By Paul Gover.
Q: I currently own a 2006 100-Series LandCruiser 4.2-litre turbodiesel with 320,000 kilometres and I’m doing the Simpson next May.
I have owned it for the past 10 years and is in excellent condition, with some minor mods to suspension, snorkel, rear drawers, auxiliary battery, awning, and so on.
It is an excellent vehicle and I do not drive it daily as it is more of a holiday getaway vehicle that I have put 110,000 kilometres on.
We are planning on purchasing a 20-foot caravan in the next couple of years for long-distance travel and eventually doing the big lap.
My dilemma is do I upgrade now to a 4×4 Isuzu D-Max or Toyota HiLux, which I think are top of the category.
Will I be any better off, will the towing ability be any better, what about fuel economy and long-term resale potential?
I have a budget around $65,000 and am happy to purchase second-hand up to around 60,000 kilometres
The current resale on the cruiser is around $40,000 and I do not expect it to stay there for long once things open up, so if I am going to move I think now is the time.
I would purchase a secondhand 200 Series if I could afford one up to 100,000 kilometres.
Dale G
A: The caravan bug has bitten hard for lots of people and the situation is unlikely to change for a a few years, at least. It’s the same for the prices of secondhand LandCruisers. None of the utes will have the all-round strengths of your ‘Cruiser, so better to consider their SUV siblings – led by the Ford Everest. They are not as popular as utes for towing but would be a better solution to enjoy the lap of Australia
Q: We wanted to seek your opinion on a Ssangyong Rexton which we are considering buying.
We have a caravan with a rating of 2500 kilograms, fitted with electric brakes and stabiliser bars.
The appeal of the Rexton is that it is keenly priced, has a 3.5-tonne rating and has many features.
If we buy one I would probably elect to have uprated springs fitted as part of the deal.
David
A: The Rexton is not one of the class leaders, but the value equation works in its favour. Before you commit, test drive a new Isuzu D-Max to give you a benchmark for the class with a solid tow rating.
Q: I currently have a Mercedes GLC 250 SUV and have discovered that its towing capacity is only 2000 kilos, with a tow ball rate of 100 kilos, which limits my options with caravans.
Looking at a 16-foot pop-top Jayco and I don’t want to go up to the Benz GLE or Range Rover sized vehicles if possible.
Keith R
A: The most obvious answer is the Toyota Prado, from the LandCruiser family, but those are in very short supply with a wait list because they are great for towing and might be too big. If you’re looking at prestige brands, they are not generally focussed on towing, but the Genesis GV70 is a good thing and has 2.2-tonne towing with a 159-kilogram down-ball weight.
Q: I thought you may be able to give me an honest answer in regards to towing with dual-cab utes.
I currently have a 2020 Toyota SR5 HiLux dual cab and it tows a tandem-axle tradie trailer five days a week which weighs approximately 2 tonnes.
It has done 75,000 kilometres and always serviced as per Toyota.
I have asked about the transmission service with regards to towing and they tell me that it doesn’t need changing, but I don’t believe any oil should not be changed.
I have had a transmission flush done and the oil was black like old diesel oil black and also smelt burnt.
Are these type of dual-cabs up for towing every day, as the transmission place seems to think they are only light-to-medium transmissions and servicing every 40,000 kilometres will help but he thinks they are not up for it.
Hopefully you can give me an honest opinion as the dealers tell you they can tow three tonnes all day, every day which I think is BS.
Terry M
A: The numbers all work for your towing needs, and dark transmission oil is not a problem – although a burnt smell is not good. Keep pushing on the servicing but remember there will be a giant bill if you decide to go for serious towing ability with a RAM starting just over $80,000 and a Chevrolet Silverado from just over $100,000.
Q: We are looking at buying either an Isuzu D-Max LSU or a Toyota HiLux SR5 for towing our caravan.
Our van is 2300 kilograms tare and about 2780 kilos gross.
Are either of these above vehicles equipped to tow this much weight, as we are looking to do the big lap at the end of the year.
Greg and Heather B
A: The D-Max has a better reputation for towing, and is likely to be the better choice for you, but also ensure you consider the all-new Ford Ranger that’s about to hit the road.
Q: I’m going buy my son a mid-sized SUV as a graduation present.
I have $25-30,000 to spend and he wants something suitable for camping.
What do you suggest?
Dennis W
A: The Hyundai Venue and Kia Stonic hit your budget target and will do the job, but a left-field choice with a much shorter waiting list and a great reputation is the Suzuki Vitara.
Q: I am considering buying a Kia Niro Hybrid Sport for my 86-year-old father.
I was originally looking at the Seltos GT, however the lead time is months.
He has a Commodore station wagon and feels it is getting a little too large for him.
Darren M
A: The Niro is headed for a complete update soon, which means you’ll be buying an older model. But if it ticks the boxes for him, and you can get one without a Seltos-style delay, it will still be a reasonable purchase.
Q: Which car would you buy if choosing between The Kia Seltos GT Line, Volvo XC40 or Volkswagen Tiguan?
I know there is a big price difference.
Teresa S
A: Spoil yourself and go for the Volvo. You won’t be disappointed. There is a huge waiting list anyway for the Seltos and the Tiguan is the choice if you are getting a family car.
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