Latest Advice On New Pick-Up Trucks In Thailand

[energaia1]

Hi all,

I am about to buy a new pick-up here in Thailand for work and I was wondering if there is any updated advice regarding good vs bad choices? In particular, I am thinking of buying a Mitsubishi Triton dual-cab model because of the overall deal and near-term availability. Does anyone have experience with the Mitsubishi's? My other readily available option is the latest model of the Nissan Navara, although the deal is not quite as good on it.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[MoonRiverOasis]

Very open ended question you've asked.. All are good value, none are lemons.

Deals on Toyota as worse than ever due to production capacity problems arising from Japan Earthquake/Tsunami, avoid if time is critical or spending < 900K Baht, as thier low-mid end is just plain overpiced/underspec'd.

Ford are doing 0% on on Ranger, but it's still not worth it as it's outclassed by everything until new model comes in Q3/Q4. Bypass unless an incredible deal is offered.

Mazda aren't doing anything special, even though new model is coming in Q4/Q1'12. Alothougb essentially the same package as Ranger, Mazda has acheieved practically zero market acceptance in the pickup category. Avoid.

Chev also aren't doing anything special, even though all-new model comes in Q4. Avoid unless shopping in the <= 600K Baht bracket.

Mitsu are being super-aggressive on price and pacakging as always. 2011 "plus" models beat everyhting hand-down on spec/price, and 0% finance is also possible. Avoid in the lower end, consider in mid-end and up, or if CNG desired.

Nissan are same old, same old. Navara's edge used to be HP, but Mitsu have now negated that with a better package in the Plus. Nothing interesting as far as campaigns. Bypass unless an incredible deal is offered.

Isuzu have their usual mix of overpriced in the low and top end, but some interesting options in the upper-middle range. "Rodeo" variant offers best deal in the market today if 4WD is needed. Tech is long in the tooth now, so bypass other variants.

[Kwasaki]

I am very diapointed at what is offered here in Thailand in the truck scene as to what you see in America, Canada and Australia getting.

[rayinkrabi]

I am very disappointed at what is offered here in Thailand in the truck scene:annoyed:

I totally agree, and bearing in mind the usual good advice from MoonRiver (concise & factual..nice post) it really boils down to a choice of the trusty Toyota, Isuzu or the Mitsu. All good motors, should give trouble free motoring, have good resale value etc. so depends on your own likes & dislikes.

For what it's worth, I did lots of research a few months ago as my Isuzu was just over 4 yrs old so I figured time for a change. I went for the Mitsu as I like the style & interior but the Toyota Vigo is def a lot smoother to drive, esp the gear change, the Isuzu seemed underpowered and lumpy but this may be unfair to them as I was only allowed to test drive in the car park!

The Mitsu dealer here in Krabi are absolute cr*p and know nothing about the trucks they sell, so it's worth factoring in the 'service' aspect if thats important to you.