In South Africa and globally, bakkies and SUV’s have grown to become a popular choice, not just for big families, but also for those looking to join the 4×4 off-road community.
Vehicle financing and purchasing is a big decision and the last thing anyone wants to do is spend money on something that is not going to benefit all your needs and wants in the long run.
The first thing to look at is your choice of a specific body style. You should also make sure that whichever vehicle option you choose has a ladder-frame or monocoque chassis, ground clearance, suited for off-road, but offers comfortability at the same time.
Bear in mind, SUVs come with top-of-the-range technologies, but sometimes lack the workhorse feel a buyer looks for in a bakkie. You would need to do your research and also think of what the vehicle is needed for and will be needed for. It is also important to compare the costs of different SUVs and bakkies from different manufacturers.
New VS Used
If you cannot afford a brand-new vehicle, sometimes buying a used vehicle is your next best bet. Buying a SUV or bakkie second hand could be a benefit to you as it might have the modifications on it that you needed or had in mind. However, if the price is too good to be true, don’t buy it. A low price is always too good to be true.
Reliability of price is the key! If you are opting to buy a brand new vehicle, this gives you the chance to modify it yourself suited to the bank, and your off-road adventure needs as well.
So, what are the options?
A single cab bakkie is ideal for newlyweds who do not have kids yet as it can be easily modified to a camper and home on wheels. It is ideal for carrying different work loads, however, they don’t offer much interior luxury and driver assistance as it is a base model.
A double cab bakkie offers more space to cart passengers comfortably as well as offers a decent about of load space. It also comes with top-of-the-range technology and a bit more luxury than the base single cab model.
SUVs on the other hand offer comfort and safety, while having up to seven passengers on board. (for some models) They offer remarkable performance when road tripping or en route to a getaway, excel on trails, and accommodate everyday school runs, mated to high-tech engines and transmission combinations, driver assistance, great suspension further adding to comfort, and 4×4 off-road technology.
An SUV is able to carry up to 7 passengers comfortably and safely. They offer outstanding performance on the long road, and have the capability to tackle many 4×4 trails. The engines and transmissions of SUVs are not only reliable, but offer the torque delivery needed similar to that of an automatic transmission bakkie.
What will the vehicle be used for?
- Where do you plan on going
- How many people will be onboard
- How much luggage space will be needed
- What modifications will have to be done
- Will you use the vehicle for trips/adventures or just the typical school run?
Every vehicle can be modified to meet your 4×4 needs and wants. Bigger and tougher brands of tyres enable better ground clearance, and driving through tight trails can be less stressful. Optional extras such as roof racks offer more loading space while freeing up interior space too.
Here are the benefits and problems commonly associated with new and used bakkie choices and purchases – also referred to as pickups:
Benefits
Bakkies are tougher and more reliable vehicles as they can adapt to many uses along with a much greater payload. It can be modified easily with 4×4 accessories to improve its capabilities. They often are sold (new or used) with 18-inch wheels, and better tyres that can not only go on off-road trails, but accommodate everyday driving too.
Problems
The downfall of bakkies are, while a double cab can fit up to five people comfortably, a single or extended cab can only accommodate two passengers legally, not three! Its overhang is longer than an SUV, which could make parking a hassle. A canopy or a loadbin cover that can lock will be needed to keep your luggage safe while on the open road.
Bakkies often do not have much comfort or drive assistance technologies. Of course, in this day and age, fuel efficiency is a big factor and bakkies aren’t always fuel efficient. The engine and gearbox of your choice also play a role here with torque delivery and carrying a load. Automatic transmissions are more popular manual these days.
Here are the benefits and problems commonly associated with new and used SUV choices and purchases:
Benefits
An SUV is able to carry up to 7 passengers comfortably and safely. They are also reliable, capable, and offers outstanding performances. All luggage can be locked inside the vehicle.
Its rear is much shorter, making it easier to park and manoeuvre in traffic. It has less of an overhang, therefore offering a better departure angle, and is capable of most off-road adventures. SUVs come with top-of-the-range technologies standard and more as an optional extra. They also prove to be more fuel efficient than bakkies.
Problems
SUVs are best for carting people around, but not for doing dirty work like a workhorse, and you might have less load capacity. Most SUVs come standard with rims that are not seen as acceptable for off-road and tyres are suited for everyday driving, but little to no protection for off-road.
In the end, the choice is yours, but always do your research first!
