Thread: Basic work truck, which would you buy and why?

Originally Posted by Mr Earl

Is the engine in the new Ranger model the same?

The new Ranger has been out for a couple of years and has a new and class-leading engine. The old Ranger's engine was average.

Seems like the Ford and Nissan have cutting edge engine technology.
I guess the one I rented was the newer engine. I was impressed.
The Nissan has some impressive stats too.

I also like the utilitarian bed/tailgate.

^ It wasn't a Vigo though, I would seriously doubt a new truck could get through that due to all the electric gizmos that keep them running.

^ It was a Hilux which mechanically is just the previous generation, but yes, I was surprised it stood up to being set on fire, I thought that would have killed the wiring loom if nothing else. No doubt they put the fire out quickly after filming, but it was burning real good on camera.

It was a hilux mighty-X I think, although still called a hilux it's pretty much a completely different vehicle, almost completely mechanical. Which is why it stood up to that unbelievable amount of bashing. The Vigo relies on complex electrical systems which is why I think it would be fried as soon as it gets submerged etc... As far as modern ones go though, Vigos still seem very solid and reliable.

Have a 2002 Nissan with the 3.0L engine. This is a TRUCK! not a sedan with a ramp!

Originally Posted by madjbs

The Vigo relies on complex electrical systems

What complex electrical systems? Electric windows?

It has an ECU controlling the engine as do all modern cars. Hardly complex.

It is still very, very basic in comparison to most other modern vehicles currently on sale in the West.

Euro NCAP - For safer cars | Pick-up

A 3L diesel should be good for 500k km

Go Toyota...end of story.
Well...almost.... Wait a few months as the grapevine says Toyota is coming out with a 6-speed (shades of Nissan). Check it out.

I've used the old hiluxes in Western Sudan, NT. Aus and now here. They're bloody marvellous. Indestructable.
The current one is 15 years old, 290,000 on the clock and still going strong. The air con isn't great but that's what windows are for. Don't need and don't want fancy electrics, computers or the like. Just want to get from a to b.
Easy to work on too.
A reliable work horse.

My chevrolet3 litre auto just did a round trip from Samut Songkram to Mae Sai the hard way-plenty of mountain roads and blown down trees after the recent storm that devastated Burma.
Sightseeing included we covered over 5000k on 9000k of diesel and in comfort.
great truck and it will be kept and used for at lleast ten years

Originally Posted by good2bhappy

A 3L diesel should be good for 500k km

Sure, some old Mercedes diesel taxis in Germany have more than a million kms on the clock.

So I guess you drive a 2wd extra cab then? Bit of 4 door 4wd envy perhaps? Please explain what you mean by "more receptive to modifications" I would have thought 4wd's have a lot more potential to modify.

Thanks everyone for the input.
The more I study it the more I realize I don't want to get a nice shinny new truck to beat the crap out of it on a palm farm.
Also I'm seeing how I'll need 4wd for the property.

My partner has an older 2wd Nissan extra cab, for 100K(the down payment for a new one) I can get it modified with a solid axle leaf spring front end from an early Toyota HiLux. And voila a 4wd work truck that can carry 2000 kilo of palm which can get around the hilly and sometimes muddy property. No payments and cheaper insurance. Nissan's are also cheap and easy to fix.
I'll draft my Land Rover into service while the Nissan PU gets modified.

I shopped around for used Toyota HiLux 4wd trucks and was surprised to see the brain damage for prices on those things: Varying from 250K for a beat rusted POS to 450K for a nice looking one, screw it!
I see why the guys like fixing up the Nissans.

Originally Posted by Gerbil

Originally Posted by Texpat

I want to drive my vigo until it falls off the frame. How many years do you think I can keep it running if I take care of it? Ten+ I hope.

Forever is the answer. Watch the Top Gear special when they tried to destroy a ten year old one by:

a) crashing it into various obstacles.
b) drowning it in the sea
c) dropping a caravan on it.
d) hitting it with a wrecking ball.
e) setting it on fire (inside and out)
f) leaving it on top of a 20 storey block of flats that was then blown up in a controlled demolition.

It was still running after all of that - a bit 'scratched' (to say the least ), but they didnt replace any part during the 'tests' to keep it running.

You are also forgetting when they stuck an outboard motor on the back and sailed across the English channel to France in one.

I paid 190,000 for my 12 year old hilux semi twin cab (you can gat 2-3 small girls on the back seat- but at my age that'll do) 2 years ago. It's basic, white, with a smidgen of aircon, if it feels like it.
I've spent 900 baht on oil changes every couple of months and I did have to replace the wipers lasrt week.
Er.. that's it.
I've got a LandCruiser with everything on it sitting in Darwin but I have to say the "hilux" is sweet.

Originally Posted by jandajoy

I paid 190,000 for my 12 year old hilux semi twin cab

It's amazing how overpriced old cars and trucks are here.

A serious Triton.



A piece of 4wd junk with all the tack of the day stuck on.

Originally Posted by EmperorTud

I live in Bangkok, not bumfuck Issarn.

If you live in Bangkok, why do you drive a pickup?