Answer
Dec 10, 2019 - 04:32 PM
Hi there!
OK, let's take your questions one by one, and in order of appearance:
Single cab bakkies are meant to be workhorses, so we'd look at the lower end of the market here. If you plan to use these workhorses as disposable items (depreciate them as tax write-offs over 4/5 years before replacing them), you might as well buy as cheap as possible. GWM bakkies are well-suited to this role: sure, they lose a lot in resale value, but if they cost next to nothing to begin with, the numbers even out in the end. If you're sceptical about Chinese vehicles, we'd point you in the direction of the Isuzu D-Max or a Mahindra Pik Up: proven to run forever with minimal attention, light on fuel, and very durable. Another good alternative is a Fiat Fullback, with its proven Mitsubishi mechanicals and very good value proposition. Of course, the Hilux and Ranger are also viable options, but they are rather more expensive and no more durable than the Isuzu...
For a 22-seater, we'd be inclined to look at a Volkswagen Crafter: the current generation uses Volkswagen's well-proven 2.0 TDI engine, so long-term maintenance won't be too difficult or expensive. Iveco and Mercedes also have good reputations, but historical data shows that they are more expensive to maintain and not particularly fuel-efficient.
Our recommendation for a double cab might surprise you, but we'd be inclined to suggest a Mitsubishi Triton: available with manual- or automatic gearboxes and a choice of 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains, they'll offer all-terrain capability and great fuel efficiency, durable mechanicals, plenty of cabin space and very good value for money. Alternatively, the current Nissan Navara also offers great value for money (especially in a lower trim level), all the space you could want, and class-leading refinement and ride comfort.
Cars: For compact sedans and hatchbacks, you won't go wrong with a Corolla/Quest, or a Polo Vivo/Polo Sedan. Their reputation for good service is well-earned, but if you're feeling adventurous, a Fiat Tipo might also tick your boxes. Heading more upmarket, any of the BMW/Audi/Mercedes executive sedans will do the job just fine, or maybe even a Hyundai Tucson or VW Tiguan (if the car frequently has to travel on poor roads). For the performance-minded (and if the budget allows), an Audi S4 will hit the spot, or even a BMW M340i.
Hope this helps!
The AskAutoTrader Team
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