New Pick-up

[basjke]

Hi all,I'm in the market for a new truck.I'm leaning towards a new one as second hand is always a hit or miss.

Which one in your opinion is currently the best value for money.My preference is 4 door automatic gear but other opinions are welcome.Taking fuel economy and trade in after 4-5 years as one of the major considerations what model would you advise.Not to forget ofcourse that what I pay less for the new one can be deducted from the trade in value already.

Let your suggestions roll in.

Edit to add: I also prefer the hi rise type.Will the best option to take a 4wd or is it much cheaper to have it modified at an aftermarket dealer.

[basjke]

What make of truck do you have now? Were you happy with it?

Probably a biased opinion because l have one, Toyota Vigo 4 door 4x4 auto. Some members here have had many of these and up dated to newer models which is a good ad to.

If you need a bigger truck bed the Vigo Smart Cab (rear suicide doors) is a good choice.

If you want 4x4 (which has got me out of trouble a couple of times) have from factory, too much involved, too much to replace, cost a fortune, forget that.

I have a colorado 4wd 4 doors now.Bought it second hand at a good price a year ago but it has 170.000 km on the clock so I assume it has had it's best times.

Also I don't want to deal with the thieving local dealer and it is a bit out of range if I have to go to the bangkok dealer each and every time.

Regarding the 4wd I can't remember that I ever needed it so it's no big deal for me but I like the height of the model.

[fredob43]

There' only one to have in my

What make of truck do you have now? Were you happy with it?

Probably a biased opinion because l have one, Toyota Vigo 4 door 4x4 auto. Some members here have had many of these and up dated to newer models which is a good ad to.

If you need a bigger truck bed the Vigo Smart Cab (rear suicide doors) is a good choice.

If you want 4x4 (which has got me out of trouble a couple of times) have from factory, too much involved, too much to replace, cost a fortune, forget that.

I have a colorado 4wd 4 doors now.Bought it second hand at a good price a year ago but it has 170.000 km on the clock so I assume it has had it's best times.

Also I don't want to deal with the thieving local dealer and it is a bit out of range if I have to go to the bangkok dealer each and every time.

Regarding the 4wd I can't remember that I ever needed it so it's no big deal for me but I like the height of the model.

The Toyota Prerunner is the same height as the 4x4 and a lot cheaper, the smart cab even less.

All are good sugestion's If you decide to go for the VIGO only get the 3.0lt one. As the rest are a bit under powered. If you can afford it 4 door and 4x4 as the resale on them is great. They have a large selection with prices from 600000+ to 1,000000 There top of the range one has cruse control the work's, so you pay's your money, you take's your choice. And barter like mad. load's of freebee's.

[neverdie]

If you want 4x4 (which has got me out of trouble a couple of times) have from factory, too much involved, too much to replace, cost a fortune, forget that.

transam, what did you mean by this sentence, sorry confused me?

[neverdie]

^ Ohh okay, i got the bit about getting out of muddy holes but missed the rest.

im looking myself & for just a few baht had thought that the 4x4 option might come in handy at another time

[aussiebebe]

My suggestion was going to be the Chevy Colorado 3.0L 4WD AT, with or without the CNG system. It seems to fit the OP's requirements; fuel efficient, 4WD, four doors, fair resale value, and currently Chevy are offering an above-market trade-in value for your old vehicle and a very low interest rate on the loan (unless your paying cash of course).

So, ignoring the costly alternative of second-hand cars (high interest and low trade in value of current vehicle unless you sell privately), I'd say Colorado all the way.

But then I read the OP already has a Colorado, so I'm guessing he doesn't like it or want another.

If I were him, I'd hang onto to the old truck a few more years. Chevy are heavily invested in developing their new diesel engine at their Rayong plant to meet stricter Euro emission standards. I'd see what's released in 2012 onwards as most of the other trucks made by other manufacturers are reaching the end of their product life and will be outdated soon in terms of efficiency, emissions, performance etc. In a broader sense, I think these smaller eco-cars like the Nissan March are going to alter the long-held Thai preference for the 1-ton pickup. Better trucks will come, but it looks like Chevy are cost cutting and going to close the US Colorado plant and export from Rayong heavily. So really, the OP has already got one of the best trucks avaliable anyway.

[Sakeopete]

I was just looking at the Ford Ranger XLT open cab 4wd, it looks much nicer than the Vigo Smart(I used to own a 4 door 4wd Vigo) it has a 3.0 ltr engine and is availble with an auto gearbox to keep the misses happy.

[basjke]

My suggestion was going to be the Chevy Colorado 3.0L 4WD AT, with or without the CNG system. It seems to fit the OP's requirements; fuel efficient, 4WD, four doors, fair resale value, and currently Chevy are offering an above-market trade-in value for your old vehicle and a very low interest rate on the loan (unless your paying cash of course).

So, ignoring the costly alternative of second-hand cars (high interest and low trade in value of current vehicle unless you sell privately), I'd say Colorado all the way.

But then I read the OP already has a Colorado, so I'm guessing he doesn't like it or want another.

If I were him, I'd hang onto to the old truck a few more years. Chevy are heavily invested in developing their new diesel engine at their Rayong plant to meet stricter Euro emission standards. I'd see what's released in 2012 onwards as most of the other trucks made by other manufacturers are reaching the end of their product life and will be outdated soon in terms of efficiency, emissions, performance etc. In a broader sense, I think these smaller eco-cars like the Nissan March are going to alter the long-held Thai preference for the 1-ton pickup. Better trucks will come, but it looks like Chevy are cost cutting and going to close the US Colorado plant and export from Rayong heavily. So really, the OP has already got one of the best trucks avaliable anyway.

I'm not exactly anti-chevy but the local dealer is a thieving b_stard and the closest dealership that doesn't belong to the same group is 140 km away.Bit of a problem while the car is under warranty I figure.

Also can you explain a bit further what an above market trade would mean in my case.Do you have an idea if it is a certain percentage or how it is calculated?

I was at the toyota dealer yesterday and as usual they just call those secondhand dealers which valued the car at 340.000 ( haven't disscussed yet) but if the car was a Isuzu,which it actually is,then the price would have been at least 50.000 higher.

So I assume the trade in not that exellent as the isuzu and the chevy cost same new.

[basjke]

What make of truck do you have now? Were you happy with it?

Probably a biased opinion because l have one, Toyota Vigo 4 door 4x4 auto. Some members here have had many of these and up dated to newer models which is a good ad to.

If you need a bigger truck bed the Vigo Smart Cab (rear suicide doors) is a good choice.

If you want 4x4 (which has got me out of trouble a couple of times) have from factory, too much involved, too much to replace, cost a fortune, forget that.

I have a colorado 4wd 4 doors now.Bought it second hand at a good price a year ago but it has 170.000 km on the clock so I assume it has had it's best times.

Also I don't want to deal with the thieving local dealer and it is a bit out of range if I have to go to the bangkok dealer each and every time.

Regarding the 4wd I can't remember that I ever needed it so it's no big deal for me but I like the height of the model.

The Toyota Prerunner is the same height as the 4x4 and a lot cheaper, the smart cab even less.

But unfortunately the prerunner isn't avilable with automatic gear.

Lately I have also seen some Nissan navara which looked relly robust in my opinion.Any comments on that car?

[powderpuff]

Here's a FORD Ranger with the popular Isuzu Commonrail option. LOL.

[powderpuff]

O yeah I would buy another Chevy Colorado - 2WD sport cab.

[MTH]

I'm very happy with my Isuzu, it's a 2003 3.0 4 door 2 wheel drive. And I will most likely get a new Isuzu next time I change cars.

The dealer in north Pattaya is very good, with nice staff and mechanics that seems knowledgeable.

However they do prefer to fit new parts instead of repairing something that's broken. But I think the same goes for most dealers.

Resale value for a used Isuzu is also very good.

I would not get a 4 wheel drive, as the fuel cost will increase, and so will eventually the maintenance fees.

Turning radius should be less (haven't actually verified this).

As far as I remember, Isuzu have a 2 wheel drive Highlander version, that is as tall as the 4 wheel drive.

[basjke]

O yeah I would buy another Chevy Colorado - 2WD sport cab.

What is a sport cab?

[MTH]

4 WD is demand only so no difference in 2 WD mode fuel economy. I believe the turning circle is the same unless 4 WD is engaged. In practice my Vigo in 4 WD has a poor turning circle, mainly due to the LS Diffs.

True that there really isn't much of a change in fuel economy if 4WD isn't engaged,

except that you have to lug around an extra 100+ kilos of equipment for the 4 wheel drive.

As for the turning radius, guess I had to check it out now

For the Isuzu Cab4:

4WD turning radius 6.2m

2WD turning radius 5.9m

[basjke]

Any positive or negative comments on the Nissan navara?

[basjke]

Any positive or negative comments on the Nissan navara?

Aaaah, Quick, where's the bucket, oooops, too late, where's the mop . (sorry, done that one before).

???

[aussiebebe]

The Chevy offer is on the website www.chevrolet.co.th and is simply a flat 15000baht above trade in value of your vehicle, and the interest rates are low 1.8 to 2.5% depending on the dealership/and personal circumstances. Admittedly, this doesn't sound good given the trade-in value you've been quoted and I understand why you don't want another Chevy, given the local dealer.

I'd reiterate my advice to just keep your old truck running for a few years longer for the reasons I gave before. I've learnt something by reading this thread; I didn't know the Colorado was the same as Isuzu.

[basjke]

The Chevy offer is on the website www.chevrolet.co.th and is simply a flat 15000baht above trade in value of your vehicle, and the interest rates are low 1.8 to 2.5% depending on the dealership/and personal circumstances. Admittedly, this doesn't sound good given the trade-in value you've been quoted and I understand why you don't want another Chevy, given the local dealer.

I'd reiterate my advice to just keep your old truck running for a few years longer for the reasons I gave before. I've learnt something by reading this thread; I didn't know the Colorado was the same as Isuzu.

Thanks for the reply.I looked at the website the other day but the english version didn't seem to function so went to the dealer today.Went to the local dealewr anyway,which I regret already,cause I didn't want to drive 100 km for some info.

The result was a bit as follow:Interest rate they quoted was 2.9 % where Toyota quoted 2.4 %.We give you leather interior free but you pay 2000 Baht.I think sure we give 370.000 for your car.Five minutes later,I think sure we give 365.000.

At that point I reacted that i couldn't do business with someone who talked like a snake and walked out of the door.

Later went to Isuzu and was actually pleasantly surprised about their prices.Their top of the range Hi-lander was about 70.000 Baht lower then the Toyota Vigo and it was actually so far the only model I've seen that was complete.Gps,rear view camera,leather seats,6 cd changer with bluetooth,Key with immobilisation chip built in all standard.Got lot of premiums,including full coverage inssurance and registration fee,offered without asking.Also offered 350.000 for my car but guess can get it up a bit with some discussion.

Looks very interesting or am I missing the point somewhere?Are they gonna change the model very soon or is there something else I should be aware of?

Edit: offered 2.37% interest on 48 months finance.

[MTH]

Looks very interesting or am I missing the point somewhere?Are they gonna change the model very soon or is there something else I should be aware of?

Doesn't look like there are any major changes expected for the Isuzu D-Max this year.

There are rumors of a new D-Max for 2011, but that shouldn't be released until the end of next year.

[powderpuff]

What's a sport cab?

It''s an extended cab. NOT a 4 door which we would call a crew cab.

2 + 2 for the kiddies.

[Sakeopete]

Any positive or negative comments on the Nissan navara?

The wife and I took a look at the Nissan but after looking at the interior we quickly left the showroom. That has to be the ugliest pick up interior I have ever seen, my wife agreed too.

[phutoie2]

" Whats wrong with beige!!"

Strewth, its a pickup, want good interiors, go look at Jags or Mercs.

You can fork out over 950k Baht for a top of range Vigo and you still get a sea of plastic, plus beige, beige, beige!

The Ford Ranger black interior is about the best, used to be Isuzu but they too have surrended to beige!.

[katabeachbum]

What's a sport cab?

It''s an extended cab. NOT a 4 door which we would call a crew cab.

2 + 2 for the kiddies.

extended cab with or without 2 small extra doors is registered and insured for 2 people only.

presently passangers on rear bench are accepted even without seatbelt, as are passangers on the bed except on the expressways

[katabeachbum]

" Whats wrong with beige!!"

Strewth, its a pickup, want good interiors, go look at Jags or Mercs.

You can fork out over 950k Baht for a top of range Vigo and you still get a sea of plastic, plus beige, beige, beige!

The Ford Ranger black interior is about the best, used to be Isuzu but they too have surrended to beige!.

I think beige is great, reminds me of a luxury car, and feels light and airy where for me getting in a black or dark grey interior seems like your getting into a heavy goods vehicle. Any car or truck is a sea of plastic but it's how it's designed, Toyota got it pretty good but other trucks the dash is sort of in your face, even awkward. Just my thoughts.

seconded

have had beige/cream interior on all my cars since my 1993 Range Rover. except for a 2006 yaris which was available with black interior only. Got depressed of the black driving more than 1 hour, and much more difficult to keep clean

[basjke]

As some other posters mentioned it might be the wrong timing to buy a new pick up now as most of them will bring a new model on the market in the next 2 years.That's why I narrowed my decision down to have a engine revision so I can drive trouble free for another 2 years or changing to a Nissan navara.

I haven't seen the interior yet,as some posters said it is plain ugly,but the exterior looks very impressive to me.At least the 4 doors 4wd that is.Also the top model is 70.000 baht cheaper then the topmodel from Toyota and has a 5 speed auto gearbox where the others all have a 4 speed.

But the main reason that I choose the navara is that I think the model isn't on the market as long as the other brands,so I might not have an outdated model after 2 years.Does someone know how long it is on the market and around which age Nissan changes their models normally?

[phutoie2]

Thats my Nissan Navara with the husky in it.!

Mines a King Cab 4 x2 purchased in May 2007.

Nissan still the only pickup with 6 gears manual box, the auto was 40k Baht more, thats a lot of Leo so I chose to to have the manual until my knee packs up and cannot use the clutch.

The main reason I went with the Nissan is the dealership is in the next town - 15 km's away, all the other makes involve a 220 km round trip.

Price was 619,000 Baht at a exchange rate of 70 GBP to a Baht!, that still remains its best feature.

Have a look at -Nissan Navara for info on Thai Nissans.

Hope I have that link right as first time I have done that!!.

[basjke]

Thats my Nissan Navara with the husky in it.!

Mines a King Cab 4 x2 purchased in May 2007.

Nissan still the only pickup with 6 gears manual box, the auto was 40k Baht more, thats a lot of Leo so I chose to to have the manual until my knee packs up and cannot use the clutch.

The main reason I went with the Nissan is the dealership is in the next town - 15 km's away, all the other makes involve a 220 km round trip.

Price was 619,000 Baht at a exchange rate of 70 GBP to a Baht!, that still remains its best feature.

Have a look at -Nissan Navara for info on Thai Nissans.

Hope I have that link right as first time I have done that!!.

Thanks for the very useful link mate.Any idea how long the current model is on the market yet?

[Zstarx]

Toyota Vigo 4 wheel drive, auto, diesel, black, it's the dogs <deleted> as far as I'm concerned for me, bought mine 2 years ago ( wife's name ) haven't any problems at all, and just purrs along!! Interest only 2.85%p/a, why would you pay cash?

I'm going to buy another one for me when I come and live permanently in Thailand in a couple of years

If your looking for something to hold it's value you can't go past the Vigo. It's as simple as that

[katabeachbum]

Toyota Vigo 4 wheel drive, auto, diesel, black, it's the dogs <deleted> as far as I'm concerned for me, bought mine 2 years ago ( wife's name ) haven't any problems at all, and just purrs along!! Interest only 2.85%p/a, why would you pay cash?

I'm going to buy another one for me when I come and live permanently in Thailand in a couple of years

If your looking for something to hold it's value you can't go past the Vigo. It's as simple as that

We have tried to tell him.

yeah, 70k more, and you get cruise, VSC, powerseat, better brakes, much better 17" wheels and Toyota quality. Not to mention resale and aftermarket and 3000cc low end tourque

[guzzi850m2]

Toyota Vigo 4 wheel drive, auto, diesel, black, it's the dogs <deleted> as far as I'm concerned for me, bought mine 2 years ago ( wife's name ) haven't any problems at all, and just purrs along!! Interest only 2.85%p/a, why would you pay cash?

I'm going to buy another one for me when I come and live permanently in Thailand in a couple of years

If your looking for something to hold it's value you can't go past the Vigo. It's as simple as that

We have tried to tell him.

Ahh haa sorry boys but why do you drive/buy these pick-up trucks anyway? I drive a modest Honda City and it is very compy. Okay the roads are flooded in Patts app. 5 days a year, but I can use other means of transport during the period so buying a truck just for that would be mad.

Unless you are living in a "farm" whats the purpose of these vehicles??

Driving a bit around LOS I find my sedan just fine for that.

My next car will be a sedan too unless you can convince me to buy something else!!

Okay now you gonna slam me, but lets hear it then