| Author |
Message |
Scott Gates
Goo Roo
SA
TT
Posts: 1180
Reg: 03-2007
|
Hey guys,
As some of you know i am an apprentice electrician, and with the soarer as a daily driver i cannot carry anything needed for my job.
I would like some peoples opinions on what car would suit my job. Carrying tools, cables, ladders etc. And needs to be enclosed and locked.
I was thinking of either a wagon, ute, or a hilux.
Any suggestions, experiences and tips about any would be really appreciated. |
Sean Routledge
TryHard
Victoria
V8 Limited
Posts: 197
Reg: 07-2008
|
I used a VT wagon when doing my electrical work.
All good except if you need to carry enormous ladders as I sometimes did..
Smaller ladders fit in the back though if you're lazy and can't be f**ked tying them down... |
Joshua Rao
Goo Roo
WA
JZZ30 vvti GT-L
Posts: 1199
Reg: 09-2006
|
Hey Scott, I was in the same predicament being a DJ.
Researched alot and it came down too
WRX wagon - too expensive or too high km, space?
Mitsubishi Legnum - $, rare and thirsty
VT Wagon - Ugly,
BA Falcon Wagon - Ugly
Surf - Reliability issues with the 2.4L TD, old
Mitsubishi Magna Wagon - Semi Ugly
Stagea - Ugly as, thirsty
After looking at a few and watching prices I decided to get the legnum and cop the crap economy. Then it got sold so I ended up with a 02 Mitsubishi Magna TJ Series 2 and I am so happy I got it in retrospect.
Way cheaper than most of the above, common, reliable and so far the 3.5L V6 economy is about 10L/100kms which chops my vvti turbo. So I recommend a Magna Wagon. Keep us informed. Good luck |
Ross Spataro
TryHard
victoria
uzz31
Posts: 426
Reg: 09-2005
|
depends on how much you want to spend..i reckon a mitsubishi express van, or similar, would be pretty good.... |
Scott Gates
Goo Roo
SA
TT
Posts: 1185
Reg: 03-2007
|
I was thinking of around $10,000.
I am not looking at any vans...
My dad has two and i hate them both. |
Sean Routledge
TryHard
Victoria
V8 Limited
Posts: 211
Reg: 07-2008
|
A VT Wagon can look fat as if you dump it on it's ass(not recommended if carrying alot of tools), nice exhaust and some fat deep dish rims.
I agree with you on the BA wagon though....ugliest wagon around.
My boss in the U.K had a Audi RS4 wagon... that was nice. |
Steven Nanevski
Goo Roo
New South Wales
D Day has almost arrived....
Posts: 1860
Reg: 07-2005
|
Who really gives a crap about what a company car really looks like, as long as its practical and reliable, a BA or VT wagon is your best bet....
Looks should be the least of your problems |
Ben Lipman
DieHard
NSW
Soarer TT manual
Posts: 974
Reg: 04-2006
|
Jeez mate,
I'd say you're a sure fire contender for the standard tradies ute, or join the Maloo brigade(because it is a work ute if you put a sticker on the back!)
You can buy massive lockable tool boxes and all sorts of purpose designed rear trays for cab chassis, and your budget would put you smack bang in the good second hand market.
At the end of the day it is for work. As long as it is neat, reliable and presentable- you don't want to put prospective clients off with a heap of •••••• |
Scott Gates
Goo Roo
SA
TT
Posts: 1186
Reg: 03-2007
|
Yeah i don't really care what it looks like.
Just something reliable, able to carry ladders and tools, clean and in my budget.
I have seen a few magna wagons around and they seem alright, might go out and look at a few today. |
Sean Routledge
TryHard
Victoria
V8 Limited
Posts: 213
Reg: 07-2008
|
When you're doing 60,000kms a year in your work vehicle you start to take a bit of pride in how it looks and drives.
And if you're not the boss of the company, who cares what clients think about your car. As long as your boss doesn't mind. |
Scott Gates
Goo Roo
SA
TT
Posts: 1189
Reg: 03-2007
|
Well the thing is, that it will be a work car only, so yes it needs to look decent but i am not going to pimp it out or anything. |
Callum Finch
Goo Roo
WA
Soarer TT & Corolla
Posts: 4190
Reg: 09-2005
|
Why isnt everyone screaming out "GET A DAMN UTE! ??? |
Scott Gates
Goo Roo
SA
TT
Posts: 1191
Reg: 03-2007
|
What ute you thinking of Callum? |
Luke Streat
Tinkerer
WA
Soarer TT
Posts: 64
Reg: 09-2008
|
what about this? cheap to run but if you wanna take more than a lunchbox to work I reckon you cant go past a hilux (non turbo) for reliability. Or alternatively one of the local offerings (ie commodore or falcon ute) as in this country they're so easy to get parts for, they're pretty reliable, and every mechanic in the country knows them back to front.
|
Scott Gates
Goo Roo
SA
TT
Posts: 1192
Reg: 03-2007
|
lol
Good choice Luke, is it yours? hehehe
I was going to go around and look today, but its to hot outside i have to study for an exam on monday. |
Ben Lipman
DieHard
NSW
Soarer TT manual
Posts: 977
Reg: 04-2006
|
Callum Finch wrote on Saturday, October 25, 2008 - 11:43 am:Why isnt everyone screaming out "GET A DAMN UTE! ???
Well, I didn't scream, but I thought I made my point.
As for which one, they're all pretty much the same. All designed to be reliable and usually no nonsense. Pick your badge, or go for your particular look. Less popular models (mazda, mitsubishi) means you may get a higher spec model than the more popular (Toyota, ford, holden) on the used market.
I'd get hold of the trading post and see what is in your area for $10,000. Ex fleet may be an option, especially if you are after a diesel- they are only just beginning their working life at 40,000kms.
Oh, OK.
GET A DAMN UTE! |
Scott Gates
Goo Roo
SA
TT
Posts: 1199
Reg: 03-2007
|
Ok ok, i will look at utes.
So i have heard that commondores are pretty reliable.
Now i have no idea about differences between any of them.
Any models to look for? |
Ben Socratous
Goo Roo
SA
I am the fibreglass/kevlar/carbonfibre king!
Posts: 1885
Reg: 07-2005
|
Scott, we used to have a 50/50 mix, then we changed our fleet cars at work to all falcons, as the holdens broke down more often.
My vote would be for a hilux, with a canopy cover on the rear. Seems to work fine to the 3 tradies across the road from my place atm. Not to mention if you are on building sites, then a ute would be much more practical than a station wagon. |
Scott Gates
Goo Roo
SA
TT
Posts: 1200
Reg: 03-2007
|
The thing is if i get a ute i will end up getting a canopy to enclose the back.
So i was thinking of just cutting out the middle man and getting a wagon.
Honestly i don't know..... i'll just keep on looking around for something to suit. |
Ryan McDonough
DieHard
NSW
STOCK JZZ30 TT
Posts: 514
Reg: 07-2005
|
I would recommend a wagon from what you have said. So long as you know that you are not going to carry anything that is a lot larger than the wagon on a regular basis, you are set. If you do have to get something big, hire a trailer. Don't get a ute then canopy for it as they are WAY to easy to break into. Heaps of tradies either get the flat lockable hard covers or a wagon/van. Also try not to get a VT wagon if you can, but if you have to get the series 2 only. Much better car than the 1.
Also the new Maloo can be no longer classed as a work ute, as it can not carry enough weight. So you get smashed on the LCT and what you can claim back on your tax is next to nothing compared to a rodeo for example. A lot of people are trying to find the old maloo as you can still get away with it, with that one. |
Joshua Rao
Goo Roo
WA
JZZ30 vvti GT-L
Posts: 1203
Reg: 09-2006
|
Scott if you pass up on Lukes offer, honestly check out the magna wagon, there really something. So cheap and not as common as a facommohore thing |
Miles Baker
Goo Roo
Vic
66 Mustang GT Convertible, 55 Chevy Bel Air, 69 Firebird 455
Posts: 1372
Reg: 08-2005
|
Me being me, I have 2 recommendations:
57 sedan delivery
56 truck
|
John Khanh
TryHard
NSW
UZZ31
Posts: 389
Reg: 03-2007
|
Why hasn't anyone mentioned a van?
Hiace's seem to go pretty well. My mate's company uses Preggio's. Apparently they've been quite reliable & really good to drive too.
Plenty of room for ladders, tool boxes, shelving, piping etc. Easy access via the side sliding door or rear tail gate.
Personally, I think a van would be the most practical.
As for the VT Wagon. That's our family car which the mrs uses mostly to get the kids to & from school and when we go out as a family. Reliability has been excellent. Have only called the NRMA out once - which ended up being an immobiliser we have never used activating itself, with a cut wire touching earth under the dash. |
Miles Baker
Goo Roo
Vic
66 Mustang GT Convertible, 55 Chevy Bel Air, 69 Firebird 455
Posts: 1374
Reg: 08-2005
|
Why hasn't anyone mentioned a van? Because he specifically said no vans. |
John Khanh
TryHard
NSW
UZZ31
Posts: 392
Reg: 03-2007
|
Oops. My bad. Misread that bit that he hates vans. Just seems like the most practical.
How about a 4WD/SUV type vehicle then? Wagon like, but larger. Take out the rear seats, and it'll be like a panel van, with the advantage of access from the rear passenger doors. |
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31
Posts: 3861
Reg: 10-2005
|
Scott, you should try driving the current model toyota vans before you write off vans. They are pretty amazingly comfortable, can be pretty quick with the larger engine choices, and far more practical than any ute or wagon you'll find. They aren't "fun" to drive, but better than most utes I've driven. |
Scott Gates
Goo Roo
SA
TT
Posts: 1223
Reg: 03-2007
|
Yeah still not looking for vans. And i am pretty sure that the current toyota ones would be out of my price range, so not really a point to test drive them other than thrills. |
Callum Finch
Goo Roo
WA
Soarer TT & Corolla
Posts: 4196
Reg: 09-2005
|
Ben Socratous wrote on Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 08:41 am:My vote would be for a hilux, with a canopy cover on the rear. Seems to work fine to the 3 tradies across the road from my place atm.
I'm a bit late but this is what i would have suggested as well.
Either get a diesel or a gas one for cheapness running.
We use Hilux's at work (on a dodgy dodge mine site) and they take a fair beating with a sh*t eating grin.
You should be able to find dual cab ones around as well if thats your thing. |
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