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Pick and mix

I am considering trading in my Autotrail Cheyenne motorhome and unused car (2004 Mercedes C270 Estate) and going back to towing a caravan with a new towcar. I don't actually do that many miles per annum and am seriously looking at buying a double cab pickup so that I can use the pickup to take additional payload when towing the caravan, normally down to Spain for 3 months during the winter. I am considering a Toyota Invincible, Nissan Navarra or Isuzu Rodeo. Which one would you recommend? I have read your various reports on the internet but am still undecided which is the best vehicle.

Asked on 9 January 2010 by P.S., Riverston of Keig by Alford

Answered by Honest John
My brother has a Navara. But he tells me they have become troublesome since Nissan started fitting diesel particulate filters. I've got an Isuzu Rodeo iTEQ 2.5 and a Chevrolet Colorado with the same engine, both in Thailand. I reckon the iTEQ 2.5, and its 3.0 litre big brother, are the best pick-up engines. The most pleasant to drive, the most economical and the most reliable (chain cam). But the chassis isn't the best. That honour goes to the Mitsubishi L200 Triton. (Toyota has just upgraded the previously weak 2.5 engines in its HiLux range for 2010.)

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