I currently have a Hyundai Creta but want to replace it with a pickup truck.
BHPian corneliu recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Hi everyone!
I am looking to buy a manual 4×4 Japanese pickup truck and convert it into an overlander + dedicated offroader within the next 3-4 months. The reason why I am focused on a pickup truck is that I have adopted 3 stray dogs and also do a lot of long-distance driving with a decent amount of luggage, and it was a nightmare managing them in the Creta that I currently have (unlike pedigrees, strays are very difficult to manage in confined spaces, so the rear section of a pickup truck gives them more freedom + easier to clean up the mess they tend to make).
Hence, I have only two options: The Isuzu Dmax V-Cross and the upcoming Toyota Hilux.
Isuzu V-Cross
The new 2021 BS6 V-Cross is completely ruled out since it is a very poor value proposition (lack of offroading features for the exorbitant price). So I feel it would make more sense to buy a second hand older generation BS4 V-Cross and invest money in making the necessary aftermarket mods to convert it into an overlander/offroader.
Pros
- Much cheaper option; the car can cost anywhere between Rs 12-15 lakhs and the mods will be in the range of around Rs 6-7 lakhs.
- Car will be out of warranty, so a necessary engine remap can be done to handle the weight of the extra mods.
- Car will be available immediately; no waiting.
- Aftermarket mods market for ISUZU is also pretty well developed in India
Cons
- Risks of buying a 2nd hand car in India; an enormous amount of due diligence is required.
- Wafer thin ISUZU service network; spare parts availability issues.
- Older car will obviously not have as much comfort / punch as a new car.
Toyota Hilux
Had the Hilux already been easily available I wouldn’t have thought twice about it?
Pros
- It’s THE Hilux!
- Wide Toyota service/dealer network.
- Better offroading specs (LSD, diff lock, wading depth, power etc.)
Cons
- Not sure if the car will even be launched in India finally; even if launched potential for a very long wait time.
- Aftermarket mods will take time to start coming in.
- Much costlier proposition; albeit value for money.
- I’m not very comfortable having a BS6 car that is heavily electronics dependant.
I would be very grateful if the experienced members of this forum could help guide me with their take on what course of action I should consider.
Also if you do feel that the 2nd hand Isuzu option is worth pursuing, I would be extremely grateful for any leads for trusted sellers + guidance on additional checks (over and above the excellent checklist given on this forum) to do specifically for a second hand ISUZU. I am based out of Goa but have bases in Hyderabad, Bangalore & Delhi NCR.
Thank you in advance!
Here’s what GTO had to say on the matter:
Since you have the budget for the Hilux, would suggest waiting. It’ll come soon.
Wondering why not a pre-owned Fortuner, Alturas G4 or Endeavour. You could alter the rear and give it a hard durable floor that is dog-friendly & easy to clean. If 4×4 isn’t a must-have, the Innova Crysta would also be a heck of a buy, especially if you get the 2.8L AT in the used market.
Keyword: Toyota Hilux or used Isuzu V-Cross: Plan to convert it to an overlander