OK I'll concede my lack of understanding, but I still don't get that worldwide manufacturers are specifically [b]designing[/b] what is really a niche vehicle, to fit a small market in the tiny UK, based on a unique tax law. That was the jist of maccruiskeen original post. I really can't believe that Nissan R&D went, "oh bloody hell, look at the UK tax thingy, better base a whole vehicle design around them".
That's the quote.In fairness they're designed for accounting loopholes.
Or to follow up my original post, if you don't need to actually go properly off road, most other things are capable. When we don't need the Land Rover,we have a caddy van that manages just fine across fields, up forest tracks and farm lanes along with my Octavia. So a van or estate will probably do what the OP wants, as long as it isn't low with big vanity wheels.
Way more room in a Vito, it has been a shock going back to a pickup after 18 months... but the steering blew up a few times so I kinda had to change (and I really was missing 4WD ability!)
From what I have had:
Hilux - must have been about '95. Drove it across the Amazon and loved it! Not a real world test though 😉
Last Gen Navara - it was good to drive back in it's time (mine was about 2008 IIRC), but I kept blowing up the engine/rear diff/4WD system. It was a "bad one" apparently.
Last Gen L200 - noisy, bouncy - get rid of the hideous Bridgestone tyres to prevent the back end escaping. It was great off road and in the manky snow though, and had a very good turning circle for a pickup.
Last Gen Isuzu - think it was last gen anyway. Nice - quiet and comfy
Current Navara - this is what replaced the Vito, exceptionally good all round, other than being smaller inside but bigger outside! Has grown up suspension too.
No idea what the SsanYongs or Great Walls are like - probably crap - but newer for less money so perhaps worth a look when comparing against old kit. Most have horrible back ends (for traction) and horrible load areas. Most have the turning circle of a supertanker... and most drink fuel like it is going out of fashion. I use them for work, which is what they were designed for... even if mine is covered in cow and automatic stuff... not a great family wagon though!
No idea what the SsanYongs or Great Walls are like - probably crap - but newer for less money so perhaps worth a look when comparing against old kit.
Great wall have some asbestos issues.
I’d love a pick up, I’ve had a hankering for a series 2 ford ranger wildtrak for a good while now, But contorting myself in the back seat of the car to undress out of my sodden commuter clothes has finally convinced me that the most practical and useful vehicle is roughly van shaped with extra seats.
Just had a ford ranger wildtrak as a courtesy car for 4 weeks,absolutely loved it. Did a week in Cornwall with way more stuff than we needed and the dog in his cage in the back. Then a weekend camping was just so easy. Even chucked laddos bike on top of all the gear just diagonally lay flat. When this current motor goes back I'll be looking for a truck!
Just had a ford ranger wildtrak as a courtesy car for 4 weeks,absolutely loved it. Did a week in Cornwall with way more stuff than we needed and the dog in his cage in the back. Then a weekend camping was just so easy. Even chucked laddos bike on top of all the gear just diagonally lay flat. When this current motor goes back I'll be looking for a truck!
Don't be ridiculous Wrighty - are you deluded? STW says they are crap, so you are quite clearly wrong 😉
I’m a fan of the ‘inbetween’ vehicles, Hilux Surf, pathfinder, whatever the Mitsubishi one is...
Almost as much room as the pick up but a slightly more flexible for family use. Obviously not as good as a pickup for site use.
They've always struck me as pointless, all the downsides of a big van without the load space?.
Yep. That's been my experience of them. I've been to a lot of UK campsites and I've never been to one yet that needed a 4x4 - it would kind of put of put off a lot of potential customers?
They make sense as a farm vehicle but little else. The only way I've seen them carrying bikes is without a hardtop/bikes over tailgate. Quick to load but poor for security and then you definitely don't have dry space for luggage (there's very little room in the cab).
We rented a hardtop two seater pickup in South Africa. All the problems above - wasn't easy to get the bikes in or any luggage around them.
Van based people carrier for the win. Even a small one will have more usable space, and be more comfortable to travel in, than a pickup.
Killer road tax* compared to the pickup equivalent? Was heartily put off a pathfinder when I saw it was a small fortune annually to the tax man, when he’s already getting a sizeable cut from the higher fuel consumption.Almost as much room as the pick up but a slightly more flexible for family use. Obviously not as good as a pickup for site use.
*i know, it’s not a road tax...
v8ninety - MemberKiller road tax* compared to the pickup equivalent?
Dunno about the UK but in Ireland you can convert almost any such vehicle to avail of commercial tax rates* by removing the rear seats and adding anchor points.
"Commercial" Porsche Cayennes and V8 Range Rovers make me chuckle.
*333 euro pa
I have an izuzu dmax for work, I hate it with a passion.
Don't be ridiculous Wrighty - are you deluded? STW says they are crap, so you are quite clearly wrong
Just being objective 😉 Massivly popular here in Oz though the increase in bike theft is making them less popular. Spent a while in them on mine sites, perfect for carrying 2 people on shit roads and children in the back.
Just had a ford ranger wildtrak as a courtesy car for 4 weeks,absolutely loved it.
Damn you wrightyson!
