The Ultimate Ute For The Ultimate Tradie | The Isuzu D-Max

Choosing the right vehicle as a Tradesman is crucial. Your Ute enables you to store, carry and travel with all the necessary tools and materials to each job site no matter where the location. It will also be one of your most significant purchases. This article lists the features a trades person should look for in a work Ute and identifies the ultimate Ute, which in our opinion is the Isuzu D-Max. The finance options available for both wage earners and those that are self-employed are also explored.

Features of an Ultimate Ute

Before deciding on a work Ute, you need to identify the features that will suit your specific situation.

1. Passenger Capacity

When choosing the style of Ute, you will need to consider seating capacity. This is dependent on a few factors. A single cab offers two seats but with this reduced seating the usable storage space is increased. On the other hand, a dual cab offers 5 seats creating the ability to carry the family, friends and work mates when required. With this comes a reduced storage capacity in the rear, however the dual cab has the ability to fit a larger roof rack.

2. Cargo and Towing Capacity

One of the most essential aspects of any Ute is its cargo storage and towing capacity. Each Ute has different sized Ute beds, and you will need to measure up what loads you need to take to see which fits your requirements best. Another key aspect to look for is tie down points or check for integrated hook placement within the Ute bed.

Accessories such as canopies, ladder racks, jerry can holders and tow bars can increase the usability of the vehicle. If you want to modify and / or add accessories to your vehicle it is important to investigate the aftermarket options. If you do finance the vehicle, these accessories can be included in your finance amount. This allows you to get the right vehicle spec right now!

If you need to tow, check that the towing capacity and GVM meets your needs. GVM stands for Gross Vehicle Mass. The GVM cannot be exceeded due to both safety and insurance requirements.

3. Off-Road Use and Capability

If it’s to and from site on muddy dirt roads or a weekend on the beach or in the bush, 4WD ability is a must. You will need a vehicle that has ample ground clearance and is well equipped to handle rugged terrain, muddy tracks, and soft beach sand driving.

4. Safety

Safety is paramount. Whether its everyday driving, towing, or off-roading you will want to look for a vehicle that has a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating. The implementation of technology in modern vehicles can aid in road safety. This includes lane support systems, emergency braking, dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot warnings, hill decent and more. These might seem like gimmicks to some, but they save lives every day.

5. Comfort

As tradies spend a significant portion of their day driving to and from work sites, comfort shouldn’t be overlooked. Make sure all passengers have ample room, especially if you are looking at purchasing a dual cab. The creature comforts of air conditioning and electric windows mostly come as standard inclusions. Other options such as heated seats can make those long cold drives much more comfortable and pleasant.

6. Durability and Reliability

Your work vehicle is going to used (and abused?) on a daily basis. At the end of hard day’s work, you want to throw the toolbox in the tray and jump in your Ute, dirty boots and all. Make sure the interior is not only comfortable but made from durable materials. It is also wise to buy a known brand that has a good reputation. You certainly don’t want your Ute in and out of the mechanics, losing your both valuable time and money.

7. Value for Money

Make sure you can afford the Ute, whether you are buying using Finance or purchasing outright. It is also worth considering the extra costs that come along with owning a vehicle. Fuel prices are at record highs and both vehicle maintenance and insurance can be expensive.

Finance Options for the Ultimate Ute

Depending on how you earn your income determines the type of car loan that will suit you. Remember that any accessories you may want to add to the vehicle can be included in the finance amount.

PAYG tradie

The most cost-effective loan type for a wage earner is a secured car loan.  This type of loan uses the car as security and is paid off via regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments.  Proof of income is in the form of 2 recent pay slips and the loan term can range from 1 to 7 years.  The interest rate is fixed, and repayments remain the same over the life of the loan making it easy to budget for. Direct debit repayments can be organized to occur just after pay day to avoid any possibility of a missed or late payment, which protects your credit file.

Self-employed tradie

Low doc car loans are a popular choice for those who are self-employed.  Up-to-date finances are not required, and proof of income may be in the form of bank statements, BAS and/or an accountant’s letter. Repayments are made monthly via direct debit and can include a balloon payment. By including a balloon payment in the loan, you can effectively reduce the monthly repayments. At the end of the loan term, you can either pay the lump sum balloon amount or refinance it. 

What makes the 2022 Isuzu D-Max the Ultimate Ute?

If you want the ultimate Ute don’t look past the 2022 Isuzu D-Max. At its heart is the simple but super reliable and powerful 3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine putting out 140kW and 450Nm of torque which can be paired with either a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. This will get the job done easily whether its towing (3.5T+ Towing Capacity) or carrying loads (1.4T+ Payload Capacity). Even better the purchase price won’t break the bank, and neither will the diesel bill with its amazing fuel economy of 7.7L per 100km.

The D-max is both spacious and luxurious, but don’t be mistaken, it is made to be used and abused while never missing a beat. Everything, both inside and out, is built tough and made from high-quality materials which feel great. It is jam packed with a seemingly never-ending list of features and technology. This vehicle also has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating surpassing numerous other Utes on the market.

The aftermarket support is incredible for the all-new D-Max. This is due to the BT-50 sharing the same internal components. From tires, bull bars, snorkels, lift kits and more this Ute can be made to take on the world and anything you throw at it.

With all these features, what more could you ask for. It can be a weekend warrior tearing up the road and tracks and during the week turning heads at the work sites and out on the road. This Ute comes in a single cab, space cab and crew cab chassis catering to all needs. Although it’s not the biggest vehicle or the most powerful it’s the perfect combination of comfort, style, power, size and affordability making it undoubtably the 2022 Ultimate Ute for Tradies.