Page 1 of 9 123456789 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 208
  1. #1
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last Online
    14-09-2014 @ 04:20 PM
    Location
    Bangkok, the City of Angels!
    Posts
    3,071

    Which pickup truck should I choose and why?

    Hi Fellas,

    I'm looking for a new pickup truck to replace my recently sold Toyota Vigo 4X4 Double Cab (4 door) 3.0 liter turbo diesel with ABS.

    I need a truck with a longer bed as the Double Cab bed was too short to carry my motorcycles and still close the back gate, which made me a magnet for the coppers here in Bangkok and on the expressways.

    In hindsight I regret selling the Vigo. The Toyota Vigo 4x4 Double Cab was an awesome truck- it gave me 140k trouble free km and all I ever had to replace were tires, battery and some belts. Being a 3 liter turbo diesel it didn't get great mileage, but I thought it was acceptable and it had some get up and go when I put my foot down. I could usually get about 700km/tank.

    In all the time I had it I hardly ever used the 4WD, so I reckon the next truck will just be 2WD and I really don't need a 3 liter engine, I get my speed fix on the bikes and generally drive quite conservatively. I definitely want ABS- it has saved me several times on Thailand's slippery roads.

    So I've broken it down to the following choices:

    Toyota Vigo Smart Cab 2.5 Liter Diesel ABS


    Nissan Navarra King Cab Calibre 2.5 Liter Diesel



    Mazda BT-50PRO FSC 2.2 Liter ABS


    And finally the Ford Ranger 2.2 Liter Open Cab (which I'm told is very similar to the Mazda- same frame and engine?)


    I just can't get used to the looks of the Misubishi Triton, so that one is out.

    Of the four models / brands listed above, which one would you choose, and why?

    Thanks in advance for your advice

  2. #2
    Banned

    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Last Online
    09-05-2021 @ 03:25 AM
    Posts
    33,644
    this has been done a few times.

    i think the consensus was an orange one

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat
    the dogcatcher's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Last Online
    24-12-2015 @ 06:41 PM
    Location
    My body is not a temple, It's the hell where I reside.
    Posts
    5,708
    OK.
    The Mitzy is a tin can. 2.5 is slow.
    Navara, fast... 6 speed manual... that's what I'm using at the moment, Rattles like a barstard.
    Mazda... dunno.
    I quite liked the Ford... had one in Spain. Comfortable.
    Still prefer the Vigo though. Had a 2.5 manual. Tough as fck.
    Even Laosy couldn't break it.
    Falling asleep and waking up is not the same as passing out and coming to.

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat
    can123's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Last Online
    24-04-2023 @ 02:34 PM
    Posts
    5,547
    Please say that you have decided on the Ranger. This will save countless dickheads rehashing what they have said earlier.

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat
    Marmite the Dog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Last Online
    08-09-2014 @ 10:43 AM
    Location
    Simian Islands
    Posts
    34,827
    As tincan said, there is only one viable option (unless you're blind then the Mazda is an option).

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last Online
    14-09-2014 @ 04:20 PM
    Location
    Bangkok, the City of Angels!
    Posts
    3,071
    Sorry, I guess this has already been debated, but I did do a search and couldn't find a comparison between these models.

    Seems the new Mazda/Ford has received very positive reviews. I know looks are subjective, but personally I kind of prefer the look of the Mazda.

    But it seems that the Mazdas are more expensive than the equivalent Ford?

    Example:

    Mazda BT-50 PRO FSC 2.2 V ABS 688k Baht
    Ford Open Cab 2.2 XLS ABS 649k Baht

    Why such a price difference? As far as I can tell these trucks are nearly identical. Maybe I'm missing something...

    Oh wait, I think I figured it out. The Ford XLS does NOT have air bags. The XLT does, and costs 679k Baht, so roughly equivalent to the Mazda FSC.

    I have to say that Mazda's Thailand website is shite compared to Ford's... Mazda's site is showing no airbags in their truck, but I could have sworn the BT-50's I looked at at the motor show all had driver and passenger air bags...

    I think both companies are throwing in the same freebies- a year of free 1st class insurance, a bedliner, and... shoot, I think there was something else, but I can't remember it at the moment...

  7. #7
    Thailand Expat
    Marmite the Dog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Last Online
    08-09-2014 @ 10:43 AM
    Location
    Simian Islands
    Posts
    34,827
    Quote Originally Posted by TonyBKK
    I know looks are subjective, but personally I kind of prefer the look of the Mazda.
    I think there's an optional extra for a white stick holder!

  8. #8
    ความสุขในอีสาน
    nigelandjan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Frinton on sea and Ban Pak
    Posts
    13,332
    Quote Originally Posted by TonyBKK
    Of the four models / brands listed above, which one would you choose, and why?
    None of em !

    Go for 4 wheel drive sex



  9. #9
    Thailand Expat
    draco888's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Last Online
    13-02-2016 @ 06:01 PM
    Posts
    2,084
    Quote Originally Posted by the dogcatcher View Post
    OK.
    Tough as fck.
    Even Laosy couldn't break it.
    I'm not suprised, Toyotas are seemingly indestructible.

    Part 1 of 3



  10. #10
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last Online
    14-09-2014 @ 04:20 PM
    Location
    Bangkok, the City of Angels!
    Posts
    3,071
    Quote Originally Posted by nigelandjan View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by TonyBKK
    Of the four models / brands listed above, which one would you choose, and why?
    None of em !

    Go for 4 wheel drive sex


    A forgot about the Isuzu D-max. I had one some years ago and while it was a fine truck and very fuel efficient, one of my big pet peeves about it was that it had a HUGE turning radius. As far as I know the D-Max has only enjoyed cosmetic upgrades in recent years so I suspect it still suffer the same large turning radius.... In contrast my Vigo could U-turn on a two-lane road while the D-max required a multi-point turn to get through the same space. It was a real pain in the butt on some Bangkok U-turns where I could not complete the turn in one go... I recall too that the D-Max was tough to maneuver in some tight parking ramps...

    I have no interest in 4WD and prefer a low truck as it's easier to get the bikes in and out. I'll have to check Isuzu's offerings to see if they have anything that might compete with the Ford/Isuzu 2WD 2-door ABS-equipped pickups.

    The more I explore Ford's impeccable English language website the more I'm inclined to go with them...

    Ford Thailand | Customer Service

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last Online
    14-09-2014 @ 04:20 PM
    Location
    Bangkok, the City of Angels!
    Posts
    3,071
    Quote Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by TonyBKK
    I know looks are subjective, but personally I kind of prefer the look of the Mazda.
    I think there's an optional extra for a white stick holder!
    I dun get it...

  12. #12
    Thailand Expat
    rickschoppers's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Thailand
    Posts
    7,171
    I bought a 2009 Toyota Vigo 2WD Smartcab new and would not trade it for anything. Awhile back, I had a weak moment and thought about trading it in on the new Ford Ranger, but then came to my senses.

    The Vigo 2WD has a long enough bed for bikes and also gives you the 2 smaller rear doors. You will not have to pay the higher passenger registration fees like an extended cab and they are indestructible.

  13. #13
    Thailand Expat
    palexxxx's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chiang Mai
    Posts
    4,141
    Quote Originally Posted by TonyBKK View Post
    Sorry, I guess this has already been debated, but I did do a search and couldn't find a comparison between these models.

    Seems the new Mazda/Ford has received very positive reviews. I know looks are subjective, but personally I kind of prefer the look of the Mazda.

    Why such a price difference? As far as I can tell these trucks are nearly identical. Maybe I'm missing something...

    Oh wait, I think I figured it out. The Ford XLS does NOT have air bags. The XLT does, and costs 679k Baht, so roughly equivalent to the Mazda FSC.

    I think both companies are throwing in the same freebies- a year of free 1st class insurance, a bedliner, and... shoot, I think there was something else, but I can't remember it at the moment...

    Just looking at the photo's of the Mazda BT50 and the Ford Ranger I can see the following differences which would make up the price difference.

    The Mazda has an aluminium side step the Ford doesn't.
    The Mazda has 17 inch mag wheels, the Ford has 16 inch steel wheels.
    "The problem with quotes on the Internet is that it is hard to verify their authenticity." - Abe Lincoln.

  14. #14
    Thailand Expat Fondles's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chonburi, Thailand
    Posts
    7,861
    Avoid the Ranger, Ford are a pack of cunts. when the Clutch/flywheel/throw out bearing start displaying a loud audible metal on metal clunk on gear changes they will tell it is normal and that all the Rangers do it.

  15. #15
    Excitable Boy
    FailSafe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Depends on your point of view...
    Posts
    6,683
    None of them have a bed long enough to allow you to close the tailgate with a bike in the back (unless you load it on an angle, which is a bad idea) as far as I know- I believe the Thai-market trucks all have a bed of 5' (150cm) or slightly less.
    There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.
    HST

  16. #16
    Thailand Expat
    the dogcatcher's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Last Online
    24-12-2015 @ 06:41 PM
    Location
    My body is not a temple, It's the hell where I reside.
    Posts
    5,708
    Most importantly....
    The Vigo has drinks holders in front of the air conditioning vents.
    They exactly fit a Chang bottle.

  17. #17
    Thailand Expat Fondles's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chonburi, Thailand
    Posts
    7,861
    Quote Originally Posted by FailSafe View Post
    None of them have a bed long enough to allow you to close the tailgate with a bike in the back (unless you load it on an angle, which is a bad idea) as far as I know- I believe the Thai-market trucks all have a bed of 5' (150cm) or slightly less.

    Why is loading on an angle a bad idea ?

    FWIW the bed length on the Ranger's is 1847mm for the open cab and 1549mm for the double cab.

  18. #18
    Excitable Boy
    FailSafe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Depends on your point of view...
    Posts
    6,683
    Quote Originally Posted by Fondles View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FailSafe View Post
    None of them have a bed long enough to allow you to close the tailgate with a bike in the back (unless you load it on an angle, which is a bad idea) as far as I know- I believe the Thai-market trucks all have a bed of 5' (150cm) or slightly less.

    Why is loading on an angle a bad idea ?

    FWIW the bed length on the Ranger's is 1847mm for the open cab and 1549mm for the double cab.
    It's a bad idea as the chances of the bike hitting the deck if you have to stop short are greatly increased- and yes, I did see the pic of your bike loaded at an angle in the bed of your truck so I already know you disagree- don't get all pissy now...

    I wasn't aware the bed length was that long on the open cab- do you have a link for that?

  19. #19
    Thailand Expat Fondles's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chonburi, Thailand
    Posts
    7,861
    I won't be getting pissy but if the bike is tied down correctly the angle should not matter at all.

  20. #20
    Have you got any cheese Thetyim's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Mousehole
    Posts
    20,893
    Quote Originally Posted by FailSafe
    I wasn't aware the bed length was that long on the open cab- do you have a link for that?
    Specification - Hilux Vigo Smart Cab - Toyota Motor Thailand Co.,Ltd.

  21. #21
    Excitable Boy
    FailSafe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Depends on your point of view...
    Posts
    6,683
    Quote Originally Posted by Fondles View Post
    I won't be getting pissy but if the bike is tied down correctly the angle should not matter at all.
    Well, you have to give the suspension a little slack (compressing the forks around 50% is good)- if you stop short, the back of the bike can move toward the front, causing it to fall over sideways or at least be over-stressed to the point of possible damage no matter how it's secured.

    Unless you've got wheel chocks mounted (in a strange position), I would ride with the tailgate open and the bike straight in the bed before I put it on an angle.

    Whatever works for you, though- I don't want to derail the thread- I've got a trailer anyway, so what do I know?
    Last edited by FailSafe; 28-03-2013 at 08:53 AM.

  22. #22
    Excitable Boy
    FailSafe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Depends on your point of view...
    Posts
    6,683
    Quote Originally Posted by Thetyim View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FailSafe
    I wasn't aware the bed length was that long on the open cab- do you have a link for that?
    Specification - Hilux Vigo Smart Cab - Toyota Motor Thailand Co.,Ltd.
    We're referring to the Ranger, not the Vigo.

  23. #23
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Last Online
    Today @ 07:05 PM
    Location
    Roiet
    Posts
    34,895
    Quote Originally Posted by the dogcatcher
    I quite liked the Ford
    Quote Originally Posted by can123
    Please say that you have decided on the Ranger
    Quote Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog
    As tincan said, there is only one viable option
    ..................

  24. #24
    Have you got any cheese Thetyim's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Mousehole
    Posts
    20,893
    Quote Originally Posted by FailSafe
    We're referring to the Ranger, not the Vigo.
    Ford Thailand | All-New Ranger - Specification Data

  25. #25
    Lord of Swine
    Necron99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Nahkon Sawon
    Posts
    13,021
    Quote Originally Posted by Fondles View Post
    Avoid the Ranger, Ford are a pack of cunts. when the Clutch/flywheel/throw out bearing start displaying a loud audible metal on metal clunk on gear changes they will tell it is normal and that all the Rangers do it.

    This is on the ranger you just bought?

Page 1 of 9 123456789 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •