Experiences of pickup-style vehicles L200, Navarra, etc
Discussion
We're planning on switching to one vehicle and need something that can do everything basically (We do lots of camping which often takes us quite off-road, will need towing capability, plenty of storage for transport, kayaking etc) and we think that something like a Ford Thunder, Mitsi L200, Toyota Hilux etc would be a suitable vehicle due to the twin cab setups and the obvious storage at the rear with the options of the clip-on cabs.
Does anyone on here have experience of these? And if so what are they like in regards to reliability as I've heard a few 'horror' stories (although I guess it could be the same with most vehicles where the annoyed are the most vocal!) The fuel economy does not look too bad and the tax gas emissions are fairly low which also goes in the favour of the pickup vehicles.
Your opinions and experiences including a possible suggestion are much appreciated
Does anyone on here have experience of these? And if so what are they like in regards to reliability as I've heard a few 'horror' stories (although I guess it could be the same with most vehicles where the annoyed are the most vocal!) The fuel economy does not look too bad and the tax gas emissions are fairly low which also goes in the favour of the pickup vehicles.
Your opinions and experiences including a possible suggestion are much appreciated
Tsippy said:
nammynake said:
A reasonable proportion appear to be driven by cocks.
How insightful 
I have had loads of L200's Tsippy, Warriors, Animals and the 4 Lifes they started with. All reliable, all hard wearing.
There were some teething troubles with these crew cabs early on but they are fine now.
The only things to be aware of are the turning circle, which is like an oil tanker, and the bumpy ride for rear passengers. It's not unbearable but can be a little harsh.
All the options are available and if you're not working them they are a nice place to be.
Edited by br d on Sunday 12th December 17:28
Tsippy said:
Cheers, I am used to the oil tanker turning circle from driving vans so that's not a major issue and something that's easily overcome.
I guess they're fairly easy to maintain too? They seem quite basic so I'd assume it's not difficult to service them etc
Well they are working vehicles for me so they always go into the main dealer. Servicing is not the cheapest but they don't generally require too much attention. If you are a bit handy I'm sure you could cover the basics yourself and save a small fortune.I guess they're fairly easy to maintain too? They seem quite basic so I'd assume it's not difficult to service them etc
One of mine has 160k miles and is still as good as gold. They are solid workhorses.
The oil tanker turning circle is worse than any van, trust me, but easily adjusted too.
nammynake said:
A reasonable proportion appear to be driven by cocks.
Why thank you, made my day that.Ive a 56 Navara, aventura auto.
Had just over 4 yrs, done 52k all over europe.
Just had new front pads at 50k, tyres at 36k front and rears at 46k.
Its never missed a beat, has all the toys and gadgets, tows well.
Of all the vehicles ive owned this is the one ive kept the longest, see no reason to sell it.
I've owned a navara for the last year and covered just under 40k in that time. Its mainly been motorway miles and averaged 31mpg, I have just had a new clutch fitted as they tend to need replacing every 70k. Other then that its only needed servicing and new brake pads.
The cabin is a nice place to be, quite comfortable even on long journeys. It took 8 peoples camping equipment along with the additional bits required for a Le Mans trip (Gazebo, bbq and bikes) in the back with no problems.
Yes the drive is agricultural and not to everyones liking but for my needs as a daily drive its ideal.
At this years Le Mans.
The cabin is a nice place to be, quite comfortable even on long journeys. It took 8 peoples camping equipment along with the additional bits required for a Le Mans trip (Gazebo, bbq and bikes) in the back with no problems.
Yes the drive is agricultural and not to everyones liking but for my needs as a daily drive its ideal.
At this years Le Mans.
champ54321 said:
Quite a few people I know have Hiluxs and rate them very highly, the ones I know with navaras seem to be pretty happy with them too.
I have had my Hilux for about 6 years now and throughout it has been totally dependable and reliable. In the recent snow it has been unstoppable. Comfort is obviously less than in a saloon car or one of the luxury 4x4s but I wouldn't hesitate to get another one. I had a test drive of a new(ish) Navara recently and actually prefered my Hilux.Tsippy said:
We're planning on switching to one vehicle and need something that can do everything basically (We do lots of camping which often takes us quite off-road, will need towing capability, plenty of storage for transport, kayaking etc) and we think that something like a Ford Thunder, Mitsi L200, Toyota Hilux etc would be a suitable vehicle due to the twin cab setups and the obvious storage at the rear with the options of the clip-on cabs.
Does anyone on here have experience of these? And if so what are they like in regards to reliability as I've heard a few 'horror' stories (although I guess it could be the same with most vehicles where the annoyed are the most vocal!) The fuel economy does not look too bad and the tax gas emissions are fairly low which also goes in the favour of the pickup vehicles.
Your opinions and experiences including a possible suggestion are much appreciated
Have you thought about a Pathfinder for more security/practicallity ?Does anyone on here have experience of these? And if so what are they like in regards to reliability as I've heard a few 'horror' stories (although I guess it could be the same with most vehicles where the annoyed are the most vocal!) The fuel economy does not look too bad and the tax gas emissions are fairly low which also goes in the favour of the pickup vehicles.
Your opinions and experiences including a possible suggestion are much appreciated
We've got an L200, nice and sturdy, feels pretty indestructible. It's done 220k so I think reliability shouldn't be a problem! It's pretty good as an all rounder, obviously not as good as a car but a lot better at car type driving than a lot of dedicated 4x4s we test drove. I imagine it's not going to be as good at serious off roading as a proper off road 4x4 but it does have the ground clearance, drive and diff lock to take care of most things. As long as you're not planning on mountaineering in it you should be ok.
I have a Nissan Navara Aventura, have had it for over a year now and covered just over 40000 miles with no problems.... It is exceptionaly comfy and pretty quick too, its ok off road and in snowy conditions etc... Starts every day, goes in the direction pointed. I would highly recommend one. I cant say for the others as have never driven one.
Oh actualy, the only gripe I have with mine is that the sat nav & hands free are total rubbish....
Oh actualy, the only gripe I have with mine is that the sat nav & hands free are total rubbish....
Cheers for the responses everyone 
We have considered the Pathfinder, but they seem a lot more expensive compared to the Navarra (although I guess they have a lot more creature comforts) and so I think we could get a better example of a Navarra/ Hilux etc for the money but it's something I'll keep an eye out for!
Thanks again
We have considered the Pathfinder, but they seem a lot more expensive compared to the Navarra (although I guess they have a lot more creature comforts) and so I think we could get a better example of a Navarra/ Hilux etc for the money but it's something I'll keep an eye out for!
Thanks again
I find it very hard to have anything positive to say about them. I didn't dislike my Navara (I bought it to make a baja truck out of but abandoned the project and sold the bits) but compared to any of the mainstream American trucks they seem completely pointless, their only saving grace being their RHD - and after 10 minutes LHD is perfectly fine so that's neither here nor there. They fit on the UK roads despite what some here would have you think, they haul more, tow more, seat more, and so on. They do cost more to buy thanks to the import duties, but running costs are minimal and resale values are strong - especially as you have the rest of Europe buying them too.
Have a look at F150 Harley Davidsons, Ram 1500 Hemis and so on. They're all great fun
Have a look at F150 Harley Davidsons, Ram 1500 Hemis and so on. They're all great fun
Ive got a Navara had it for nearly three years 40k miles - I love it.
It has not had any problems at all.
We go to France where it cruises down to the alps from Calais in less than 8hrs fully loaded with mt bikes.
I will get another one or an Ford F250, I would not be without a DC ever.
It has not had any problems at all.
We go to France where it cruises down to the alps from Calais in less than 8hrs fully loaded with mt bikes.
I will get another one or an Ford F250, I would not be without a DC ever.
Currently on my 3rd Navara having driven them for the past 8 years, the 1st D22 I had was totally bullet proof, fantastic truck that never missed a beat but was a little agricultural. 2nd was fine until it blew it's bearing shells 13000 miles out of warranty, however Nissan replaced the engine FOC with no pressure from myself.
My current D40 is a debadged 'Long Way Down' model which is the equivilant of the Adventura and is a superb drive, with a cabin that's a very nice place to be and has just about every toy you could wish for.
Responsive engine, very good motorway cruiser but the fuel consumption's dire lucky to average more than 25mg. It's quite a large beast and can be a bugger to park on occasion but I do rate it although as a vehicle it's a compromise between van/saloon/4x4, accept this fact and you won't be disappointed.
Hilux is a fantastic truck but expensive in comparison, no 6 speed box, not so many toys but better fuel comsumption.
Never really got on with the L200, old model's engine was gutless, new one's better but the styling's a bit pants IMO and the steering's somewhat detached and unresponsive.
Ford Ranger/Mazda doesn't really compare with any of the above but's a lot cheaper if your budget is tight, although I believe these have the biggest load bay if that's a priority.
Regards
My current D40 is a debadged 'Long Way Down' model which is the equivilant of the Adventura and is a superb drive, with a cabin that's a very nice place to be and has just about every toy you could wish for.
Responsive engine, very good motorway cruiser but the fuel consumption's dire lucky to average more than 25mg. It's quite a large beast and can be a bugger to park on occasion but I do rate it although as a vehicle it's a compromise between van/saloon/4x4, accept this fact and you won't be disappointed.
Hilux is a fantastic truck but expensive in comparison, no 6 speed box, not so many toys but better fuel comsumption.
Never really got on with the L200, old model's engine was gutless, new one's better but the styling's a bit pants IMO and the steering's somewhat detached and unresponsive.
Ford Ranger/Mazda doesn't really compare with any of the above but's a lot cheaper if your budget is tight, although I believe these have the biggest load bay if that's a priority.
Regards
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