Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => Isaan Motor Forum => Topic started by: Rolando on August 21, 2014, 10:38:10 PM

Title: I need your experience...
Post by: Rolando on August 21, 2014, 10:38:10 PM
Hello friends. Again I have to make a decision. I like diesel very much and do not loose space for a tank when using gas. now the price difference between the Chevrolet Cruze and the Captiva (light SUV) well equiped is only 52 kb. The way to our house is very good and I don`t need an SUV for this. But we plan to travel a lot across all Thailand and also the neighbour countries. I have heard that most streets are in good condition and do not ask for a special car. You know the country much better than me. What would be your decision? Have you other ideas? Thanks for your help.
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: Freddy on August 22, 2014, 03:58:25 AM
Hi,
I dont move permanently to Thailand until next month so responses from others may be more valid. However, to date I have done quite a lot of driving between Bangkok and Buriram and also a couple of trips up to Chiang Mai. From a personal perspective, I would not be without a truck and will be purchasing one within a coupe of days of my arrival. I was over last September and October and there were quite a few areas where had I been in a car, I would have had to make some lengthy diversions due to water across the roads.
Indeed, many of the main routes have good 2/3 lane carriageways but often between those are miles of single lane roads where conditions are not as good. Many potholes that would have damaged a car but not a truck and no lighting to spot them early.  Also, and a very personal opinion, some of the driving in Thailand is appalling, possibly the worst I have seen anywhere I have visited in the world. I like the compfort of having a larger vehicle which I hope may offer a little more protection should I be unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident.
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: urleft on August 22, 2014, 08:16:36 AM
If you are going with a single vehicle my recommendation would be the SUV.   The higher ground clearance comes in handy during heavy rains, road repairs (happens more than you think), and having to use dirt roads.  The extra carrying space also comes in handy. 

However, for in town, have a small car is much easier for parking and narrow streets.   


Not sure what your plans are, but if you open a business, a PU Truck almost becomes a necessity. 

Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: gotlost on August 22, 2014, 08:40:00 AM
If you are going with a single vehicle my recommendation would be the SUV.   The higher ground clearance comes in handy during heavy rains, road repairs (happens more than you think), and having to use dirt roads.  The extra carrying space also comes in handy. 

However, for in town, have a small car is much easier for parking and narrow streets.   


Not sure what your plans are, but if you open a business, a PU Truck almost becomes a necessity.





"Not sure what your plans are, but if you open a business, a PU Truck almost becomes a necessity. "

AND for carrying the wifes family. :D
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: CO-CO on August 22, 2014, 09:48:34 AM
I can't imagine being without a pick up truck now.
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: mahdam on August 22, 2014, 12:37:26 PM
I bought a 4 door pick up, and wouldn't be without it, you have the best of both worlds.
As mentioned above, the condition of some of the minor roads are very poor, and no better in neighbouring countries.
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: davu on August 22, 2014, 04:46:23 PM
We have a small (old) truck plus the (cheap but new) family car, this was the solution that I came up with. I am driving down to Bangkok/Pattaya most weeks, Chiang Mai 4/5 times a year, never felt the need for a SUV apart from the security question of course.
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: urleft on August 22, 2014, 09:28:52 PM
The PU is by far the vehicle of choice around here.  I have a 4 door PU, when I travel, that is what I take. 


So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well. 

Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: Nobby on August 22, 2014, 09:35:31 PM
So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well.

and the family and the village.
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: CO-CO on August 22, 2014, 10:10:25 PM
The PU is by far the vehicle of choice around here.  I have a 4 door PU, when I travel, that is what I take. 


So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well.

I would consider a 2 door, or better still the 2+2 with 'suicide doors'. Less likely to get so many requests from the extended family  :)
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: Nobby on August 23, 2014, 07:33:07 AM
The PU is by far the vehicle of choice around here.  I have a 4 door PU, when I travel, that is what I take. 


So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well.

I would consider a 2 door, or better still the 2+2 with 'suicide doors'. Less likely to get so many requests from the extended family  :)

Agreed, plus the added bonus of a good saving in annual road tax.
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: gotlost on August 23, 2014, 08:27:36 AM
Don't forget all the extra contraband from the border market you can haul. whistle redman
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: CO-CO on August 23, 2014, 10:38:01 AM
Don't forget all the extra contraband from the border market you can haul. whistle redman


TWAT!
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: gotlost on August 23, 2014, 11:06:45 AM
Don't forget all the extra contraband from the border market you can haul. whistle redman


TWAT!

 :D
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: urleft on August 23, 2014, 11:26:30 AM
The PU is by far the vehicle of choice around here.  I have a 4 door PU, when I travel, that is what I take. 


So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well.

I would consider a 2 door, or better still the 2+2 with 'suicide doors'. Less likely to get so many requests from the extended family  :)

Agreed, plus the added bonus of a good saving in annual road tax.


As a matter of perspective, I pay right at 5000 baht in yearly taxes for the 4 door.
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: Freddy on August 23, 2014, 01:40:55 PM
A little off original topic but still on subject of pick-ups ....the new Nissan Nivara NP300 was released in June. Are there many on the road yet? How do they look? Any feedback. Looking on line I'm being tempted away from a Hilux. Price is good, got more kit and no release date for new hilux as yet!
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: dundeemk6 on August 23, 2014, 02:46:18 PM
Old or new, the hilux is the best !!!
Title: Re: I need your experience...
Post by: Rolando on August 23, 2014, 05:09:19 PM
Thank you very much for your replies. There were a lot of good arguments to prefer the SUV. As I donĀ“t work, it will be a private car. See you in Buriram  wave1