Page 1 of 1

Is TATA ute's any good?

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:17 am
by Ageo308
Hi guys, im a newbie to the forum and i thought i would ask the experts on this....

I have noticed in 4x4 magazines TATA utes seem to sell fairly cheap.

They look like great value (turbo diesel, heavy duty trays, 4x4 etc...)

But was wondering if any1 has owned 1 and there experiences on it.

Basically i dont need it for hardcore off-road, just use it for hunting and getting it to/from the properties.

Thanks

Adrian

Re: Is TATA ute's any good?

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:18 am
by bogged
Ageo308 wrote:Basically i dont need it for hardcore off-road, just use it for hunting and getting it to/from the properties.
Didnt Ruff have one?
For what you are talkin about they would do fairly well.

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:20 am
by Ageo308
Thanks bogged,

who is Ruff?

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:28 am
by Tiny
the build quality is crap, but for the price they do the job.....still would prefer a secon hand rodeo or lux that a TATA

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:29 am
by bogged
Tiny wrote:the build quality is crap, but for the price they do the job.....still would prefer a secon hand rodeo or lux that a TATA
agree.
Ruff runs this place.

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:37 am
by Tiny
bogged wrote:
Tiny wrote:the build quality is crap, but for the price they do the job.....still would prefer a secon hand rodeo or lux that a TATA
agree.
Ruff runs this place.
gee bruce, and all this time I thought it was you :? :? I would hate to see the quality of a bogged mobile in that case :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :finger:

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:41 am
by Ageo308
Well i can pick up a 98 model TATA 2ltr Turbo Diesel 4x4 with heavy duty tray, bull bar, tow bar, power, a/c etc... 60,000km's

for under $8000

I know the hilux's are built stronger but they are much older with much more wear. The reason im asking is because im looking for a good 4x4 Ute that is mechanically np and the body is fine. Budget is around $8000 mark.

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:53 am
by Tiny
Ageo308 wrote:Well i can pick up a 98 model TATA 2ltr Turbo Diesel 4x4 with heavy duty tray, bull bar, tow bar, power, a/c etc... 60,000km's

for under $8000

I know the hilux's are built stronger but they are much older with much more wear. The reason im asking is because im looking for a good 4x4 Ute that is mechanically np and the body is fine. Budget is around $8000 mark.
I have NFI about the kind of kays you should get out of a tata, but being deisel, you would really expect 250k, there is a write up in a 4wd monthly or 4x4 aus mage a few months ago, scored pretty crap, but that was based on new $$ and perceived bang for buck, and I think with the resale value and the price you would be getting the second hand one it could be a good option. Remember what you are buying it for, if it is a low cost work mule then it will most likely do the job, for any 4wd ability, I dont thin kit woul dbe very impressive, IFS, leaf rear (normal set up) and no real options or aftermarket gear available, it would all have to be custom

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:35 pm
by ausyota
I wouldnt touch them.
One of my Rellys had one and when it was new he raved about how good it was but only a couple of months later he was having heaps of mechanical problems.
IMHO they are pieces of crap. :)

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:56 pm
by DanielS
I dont think I would touch them either,...I friend and his wife I knew in Vic brought one brand new a few years back and after a very short time the thing was crab walking so badly that it nearly used the whole road :!: :!: ...this had only been used as a farm truck to.......

Funny to drive behind though :D :D turned realy well to the right :rofl:

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:23 pm
by bad_religion_au
my boss (landscaping business) had one for a very brief time... all it did was haul a mower, some fuel, a wipper snipper and a bag of grass clippings around all day.

in 60 000k's the chassis cracked, the gearbox sounded worse than my 40's gearbox, the rear diff was replaced several times and the motor shat itself (reason he got rid of it). he ended up buying a 1980 2wd hilux for 500 bucks, and that's still hasn't missed a beat... 4 years on.

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:36 pm
by RaginRover
I would have to say that you might be better off sinking the $8K into something a bit older and a bit more reliable - at the end of the day $8K is $8K - an early LPG range rover like a 1970 - 1985 four speed manual V8 with lpg would cost $5K max for a flash one and you would have money - something that could tow and you could throw all your crap in the back.

I am sure the guys here will find out a suitable nissan or toyota in the price range but to me $8k is a lot to spend on something that has a lot to prove.

Tom

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 7:12 pm
by Cossie
RaginRover wrote: - an early LPG range rover like a 1970 - 1985 four speed manual V8 with lpg would cost $5K max f
Tom
I thought he wanted something more reliable than a TATA? :!:

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 8:13 pm
by RN
Ask a telemarketter next time they ring..."What's a TATA like?" :D

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:46 pm
by RaginRover
Cossie wrote:
RaginRover wrote: - an early LPG range rover like a 1970 - 1985 four speed manual V8 with lpg would cost $5K max f
Tom
I thought he wanted something more reliable than a TATA? :!:
Cute - at least with the rangie you would know that you won't drive around and bend a chassis, do a gbox, motor or other major component. At worst you will be bailed up by the side of the road for 10 mins while you work out the electrical problem that has stopped you.

Neither my 1976 or my 1991 rangie have never been towed home in 5 years of motoring with daily driving and wheeling - no other car I have ever owned can claim that

Tom

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:28 pm
by Ageo308
Thanks heaps guys,

I think i will stick to a later model cruiser (seen a couple under $9000).

thanks again

Adrian