Toyota Hilux or VW Amarok?

Posted by: terry

5th Mar 2013 11:54am

Hi all, I am thinking about buying a new 4x4 ute and I'm tossing up between the
Toyota Hilux and the Volkswagen Amarok. Does anyone have any opinions
about which is better and why?

lpullman

28th Feb 2014 12:02pm

I like the Ranger - nice to drive and looks tough. I like the six speed 'box and it works pretty well off-road as well (that's where I drove it - sand and rocky gravel mostly with a little mud). Visibility is a bit how's-your-father, but it is for every modern 4x4 ute that I've driven. I like the price and I definitely like the power.

But man the Ranger feels big and heavy. A mate has a 70 series Landcruiser (that's where you go if you really want pulling power) and was shocked when he put his truck and his boss's Ranger over the weigh bridge and found the Ford was heavier. Ford claim two tonnes curb, but the reality seems to be about 20% more.

You also want the five cylinder motor (is it really the old Volvo Penta diesel?) not the 2.2l four and that adds about ten grand to the price tag. Suddenly you are only looking at a $5,000 difference and you'll more than get that back on resale. Take the hit now or four years down the track?

I'm not buying a caravan or boat so towing weight doesn't fuss me. I do care about ability to turn big wheels in rough conditions, however. The more I think about it, the more I like the Landcruiser option when I replace my Hilux. Or I could see about putting a D4D into a 40 series short WB...

Oh yeah, the BT-50 aint a pretty girl is she...

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