In this latest instalment of our “What To Buy” car-buying advice series, we turn our attention to the popular double-cab bakkie market and pose the question: Should you buy a new GWM P-Series or rather purchase a used bakkie? Let’s take a closer look!
So, you’re in the market for a double-cab bakkie, but you have a critical decision to make: Should you buy a new GWM P-Series (and save thousands of Rands) or buy a used bakkie?
The Case for Buying a New GWM P-Series
GWM P-Series 2.0TD LT 4×4
Price: R653 750 (as of October 2023)
We Like: Value for money, standard features, advanced safety tech, interior design, keen pricing
We Don’t Like: Engine performance is underwhelming
Ever since its arrival in South Africa in 2020, the GWM P-Series has found favour with leisure double-cab bakkie buyers who want “bang for buck”. The P-Series, particularly in LT 4×4 guise, represents excellent value for money with its keen pricing and fully loaded standard specification, which its traditional – and more expensive – rivals struggle to match. More than this, the P-Series’ interior styling and -execution are arguably leaps and bounds better than what’s offered by the now-ageing Toyota Hilux, for example.
Read our review of the GWM P-Series
The P-Series employs a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine with outputs of 120 kW/400 Nm and while those outputs don’t compare favourably with those of its rivals, the P-Series’ performance, if somewhat underwhelming, is still adequate for the bakkie to perform its function as a modern leisure double cab.
Overall, the P-Series is a compelling buying proposition for those seeking a stylish leisure double-cab bakkie, new for less than R660 000.
Buy a used GWM P-Series on Cars.co.za
If you’re not convinced, however, what options are available to you in the used car market for the same money? Here are some alternative used bakkie options to consider!
Note that our search parameters include 4×4 double cab bakkies from 2017 to present with mileages of under 100 000 km.
3 Used Bakkies to Buy Instead of a New GWM P-Series
Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is an SA favourite and there is a wide selection of used examples listed on Cars.co.za. Buyers can choose between Toyota’s 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine with 110 kW and 400 Nm of torque or opt for the more powerful 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine with outputs from 150 kW and 500Nm.
While the Hilux arguably falls short of the P-Series in terms of standard spec and interior execution (this model was launched in 2016, after all), the Toyota makes up for it with its reputation of being one of the most capable 4×4 bakkies that money can buy with the backup of an extensive local dealership network.
At the R500k mark, you are most likely to find 2.4GD-6 units in SRX or Raider trim grade. Most of these have mileages of under 100 000 km and still fall within the 3-year warranty period. If you want a 2.8GD-6 derivative, however, you may have to settle for a pre-2020 example with a mileage of nearly 100 000 km.
The Hilux is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-services/90 000km service plan so if you manage to buy a 2021/22/23 example, you’re likely to inherit the balance of this support. Note that the Hilux holds its value well in the used market, which means you are likely to obtain a favourable selling price when you decide to sell it down the line.
Buy a low-mileage Toyota Hilux on Cars.co.za
Ford Ranger
The new Ford Ranger may hog the limelight, but there are many low-mileage examples of the previous-gen model in the used market. Buyers are spoilt for choice with derivatives such as the Wildtrak, FX4 and Thunder on offer, including Ford’s 2.0-litre single-turbodiesel engine with 132 kW and 420 Nm of torque as well as the firm’s more potent 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine with 157 kW and 500 Nm of torque.
At the R500k price point you can pick up a reasonably low mileage (around 75 00 0km) previous-gen Wildtrak, FX-4 or even Thunder derivative – check out this buyer’s guide to see which is the best buy.
Depending on what you choose to buy, you’re likely to benefit from the balance of Ford’s 4-year/120 000 km warranty. Bear in mind that although a 6-year/90 000 km service plan was standard on the Ranger up to the end of October 2021, service or maintenance plans were optional on the bakkie thereafter. Check whether the previous owner of a prospective purchase specified such a plan and whether it is still valid.
Buy a low-mileage Ford Ranger on Cars.co.za
Volkswagen Amarok V6
The previous-gen Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 still holds appeal with its 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine providing ample pulling power with no less than 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque on offer. The Amarok has long been commended for its SUV-like driving character and on-road comfort. While its cabin feels a little old school by modern standards, there is no doubt about its enviable build quality.
At R500k, there are fewer Amaroks to choose from than Rangers and Hiluxes, but that is to be expected seeing as the VW bakkie’s sales figures paled in comparison to those of the Ford and Toyota. Most of the V6 derivatives listed for sale on Cars.co.za are 2018 and 2019 examples, but notably Highline Plus (full) spec examples – that version was notably a Cars.co.za Consumer Awards category winner.
The previous-generation Amarok was sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan, so you may be able to “inherit” the balance of the warranty and service plan depending on what used Amarok you choose. Having said that, bear in mind that aftermarket warranties and service plans are available and these can be financed when you purchase your used bakkie.
Buy a low-mileage Volkswagen Amarok V6 on Cars.co.za
