Thread: Triton vs Amarok

Hi everyone.
Looking for pros and cons from previous owners of utes above. Looking at 2011-2015 DC diesel versions.

If a Triton get the 2.4 diesel rather than the earlier 2.5which is known for overheating problems (my 2010 had a couple of factory recalls and runs a 50/50 water/coolant mix).

A necdotal report In the local FWD club a guy has a full top spec FWD model triton and thrashes it off road , he has put lots gear on it like different bumpersv, rear decks some suspension bits , suspension etc which he said thailand was a good source for, he thrashed up the rakaia a while back up to the Reischek hut which involved lots of river crossing etc and it did extremely well, gets it serviced and thrashes it on and off raod and is extremely happy with it, done 60000km so far

We had an older Triton with the 3.2 4m41 from the Pajero, super select gearbox. It was a really
Good truck. Towed the boat heaps, never had an issue then upgraded for the 2021..

Got a 2012 MN Triton 2.5 with 208000+ kms on the clock. Regularly used for 4WD shit and towing a 3.8m/3 trailer of green firewood plus everyday driving. Haven’t had any problems with it, certainly not overheating problems. Happy enough with it and after driving the newer model would consider updating to one, although I do still prefer more engine capacity for low down lugging power. Still not convinced about twin turbo small displacement engines.

Got a 2017 Amarok. Had scince new. Been faultless. Super cheap on fuel. Comfortable and minimal bell and whistles that go ding dong which i hate.
Not used for series offroad. Would need a snorkle for river crossings

If my memory serves me correctly @Barefoot might have an opinion about the Amarok.

You had to bring it up didn't you Rushy.
I have mixed feelings on the Amarok I had from new. put 130K on it in the 3 and a bit years I had it, but drove both manual and auto during the same period.
Positives - lots of space inside and comfortable without being flashy, you can put a heap of stuff in the tray. It was a manual so it had a real low range , the autos don't.
Negatives - The clutch setup was such that you needed some revs in it or it would stall. You will say well you got used to it, yes I did - I got used to stalling even 3 years later . . . For me the autos never seemed to be in the right gear once the road got windy. I hated the offroad traction control it got me stuck more than other system before or after, and it never completely turns off no matter how many buttons you push. Mechanical issues - only electronics. The fuel pump at the tank end decided to develop an intermitant fault. You would stop somewhere and a few minutes later the wagon would not start. leave it for 1/2hr or more and it was fine. Took to 2 dealers before the worked it out and that was only because some poor bastard in Aussie was having the same problem. Electronic door locks started failing at 120k not just one but both front ones. Not something that would even cross your mind in even in a 15yr old jap import.
Did it get used hard - yes , up and down the North Island, offroad and used to open up old tracks.
I will admit I did look at buying another one to replace it but the dealers wanted almost twice what I paid for the first one at the time. I still look at secondhand ones and wonder, then I get over it.

Tritons of similar age just feel like a tin can in comparison and smaller. I do love the super select 4wd system though.

Oh and if you buy one for gods sake fit a real reversing light to it, the single standard one is designed for downtown stuttgart and throws enough light to find the bumper. I fitted a worklight to the the reversing circuit within 3 weeks.

I’ve got a 2016 Amarok had since new only problem I’ve had is with the egr which was replaced under warranty, I’d like a v6 but the price is taking the piss

Originally Posted by Barefoot

You had to bring it up didn't you Rushy.
I have mixed feelings on the Amarok I had from new. put 130K on it in the 3 and a bit years I had it, but drove both manual and auto during the same period.
Positives - lots of space inside and comfortable without being flashy, you can put a heap of stuff in the tray. It was a manual so it had a real low range , the autos don't.
Negatives - The clutch setup was such that you needed some revs in it or it would stall. You will say well you got used to it, yes I did - I got used to stalling even 3 years later . . . For me the autos never seemed to be in the right gear once the road got windy. I hated the offroad traction control it got me stuck more than other system before or after, and it never completely turns off no matter how many buttons you push. Mechanical issues - only electronics. The fuel pump at the tank end decided to develop an intermitant fault. You would stop somewhere and a few minutes later the wagon would not start. leave it for 1/2hr or more and it was fine. Took to 2 dealers before the worked it out and that was only because some poor bastard in Aussie was having the same problem. Electronic door locks started failing at 120k not just one but both front ones. Not something that would even cross your mind in even in a 15yr old jap import.
Did it get used hard - yes , up and down the North Island, offroad and used to open up old tracks.
I will admit I did look at buying another one to replace it but the dealers wanted almost twice what I paid for the first one at the time. I still look at secondhand ones and wonder, then I get over it.

Tritons of similar age just feel like a tin can in comparison and smaller. I do love the super select 4wd system though.

Yeah. I liked the space in the Amarok, also the reasonably efficient engine. Most of the stuff I cart around isn't heavy but bulky as, so feel like a waste to run a 3-3.2L engine. Have you done much towing with the manual?

honestly the 3.0 dmax uses less fuel than the 2.5 triton and is far more comfortable
and its manual!!!

Originally Posted by Boar Freak

Yeah. I liked the space in the Amarok, also the reasonably efficient engine. Most of the stuff I cart around isn't heavy but bulky as, so feel like a waste to run a 3-3.2L engine. Have you done much towing with the manual?

I did mild towing up to 1.5T. The 2lt engine was all right just make sure those turbos are turning, but you noticed it in the fuel consumption. Have a friend who happily dragged his 6m boat around with his one (he never had any issues with his wagon either).

Originally Posted by tibo

We had an older Triton with the 3.2 4m41 from the Pajero, super select gearbox. It was a really
Good truck. Towed the boat heaps, never had an issue then upgraded for the 2021..

Yep I run one of those 3.2 4M41. Had it re-mapped Goes great. Not as smooth or quiet or economical as the later ones, but totally reliable with tonnes of torque. Has factory rear diff locker & super select. Also suspension upgrade + Maxxis ATs, does everything I want. Great on & off road. With short deck it has excellent departure angle. I llike that it's more compact than most others. A real keeper!

I have a VW 2017 3ltr from 75k to 200k. had big 275/55/20 tires. (could not afford the cooper 285/50/20 it came on.)
Really loved it, water pump at 160k. Did the EGR delete at 90k.
Just be awear, the rocker covers will start to leak oil ($1100) at some stage and this can affect the cam chain sensor.
If you start getting cam chain timing errors they recommend a new chain $3-4k.
Also Trans flush every 100K at $800.
The big down side of the VW is if you want serious off roading it does not have diff locks.

Work mate has a 5 year old Trition and it's just been in for major. Mitz came in for 50% but the cab chassis mounts had rusted through.
It's only low milage and mostly live in a farm shed as he uses his work van all the time.

The VW will be a much nicer drive than the Mitz in both 2 or 3 ltr.
Also Note the VW had an option of heavy duty rear springs & axle. This reduces max trailer weight.
My impression is that the genuine VW engines and 8 speed auto gear box are well sorted and reliable.

Z