What pickup?

Sirrel Squirrel

Sirrel Squirrel

Sirrel Squirrel

Soldato
Joined
5 Aug 2003
Posts
8,537
Location
Essex
Looking at getting a pick up for towing a horse trailer, so far I like the looks of the Mitsubishi L200, Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara, I'm swaying towards the Nissan due to more torque and what seems to be the best engine. Is there anything else I could look at and am I right in saying the Nissan seems to be the best?
 
Any car can tow a horsebox, why does it have to be a pickup? I test drove all three and they were dismal to drive. The nissan throws you out of your seat at every turn and the other two were like tractors. Get a diesel estate if you want space and towing ability.
 
I'll be carrying hay and straw in the flat bed, I can get more in with no roof but you've just totally put me off lol, what estates would you recommend, budget is about £240 a month on a business contract hire.
 
i thought horse boxes were very heavy, my old boss had a ford explorer and reconned it was brilliant for towing horse box. don't think they sell them here anymore though.
 
Lol sorry it was just my experience. I thought a pickup would be "cool" to drive and went down to see what they were like and honestly id rather drive a transit van than any of them. Im not sure on prices but id say any 2 litre diesel estate (except for the germans, i may be wrong though) could be had for £240. Id say the Mondeo but you may prefer the looks or space offered by different models. What Car magazine is good to compare boot space etc so you may want to have a look in that.

Edit - my mums 1987 BMW 318i was able to tow my dads Vauxhall Carlton which broke down while towing our caravan :) Most reasonable engines could pull a horsebox, especially a derv
 
Last edited:
Something on Watchdog about the 2.5 derv nissan lump throwing conrods out the block, might be worth looking into before going for the nissan.
 
Firestar_3x said:
Something on Watchdog about the 2.5 derv nissan lump throwing conrods out the block, might be worth looking into before going for the nissan.
Click to expand...

Potentially lethal to humans according to Watchdog. Not that they like to whip up a bit of hysteria or anything.
 
Toyota Hilux with the 3L TDI with the engine performance pack would get my vote, bullet prof engines and it has the most power out of all of the pick up trucks (194bhp and 430nm of torque) and will tow a horse box with ease. Not got a clue how much they would cost to lease however.
 
Bennie-Mac said:
Lol sorry it was just my experience. I thought a pickup would be "cool" to drive and went down to see what they were like and honestly id rather drive a transit van than any of them. Im not sure on prices but id say any 2 litre diesel estate (except for the germans, i may be wrong though) could be had for £240. Id say the Mondeo but you may prefer the looks or space offered by different models. What Car magazine is good to compare boot space etc so you may want to have a look in that.

Edit - my mums 1987 BMW 318i was able to tow my dads Vauxhall Carlton which broke down while towing our caravan :) Most reasonable engines could pull a horsebox, especially a derv
Click to expand...
Are any normal estate cars certified to tow a two tonne unbraked trailer? I'd be surprised if they were.
 
Ive had:

Navara
L200 (Previous model but still shares underpinnings etc)
Hilux

Navara is by far the best overall.

Had lots of issues with 2 L200's where turbos failed and various other engine related issues. The Hilux was ok, but nothing special. The Navara engine was much nicer to use plus as an all round package it was just plain better. The L200 did ride better though.
 
X5? Get a 2nd hand one for £10K now, nice spec and space for some hay if needed. Not as easy to use I suggest when loading but a better tool for other stuff and good for towing too.
 
Bennie-Mac said:
The nissan throws you out of your seat at every turn and the other two were like tractors.
Click to expand...

Were you not wearing your seatbelt?

I've had a Navara since the end of Feb. Currently 48000 kms on the clock and the only problem has been the auto close window stopping working which was fixed under warranty.

By no mean is it the best car I've ever driven. I came from a 530d sport and nearly cried, but now I've had it a while, it's actually good fun to drive. It holds the road well, and I can keep up with most stuff on back roads when driving spiritedly!

My only concerns are the fact that it's VERY RWD. As in, sideways easy in the wet. There is no traction control, and 4wd automatically locks both diffs and isn't recommended for constant driving.

When deciding, I also considered the L200, hilux and Isuzu Dmax. Isuzu feels like its from the 80s, L200 is massively underpowered and I didn't like the looks. I was, however, set on a hilux until I drove one. I've never been as disappointed in my life. Was really crap compared to the Nissan.

All in all, Navara is top of the pile. I nail the crap out of it everyday and it still goes. Not light on juice though.

Heres mine:
1.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom