The Pick-Up Truck Thread

Driving and riding in Hua Hin and Thailand, all topics on cars, pickups, bikes, boats, licenses, roads, and motoring in general.
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Big Boy
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The Pick-Up Truck Thread

Post by Big Boy »

I'm within a couple of days of wanting to buy a 4 door pick-up, but I don't have a clue which one I want. My only criteria is as already stated, and it mustn't be red (a personal dislike). I think I would also prefer an automatic.

Diesel or gasohol, engine size, make etc do not hold too much relevance for me - I just want something to get me from A to B when I want to.

In my last few weeks here in Thailand, I've sat inside many different variations, of 4 door pick-ups, and to be honest, I don't see too much difference in the products. However, I am currently leaning towards the Toyota,;simply because of its popularity.

I'd be grateful for any advice on the pros and cons of various models. I look forward to hearing people's comments.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by VincentD »

Don't think you'll be able to get an automatic with an engine smaller than 3.0 liters. Have just driven the 2WD Vigo manual 2.5 liter turbodiesel and I find it quite responsive. Seems to get good fuel economy too. Definitely much better than the 3.0 liter Tiger at work.
Diesel is still much cheaper than petrol, and more widely available out in the boondocks.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Babylon »

I would have a look at the new Ford Ranger, it is getting very good reviews.

The Toyota is also good, popular for a reason, and should hold its value, depends if you want to sell.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Winkie »

Hi BB

Is there a specific reason that you want a Pick Up? There are many Automatic Saloon cars, more economical to run, and cheaper than a Pick Up to buy.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Spitfire »

Yes, Vince D is probably right about it being hard to get an auto under 3 liter, especially second hand, might be able with a brand spanking new one these days though. I'd probably go for a high raised-up one too (good drive position view also) as the roads soon get worse once you leave the main urban areas which is probably why I hesitate to buy a car as many are too low for all the ramps and oddly designed/made bits of road that you frequently meet. A friend of mine bought a Honda Civic and is about to get rid of it for just this reason plus scraping the doors on the high pavements or having to continually remember to take wide curves round high pavements on sois which have been constructed in an ad-hoc fashion or to help with rain storm deluges.

The Vigo Prerunner, Mitsubishi Triton Plus or some others are all good if taken care of properly but I would definitely go for a raised-up one and diesel as it is well subsidised and probably will continue to be for some time yet.

Whatever you buy, don't put the cheapy diesel in it as it is quite common for it to be mixed with unwanted stuff like oil which blocks you fuel filter and then you get the shaking steering wheel or it will just stop.

I must admit that I quite like the look of the new Mazda pickup but might be hard to get one unless on a red plate as they haven't been out long.

That Toyota Sure garage might be a good place to start to look for a decent second hand car and at least you will get a warranty with it, although it might be a bit more expensive but peace of mind here on this front is worth it and it would be disheartening start to life here to buy a dodgy motor as the first thing you do.

Good luck.
Last edited by Spitfire on Mon May 14, 2012 6:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by kendo »

Consider the taxation class of a four door pick up i think it's a lot higher than a two door.

For me i would go for a Vigo 3lt auto, point and squirt loads of power.

It's an absolute must to have the bigger engine if you want an auto because their is nothing worse than to drive a gutless automatic. My BMW is a 3lt diesel auto, when i put my toe down it pulls like a freight train and always puts a smile on my face. :D

A very important factor for you, is head room please consider this when making your choice, i once had a Jeep Cherokee and that had very poor head room, good job that i am a short arse. :D

Good luck with your choice please report what kinda deal you can hammer out.

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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by STEVE G »

BB, I'll definately give a good recommendation for the Toyota Vigo; if you remember that black one you saw me driving some years ago, we've had it for over six years now and not a single thing has gone wrong with it or been replaced.
It's also an excellent load carrier, it still drives like a car with five people in it and a full load of farm supplies in the back even if you do it Thai style and overload it.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Nereus »

Where does BB write that he wants a secondhand car? :rasta:
BB, you need to have some criteria other than what you have written. First up, new or used? :cheers:
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Dannie Boy »

Big Boy wrote:I'm within a couple of days of wanting to buy a 4 door pick-up, but I don't have a clue which one I want. My only criteria is as already stated, and it mustn't be red (a personal dislike). I think I would also prefer an automatic.

Diesel or gasohol, engine size, make etc do not hold too much relevance for me - I just want something to get me from A to B when I want to.

In my last few weeks here in Thailand, I've sat inside many different variations, of 4 door pick-ups, and to be honest, I don't see too much difference in the products. However, I am currently leaning towards the Toyota,;simply because of its popularity.

I'd be grateful for any advice on the pros and cons of various models. I look forward to hearing people's comments.
I am pretty sure there was a thread on this a few months ago and there were a lot of people singing the praises of the new Ford Ranger, having many car-like features but the ruggedness of a 4x4 - albeit at a slight price premium over the Toyota/Mitsubishi etc equivalents. Suggest you take a ride in a couple and see what takes your fancy!!
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Spitfire »

My only criteria is as already stated, and it mustn't be red (a personal dislike).
Guess that's where the ambiguity comes from Nereus. The colour or the plate BB?

Now I read it again it must be the colour though.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by dtaai-maai »

^^ :laugh: :laugh: Did you start on the beers early today, Spitfire?

I'd have thought the main criterion for you, BB, was comfort. A friend of mine is 6' 4" and the first thing he looks at is how well he fits.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by JW »

I think I would go Ranger, really nice interior and great looking.... there are a million Vigos out there (yes, I know, for good reason :wink: ) but Ford are producing very good cars here in Thailand, the build quality of the Fiesta and Focus are great.

I had a Triton for 3 years and it started to show its age quite quickly, build not as good as Vigo for sure.

Ranger or Vigo - both great trucks.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Spitfire »

^^ :laugh: :laugh: Did you start on the beers early today, Spitfire?
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Big Boy
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Big Boy »

Thanks for the replies so far guys. Already a lot of food for thought.

Three points of clarification:

- I've always fancied a pick-up when I get to Thailand. A lot more flexible than a standard saloon. There's plenty of room to stow the extended family if they visit. However, I would only contemplate that on local runs.

- Definitely a new car.

- I guess my obsession about red cars is personal to me - I just couldn't own one.

I must admit, the Ford Ranger is one that I haven't tried yet. Sounds as if I have to put that right fast.
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Re: Which Pick-Up Truck?

Post by Nereus »

Here BB, save you looking for it: viewtopic.php?f=44&t=19961
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