Thinking About A New Pickup

[Spoonman]

The final drive ratio in the Bt-50/Rangers is too tall which means you are constantly changing gears with the 6MT.

[Darrel]

Darrel did you consider the new Mazda BT-50 or Ford Ranger?

Thanks for the suggestion.

I did look at these on paper and they seem quite nice. As you mention the relatively high prices of the A/T versions put me off, and I really dont think I want to do without the A/T. Ford does have a 4-door A/T model for 809K but it's lacking in many quite basic features that I would like to have, and that makes the 869K model more suitable which of course is the same price as the Mazda, which seems to be a better buy anyway.

Such a shame these manufacturers dont do A/T on the 2-door/cheaper models.

[CGW]

most pickups are bought by thais and auto's are not that popular with them, that is why there is a small selection of models available in auto

Toyota dont even do a 2-door A/T model at all.

Toyota do a two door (Smartcab) A/T, it's the 2.7 gasoline engine, we have one as wife cannot drive manual due to ongoing leg problem - they are 2 short!

[chiang mai]

You might want to check out a recent discussion on the subject of P/U's, the conclusions (for me) seemed to suggest that the Ford Ranger was the best priced and safest choice, if nothing else the discussion on P/U safety records is illuminating to say the least.

[gudtymchuk]

According to the Nissan website they do have a 2 door model with A/T. Not a bad price either at 735,000 THB with lots of standard features. May go to the local Nissan dealer tomorrow and do a test drive. A friend just purchased the Nissan fully loaded Caliber at just short of 800,000 THB. Nice pickup. Road out to the golf course with him today and rides nice but don't see a need for me to have a 4 door as it's only the little wifey and I.

[Darrel]

Toyota do a two door (Smartcab) A/T, it's the 2.7 gasoline engine, we have one as wife cannot drive manual due to ongoing leg problem - they are 2 short!

Thanks, but I did specifically mention in my original post that I wanted diesel.

[Darrel]

According to the Nissan website they do have a 2 door model with A/T. Not a bad price either at 735,000 THB with lots of standard features.

Yes, I mentioned this as one of my possibles in my original post. It is still looking like the best option so far.

[Darrel]

You might want to check out a recent discussion on the subject of P/U's, the conclusions (for me) seemed to suggest that the Ford Ranger was the best priced and safest choice, if nothing else the discussion on P/U safety records is illuminating to say the least.

Yes, I have read about this on here and elsewhere. Illuminating, as you say.

[Darrel]

I am very happy with my Mitsubushi Triton NGV Hands down the lowest cost to operate per km I pay 70 - 90 stang per km

in the first 5 months I have saved 75,000 Baht in fuel cost. I think in 4 years the cost of my truck will be free in what I have saved in fuel cost.

OK. Which model is this exactly?

Does that engine come with A/T? If so I cant see it on the website.

Aren't there issues with availability of fuel in some areas?

[pipo1000]

I am very happy with my Mitsubushi Triton NGV Hands down the lowest cost to operate per km I pay 70 - 90 stang per km

in the first 5 months I have saved 75,000 Baht in fuel cost. I think in 4 years the cost of my truck will be free in what I have saved in fuel cost.

Isn't NGV the kind of gas where you can only fit a tank big enough to drive 250 Km before you have to refill,than be lucky enough to find an NGV gasstation as there are very few available which makes that there is a qeueu of at least 20 cars at each pump.

Thanks,I rather pay 2-3 Bht a km

[albhol]

Darrel did you consider the new Mazda BT-50 or Ford Ranger?

Thanks for the suggestion.

I did look at these on paper and they seem quite nice. As you mention the relatively high prices of the A/T versions put me off, and I really dont think I want to do without the A/T. Ford does have a 4-door A/T model for 809K but it's lacking in many quite basic features that I would like to have, and that makes the 869K model more suitable which of course is the same price as the Mazda, which seems to be a better buy anyway.

Such a shame these manufacturers dont do A/T on the 2-door/cheaper models.

How about a nice Isuzu D-MAX 2012? Prices already compared?

[LeCharivari]

I am very happy with my Mitsubushi Triton NGV Hands down the lowest cost to operate per km I pay 70 - 90 stang per km

in the first 5 months I have saved 75,000 Baht in fuel cost. I think in 4 years the cost of my truck will be free in what I have saved in fuel cost.

Isn't NGV the kind of gas where you can only fit a tank big enough to drive 250 Km before you have to refill,than be lucky enough to find an NGV gasstation as there are very few available which makes that there is a qeueu of at least 20 cars at each pump.

Thanks,I rather pay 2-3 Bht a km

Its not so much the size of the tank that's a problem, as you can always switch back to petrol/Gasohol E20, but the size of the pick-up bed which is halved as the CNG tank takes up half the available space. The Tata layout, with the tanks under the bed, is a far better design.

[chiang mai]

A pickup interests me as my next potential vehicle, not because I can really use a pickup but because they are more rugged than the average ride, higher, stronger and more durable, I'd probably only use the pickup bed maybe three or four times a year. So if I was going to buy one and use it effectively in the same way that I would use a saloon car, I think I'd probably want to get an automatic but one with the 4WD option (Iwas surprised this option existed so that shows you how much I know about cars/trucks). The shortened bed option due to LPG tanks, not a problem for me.

Petrol consumption is an issue I reckon, 3.5 litres sucks a load of gas and in a world that's running out of oil and where the price of petrol is going to keep going up, will I think this was a smart move five years hence when gas is 70 baht a litre, hmm!

But then I think about the safety side of things and the idea of several tons of metal being powered by a 3.5 litre engine and that scares me a little, it's a bit like driving a cruise missile I would think. Hopefully the truck would have great stopping power and be really protective in case my several ton missile hit something at speed, but trouble is, I don't think they are, at least that's what the crash reports seem to indicate.Then I think about all the Somchai's driving these things around half tanked and I get even more nervous, maybe I think I need one just so that when I do get hit by one at least I'm not driving a Honda Jazz or similar and I stand an even chance!

[flying]

Petrol consumption is an issue I reckon, 3.5 litres sucks a load of gas and in a world that's running out of oil and where the price of petrol is going to keep going up, will I think this was a smart move five years hence when gas is 70 baht a litre, hmm!

Not too bad but yes more than a 2.2 size.

I drive a 4.7 liter Dodge Ram 1500 now in the US & many days drive 100km each way

I average about 15-19 miles to the gallon....Or in Thai case roughly 30 kilometers per 3.8 liters

Gas here is running $4.60 per gallon so yes it adds up

But in your case you say you do not really need the truck bed so I would go smaller engine for sure.

I haul so need size/space & power as I live in the high mountains.

But next month we will be full time in LOS & I am *hopefully* picking up a 2012 Mazda 2.2 double cab

That will be fine for us there

[chiang mai]

Probably a very good choice, the Mazda BT150 (?) and the Ford Ranger have both reviewed very well, I believe they're essentially the same vehicle.

[Darrel]

How about a nice Isuzu D-MAX 2012? Prices already compared?

Yes, this was one of my possibles in the original post.

[flying]

Probably a very good choice, the Mazda BT150 (?) and the Ford Ranger have both reviewed very well, I believe they're essentially the same vehicle.

Yes the BT-50 same one as in this pic

Yes I have read ...I think...the Ford & the Mazda are done at the same factory?

But I am not sure if they share the same engine in the smaller size. I have read the new 3.2 5 cylinder yes.

[Spoonman]

Probably a very good choice, the Mazda BT150 (?) and the Ford Ranger have both reviewed very well, I believe they're essentially the same vehicle.

Yes the BT-50 same one as in this pic

http://www.thaivisa....25#entry5279175

Yes I have read ...I think...the Ford & the Mazda are done at the same factory?

But I am not sure if they share the same engine in the smaller size. I have read the new 3.2 5 cylinder yes.

Under the skin they are essentially the same pickup sharing the same driveline.

[culicine]

Probably a very good choice, the Mazda BT150 (?) and the Ford Ranger have both reviewed very well, I believe they're essentially the same vehicle.

I saw the top model bt50 2.2 2wd in gunmetal blue and it looks very nice inside and out. The leather seats are nice but I'm still not digging those tail lights though. It's about 874K if I remember correctly. The wildtrak 2.2 2wd is similarly prices but it seems it will take a while to get one. I think it would be easier to get a hard cover for the mazda also, given the configuration of the rear, as the wildtrak has that sports bar and side rails.

[JAS21]

I actually bought the top of the range Isuzu V-Cross (A/T) and I certainly wouldn't ever go back to a car again. Have done something over 5K Kms now and am really enjoying the ride and what a view from up there!. It does 14ish K/L on the outskirts of Bangkok and provided I keep it to 90ish on the highway does a lot more. I assume that the 4*4 even in 2WD uses more fuel that a straight 2WD, no idea how much though.

My dealer is on Chaeng Wattana, near Central and he has been absolutely excellent and I can highly recommend that garage.

I know that this is above what you want to pay ... but I saw the Highlander whilst in Isuzu yesterday and I think it's worth a look. Go and have a test drive.

I really can't comment on other makes but am very happy with what I have.

[sezze]

Unless you live down town somewhere , especially BKK , a pickup is the best choice in Thailand . There are multiple reasons , and i will give you a few .

A pickup is a tougher vehicle . It is made as a workhorse , and can handle a bad road without breaking down quickly .

Because it is build as a workhorse , most parts are changed easily , or easier then standard cars . Replacement parts are also not expensive.

Since they are build in Thailand , you get a lot of vehicle at a reasonable price . Look at the competition at the same pricepoint .

A modern pickup is still not a car , but you will get a lot closer then it used to be . If you look at the newest pickups , meaning BT50 , Ranger and D-Max , you are looking at big vehicles which can withstand every crashtest . If any normal car .. like Honda Jazz , Toyota Vios , Nissan March , Mazda 2 , Ford Fiesta.( most cars on the road ) crashes into it , i will know which car i want to be in . The cars can be as save as they want , but many of these will slide nearly under it , where there is nearly no safety level at all .

[chiang mai]

Unless you live down town somewhere , especially BKK , a pickup is the best choice in Thailand . There are multiple reasons , and i will give you a few .

A pickup is a tougher vehicle . It is made as a workhorse , and can handle a bad road without breaking down quickly .

Because it is build as a workhorse , most parts are changed easily , or easier then standard cars . Replacement parts are also not expensive.

Since they are build in Thailand , you get a lot of vehicle at a reasonable price . Look at the competition at the same pricepoint .

A modern pickup is still not a car , but you will get a lot closer then it used to be . If you look at the newest pickups , meaning BT50 , Ranger and D-Max , you are looking at big vehicles which can withstand every crashtest . If any normal car .. like Honda Jazz , Toyota Vios , Nissan March , Mazda 2 , Ford Fiesta.( most cars on the road ) crashes into it , i will know which car i want to be in . The cars can be as save as they want , but many of these will slide nearly under it , where there is nearly no safety level at all .

I agree with most of your points but not the crash test. There's another thread on the subject of crash tests that's only a couple of months old, it's worth searching for it to read the Australian governments crash test reports to see why you are wrong, as I recall a Honda Jazz for example has a much higher crash test rating than a D-Max.

[guzzi850m2]

I agree with most of your points but not the crash test. There's another thread on the subject of crash tests that's only a couple of months old, it's worth searching for it to read the Australian governments crash test reports to see why you are wrong, as I recall a Honda Jazz for example has a much higher crash test rating than a D-Max.

Maybe it does but a crash test don't teel the whole truth. If you are sitting in a little Jazz and getting t-boned by a pick-up you are fuxxx. Same with a head on: Jazz and a pick-up: it doesn't take a rocket science to imagine which vehicle is better off.

Weight is a very important factor when involved in a collision, the heavier vehicle is better off in 90% of the cases.

The new Ranger has a 4 to 5 star rating depending of model as the Aussies that developed it did many tests to make it safe.

I will never buy a sedan again here in LOS but go either pick-up or SUV.

[chiang mai]

I agree with most of your points but not the crash test. There's another thread on the subject of crash tests that's only a couple of months old, it's worth searching for it to read the Australian governments crash test reports to see why you are wrong, as I recall a Honda Jazz for example has a much higher crash test rating than a D-Max.

Maybe it does but a crash test don't teel the whole truth. If you are sitting in a little Jazz and getting t-boned by a pick-up you are fuxxx. Same with a head on: Jazz and a pick-up: it doesn't take a rocket science to imagine which vehicle is better off.

Weight is a very important factor when involved in a collision, the heavier vehicle is better off in 90% of the cases.

The new Ranger has a 4 to 5 star rating depending of model as the Aussies that developed it did many tests to make it safe.

I will never buy a sedan again here in LOS but go either pick-up or SUV.

I have no doubt that if a Jazz and a D-Max collide head to head at 90kph the D-Max would win and the Jazz would be toast, but that's not how the majoirty of accidents happen and the the crash test reports reflect this in the way the vehicles are tested.

I don't have a bone to pick on this subject, I'm just pointing out that, according to the crash test reports, pickups in general are not as safe as we think they are, particularly the D-Max and the Hillux. The Ranger on the other hand scored very highly for safety in the crash test reports hence my point is not so much about pickups in general but specifically only the two I've just mentioned. Finally, I was also surprised that the Jazz, the vehicle you used in your example, is rated very highly in the crash test reports.

[guzzi850m2]

chang

I have no doubt that if a Jazz and a D-Max collide head to head at 90kph the D-Max would win and the Jazz would be toast, but that's not how the majoirty of accidents happen and the the crash test reports reflect this in the way the vehicles are tested.

I don't have a bone to pick on this subject, I'm just pointing out that, according to the crash test reports, pickups in general are not as safe as we think they are, particularly the D-Max and the Hillux. The Ranger on the other hand scored very highly for safety in the crash test reports hence my point is not so much about pickups in general but specifically only the two I've just mentioned. Finally, I was also surprised that the Jazz, the vehicle you used in your example, is rated very highly in the crash test reports.

OK chiang mai your points noted and I tend to agree. Older pick-ups is something to stay away from for sure. Its first now they start to make them safe, and when I go shop for a new car the Ranger is very high on my list.

[chiang mai]

chang

I have no doubt that if a Jazz and a D-Max collide head to head at 90kph the D-Max would win and the Jazz would be toast, but that's not how the majoirty of accidents happen and the the crash test reports reflect this in the way the vehicles are tested.

I don't have a bone to pick on this subject, I'm just pointing out that, according to the crash test reports, pickups in general are not as safe as we think they are, particularly the D-Max and the Hillux. The Ranger on the other hand scored very highly for safety in the crash test reports hence my point is not so much about pickups in general but specifically only the two I've just mentioned. Finally, I was also surprised that the Jazz, the vehicle you used in your example, is rated very highly in the crash test reports.

OK chiang mai your points noted and I tend to agree. Older pick-ups is something to stay away from for sure. Its first now they start to make them safe, and when I go shop for a new car the Ranger is very high on my list.

I don't mean to appear contrary but the older vehicles are apparently safer in that the sheet metal is much thicker, the trade off of course is that the other components on an older vehicle are less safe by comparison plus ABS and airbags are probably not installed. You may recall the Top Gear segment of some years ago where they tried to destroy a twelve (?) year old Hillux/Tiger (?) by doing all manner of things to it including dropping a wrecking ball on it and driving it into the sea, the damned thing still ran afterwards, I have no doubt that new vehicles would not pass those tests.

[necronx99]

I don't mean to appear contrary but the older vehicles are apparently safer in that the sheet metal is much thicker,

By that standard, hit yourself in the head with an aluminum can and then again with a steel one.

Get back to us with your results.

Modern cars are made to crumple to absorb the force of the impact. More damage to the car, less damage to you.

[chiang mai]

I don't mean to appear contrary but the older vehicles are apparently safer in that the sheet metal is much thicker,

hit yourself in the head with an aluminum can and then again with a steel one.

Do you mind if I don't.

[sezze]

Unless you live down town somewhere , especially BKK , a pickup is the best choice in Thailand . There are multiple reasons , and i will give you a few .

A pickup is a tougher vehicle . It is made as a workhorse , and can handle a bad road without breaking down quickly .

Because it is build as a workhorse , most parts are changed easily , or easier then standard cars . Replacement parts are also not expensive.

Since they are build in Thailand , you get a lot of vehicle at a reasonable price . Look at the competition at the same pricepoint .

A modern pickup is still not a car , but you will get a lot closer then it used to be . If you look at the newest pickups , meaning BT50 , Ranger and D-Max , you are looking at big vehicles which can withstand every crashtest . If any normal car .. like Honda Jazz , Toyota Vios , Nissan March , Mazda 2 , Ford Fiesta.( most cars on the road ) crashes into it , i will know which car i want to be in . The cars can be as save as they want , but many of these will slide nearly under it , where there is nearly no safety level at all .

I agree with most of your points but not the crash test. There's another thread on the subject of crash tests that's only a couple of months old, it's worth searching for it to read the Australian governments crash test reports to see why you are wrong, as I recall a Honda Jazz for example has a much higher crash test rating than a D-Max.

It might be ranked higher crashing into a wall and i will probably agree or at least doubt . You go look at ride high of the vehicle . Whatever of the new vehicles you choose , BT50 , Ranger or D-Max they are huge . A Honda Jazz which by itself is a very safe , good looking car , will slide completely under the back bumpers of the cars involved . Do not care about crumble zones because they do not have a chance to do their work anyway . Sliding under it , the passengers will not have a lot of chance of surviving without serious damage.

[phutoie2]

Anyone who thinks they are safe or safer in a pickup truck is simply deluding themselves. Have a look in your local Police station compound at all the smashed up ones. I looked at a black Vigo 4 x4 double cab recently in our town, it was doing a good impression of an empty LEO can that had been stamped on.