Looking to replace V9X Pathfinder with a BiTDI Amarok

[Panda]

So currently i have a '11 V9x 3.0 dci Pathfinder, it is Swambo's daily. it has 153k km on the clock. we use it for our long trips but no serious off roading as that is what Panda is build for. (JK with 35"s)

There are small niggles creeping into the pathy, there is a oil smell sometimes and Nisssan asks 10k to remove the g/box and search for the leak. NOT REPAIR COSTS. The driver seat has a electrical snag that they can not solve as replacement parts has been discontinued. what is the most irritating is that the Satnav is out dated and can NOT be updated( so much for a R600k vehicle). So no new street names can be found in Gauteng, first need to look up the original name , no new roads are available so takes you on very long trips. it alos gives less than 8km/l on open roads.

I have been warned regarding the replacement/repair costs of the engine should something go wrong. I have lost faith in the vehicle and am looking for a replacement for her to drive.

We are starting to favor the Amarok as it can do the basic over landing and get her through farm roads to get to horses she needs to treat. it also seems to have more car like handling than the other bakkies. Another option was the Grand Cherokee, but that is A SUV and does not take fishing gear or the little ones stroller so lekker.

How reliable is the Amarok and running costs.? other options?

[Mike Nel]

I don’t like the Hilux although the Dakar version is starting to grow on me strangely enough

I just sold my Ranger which I had for 6 and a half years and I had no issues with it. Towed like a dream

If we get the 6 speed auto in the Dmax, I would like to give that a go. I think we currently only get the 5 speed.

The Amarok would be my 4th choice. I have to admit that I have never driven one so my opinion about it won’t matter much

A bakkie makes sense. You just need to decide for yourself which one you prefer

[Mike Nel]

I forgot about the Triton. But hell its Fugly. I can’t ever see myself in one

[Panda]

1) New Dakar still too expensive for me. I am looking in range of R300-350k
Toyota ALL OF THEM incl Corolla is very high risk 40km from Lesotho border. the disappear daily

2) every second person drives one. Our dealership is pathetic with service, sales and repairs (had a Eco Sport)

3) Auto is a must

Triton..... no dealership, closest is 250km away.

[Mike Nel]

1) New Dakar still too expensive for me. I am looking in range of R300-350k
Toyota ALL OF THEM incl Corolla is very high risk 40km from Lesotho border. the disappear daily

2) every second person drives one. Our dealership is pathetic with service, sales and repairs (had a Eco Sport)

3) Auto is a must

Triton..... no dealership, closest is 250km away.

Ahh. So you are from the Free State?

Buying a Amarok in the remote towns of the Free State also doesn’t make sense. Trust me on this one. I visit our farm often enough to know this. Plenty farmers in our district did and changed back to Hilux. The Amarok just did not last.

Your only real choice would be the Isuzu then if the Hilux is a No-No.

[Panda]

We at least have a proper VW dealership. we Stay in town so no farm work required

[Mike Nel]

We at least have a proper VW dealership.

Then that is the way to go. Will you find one within your budget though?

[KurtG]

I would buy the Isuzu, just a reliable no-nonsense bakkie and it’s fairly comfortable on gravel, apparently.

[Mike Nel]

I would buy the Isuzu, just a reliable no-nonsense bakkie and it’s fairly comfortable on gravel, apparently.

I agree with you here.

Otherwise he should get a Cruiser

[Crips]

I agree with Kurt, look at the Izuzu, if you want chat to my dad on the family camping weekend, he has one but it's the 4x2 but it will give you a good idea?

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[Mad Manny]

Look, it's very simple: The correct answer is Isuzu.
But the Amarok will suit you wife's needs a lot better.

Are you selling the V9X or hoping to trade it in?

[Panda]

hoping to trade......

[Reenen]

The oil smell is the intercooler leaking. They all do

[Panda]

I replaced the intercooler already. 3000kms ago.
R26k job at Stealers. R10k through Cirrus and local mech

[XJ Junkie]

Would you be able to find an Amarok for R350k well within warranty? Because if Nissan service & spares costs concern you then VWs will give you sleepless nights.

If you’re after a bakkie in that range then it’s best to stick with the more established bakkies that have an actual track record of building them & have ironed out all the flaws.