Chosing a cheap bakkie

Sister blog THE Driver Digest was recently asked what bakkie was a good buy if one could not afford an entry level Hilux of some R180 000.

After advising the asker on how to choose an engine for Newton metres to move a heavy load, or kilo-Watts to move light loads fast, we suggested three answers. 

Based on mileage and load, readers can pick the best course of action to find a budget bakkie or van that will meet their business needs.

Rent a bakkie 

For ad hoc jobs, just rent it. Commercial vehicles must earn their keep by carrying a payload, and if your need is to have one for a few days in a month, rent it rather than carry all that wear and tear.

There are many companies let out bakkies in South Africa for less than R400 a day excluding fuel and mileage after the first 200 km. But watch out for fly-by-nights who ALWAYS try to sting the renter

after the deal with damages that suddenly appeared. Avoid this unpleasentness by making a thorough inspection of the car before taking delivery.

For those lucky enough to live in KZN, Key Group have good deals  and excellent service.

Kick tyres at an auction

Tata Xenon Fleetline

When it comes to doing long distances with heavy loads, South Africa has two kinds of bakkie drivers, those in a Hilux — and those in “other bakkies”.

The good news is that even a Hilux can be had for less than R180 000 at reputable auctions this close to financial year-ends.

If the badge is not a problem, budget bakkie seekers will do very well to go kick the tyres of a Tata Xenon Fleetline. Then hang around the dealers’ waiting room for a while. Not all Tata dealers give equal after-sales service, and unsatisfied customers will soon reveal all in the waiting room.

Go lesser-spotted for best prices

Mahindra's Bolero

South Africa offers a slew of lesser-spotted bakkies and vans costing well below the R180 000 budget. They range in size from tiny Chinese to proven Koreans.

These days, the only potential drawback of buying a very affordable bakkie or van is that dealers may be few and far between on long-delivery routes. But for doing business in town, the low price of the lesser-spotted Chinese bakkies make them very attractive for even the most hardened Hilux fan.

The Tata Xenon offers the most Newtons for the least money, but by all accounts, Mahindra, Foton and JMC dealers are trying harder to keep their customers pleased.

Vans make more cents

If the load can easily be stolen, we advise a panel van. For delivering in and around town, the Chinese mini vans are a bit cramped for bigger drivers and will baulk at heavy pay loads, but for light, bulky loads, they offer fantastic value.
The DFSK mini van, going for less than R100 000, runs on an oil rag and has a good record in China.

For longer deliveries, either the Kia 2,7D Workhorse or Hyundai H100 Bakkie have long earned the respect of all fleet managers. Both sell for just over R170 000 and offer a very comfortable seating position.

South Africa's top 15 most affordable bakkies and vans

DFSK single cab mini bakkie R79 990

DFSK mini van R99 990

Foton 1-ton bakkie R122 950

Tata 3L Worker R123 995

Chevrolet Utility Club R124 100

Mahindra Bolero R129 900

Tata Xenon Fleetline R136 995

JMC Boarding R139 880

GWM Workhorse R139 900

Daihatsu Gran Max R139 995

FAW Sirius R150 000

Renault Kangoo Express R169 900

Isuzu KB200 R170 200

Kia Workhorse R171 995

Hyundai H100 Bakkie R173 900

For heavy loads, pick from this list:

Tata Xenon Fleetline 300 Nm

Mahindra Bolero 238 Nm

JMC Boarding 235 Nm

Foton 193 Nm

Tata 3L Worker 180 Nm