Which new car suits long-distance rural driving?
QUESTION
Hi John,
I am moving to flood prone area in Central Queensland. The car will be mainly used for everyday driving, generally by one adult and a dog.
However, the the closest main town to shop etc. is 1.5hrs away and it is a 3.5hr trip to the coast. It is also a 13hr trip to visit family, which I intend to do every three-months.
So, I will need a car that is comfortable, has decent cabin or tray space and is preferably economical on longer distance trips. Decent wading depth/ground clearance is essential for flooding and 4WD for the country roads (I’ve been told by Tom, Dick & Harry that 4WD is better suited than AWD).
I have test driven the new Toyota Hilux, which I liked and the Nissan Navara, which was okay. Also the Mitsubishi Triton which wasn't too bad and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport which I liked (although it was a snug fit for my larger build). Of all these cars, I preferred the Pajero Sport, but have heard they have some problems with their bull bars. I don't know if this is correct, but seeing as Clermont is a rural Queensland town, a bull bar is probably another essential.
I’m not sure if this information helps or hinders, but I’m hoping you have some advice about a suitable car(s).
Oh, and I will also be leasing through Remserv and am flexible with cost. But, I would prefer to stick closer (or under would be amazing) to the 50k mark, if possible.
Any advice would be so appreciated,
Jodie
ANSWER
Hello Jodie,
Thank you for your rural vehicle enquiry to AutoExpert.com.au - if I were you I would buy the Pajero Sport. The front half of the vehicle is a Triton, the back half is a wagon, so the accommodation is exactly the same as a ute. (Although the perception of it might be different.) Also they added coil springs at the rear for better ride quality than Triton (good around town and on the highway) plus an 8-speed transmission (good for fuel economy).
Pajero Sport has an excellent transfer case that allows you to drive in AWD mode (4H - centre diff unlocked) which is good for dirt roads and bitumen when it rains.
The vehicle is excellent value and I have never heard a complaint about problems with the bullbars.
Also, your gear is more secure in a wagon than a ute, unless you invest in a locking tonneau cover or canopy at additional cost.
Hope this helps,
JC
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The Nissan Patrol is a proven, rugged 4X4 wagon with pedigree, seven seats and a grunty, reliable engine. Buying a V8 Patrol will save you more than 20 grand compared with a LandCruiser.