What used 4x4 dual-cab ute should I buy?

The dilemma

Scott is in the market for a used diesel dual-cab 4x4 ute - a hardy load space and a bit of off-road ability are just what he needs when he goes camping, fishing and dirt biking - but he's not sure what he should be spending his modest budget on. Toyota's HiLux is an obvious possibility but could he do better elsewhere?

The budget

Less than $15,000

The shortlist

The HiLux's pre-eminence isn't undeserved. It's a ute that ticks a lot of boxes and, most crucially for a lot of buyers, can be counted on to stand up to whatever they might throw at it.

But the byproduct of its popularity is higher prices on the used-car lot than many alternatives. And it's certainly not without the odd question mark.

So we wouldn't count the Toyota out, but we'd also recommend checking out rivals in this budget range that do better in some fundamental areas to determine just what we'd be prepared to live with and live without. Here are three to add to the mix.

2006-11 Ford Ranger crew cab 4x4 diesel, from $9900*

This Ford's origins go back further than the 2005-15 HiLux and other dual-cabs it competes with in this price bracket.

It looks a bit old-fashioned and is short on space in the back. Vague steering and a bouncy ride means it's far from the best ute of its era to drive.

But it wins back points with its gutsy, economical 3.0-litre diesel engine and - despite its driving niggles - it's less compromised on the road than many alternatives.

Where HiLuxes in this price range tend to have just twin airbags and ABS in their safety artillery, it allows you to pin down side airbags as well (they're standard on the topline XLT and optional on the base XL).

Its carting and off-road credentials are respectable and it's sharper value on the used-car lot than the Toyota. Get past the average back-seat space and the cabin ticks most boxes, too.

Read Drive's Ford Ranger reviews: 

Road-test comparison: 2007 Dual-cab 4WD utes

2006-16 Mitsubishi Triton double-cab 4x4 diesel, from $10,500*

This Mitsubishi is a more contemporary looker than a Ranger and much roomier in the back.

It has a respectably settled ride, a solid off-road streak and sets a safety benchmark for used utes of this vintage, offering the possibility of side/curtain airbags (from 2008) and stability control (from 2009's MY10 update).

Desirable MY10 models have other attractions, including the availability of a handy extended-tray version and a willing, economical 2.5-litre diesel engine.

Some niggles are confined to pre-MY10 stock. The original 3.2-litre diesel engine was agricultural and the swoopy cabin shape meant a shorter tray than many rivals (hence the addition of the extended-tray version).

But all Tritons of this generation are wobbly and ponderous through the bends, and have shapeless front seats that can be a pain over the long haul.

Read Drive's Mitsubishi Triton reviews:

Used review: Mitsubishi Triton
Quick spin: 2010 Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R 4x4 double cab
Road-test comparison: 2007 Dual-cab 4WD utes
Road-test comparison: 2009 Dual-cab 4WD utes

2005-15 Nissan Navara D40 dual cab 4WD diesel, from $11,300*

This Nissan is more car-like to drive than most dual-cabs of this era and its 2.5-litre diesel engine delivers better-than-average go.

You can fold the back-seat squab up and fit bulky items inside the cabin, so it's more practical than a lot of dual-cabs, too.

It has solid carting and off-road credentials and runs the Triton close for safety, offering the curtain airbags and stability control from 2010's Series 4 update.

But you need a topline ST-X model to access those desirable safety features, and pinning a good one down at this budget could be tough.

Its diesel engine isn't remarkably economical and the back seat, while flexible, isn't that roomy or comfortable. The odd quality niggle isn't unheard of, either.

Read Drive's Nissan Navara reviews: 

Road-test comparison: 2007 Dual-cab 4WD utes
Road-test comparison: 2009 Dual-cab 4WD utes

Drive recommends

The Ranger and Navara have their tempters for sure. In the case of the former it's a great diesel engine and the prospect of great value on the used-car lot. In the case of the latter it's a uniquely flexible cabin and less compromised road manners than many alternatives.

But the Triton gets in big punches with the best safety and best back seat here, plus - for improved MY10-on models especially - a well-roundedness its rivals can't match. It's not perfect but in this realm of the used market it goes closer than most. In our opinion, closer than the Hilux, too.

* 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.