloon, well I like pickups and so does my wife so that is not a problem, but is a diesel engine suitable for short shopping trip(s)? Are they more expensive to run than saloons?

I been looking at the following vehicles: Toyota Vios and Honda city/civic, Ford ranger, Mitsubshi Triton, Isuzu whatever. I want a new car as possilbe, so year app. 2000-2004 is the range I am aiming at. Please don't say add 200.000 and you can buy a new, I am not interested.

Please fell free to comments on this, I am looking forward to your input.

Thanks

Thai Visa classified. Chevy (isuzu) 4 door 3,0 manual, 60-70 k km, 2004/5 (forget) at 350 k. Not bad :)

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Not many replies so far, but then again it is saturday evening, he-he.

I spend the evening scroll through the last 15 pages in the motor section Thaivisa forum and I get the impression that really many expats drives pickups so I am leaning a bit to them right now. I also got the impression that ford ranger is not sold in great numbers.

I saw in bathsold a d-max 2004 3.0l 4 door 5 gear manuel low km's for sale for just under 400K, is that a good price? farang owner, looks nice on pix's.

I hope I get more inputs later today, thanks.

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I bought a brand new Toyota Hilux for the same reason as you (a baby coming), a few years ago. I can't fault the vehicle mechanically. At the time it was a very wise choice, (as you will discover), when going on long journeys (holidays, etc), you will find the wife filling up the whole back of the truck with baby stuff, thus making you glad you bought such a large vehicle. Personally I find the cost of running around town in it very reasnoble although a small car would probably be cheaper. Now after a few years I quite fancy a saloon but when going on said holiday the wife still packs the back of the truck with baby stuff. Oh and they wanted nigh on 1 million baht for a new Honda Civic I liked and I would have got a crap trade in on my truck which is only 3 years old with 30K's on it.

John.....

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Thanks for that John, that was a good input.

I can tell you when we did the trip on the Harley there was MANY things that needed ferrying either way :) but not possible on the bike, he-he, we only brought a very small amount of fruits with us home.

I can easily imagine the possibilities that will go though the wife's head if we have a truck(sh*t I better buy a saloon, he-he).

guzzi

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I'd say you need a good reason to buy a pickup and the usage you have described doesn't really qualify. I just got one and were it to be my only vehicle I'd be disappointed - here are some of the reasons:

  • Tiresome to park
  • Thirsty
  • Without either a cover or a cabin type back stuff in the back is at the mercy of sun and rain
  • There's a security issue with stuff in the back
  • You have to make sure stuff in the back won't blow away or fall out
  • Not as relaxing to drive as a saloon

I've been driving a Honda City for the last couple of years and despite regular buying sprees at Makro I've never run out of room - big items such as a refrigerator they deliver but then I wouldn't have been able to shift them from truck bed to kitchen on my own anyway. Thais like trucks and they are a status symbol, especially for country folk (your wife's probably been dreaming of the reception you'll get by driving up to her village in a shiny new looking Vigo!) but as city or long distance transport they rate pretty low down the list as far as I am concerned.

Why did I get one? We're planning bicycle and camping trips into the hills and contemplating a building project but if it weren't for that and I still wanted more room than a saloon I'd get a Honda CRV, Chevvy Zaphira, Toyota Avanza or something like that. My City is a great car for both town and long distance (and happens to be for sale, by the way) but I'd say avoid the truck temptation unless the reasons are really compelling.

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Hi Greenside,

Yes I get your points, especially the safety in the pickups are very concerning.

I was out test drive a 2004 Toyota Tiger pickup yesterday and I must admit that I was disappointed how "tractor" like it felt to drive. That was the first time in 5 years I been driven a car, he-he, well at least I didn't bent it. :)

I think I will try to test more cars, including the City, Vios and a D-max and then make up my mind.

I would also prefer auto transmission as we are not talking fast sports cars here so whats the point with manual trans.

Thanks for that, keeps my mind open.

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Hi Greenside,

Yes I get your points, especially the safety in the pickups are very concerning.

I was out test drive a 2004 Toyota Tiger pickup yesterday and I must admit that I was disappointed how "tractor" like it felt to drive. That was the first time in 5 years I been driven a car, he-he, well at least I didn't bent it. :)

I think I will try to test more cars, including the City, Vios and a D-max and then make up my mind.

I would also prefer auto transmission as we are not talking fast sports cars here so whats the point with manual trans.

Thanks for that, keeps my mind open.

Toyota Hilux Tiger was almost 30 years old when they stopped making it in 2004. Vigo replaced it in October 2004, not one part in common, so its another world.

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Hmmm tough one, I am kind of in both camps really.

I drove a vios for 3 years and it was OK, underpowered but comfortable for long trips. I just got a new Vigo about 4 months ago and it's great around town but not comfortable on long trips. Driving to Suvarnabhumi it's so bumpy feels like it might fall apart.

That said there were countless occassions when driving the Vios that I wish I had a truck, some of the roads in this country are just not negotiable with a low slung 2 wheel drive car.

All in all I am happier with the truck, I only really do long trips every 3-4 months and can handle it occassionally.

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Apart from Mercs and more expensive motors, one part of the family have 2 Honda City cars.

They recently sold a new shape one and have replaced it with another Honda City. They love them, find they are reliable and economical. Used for short trips to work on most days or buzzing off down to Poi Pet market ( 400 kms ) or to NakhonSawan (120 Kms). I drove the one they were selling and it drove beautifully. If I'd had the spare cash I would have snapped their hands off.

I do not see any real need for a truck unless you need to move larger objects on a regular basis. And most shops deliver large items.

IF in future you decide on a conversion to gas, a car is a lot cheaper to convert than a diesel. Current conversions here to LPG average 10K a go. Not what you asked but always a thought :)

I find a car more comfortable to drive. Quicker on average too. More economical. But do not have the attitude of a bigger 'truck'.

DMax 3.0 manual I drove for 2 months (family motor) was good but slow. Mitsu truck averaged 9 Kms Litre.

Overall, give me a car anyday but that is just my opinion.

Have fun choosing.

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Apart from Mercs and more expensive motors, one part of the family have 2 Honda City cars.

They recently sold a new shape one and have replaced it with another Honda City. They love them, find they are reliable and economical. Used for short trips to work on most days or buzzing off down to Poi Pet market ( 400 kms ) or to NakhonSawan (120 Kms). I drove the one they were selling and it drove beautifully. If I'd had the spare cash I would have snapped their hands off.

I do not see any real need for a truck unless you need to move larger objects on a regular basis. And most shops deliver large items.

IF in future you decide on a conversion to gas, a car is a lot cheaper to convert than a diesel. Current conversions here to LPG average 10K a go. Not what you asked but always a thought :)

I find a car more comfortable to drive. Quicker on average too. More economical. But do not have the attitude of a bigger 'truck'.

DMax 3.0 manual I drove for 2 months (family motor) was good but slow. Mitsu truck averaged 9 Kms Litre.

Overall, give me a car anyday but that is just my opinion.

Have fun choosing.

We have had our "Ford Ranger"six years now with no problems at all,small family and ideal for me as I am over six foot!I find the 2.5 turbo good enough for all types of driving and although manual is easy to drive,my wife is Thai and "nit noi"but loves driving it!Also feel very safe on the road in it,twin airbags a must!Economical around town .A cover can be made for the back so not a problem there .Safety was my concern on Thai roads and this meets my bill OK.

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I have a 2003 Toyota Tiger 4dr that I bought new in 2003. I have done absolutely nothing to it except routine maintenance. I wouldn't give it up for any car. The only problem I have is parking in congested Chiang Mai. Otherwise it is nice to sit higher (Oh yeah, 4x4, 3.0L, auto) and be able to see traffic far ahead. I had never driven a diesel before, but I found it not to be objectionable after some getting used to. It is plenty fast on the open road and able to pass when necessary. The ride is firm but not harsh, and the interior appointments are the same as most cars.

Also a motorcyclist, and bicyclist, I admit the mc gets the most use. The truck is great when going to the flower market or for many other home chores where it is easier to just toss something in the back. Items that need security go in the back seat. Traveling, put the bikes in back and go, use a lock. It has also done a number of motorcycle rescue missions for friends broken down rides. Another drawback, a lot of requests to help friends move something that they can't fit in their cars. :)

If you just drive in town, the pickup is too big. If you use your motorcycle a lot and want something for the open road along with a lot of utility uses, go for the truck.

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Thanks for all the comments it really helps me deciding what to buy.

As I mention in the start I will "only" spend 400K on the vehicle so the latest models is out of the question which pickup wise is bad.

If I look hard at my needs, I would say a saloon would be the best choice for me as others also mention.

It is of course sad for a HD rider to drive around in a tinny saloon, a big fat ass pickup raised with big tires would be more suitable :D , but then again I am not really looking like the typical "Heavy Duty" bike rider, but I will if I buy a saloon indeed put a HD sticker on its arse, he-he.

Thanks again Folks. :)

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I have a car and a truck. The car is the last one I will ever buy while here in Thailand. Too many high curbs and steep ramps will destroy all the plastic on the front of the car. Deep potholes destroy the suspension. Even Bangkok has more than its share of hazards for the too low underslung cars. In the case of an accident or traffic jam, the car cannot go across the raised median to make a U turn. I hit a dog with the car and it took out all the plastic spoiler, grill and air conditioner condenser.

The final car killer is that my diesel pickup gets better fuel economy than the smaller lighter car. Make your own decision, I have.

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I have a car and a truck. The car is the last one I will ever buy while here in Thailand. Too many high curbs and steep ramps will destroy all the plastic on the front of the car. Deep potholes destroy the suspension. Even Bangkok has more than its share of hazards for the too low underslung cars. In the case of an accident or traffic jam, the car cannot go across the raised median to make a U turn. I hit a dog with the car and it took out all the plastic spoiler, grill and air conditioner condenser.

The final car killer is that my diesel pickup gets better fuel economy than the smaller lighter car. Make your own decision, I have.

You about covered it Gary. Unless you're living in Bangkok, anywhere else in LOS I would definitely go for a pick-up or SUV vehicle. I too live in Patters and with the seasonal flooding and potholes that will sowallow-up small small cars all too common, it's really a no brainer. If you want a more car-like ride and driving experience, go for a car based SUV like a Honda CRV or Chevy Captiva. If you want a little more ground clearance and tougher suspencion, go for a truck based SUV like a Toyota Fortuner or Isuzu MU-7. If cost is more an issue, go for a 4-door pick-up and put a cover on the back.

I have a Toyota Sprotrider SUV and have never had a problem with it nor any parking issues in Pattaya. Rides fine and I even drive it around Bangkok when I go there for holidays.

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If you're going to settle with mediocrity, you may as well get the best deal. For 400K, I think the Ford Ranger would be your best bet, as the Fords tend to take huge depreciation hits.

I'd go saloon, but wth saloon can you buy for 400k? Tin can Vios? POS Jazz? Have you ever seen the undersides of these things? Like toy cars, and I suspect they'd perform just as well in a collision. Drive shafts on these/Jazz/etc... LOL.

Vigo is huge and everybody and their bg has one. Ranger is smaller and I dunno if you can get the newer duratorque engines for 400K, but they have some low end grunt. Build quality questionable, but who cares in your case you're looking for point A to point B for best value. I think Ranger fits the bill. Plus the new Ranger 'helicopter TVC' was the best in breed... :)

Or isn't Tata selling cars now... ahahhahahaha....

Actually a friend has a Proton Neo (I think that's what it's called - 3 door hatch) - not bad considering it's a Proton. I expect it to disintegrate in a few years time but it works for now... and i think you can find a used one for around the price you're looking for....

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I am just about to buy a 2006 Honda City, 2 air bags, ABS, auto trans., runs like a dream, app 35K km on the clock. Okay if I buy this car I will blow my budget with 75K, but never mind, I like this car, yes I know it is not a Mercedes but it will do just fine for me.

A Thai friend of mine who know his ways around cars will do a check/test ride later today and if he okays it, it will go to Honda for final check.

All other cars/pickups I had a look at only have one air bag?? Even a brand new 2.5L 4d auto Ford Ranger I saw in Carrefore yesterday, I asked the seller and he told me that only the 3.0 has 2 airbags, strange.

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I am just about to buy a 2006 Honda City, 2 air bags, ABS, auto trans., runs like a dream, app 35K km on the clock. Okay if I buy this car I will blow my budget with 75K, but never mind, I like this car, yes I know it is not a Mercedes but it will do just fine for me.

You won't regret it. It's a really good (if unexciting) car that does exactly what it should with the minimum of fuss.

Edited by Greenside
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Thanks for all the comments it really helps me deciding what to buy.

As I mention in the start I will "only" spend 400K on the vehicle so the latest models is out of the question which pickup wise is bad.

If I look hard at my needs, I would say a saloon would be the best choice for me as others also mention.

It is of course sad for a HD rider to drive around in a tinny saloon, a big fat ass pickup raised with big tires would be more suitable :D , but then again I am not really looking like the typical "Heavy Duty" bike rider, but I will if I buy a saloon indeed put a HD sticker on its arse, he-he.

Thanks again Folks. :)

Have a close look at 2nd hand Chevy Colorado, how about this one? 438.000 starting price for a 2006, 3.0L Aut, with Carryboy cargo cover, its a beauty! http://www.one2car.com/CarInfor/cardetails...90288&row=2

Regards

Tommy

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