If you’re in the market for a new vehicle these days, you’re facing a brutal double-whammy: the price of new vehicles and the price of fuel are both through the roof, and seemingly only increasing.
And that means the market for pre-owned is growing.
Requirement: You have a small family, you’re on a strict budget (with a maximum of R250 000 to burn), and you need a double-cab bakkie capable of mixing work and play. Here are five examples we unearthed after having a dig around Gumtree (click the vehicle name to see the posting in question):
Toyota Hilux 2,5 D-4D 4×4 SRX:
The Toyota Hilux is everywhere, including all over the used market. Undoubtedly the best-selling bakkie nameplate in South Africa over the past few decades, there are stacks of second-hand options from which to choose. If you’re keen on a little weekend off-roading, you’d even be able to pick up a capable all-wheel drive model.
Ford Ranger 2,2 TDCi HP XLS 4×4:
If you’re prepared to spend pretty much all of your R250 000 budget (and opt for the smaller diesel engine), there are a few three-year-old double-cab Rangers floating around the used market. Highlights include a decent specification level and, naturally, four-wheel drive.
If all-wheel drive isn’t essential for your intended use of the bakkie, you may want to consider going for a 4×2 model, since the cash saved can help buy you a more powerful engine and a more impressive specification list. This 2012 Isuzu KB with LX trim is a case in point.
Volkswagen Amarok 2,0TDI Trendline:
The Amarok doesn’t sell as well as some of its competitors on the new vehicle market, but this comfortable bakkie has all the makings of an ideal family double-cab – particularly if you’re not averse to the downsized 2,0-litre turbodiesel engine.
Despite sharing plenty of greasy bits with the Ford Ranger, Mazda’s bakkie has never been quite as popular as its Blue Oval cousin. But that means there are often a few tempting deals to be had on the used market, sometimes with a handful of useful extras.
