Cheapest Double Cab You Can Have

KFL · July 20, 2011

I have noticed that there is a low number of threads about double cabs here compared to cars (no insult). So let's have a bit of discussion about this.

What is the cheapest, *working*, double cab that one can afford in Sri Lanka these days ? Obviously we're talking about used vehicles here. And unfortunately the likes of SmartCabs will have no chance to feature due to lack of used units. What about older vintage L200s, Datsuns? Which is the most reliable ?

Edit: To make things more easier, let's put a budget limit. 0.5mln to 1.5 mln.

Edited July 20, 2011 by KFL

Watchman · July 20, 2011

On 7/20/2011 at 11:42 AM, KFL said:

I have noticed that there is a low number of threads about double cabs here compared to cars (no insult). So let's have a bit of discussion about this.

What is the cheapest, *working*, double cab that one can afford in Sri Lanka these days ? Obviously we're talking about used vehicles here. And unfortunately the likes of SmartCabs will have no chance to feature due to lack of used units. What about older vintage L200s, Datsuns? Which is the most reliable ?

There are and have been quite a few threads on cabs.

dude asking what the cheapest cab isnt any different from asking what the cheapest car is. Just depends on how low you wanna go. I'm pretty sure u'll even find some absolute piece of crap for a few hundred thousand with a screwed up engine (but still running) and a body that's falling apart.

KFL · July 20, 2011

Indeed, which is why I mentioned *working*. However I agree that some limits need to be set. Hence I've now edited the first post.

The Don · July 20, 2011

I think the old Datsun/Nissan cabs from the early 80s are probably the cheapest most commonly available cabs, followed by Isuzu and Toyota Hilux of the mid 80s.

But the cab I recommend you buy is the Hilux 106 and I've seen reasonably good examples become available at around 1.6 million and considering the market these days I think that is a good buy.

KFL · July 20, 2011

On 7/20/2011 at 12:26 PM, The Don said:

I think the old Datsun/Nissan cabs from the early 80s are probably the cheapest most commonly available cabs, followed by Isuzu and Toyota Hilux of the mid 80s.

But the cab I recommend you buy is the Hilux 106 and I've seen reasonably good examples become available at around 1.6 million and considering the market these days I think that is a good buy.

But I've heard that the Hilux are likely to get major engine issues after around 200k kms? And isn't it's fuel efficiency rather lower than a L200 of same vintage ?

KFL · July 20, 2011

How about the Nissan D21? Fuel consumption etc ? What would be a fair price for one ? The resale value would likely be next to nothing though.

The Don · July 20, 2011

KFL, you already seem to have drawn a few conclusions. If you've already made up your mind why ask questions. You might as well rely on your gutt feeling and conclusions and purchase what you think is best. In the end it is your money !

The D21 has a good second hand market in SL. The Hilux 2.5 and 2.8 engines have a known issues with their heads, which sometimes crack, and some people put this down to overheating. But due to these engines being widely available fixing them is not that expensive.

gayansapu · July 20, 2011

the hilux would have more market than the D21's and Nissan Engines are much more noiser than Toyota's. Comfort wise, Nissan but overall other facts Toyota is good

nexus · July 20, 2011

On 7/20/2011 at 12:52 PM, KFL said:

How about the Nissan D21? Fuel consumption etc ? What would be a fair price for one ? The resale value would likely be next to nothing though.

it's not easy as toyota to sell but nissan d21 has good second hand market actually it's easy to sell than isuzu double cab and mitsubishi l200 other than that spare parts are easy to find and cheaper than both isuzu double cab and mitsubishi L200 and it's comfortable than toyota ln106.

you are going to buy a diesel double cab so why you worry about fuel economy? any ways afaik nissan d21 do 11kmpl in outstations.

the price is depending by double cab condition manufacture year number and options available basically you can find 52 or 53 d21 for 1.5mill.

KFL · July 20, 2011

The Don, I really have no final idea yet, and I really value your educated opinion on this.

nexus, that sounds even better than the L200 (which seems to average about 10kmpl). Any idea what is a fair price for a 1996 vintage D21?

KFL · July 20, 2011

On 7/20/2011 at 1:39 PM, gayansapu said:

the hilux would have more market than the D21's and Nissan Engines are much more noiser than Toyota's. Comfort wise, Nissan but overall other facts Toyota is good

Well, in the end it all comes down to acquisition and maintenance cost :-)

nexus · July 20, 2011

On 7/20/2011 at 3:50 PM, KFL said:

Any idea what is a fair price for a 1996 vintage D21?

what is the reg number? any ways if it is a 1996 D21 the price will be way over 1.5 mill.

Ripper · July 22, 2011

I drive a ford double cab. lot more roomier than smiliar vintage hilux. 2.5ltr motor and pretty decent fuel efficiency

but imo...if you were to go no main stream brand like a ford...you kinda gotta know a bit about vehicles.

IMHO...it all boils down to what you really want.

Like someone said.... hilux 106 is an excellent DC. all leaf springs with fron solid axle. damn good for offroading but interior doesn't offer a lot of room and ride can be a bit uncomfy on stock leaf springs.

suspension however can be upgraded easily.

From what i hear...L200 parts are pricey and the agents suck. DC looks and seem to work pretty good

Older gen isuzu double cabs have loud engines but they are very reliable. somewhat cheaper to buy compared to other main stream brands.

THe Ford fits my needs and i can source the stuff for it so i'm not having any regrets over going for it

but i'm sure not everybody will feel that way.

The Don · July 22, 2011

On 7/22/2011 at 7:47 AM, Ripper said:

I drive a ford double cab. lot more roomier than smiliar vintage hilux. 2.5ltr motor and pretty decent fuel efficiency

but imo...if you were to go no main stream brand like a ford...you kinda gotta know a bit about vehicles.

IMHO...it all boils down to what you really want.

Like someone said.... hilux 106 is an excellent DC. all leaf springs with fron solid axle. damn good for offroading but interior doesn't offer a lot of room and ride can be a bit uncomfy on stock leaf springs.

suspension however can be upgraded easily.

From what i hear...L200 parts are pricey and the agents suck. DC looks and seem to work pretty good

Older gen isuzu double cabs have loud engines but they are very reliable. somewhat cheaper to buy compared to other main stream brands.

THe Ford fits my needs and i can source the stuff for it so i'm not having any regrets over going for it

but i'm sure not everybody will feel that way.

Your Ford is of a newer vintage than the ones the OP is after isn't it ?

Also one of the draws of the Isuzu double cabs are their high revving direct injection diesel engines. They are a bit noisy but accelerate really well and quite exciting to drive. But the rear leaf springs are quite hard and the ride is a bit bumpy and uncomfortable (relative to say a LN107).

Pericles · July 22, 2011

On 7/22/2011 at 9:04 AM, The Don said:

Your Ford is of a newer vintage than the ones the OP is after isn't it ?

Also one of the draws of the Isuzu double cabs are their high revving direct injection diesel engines. They are a bit noisy but accelerate really well and quite exciting to drive. But the rear leaf springs are quite hard and the ride is a bit bumpy and uncomfortable (relative to say a LN107).

I can tell you, the 2.5 non-turbo model sucks at the acceleration part. The 2.8Ts are a lot better.

Ripper · July 23, 2011

On 7/22/2011 at 9:04 AM, The Don said:

Your Ford is of a newer vintage than the ones the OP is after isn't it ?

Also one of the draws of the Isuzu double cabs are their high revving direct injection diesel engines. They are a bit noisy but accelerate really well and quite exciting to drive. But the rear leaf springs are quite hard and the ride is a bit bumpy and uncomfortable (relative to say a LN107).

yeah...mine is a 98 brand new import.

i thought the older isuzu double cabs were mechanical injection the old school way an not di

a friend had an old one...54- if i'm not mistaken. it used to pull a trailer with his offroad bike and go all over the place.

except for the loud engine, never heard the bugger complain. he wasn't the type to fuss about ride comfort so dunno how it handled in that department.

I believe VVTI knew of a relatively newer gen isuzu that was quite comfy within the category.

DevakaC · July 24, 2011

On 7/23/2011 at 7:59 AM, Ripper said:

yeah...mine is a 98 brand new import.

i thought the older isuzu double cabs were mechanical injection the old school way an not di

a friend had an old one...54- if i'm not mistaken. it used to pull a trailer with his offroad bike and go all over the place.

except for the loud engine, never heard the bugger complain. he wasn't the type to fuss about ride comfort so dunno how it handled in that department.

I believe VVTI knew of a relatively newer gen isuzu that was quite comfy within the category.

One of my friends too had a 56- isuzu two wheel double cab and man that thing was a pleasure to drive. Handles really well and smooth acceleration compared to the LN-106 two wheel model. The only downside is Isuzu engines tend to smoke heavily in acceleration unlike their counterparts. Engine noise wasn't really an issue for me. But surely a great piece of machine if cared by the right set of hands.

There are quite a lot of Ford Double cabs running around the eastern part of Sri-Lanka. I wasnt sure if they were part of an NGO or a govt entity. Something to do with roadwork I believe. Those things will be hitting the auctions sooner or later, infiltrating more of them Fords in Colombo roads hopefully. Ripper care to share a pic or two of your Ford Ranger?

Since OP is looking for something cheap, why not consider a Toyota LN-85? Bought one in 2005 for 6.75 and sold in 2007 for 11. It was in good running condition when we bought it, no issues at all with the engine despite having done close to 400,000km's. Gave a complete interior and exterior overhaul. It was a 50sri model. If you can find a nissan in the early 50- series for a decent amount id but one of those too. Bulletproof models them LN's from Toyota and D series from Nissan.

The Don · July 25, 2011

On 7/23/2011 at 7:59 AM, Ripper said:

yeah...mine is a 98 brand new import.

i thought the older isuzu double cabs were mechanical injection the old school way an not di

a friend had an old one...54- if i'm not mistaken. it used to pull a trailer with his offroad bike and go all over the place.

except for the loud engine, never heard the bugger complain. he wasn't the type to fuss about ride comfort so dunno how it handled in that department.

I believe VVTI knew of a relatively newer gen isuzu that was quite comfy within the category.

Mechanical fuel pumps but direct injection without a pre combustion chamber. What I'm talking about is not common rail direct injection. Isuzu has been making these engines for a long time and it is an Isuzu USP .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Isuzu_engines

Ripper · July 26, 2011

On 7/25/2011 at 9:04 AM, The Don said:

Mechanical fuel pumps but direct injection without a pre combustion chamber. What I'm talking about is not common rail direct injection. Isuzu has been making these engines for a long time and it is an Isuzu USP .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Isuzu_engines

shaa....impressive

thanks for sharing that mate...did not know before