General Tow Vehicle Question

[ash99]

I currently have a vf2 commodore ssv as my tow vehicle. I tow a 14.44-4.

I am thinking about selling the Commodore and getting a more capable tow vehicle.

I am after a vehicle for predominantly on-road touring with a family of 3.

I am after a car that will also allow safe travel to less remote areas on gravel roads.

The vehicle will also need to act as my daily commuter

My questions are;

If you have a ute or ute based 4wd. How do you find the power in general driving. I know they aren't fast but what about overtaking. How about overtaking with a van on?

I will need to drive the vehicle to work each day, I work an office job. How does the vehicle handle the daily commute?

The rear seats on the Everest and Trailblazer that I looked at today seem pretty crap compared to a sedan. What are they actually like to live with?

I also like the look of the Jeep Grand Cherkee. My head says stay away as I don't want to step into something with known issues but the V6 diesel seems to have plenty of go.

Looking forward to any info.

 

[bigcol]

flick a PM to @warren cook , he may be able to help you in your search

 

[Crusty181]

I currently have a vf2 commodore ssv as my tow vehicle. I tow a 14.44-4.

I am thinking about selling the Commodore and getting a more capable tow vehicle.

I am after a vehicle for predominantly on-road touring with a family of 3.

I am after a car that will also allow safe travel to less remote areas on gravel roads.

The vehicle will also need to act as my daily commuter

My questions are;

If you have a ute or ute based 4wd. How do you find the power in general driving. I know they aren't fast but what about overtaking. How about overtaking with a van on?

I will need to drive the vehicle to work each day, I work an office job. How does the vehicle handle the daily commute?

The rear seats on the Everest and Trailblazer that I looked at today seem pretty crap compared to a sedan. What are they actually like to live with?

I also like the look of the Jeep Grand Cherkee. My head says stay away as I don't want to step into something with known issues but the V6 diesel seems to have plenty of go.

Looking forward to any info.

The current array dual cab 4x4 utes are certainly not the tradie vehicles of days gone by. They are very much pitched at the suit wearing domestic "urban tradie" market. Just to get a feel for what you're contemplating take a couple of the offerings for a test drive around block; whilst they're not race cars I think you'll be surprised how nimble and comfortable they are. I have a Navara V6 diesel, and Ive not found anyone who's underwhelmed when Ive given it a "demonstration" kick in the pants. Good luck

 

[Bushman]

If you like your Holden's then suggest you have a good look at the latest Colorado ute and Trailblazer, they are very comfortable plenty of space and grunt.
Many people have a hard time going to a diesel powered vehicle after having petrol vehicle,or going from sedan comfort to a SUV/UTE type vehicle, Pajero and Pajero Sport not to be over looked either, all in all most of the new Utes and ute based wagons or pretty damn good.
As @bigcol said get in touch with @warren cook

 

[Vere]

I have the Jeep Grand Cherokee and while I will admit I do worry about the reliability and costs. It is a 2013 and has been the most reliable car I have had. It has not had a single issue to date and the constant recalls means it gets regular checks lol. It kicks butt when you need it to and it cheaper to run on fuel than a commy. It is my wifes daily for work and shopping.

 

[Tricky]

I have an Everest and two kids, 13 & 15. No complaints about the rear seats. In fact they prefer them over the Territory I drove prior to the Everest.

Also the Everest to an awesome tow car.I tow a 18.58.1 Expanda effortlessly.

 

[DRW]

I do think Jeeps get a bad wrap or their owners are just way too honest at times
Utes (no matter what brand) ride like utes, there is no getting around that
Personally I think there are far to many choices, good luck

 

[Drover]

Most of the Utes are similar and are quite good, have some grunt for overtaking, I've towed my old 14.44.3 with a Grand Cherokee and the Colorado, they both needed to be on cruise to stop getting booked and putting the boot down to overtake on uphill dual lanes was not a problem....the dual cab Colorado drags Big Mal around effortlessly and it's about 2.7t and been carting adults around in the back seat and they reckon they are comfortable also.
2 Grands over 10 years, no dramas, loved ém...............

 

[Vere]

I do think Jeeps get a bad wrap or their owners are just way too honest at times
Utes (no matter what brand) ride like utes, there is no getting around that
Personally I think there are far to many choices, good luck

In the mid to late 2000's the Jeep were crap, Fiat made them improve quality. I also own a Chrysler 300c - Second generation. While I do prefer the look of the 1st gen "pimp mobile" the finish and general quality was not as good. I have 2nd gen with turbo diesel (merc supplied) as is a fantastic place to be.

 

[Drover]

ZJ, WJ and XJ's were great vehicles but yeah after 2005 they went a bit downhill. Seemed to improved since about 2013 I think.

 

[BaxnRach]

I have both the Ranger and Everest, my ranga has an ecu remap which makes a huge difference, coming from an SS you'll really appreciate the power and torque in comparison to standard(roughly 20% increase),, ride is really good compared to utes of just a few years ago.
The Everest (that I will also get remapped) tows just as well and rides nicer, and quieter than pretty much any other vehicle I've towed with, but I do miss the extra power when towing our 17.55.8 Journey, its not slow by any means, but you do have to think when overtaking.
This is a big statement, but I reckon a new diesel, remapped with similar torque figures to an SS would tow more comfortably than pretty much any sedan with half the fuel.

 

[ash99]

Thanks all for your responses.

I think @Bushman hit the nail on the head with the comment about transitioning from a Powerful petrol engine sedan to a Diesel 4wd will be my biggest problem.

If I had a bigger budget I would probably just buy a LC 200 series.

The vehicles I drove yesterday were as follows;

2017 Colorado Dual Cab LTZ: This actually drove quite well and probably most impressed me of all the utes. Was a bit truck like in the engine though. Wasn't that impressed with rear seats, no air vents for back seat and also backrest looked very thin and upright.

I also looked at the 2017 Trailblazer: I wasn't impressed with the rear seats as they seemed very short in the backrest. The cargo bay as a slightly sloped floor due to third row seats not folding completely flat. Was disappointed that it is part time 4wd.

2017 Navara: Went alright but hated the steering. I like the look of it but didn't like driving it.

2015 Everest: Saw it in the second had lot with 20000km on it so thought it was worth a look. During the drive it felt crap. Turns out it was the dealership loan car!!!! On closer inspection it had dents and scratches all over it. Anyway, the power was OK. There was a strange vibration through the accelerator pedal. I assume this car had a hard life so I wont judge that. Rear seats again seemed short in the backrest.

2017 Everest: didn't drive it as I ran out of patience waiting for the useless dealer to speak to me so I left. Will go back and drive one in the near future.

I am yet to drive or look closely at the Jeep, will do that this week.

 

[BaxnRach]

Oh, and the back seats imho are quite comfortable in both too, ride in the Ranger can be a bit harsh on bumpy bends when empty, but rear shocks fix that easily/cheaply, another thing to consider to save a few $$$ is a 2wd in most of the dual cabs, everest etc.

 

[WHHEMI]

Do yourself a favour and take the jeep for a drive.

 

[ash99]

View attachment 47800 I have both the Ranger and Everest, my ranga has an ecu remap which makes a huge difference, coming from an SS you'll really appreciate the power and torque in comparison to standard(roughly 20% increase),, ride is really good compared to utes of just a few years ago.
The Everest (that I will also get remapped) tows just as well and rides nicer, and quieter than pretty much any other vehicle I've towed with, but I do miss the extra power when towing our 17.55.8 Journey, its not slow by any means, but you do have to think when overtaking.
This is a big statement, but I reckon a new diesel, remapped with similar torque figures to an SS would tow more comfortably than pretty much any sedan with half the fuel.

have wondered about a power chip. Might be an option

 

[ash99]

Do yourself a favour and take the jeep for a drive.

I will definitely be taking a Jeep for a drive before I make a decision.

 

[bigcol]

the Jheeps do get a bad wrap, but they are pretty much like the ZD30 Patrols
you always hear about the ones that go bang, not the ones that have never had a problem - and there are lots of them still on the road

some are crap and some are not
the hard part is finding a non crap one

also depends on if you want New or 2nd hand, none of the new cars now a days get me excited

well, maybe the Titan & Tundra & Ram

 

[Vere]

Thanks all for your responses.

I am yet to drive or look closely at the Jeep, will do that this week.

Trust me when I say the power of the Jeep seems ok but it really goes well when you put your foot down.

Some basic info (from CarAdvice site) Jeep is very competitive in everything
COLORADO
DIESEL TURBO 2.8L
Cylinders: DIESEL TURBO 4
Max. Torque: 440Nm @ 2000rpm
Max. Power: 147kW @ 3600rpm
Pwr:Wgt Ratio: 83.1W/kg
Fuel Consumption (Combined)8.1L / 100km
Turning Circle 12.7
Brakes: Front DISC Rear DRUM
Country of Origin Thailand

TRAILBLAZER
DIESEL TURBO 2.8L
Cylinders: DIESEL TURBO 4
Max. Torque: 500Nm @ 2000rpm
Max. Power: 147kW @ 3600rpm
Pwr:Wgt Ratio: 68.7W/kg
Fuel Consumption (Combined)9.4L / 100km
Turning Circle 11.8
Brakes: Front DISC Rear DISC
Country of Origin Thailand

NAVARA
DIESEL TURBO 2.3L
Cylinders: DIESEL TURBO 4
Max. Torque: 450Nm @ 1500rpm
Max. Power: 140kW @ 3750rpm
Pwr:Wgt Ratio: 72.9W/kg
Fuel Consumption (Combined)7L / 100km
Turning Circle: 12.4
Brakes: Front DISC Rear Brakes DRUM
Country of Origin Thailand

EVEREST
DIESEL TURBO 3.2L
Cylinders: DIESEL TURBO 5
Max. Torque: 470Nm @ 1750rpm
Max. Power: 143kW @ 3000rpm
Pwr:Wgt Ratio 60.9W/kg
Fuel Consumption (Combined) 8.5L / 100km
Turning Circle 11.7
Brakes: FRONT DISC Rear DISC
Country of Origin Thailand


JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
DIESEL TURBO 3.0L
Cylinders: DIESEL TURBO V6
Max. Torque: 550Nm @ 1800rpm
Max. Power: 177kW @ 4000rpm
Pwr:Wgt Ratio: 80.8W/kg
Fuel Consumption (Combined) 7.5L / 100km
Turning Circle: 11.6
Brakes: FRONT DISC REAR DISC
Country of Origin United States Of America

I was surprise how many are now made in Thailand and some even still have drum brakes on rear

 

[Drover]

Most of the Ute diesels sound like tractors, if touring a lot then decent rubber and replacing suspension is a must, more so than a remap which are a bit exxy....but you will never get the petrol V8 feel with them......................but if you go and trick one up with remap and other bling may as well buy 200

Mate just got a Ranger 2WD high rider and reckons it goes well towing his 20 footr.

 

[davemc]

Have a look at the Isuzu as well if you do not need 4x4 you can get a 4x2 version of the DMAX/MUX and save $.
They just about to upgrade them good or bad to a engine with a little more punch but a DPF.

With Jeeps BIL owns one he never had a problem. I think its the cars that have problems Jeep after service seems crap if you have anything that goes wrong. He stopped taking his back to Jeep for servicing after his first service as they did the whole your brakes need done at 20k trick They probably have the same failure rate as other brands although just crap with dealing with problems.
My mate at work had a Golf that used to go into limp mode, VW kept saying nothing wrong until Fairfax ran a article about it being recalled everywhere but OZ. Then magically they would look at his Golf.