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Pre-owned Ute Shopping Guide
Thinking About a Pre Owned Ute Here Is What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Shopping for a pre owned ute is one of the smartest ways to get into a capable workhorse or adventure ready vehicle without paying brand new prices. But with so many utes on the market, and so many of them used for hard work, it pays to know what you are looking at before you commit.
Below is a breakdown of what to check, followed by a clear comparison of the four biggest names in the pre owned ute world: Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara.
What to Look For in a Pre Owned Ute
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Overall condition | Dents, rust, worn suspension and tub damage can reveal a hard working past. |
| Service history | Modern diesels rely on proper servicing. Missing intervals can lead to expensive repairs. |
| Underbody condition | Heavy off road use or beach driving can cause corrosion or chassis wear. |
| Accessories already fitted | Bullbars, towbars, canopies and racks can add thousands of dollars in value. |
| Towing and load history | Utes that have towed heavy loads constantly may show extra wear. |
A pre owned ute that has been cared for will feel tight, drive smoothly and show consistent servicing. One that has lived a rough life will tell you the moment you look underneath.
Toyota Hilux - The Benchmark
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | Known as the most durable ute on the market. Engines and drivetrains last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres. | Very few drawbacks here. Reliability is its strongest trait. |
| Resale value | Holds value better than any other ute in Australia. | Higher purchase price in the used market. |
| Work capability | Tough, dependable and proven in harsh conditions. | Ride can feel firmer compared to Ranger. |
| Ownership confidence | Strong dealer support and parts availability. | Premium pricing reflects its reputation. |
Why it stands out: The Hilux is the ute everyone else is measured against. If you want long term reliability and a vehicle that simply does not quit, the Hilux is the clear leader.
Ford Ranger - The Modern Performer
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort and refinement | Feels more like an SUV on the road. Smooth steering and modern cabin. | More electronics means more potential for expensive repairs if neglected. |
| Performance | Strong towing ability and powerful engines. | Higher servicing costs compared to Triton and Navara. |
| Technology | Excellent infotainment and safety features. | Must have a complete service history to avoid issues. |
| Used market demand | Very popular, lots of choice. | Prices can be high due to demand. |
Why people choose it: The Ranger blends work capability with everyday comfort better than most utes. It is the choice for drivers who want modern features and a smoother ride.
Mitsubishi Triton - The Value Champion
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Affordability | Often the best priced ute in the used market. | Lower towing capacity than Hilux and Ranger. |
| Running costs | Cheap to service and maintain. | Less power compared to competitors. |
| Comfort | Good for daily driving and light work. | Not the first choice for heavy towing or serious off road touring. |
| Value for money | You can often buy a newer Triton for the same price as an older Hilux. | Resale value is lower. |
Why people choose it: The Triton is perfect for buyers who want a dependable ute without stretching the budget.
Nissan Navara - The Comfortable Cruiser
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ride comfort | Coil spring rear suspension gives a smoother ride. | Some older models had mixed feedback on towing stability. |
| Interior feel | Quiet and refined, great for families. | Needs proper servicing to avoid drivetrain issues. |
| Value | Often well priced with plenty of features. | Not as tough as Hilux for long term heavy work. |
| Everyday use | Easy to drive and live with. | Off road capability varies by model. |
Why people choose it: The Navara suits drivers who want a ute that feels comfortable and refined without losing practicality.
Which Ute Should You Choose>
| If You Want | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Unmatched reliability and resale value | Toyota Hilux |
| Modern comfort and performance | Ford Ranger |
| Best value for money | Mitsubishi Triton |
| Smoothest ride and family friendly feel | Nissan Navara |
The Hilux stands out as the most dependable long term choice, especially for buyers who want a ute that will hold its value and keep performing year after year. The Ranger is the pick for comfort and modern features, while the Triton and Navara offer excellent value depending on your needs.
Check Our Pre Owned Stock
One of the biggest advantages of buying pre owned is that many utes already come fitted with thousands of dollars worth of accessories. Bullbars, towbars, canopies, roof racks and lightbars often stay with the vehicle when traded in, meaning you get a fully equipped setup without paying extra for each accessory.
If you are ready to start your search, take a look at our pre owned range.
You might find the perfect ute already fitted with everything you need for work, towing or adventure.
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