What used ute should I buy?

The dilemma

Michael is ready to make the move from his 1997 Ford Falcon wagon. He's thinking a ute might be the best option this time because transporting bulky items is on his agenda but isn't sure what he should be aiming at in his budget range.

The budget

About $25,000

The shortlist

The big questions here are whether Michael needs a back seat and is looking for some degree of off-road ability.

If he needs neither then the most obvious choice would be one of our two home-grown, car-based utes. Both will be able to deal with his carrying needs and drive much like the sedans they're based on, and both are good value in this price range.

If he does need something more roomy, more rough and ready, however, then our third contender would be a great place to start.

2011-14 Ford FG MkII Falcon utility, from $13,300*

This Ford allows Michael to pin down a sweet spot between carrying ability and other considerations.

Mainstream models had a 750kg payload that could be optioned up to a full tonne. XR models emphasised handling with their sports suspension but could still handle 500kg.

There's plenty of underbonnet choice, from a gutsy petrol six, an LPG-powered version of the same engine and, on XR8 models, a petrol V8.

The Falcon ute's cabin delivers the same roomy, comfortable front-seat environment as its sedan siblings. Head-protecting curtain airbags and stability control mean its safety is up to scratch, and it's covered by Ford's lifetime fixed-price servicing regime.

But its leaf-sprung live rear axle isn't as well-behaved on poor surfaces as the sedan's independent equivalent, even if it drives much better than your average load-lugger.

Read Drive's Ford Falcon reviews:

First drive: Ford FG Falcon ute
Quick spin: Ford Falcon R6 E-Gas ute

2013-on Holden VF Ute, from $20,000*

This Holden stays closer to its passenger-car roots than the Falcon with its independent rear suspension, which delivers more car-like ride and handling.

Its cabin is more contemporary to look at and it has technology its rival doesn't, including an automated parking system and safety features like blindspot monitors.

So long as Michael doesn't need a monster payload, it's no less adept at the carrying game. The petrol V6 that underpins the range delivers the same kind of strong, relaxed performance as six-pot Falcons.

But a maximum payload is 700kg means it's not quite as well-suited to heavy loads. If Michael wants an LPG version he'll need to step back to its VE predecessor. Same goes if he wants a V8-powered SS because tidy, low-km examples are a tough task at this budget.

While covered by a lifetime fixed-price servicing program it needs nine-monthly/15,000km attention versus the Ford's yearly/15,000km deal.

Read Drive's Holden Ute reviews:

Carpool: Holden Ute
First drive: Holden SV6 Ute

2009-15 Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 double cab diesel utility, from $15,400*

This Mitsubishi is the only ute here with a back seat and the ability to tackle challenging off-tarmac conditions.

Its diesel engine delivers a good mix of low-rev muscle and economy, and it's covered by a five-year warranty (versus three for its rivals).

Stability control and curtain airbags were part of its artillery ? a key reason for these MY10-on models getting the gig here over rival 4x4 dual-cabs.

Value is another tempter ? where some 4x4 dual-cabs are a tough ask at this budget, Michael can pretty much have his pick of the range.

But the Triton's dual-cab body means a shorter tray than its two-seat rivals, so longer objects aren't quite so easily accommodated.

It's a much more ponderous and wobbly thing to drive than its car-based rivals, and has inferior ride and cabin comfort. Its diesel engine has a somewhat agricultural character, too.

Read Drive's Mitsubishi Triton reviews:

Quick spin: Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R 4x4 double cab
Road-test comparison: Dual-cab 4WD ute

Drive recommends

The Mitsubishi's back seat and off-road potential are compelling advantages here. If Michael finds he needs these assets it's the natural choice but in the absence of any such directive its disadvantages keep it to third place here.

The Holden is this group's most sophisticated, sweetest driving contender and a great pick if Michael needs the versatility of a tray but won't be pushing things too far on a payload front.

The Falcon, though, offers more load-carrying flexibility, which could well come in handy, and more drivetrain choice as well. That, and the fact it runs its rival close in most key departments, gets it to the line a short nose in front.

* Values are estimates provided by Redbook based on an example averaging up to 20,000km per annum and in a well-maintained condition relevant to its age.