Time to buy another double cab

[DOUBLECAB]

Ok Guys..............looking at buying another t4 or t5 double cab, but this time a diesel.

So I have noticed there are currently a number for sale on the car sites in the 2003 to 2006 vintage range ......rangeing from Asking $18000 to $28000 with km ranges from 96000ks to 240000ks and with either 2ltr or 2.5ltr engines.

Transmissions range from a T4 syncro to 5 & 6speed T5s and even a T5 6 speed semi auto.

Hoping to avoid going into the $28000 price bracket.

So what should I be looking out for and am I asking for trouble by going into the higher km range?

Oh and has anybody bought a car/van recently and if so are the dealers willing to negotioate any/much/not at all?

Thanks.........................

[Tornado]

Hi, Been there and done that.

There are some out there with $28000 being asked for 2006 - 2008 if you can get one. Car City Ringwood was selling at $20000? for a 2000ish model with low km's (I always question the km's). I would expect the 128kw motor at $28000or< .

The best looking I have recently spotted was NSW dealer at $32000 Black twin cab and 128 kw.

The Van City Coburg (opposite Toyota Dealer) unit I found out was a 2lt 2006 model. I took a double take on the engine bay when I opened the bonnet and thought where the hell is the motor. That's when the salesman advised it was a 2 lt.

Don't get me wrong.... I have nothing against the 2lt or the salesman (he was a straight shooter and I would have no hesitation in going back to him), but they were asking $28000 for the 2 lt and they were will to talk. The salesman spelt that out in no uncertain terms so if it is still advertised and your interested it would be worth the trip to haggle as it has been on the lot for 2 months.

The best deal I noted was back in late May of a 2006 128kw unit being sold by a Auction house privately in Sth Melb. I was sick/dead and missed a possible bargain at $23000.

I noted most units sold after 6 weeks and I needed the larger motor with a manual as I dont trust automatics. I limited my options.

Some were exgov but owned by a road authority having had the motor idling with a flashing light running. My opinion is that a diesel is perfect for the job but I dont want it second hand at 80,000 km over a 500,000 running hours.

Personally I thought I would hang on but with hindsight I am glad I did not. Not many have appeared recently. I assume that most are leased and loved so are turned over with great hesitation towards the end of the financial year.

I had three expensive issues the water pump, windscreen, window tint and awaiting a verdict on possible brake fluid mixed with engine oil.

Buying interstate the roadworthys are not transferrable to Victoria. A hot rodding friend warned me that the yearly roadworthy in NSW allows cars to pass with drivers vision blocked by engine air intakes. The yearly roadworthy is a con, no mattter what the VACC say and push in Victoria. My experience is that the car was roadworthy 30 days earlier and a number of Victorian Roadworthy issues were identified at expense.

I would have prefeerred 2006-2008 with a low mileage but the decision was made based on other options coming with the vehicle.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you find what your after as the dual cabs a good choice for payload.

Cheers