Question for those of you who own a ute

We're still a long way away from making the change, but we're really researching DH's next vehicle. He currently drives a van. While it's a wonderful workhorse, it's not practical with kids. The simple task of my car going in for a service means we need to find a babysitter because kids just won't go in his van.

So we want to compare the Toyota Hilux and the Holden Colorado. I think DH has his heart set on the Hilux, but I want him to consider the Holden because it's a lot cheaper. We will be going the diesel option.

Basically, it will tow every single day. A heavy tradesman's trailer. I know the Hilux will do it. Will the colorado? Any pros or cons will be greatly appreciated, specifically on these two vehicles. We've ruled the others out.

TIA

My dad has a dual cab hilux and he loves it. Down side is it's a bugger to put a carseat in! The anchor point is on the floor basically under the seat and it's really hard to maneuvre. You need an extension strap too.

My DH used to have a Holden Rodeo & had no issues with it. It was on diesel and had plenty of room in the back (with a cab/cover) and also in the back seats. I would say the only thing was the back seats were a little uncomfortable (no padding)

My dad has had a Hilux as a work car for years and has just got a new one, he is traveling around australia towing a big caravan at the end of the year so he would vouch for the towing abilities of a Hilux.

we have a hilux, its been the best car weve had.. dual cab sr5.. sr5's are a little bit more expensive but have nicer accessories/finishes! it has plenty of room in the back too.. we have a canopy on it also.. dh tows a tool trailer everyday with no issues!

ive heard the petrol colorado's munch fuel but thats just hear say.. not sure about diesel though??

We have always had Sr5. Just got a new one last year. Great utes. We go to alot of remote places and have towed just about everything with it and never had a problem. We have 2 car seats in it. We only need the extension for rear facing, it was about $35 for the extension.

My brother use to have a colorado but not for long, he said he just did not find in comfortable. I never got in it though so I can't judge.

Thanks everyone. It's the SR5 version that DH wants, he doesn't like the smaller version. The extension straps are fine for us, we had them in the previous car, and we get our seat installed by a pro anyway, so I don't really mind how difficult it is to install because I won't be doing it

I guess we'll get a better trade in if we go to Toyota too, as we'd be trading in the Toyota van (not that it'll be worth much then I'm sure, its a 95 hiace). Thanks again for all your feedback

PRMG I've been driving diesel Hilux's for years. The cops make em do some serious hard yards with a half tonne cage strapped to the back. We've recently looked at them too - but they were too much like work for us.

Dh has a 2006dual cab turbo diesel Hilux and loves it. We have the kids seats in it and will use it to tow once our caravan arrives in a few weeks time. It's a work car, ok comfort wise and more economical than my Subi Impreza. I dont think can go wrong with one, I think their average milage is something like 400,000kms! Not many cars around that can do that these days!