Hermano

Folks thanks so much for the input. I've decided to go with a Hilux Extra Cab. Special props to AJ84, iRage and Hoonigan. Would be back with a few photos of the ute after it's fully kitted out. Cheers fellas, and yes back down under the ute is a way of life!

Hello folks. I'm new to the country and this forum so a big hello to everybody here. I have decided to throw in the towel after charging myself with figuring out the best way to procure a vehicle while on assignment here in beautiful SL and decided to ask for help over here. I have three requirements and three questions. The requirements are: i) The car needs to be a dual purpose vehicle as my work obligations require me to travel extensively across SL from Jaffna to Batticaloa to Yala-Hambantota and back to Colombo. So it also needs to be brand new with Agent Support. (Doesn't necessarily need to be bought from an agent) ii) The highest my employer will go is Rupees 12 000 000. A spartan spec is a non issue. I'm currently interested in a Hilux CrewCab 2.8G or a Ranger Crew. iii) A support network for the final vehicle as agreed upon is paramount. Cost wouldn't make much of a difference. Readily available spares is a huge necessity as I'm required to leave behind my vehicle by the end of next year to the next fella who will be contracted to work and hopefully it still needs to able to take a proper beating down the line. As I was made to understand the VW Amarok is not currently being brought to SL and I've heard a few horror stories about the agents so let's leave that and the Mazda ute out. Does Sri Lanka have a strong presence from Isuzu? I would like a clarification on that aswell. Now to my three main questions. i) What's the import duty on a dual purpose vehicle? Is it the 57% that's been touted around or is it a much different amount? II) Who are some of the reputed car sellers if we so decide to skip an agent? Is skipping the Agent advisable? (Toyota Lanka seems to have a good reputation at-least on word of mouth but how has softlogic fared so far?) III) What are my other options if I decide to go a different way from a ute and decide on something different that might still fit my needs of being able to properly take a good beating down the road, carry aid material frequently and still be very reliable for around the same budget? Thanks heaps. Cheers