I can understand 4x4 Iveco utes, those are real work vehicles, also the VW cab-chassis with a tray on the back (back in 2021 around $65K) or some of the Japanese alternatives. But those get no cred on the weekend.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
The others are
BS fashion accessories.
Name removed from quote as it's irrelevant. Quote used as a typical.
This sort of remark is bothersome. Made by someone who's not a user and doesn't really think the whole issue through. Lets look at a few options, and we'll compare them to a Ford Ranger...the de facto vehicle of choice.
First off is the financial considerations: You're going to invest in a vehicle which will and can only be used for work if you go down that route. Yes, the modern trucks are pretty swish, but I can tell you from experience that they are in no way comparable to a single or dual cab ute of any type. Anyone else drive one from Brisbane or Sydney to Melbourne? ...........crickets! These are trucks! They are built to be loaded up. So yes, they are better for work, but purchasing one means an extra vehicle in the family fleet. The cost?
https://www.westar.com.au/used-trucks/v ... y/28719347 That's a CC. Add on the tray
https://www.westar.com.au/new-trucks/vi ... s/27039412 Kitted out. No extra costs
https://www.westar.com.au/new-trucks/vi ... s/25537791 There you are, it has a tray. Nothing else, but at least a tray
https://www.westar.com.au/new-trucks/vi ... s/25537820 Kitted out, no extra costs.
So, from 63K to 85k there. By the time it's ready for work.
The Ranger (4wd)
https://www.ford.com.au/buy/build-and-p ... iAUS202450
From 63.5k to 93k. Plus on roads.
Second is the size consideration. Sure, the width is close to the Ranger.....Baby NLR Isuzu at 1855mm across rear tyres, or 2150 at mirrors, Ranger at 1850-1900 without mirrors or 2028-2200 at mirrors. But lets add a tray! Traypack Isuzu is now 2,100. Length? Ranger at 5,400 MWB T/B Isuzu at 6,300. Yes, you'll find SWB units, but the chassis length remains.
Now, the important measurement for the owner:
HEIGHT. Ranger 4wd (AT) max 1873. Isuzu NLR/NPR 2150-2293. OH NO! How do I park my baby Isuzu in a multi level car park anywhere, or even the majority of apartment carparks? BTW, if you think the Iveco 4wd is lower, so sad too bad. Starts at 2290 for a 2wd and goes up (50C....the baby unit)
So where's our environmentally conscious, socially responsible tradie gonna park his nice new truck? In his drive, so long as he has a house. But what about Mung Bean Michael, who bought an inner city apartment so as to get on board the low emission, high density, socially cohesive neighbourhood bandwagon? Too bad. he's parking it on the street. Alongside his partner's SUV, cos you know....kids.
And that's just the beginning. There are many consequences to be considered when buying a vehicle, more so when it is supposed to do dual duty.
Like the 0-100km/h time which seems to fascinate the majority of EV thread posters.
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)