Are 4×4 dual cabs family cars?

[zlcrazy]

Hi all,

Looking at replacing the XR6T for a 4x4 dual cab (preferably a Ranger) to explore more of beautiful Tassie with my awesome little nephew an friends an their little ones.

I have always believed dual cabs arent really a family car but yet these days so many people have them for that. An the Ford dealership I work for sell more dual cabs to fsmilies thsn anything else.

Just after opinions I guess.

Please all advice ect welcome

[GT69]

I swapped an FG XR6 Turbo ute for a dual cab XLT. I miss the Turbo occasionally. But the versatility of 4x4's these days really is good. And the Ranger is a great piece of kit. I took about 16 months to trade, but I don't regret it (other than that awesome feeling the Turbo gives you)

Also, fuel savings are pretty decent, the Turbo was averaging about 12L/100km, the Ranger averages 8.5L/100km. Not a massive difference, but my ute is never empty, has a canopy and roof racks, with and awning attached. Really is a big brick but still gives decent economy

[Jackster]

We've got a bit of both, the wife's drive is a territory turbo ghia and I have a Navara dual cab. Even as nice as the TTG is to drive and ride in, we usually end up driving everywhere in the Navara because we are taking the dogs, going camping, towing the boat etc.

[05_ENFORCER]

Originally Posted by Jackster

We've got a bit of both, the wife's drive is a territory turbo ghia and I have a Navara dual cab. Even as nice as the TTG is to drive and ride in, we usually end up driving everywhere in the Navara because we are taking the dogs, going camping, towing the boat etc.

I take it the Terry doesn't have a towbar then?



@zlcrazy

You can't go wrong with the Ranger, if you can live with the looks of the Mazda BT50, and 5-10 grand less, go Mazda.

If you want to go out of the fold, look at the Izuzu MU-X, or the (cough) Colorado


.

[Itsme]

I have the XLT Ranger, It will definitely serve as a family vehicle quite easy.

Go test drive one, you will be amazed how good they are.

[Gothefalcon]

If your Family fits.... then it's a Family car ! It more depends on what you and your Family like doing... or would like to do... if exploring the more off road areas, or towing a large boat/caravan/etc. is the go.. then there's plenty of 4x4 dual cabs around with a few "family" friendly features in them ! If that's what you want, then just go for it !

Dhru

[wranger]

XLT Ranger works perfectly as a family car.

Rides well, handles well, surprisingly quick for something that weighs 2.5 tonnes with accessories, full tank and 4 people on board.

Had a D4D Prado as a hire car recently in Tasmania, Ranger is equal or better in nearly every respect except unladen ride.

[dirtyclevo]

my brother has a dual cab navara for his family and it seems to work fine,

the only thing i noticed is that they are still jacked up ute's. and made on a ladder frame chassis which i quite rigid.

they come in handy if you carry alot of stuff around. but be warned they are ******* slow. and unless your really into them you will feel like your in a jacked up people mover because you will probably not be allowed to take it off road.

my sister in law drives it sometimes and it worries me a bit, you cant see her over the dash when she drives.. little women and big 4wd's don't seem to match most of the time.

[FTe342]

I just bought an Isuzu Dmax (dual cab ute) as I needed > 2 seats in the P250 (which I will sell shortly) to transport my new family. I also wanted a tow vehicle for large caravan.

Its early days yet as I haven't used the 1st tank of fuel yet which looks like returning 900 klms mostly city driving. The ride is a bit firm empty but should soften with a tow bar & bullbar added. Mine is the Terrain auto model so has all the creature comforts of a late model car with climate control, Satnav, reversing camera, high end sound system with steering wheel controls, leather and more. Its got 5 seats and still is a ute with 4 x 4.

I read in the NRMA mag that dual cab utes outsold SUV's in the latest stats and when your on the road they are everywhere

[Ben73]

Had this conversation with the missus last night. She told me not to buy a Ranger because it's not family friendly. Her main concern was not having a boot.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by Ben73

Had this conversation with the missus last night. She told me not to buy a Ranger because it's not family friendly. Her main concern was not having a boot.

Take a drive of a new Jeep GC w/ 3L V6 diesel, 8 sp auto. My dad compared it to the Ranger, loves the Jeep way better, not just for comfort, but also the engine... The fully-loaded Jeep was also cheaper! But he also got two Rangers for his business. He has two diesel Jeeps and can't substantiate any of these reliability claims that the anti-Jeep mob always seem to provide on forums whenever the "J" word is mentioned.

[jimmyxr6t04]

We have a dual cab 4x4 triton with canopy on the back, and it's basically our family car / run around car.We take it to the kids sport, and if there's no parking, no stress! Mount a gutter, park it in the bush, on the side who cares haha... It's also awesome for going away, heaps of space in the canopy, don't even need to think about 'packing', we just throw everything in.

It's great for exploring off road areas too. And the best part, it's my wifes car so i still get to enjoy my GT!

We are just about to fit it with bulbar, winch, rear protection & tow ball, lift kit and bigger tyres for some more serious adventures. It makes a great family car, very versatile. Having said that, i'm not sure i could own one if the mrs didn't like driving it, and i was stuck with it as my daily! I'd miss having the grunt of the GT.

[naddis01]

Since everyone is pointing out all of the pros I will point out a couple of cons. The Ranger is a big bugger which the high bonnet accentuates. Combine that with a average turning circle (probably no worse than other 4x4's) and I can see some people having trouble parking it. I have had some interesting experiences in multistorey hotel carparks. It is also long with a tray. If your garage is small it may not fit well.

My wife wouldn't want one as her daily.

Originally Posted by Ben73

Had this conversation with the missus last night. She told me not to buy a Ranger because it's not family friendly. Her main concern was not having a boot.

Has she seen the tray?

[jimmyxr6t04]

naddis is correct, they can be cumbersome to park, especially in tight hotel parking spots. To my wifes credit, she has learned to reverse park really well, and has learned to use her mirrors. We still regret not getting the reverse camera though, as it would really help out with knowing how much room is left at the rear.

My advice, get a reverse camera from factory, it would make life so much easier! Also, reverse park as much as possible as it's easier to get in/out.

The pros far out weigh the cons for us though.

[rancidpunx]

Yes they can be a family car. If you dont mind a slightly firm ride there is nothing wrong with running round in a dual cab as a family. They are not quite a comfortable as a sedan and child seats are not as easy to position but once its all set you have heaps of space and the freedom to go anywhere. In terms of parking our PJ Ranger is a hell of a lot easier to park than the FG ute was, also easier to see out of. The missus uses ours daily and although she is not really a fan of taking it to the shops because it is big she just parks a bit further away from people.

a 4x4 opens up a lot of options and a dual cab means you can take everything with you

[Hally]

Gents can I chime in with a question.....

We have a diesel X-Trail, which is a great rig but we want a dual cab that we can pack up dogs and kids to go camping and tow a bit better etc. My question is basically on the Colorado. Everyone bags them but is a Ranger worth 8-10k more? Please take out the brand bias on this one.

Cheers,

Andrew

[XWGT]

I'm not sure about the new models but traditionally the rear seat of dual cabs were made out of the hardest substance on earth and placed at a rigid angle which meant rear passengers were very uncomfortable.

If they have changed that then your on a winner. I had a Hilux SR5 with canopy which was an awesome weekender, 4x 4, and run about but I would have serious concerns about prolonged peak hour commuting.

[Giant Cranium]

Originally Posted by Hally

Gents can I chime in with a question.....

We have a diesel X-Trail, which is a great rig but we want a dual cab that we can pack up dogs and kids to go camping and tow a bit better etc. My question is basically on the Colorado. Everyone bags them but is a Ranger worth 8-10k more? Please take out the brand bias on this one.

Cheers,

Andrew

I drove one yesterday and liked it much to my disappointment. I'm comparing the Colorado, ranger and dmax. Not as easy as you would think considering I can get a lot more in the Colorado including a reverse camera on the touch screen and a more powerful motor and 4x4 for 1000 less that a hiride 4x2 ranger. It's a hard choice.

[Trevor 57]

they are until your kids become teenagers, then room is an issue

[Hally]

GC,

Thanks for the feedback. I must say that I have only driven a Hilux (my brother has one) and it isn't on the shopping list.

With the Colorado v D-Max, to me the Colorado wins on spec, price and more powerful motor. They are off the same platform so that is an easy comparison.

Have you driven a Ranger yet?

[2011G6E]

These days? Yes, enormously so. They make perfect sense...I suppose unless you live somewhere congested where parking is a big issue with even a "normal" car.
We swapped the G6E for a Triton GLX-R twin cab with canopy. It suits us perfectly. It's great on the fuel, does everything we want off road (we're not "extreme" four wheel drivers, but if you pick your way carefully there's not many places you can't get to), and with the ARB canopy there's masses of room in the back for when the missus goes away to craft markets with half a tonne of boxes of fabric, clothing, and handmade dolls and things in the back.
The room isn't an issue...we've had adults in the back seat and there's no less room than in a lot of modern cars.
Comfort? On the highways out here...and even on the Bruce Highway at the coast (at least down until you reach the beautiful well-funded divided highway near Brisbane where literally any car feels smooth and refined), it's honestly more smooth and comfortable and soaks up the lumps, bumps, and holes much better than the G6E with it's licorice strip tyres ever was.

Same up here too...more people seem to be buying them as a "family car" over a "normal" sedan or wagon. In Queensland the lower rego for a four cylinder also makes a lot of sense when it comes to running cost sums. Diesels don't cost the huge amounts to service as compared to petrol engines that they once did either.

We'd have loved a Ranger...there's a very nice dark blue XLT across the road from us...but we just couldn't justify the prices quoted for what we wanted, especially when compared to what a Triton offers for a much lower price. Almost as bad as the "Toyota Tax" people talk about with inflated prices just because of the badge.

[FTe342]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

they are until your kids become teenagers, then room is an issue

If you are referring to the leg room, not any more. Check out the space in the back seat of a Dmax and the rear seats aren't made of 2 pieces of 5 ply joined at 90 degrees anymore

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by FTe342

If you are referring to the leg room, not any more. Check out the space in the back seat of a Dmax and the rear seats aren't made of 2 pieces of 5 ply joined at 90 degrees anymore

Indeed...that's one major design point that's come along in leaps and bounds in just the last few years with twin cabs. They used to be terrible, the rear seats virtually an afterthought, but not anymore. There's actually a fair bit of design thought and clever packaging put into them now.

[SumoDog68]

Dual cabs are top selling cars in Australia due to their versatility , utility and affordability .
Safety , handling , nvh and packaging are much improved on new models..
You get 4wd capability in relatively simple mechanical package , stable towing platform , economical Diesel engines , spacious and separate from cabin storage space.
Negatives are - big and cumbersome in tight spaces and no sports cars to drive. There is always some sort of compromise to be made but for a family truckster dual cabs are hard to beat.

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Dual cabs are top selling cars in Australia due to their versatility , utility and affordability .
Safety , handling , nvh and packaging are much improved on new models..
You get 4wd capability in relatively simple mechanical package , stable towing platform , economical Diesel engines , spacious and separate from cabin storage space.
Negatives are - big and cumbersome in tight spaces and no sports cars to drive. There is always some sort of compromise to be made but for a family truckster dual cabs are hard to beat.

Pretty much spot on.

[LG17]

It is for me!
Sold the sedan, sold the ute and replaced them with a 4X4 dual cab!
Brilliant decision!

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Dual cabs are top selling cars in Australia due to their versatility , utility and affordability .
Safety , handling , nvh and packaging are much improved on new models..
You get 4wd capability in relatively simple mechanical package , stable towing platform , economical Diesel engines , spacious and separate from cabin storage space.
Negatives are - big and cumbersome in tight spaces and no sports cars to drive. There is always some sort of compromise to be made but for a family truckster dual cabs are hard to beat.

This is pretty much it in a nut shell - forget the brand bias etc thats purely what you can afford imo.
The point by Trevor once your kids are late teens (and if large) then forget it but most times they are not with you eh.
Brilliant versatile family vehicle full stop, no boot comment by one wife posted - yer hard lid and custom side compartments fix this easily.
Parking ? - I have reverse camera but what about wifey parking her terri or similar without reverse camera ? same same to me.

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by zlcrazy

Hi all,

Looking at replacing the XR6T for a 4x4 dual cab (preferably a Ranger) to explore more of beautiful Tassie with my awesome little nephew an friends an their little ones.

I have always believed dual cabs arent really a family car but yet these days so many people have them for that. An the Ford dealership I work for sell more dual cabs to fsmilies thsn anything else.

Just after opinions I guess.

Please all advice ect welcome

They can, but....

Maintenance & repair costs are higher.
Basically a small truck with added safety features and comfort.
Ride is firm - bumpy. Turning circle is large. Car park sizes are shrinking.
City driving can be a pain - for driver of ute and drivers of other vehicles.

However they are handy and perfect if you need a ute for work and a family car for weekends, carry more than one passenger regularly, travel a lot for weekend breaks, or 4X4.

Saying that; most owners are lucky to take their 4X4 away more than half a dozen times per year, diesel engines suffer from constant city driving & end up smoky and noisier than usual. Unless your going away on a regular basis, maybe just rent one.

I was a fan of diesel engines, I now think they're waste of time in anything but trucks, real 4WD's (ones that get used regularly) and anything else that are on the highway for a minimum of 50% driving, or tow heavy loads.

Diesel fumes are more toxic than petrol; new diesel vehicles are fitted with Particulate exhaust filters; check out the cost of replacement.

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by chevypower

Take a drive of a new Jeep GC w/ 3L V6 diesel, 8 sp auto. My dad compared it to the Ranger, loves the Jeep way better, not just for comfort, but also the engine... The fully-loaded Jeep was also cheaper! But he also got two Rangers for his business. He has two diesel Jeeps and can't substantiate any of these reliability claims that the anti-Jeep mob always seem to provide on forums whenever the "J" word is mentioned.

I am a Jeep fan. I used to have a Patriot that gave me no problems. But it wasn't very old.
300c I have now is a POS so it has sort of turned me away from that company now. Although I was considering taking a Gran Cherokee for a spin later this week to see how it goes.
I like the look of them, I like the kit you get for the price, but looking on product reviews website there are a lot of people with problems.
Hell of a lot more than people complaining about the Ranger.

I can get a decent discount on a Pajero through work. I really like the Pajero, I think it's one of the best vehicles in it's class. 5 year warranrty and 12 month service intervals is also a plus, but I keep coming back to the Ranger and trying to think of reasons why it's the one to get.
I carry mountain bikes sometimes so the Ranger would be perfect for that.
Missus says she doesn't want to carry shopping in the tray and is worried carrying things in the rain.

[jimmyxr6t04]

We have a canopy on ours, and the mrs just puts the shopping in there. Only time it's annoying is if something slides all the way to the front of the tub!!

Another negative for diesels is the service costs... our triton is on capped price servicing, and even that is close to $600. Both the 30k and 45k service was $600... apparently the valves need re-doing, plus other bits and pieces.

Economy on ours isn't the best, especially at highway speeds... between 60-80km/h it's great. We have bigger tyres and a canopy though, so can't complain with the 10L/100 it usually gets. It'll get worse when i up the tyres again and go bar work!