Well I test drove the new Navara ...

Mr. Go Slow

I absolutely did not like it!

I drove the 6 speed manual ... Damn that's a big friggin' truck!
Power was good, but the vehicle is so huge, I doubt power to weight is much better than some of the other offerings.

Did I mention how friggin' big it was? It's just too much vehicle for me. Definitely felt like a big truck as opposed to a nimble 4x4.

I didn't like the feeling of the gears at all either ... 1st was way too short and the snick snick of the shifting felt half assed ...

Don't get me wrong it's a nice vehicle, it's just too friggin' big as far as I'm concerned. And the ride and handling were very truck like indeed.

So, I went today and test drove the Mazda BT-50, just to see if this whole diesel truck thing is not for me. Only comes in manual and it's a single cam turbo diesel ... I suspect its equivalent to the 2.5t SOHC in the manual ranger (120 hp or so) ... The power was adequate, but the ride was nice, handling (for a truck) was nice as well!

Shifter and clutch felt great, the vehicle size was very manageable ... I REALLY liked it.

So I figure I better wait for the styling update next month and decide then as well as test the auto 2.5t ranger which has the DOHC engine and about 20 more hp ...

Stay tuned. Anyone drive both and can compare with the L200?

wagon r · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:31 am Post subject:

...one correction....the Navara.....is fast.....esp. on top.....take my word for it..... Neutral

Mr. Go Slow · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:42 am Post subject:

I'll give you that, it does have quite a bit of grunt ... The diesel power delivery is (for me) very weird and difficult to appreciate, but the Navara has the juice.

That said, it's still too truck like for me to appreciate ... Kinda like riding a big strong bull when you are accustomed to a racehorse Wink

wagon r · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 7:02 am Post subject:

i understand where yuh coming from....it's a bit too wide to squeeze in spots and so orn.......could imagine tryin to parkit in PP or any mall with small spots......

...the era of nimble 4x4s is getting smaller....as both hilux and navara have gone to more car like size cabins but i know the 'lux still has the off road prowess....

323_wagon_dude · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 7:10 am Post subject:

wagon r · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 7:11 am Post subject:

....*sigh...*... Rolling Eyes

Stuckindmud · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:19 am Post subject:

^^ Submit i say submit !!! yaaahhh Twisted Evil

Mr. Go slow , - Was this test drive a paved road only kinda thing?

wagon r · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:25 am Post subject:

Never professor...never... Laughing

...but i'm sure it would have been.....dem salesmen doh like yuh ruff up the van too much....

Mr. Go Slow · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:44 am Post subject:

Mr. Go Slow · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:46 am Post subject:

BT-50 Drift ... Try that in your Hilux:

originalbling · Street 2NR Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Tech posts: 65 My 2NRide:

What are the maintenance and parts costs like on a Navara compared to say a Mazda or Toyota?

Mr. Go Slow · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 11:57 am Post subject:

Why the hilux is NOT an option ... For me anyway:

Greypatch · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 1:56 pm Post subject:

so ride and gear shift was not as expected...

let me hear the review on the ford

also u plan on test driving a lux ?

Mr. Go Slow · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:05 pm Post subject:

323_wagon_dude · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:16 pm Post subject:

I have to point out the video above is specific to the hilux sold in sweden... It is not for all regions. Differing regions have differing suspensions.

Also note further in the video the mitsubishi showroom is in the background.

Remember these test can be biased based on the outfit performing them.

Stuckindmud · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject:

Mr. Go Slow,

Not that imakin a pitch for the Mafia, but to be fair , ALL 4x4`s generally have high COG`s and under the wrong conditions will be unstable. Even though suspension tuning vary from brand to brand , it is possible to put it in a serious roll or slide, Just by applying power at the wrong time.
Dont discount the lux just because of this vid.This flipping issue hasnt been highlighted much in other reviews/forums. (btw , i cant see the vid nor pics from my pc Sad

) - so give it a test run, for all you know you might just like it .. then again ..

Btw , i agree - the new ranger does look alot more rugged than the others.. Rolling Eyes

wagon r · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:56 pm Post subject:

^...noooowwwww who's coming over to the other side...... Laughing

Mr. Go Slow · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:20 pm Post subject:

Mr. Go Slow · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:25 pm Post subject:

biggy82 · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:56 pm Post subject:

i am surprised that the 6-speed Nav did not shift well.....ah the joys of AT Twisted Evil

cant fault you on the size of the Nav: its definately imposing in size. wifey was really afraid to drive it at first....but she is accustomed now. just need to install a rear view cam; coupled with the backup sensor, she will be able to park anywhere

the Nav has really great top end speed in spite of its size.....but i think its the size mostly that turned you off.....