./ 4 WAGON OR UTE - Continued
Maintenance / Running Costs . Both Wagons and Utes in most situations , share the similar mechanical components , though the actual gearing may differ which could be a plus or minus for towing . e . g . The Pajero has a 5 speed auto , Pajero Sport has an 8 Speed Auto and the Triton has a 6 speed auto . As previously mentioned , rear suspension tends to differ between wagons and utes along with tyre size and profile . The cost of servicing and parts should be mostly the same for both wagons and utes . Due to the competitive market , there are excellent standard long warranties offered along with low cost / capped service agreements . Always ensure you read and understand any ' Extended Warranty Agreements ' prior to signing the bottom line . There are some clauses that stipulate the use of genuine parts and specified lubricants . Wagon V Ute registration , insurance and tolls are certainly worth checking out as they differ from state to state . Some tolls are higher for utes as they are classed as commercial vehicles . The positive for both wagon or ute may be tax concessions if used as a company work vehicles .
As far as economy goes , this is dependant on your driving habits , lead foot or glass under the go pedal ! Additionally , weight and accessories such as bull bars and spot lights will happily assist in consuming additional fuel . Sure , the bigger the rig the less towing effort required , but will it be the most economical overall , taking into all other driving aspects over and above towing such as servicing , tyres , insurance etc ? My experience , if driven correctly with a light foot , the modern smaller 3 Ltr capacity diesel will return well under 10L per100km around town . This represents quite a considerable fuel and hip pocket saving compared to the larger 4 + litre capacity wagons and utes . Towing is a different matter . Larger V8 diesels will effortlessly tow 3 + tons compared to the smaller capacity 4 cylinder diesels which will certainly require more effort to drive up hills . But overall , again the smaller capacity diesel towing within their legal requirements will return a favourable economy . Example - The Tritons on test with 2.4ltr 4 cylinder diesel and 6 speed auto , both towing a 3 ton caravan returned an average of 17.6 L per 100k over a 1200km tow test which included various hilly sections .
Summary
I conducted a poor man ' s survey by asking in conversation , why individuals chose either a wagon or ute . The most common replies ...........
Why a ute ?
*“ Comes with the job as a company car and only used for work " *“ Sold the Patrol as I found it too difficult to put items on the roof rack . It is easier to load and off * " Cheaper than a wagon and I can transport my motor bikes in the back - no trailer needed " * " Best touring vehicle with the aluminium back to take all our camping gear and fridge "
Why a Wagon ?
* " More comfortable ride , easier for my wife to drive " * " More secure , can fit the family in with the dog safe at the back " * " Better rear vision than a ute with the canopy " * " Easier to park at the local supermarket and easier to load the shopping into "
As noted at the beginning of this article , and most appropriately at the conclusion , my objective was not to state which is the best option ' Wagon or Ute ', but to document various aspects which will hopefully assist you the reader in making the correct buying decision - A ' Wagon - or a Ute '
Credits
Thank you to Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited for the supply and use of the Triton GLS ( Red ) and Triton GLS Premium ( Blue ), not to forget , the ever faithful Pajero GLS Wagon . Also , thank you to Terry Birch # 860 and Walid Talj # 1686 for kindly providing pickup and return transport and my lovely wife Pam for proof reading .
Ralph Longley Please note : I am not a motoring journalist , my background revolves around the enthusiasm of various aspects of motoring . From the love of owning various sports and classic cars such as a 1979 Morgan Plus 8 and a 1966 Mercedes 230 Finny , to high country and outback four wheel driving . I have been a member of the Pajero 4WD Club of Victoria for over 20 years and involved as a DTU Driver Trainer for the last 10 + years .