Used Ute buying guide

Utes are known for their rugged looks and outback adventurer style, but they’re also widely popular for being a well-rounded daily driver and family car too. Thanks to their durability and practicality, plenty of Aussies love their utes for work and play. Some of the most popular utes in Australia include the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Holden Colorado, all of which are great options as used utes.

How to choose the right used ute

From used Toyotas to used Isuzus, there’s a lot of choice when it comes to buying a used ute. Brands are consistently making updates to their vehicles, and the whole world of variants across each model range offer a lot of options. Here’s a breakdown of what you should consider.

Seating

Choosing between a single, dual, or super cab mostly depends on how many passengers you need to carry. Single cab utes have one row of seats for usually only two passengers, while dual cabs have two rows that will fit up to five. Dual cabs will suit you if you’re transporting your crew to and from jobs or you’re planning to use your ute as a family car. There’s plenty of space for everyone and can fit all the gear you need. If you’re mainly using your ute for hauling cargo, single cab utes are better optimised for weight distribution and load placement.

Cargo and towing

The size of different load beds across different ute models may change, so make sure you’re getting the right one with enough space and payload capacity that does the job. You may also want to consider used utes with cargo hooks or nets that can come in handy with securing your tools and gear.

Most utes will tow almost anything from jet skis, camping trailers, to boats, but be sure to check whether the ute’s towing capacity is actually sufficient for what you’re towing. Trailer sway control is featured on many utes like the Mazda BT-50 or Mitsubishi Triton, which stabilises and minimises trailer sway by applying brake and engine force.

4WD

If you’re travelling to off-road work sites or taking the family out camping, you’ve got a lot of 4WD options to choose from. Many utes such as the used Isuzu D-Max or used Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series have off-road specific models within their range, designed to conquer rough terrain with ease. You’ll find equipment like recovery points, leaf spring rear suspension, all weather interior features, snorkels, rear differential locking, and downhill assist control.

Comfort and convenience

Utes certainly look the part for hard work and all-terrain travel, but they’re also well-equipped for the comfort and convenience of drivers and passengers. It’s no surprise there either, as comfort can be much appreciated on long drives or road trips. You’ll find convenience features like climate control, keyless entry and start, side steps, and satellite navigation. Premium comfort like heated seats, leather-wrapped gear lever and steering wheel, or leather seat trim are usually found on utes higher up on the range.

Safety features

The safety features equipped on utes today just show how well-rounded they are. Advanced safety tech combined with great ride height and a reinforced build gives you confidence and support on any road condition. There’s plenty of active safety tech like blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, hill start assist, auto high beams, and dynamic stability control. With all the utes with 5-star ANCAP ratings in the market today, it’s easy to find a used ute that will give you that peace of mind to travel safely.

Why choose a used ute?

With the long wait times for new cars and affordability of used cars, many buyers are turning to buying a used ute as a budget-friendly and more accessible choice. Utes also come with a proven track record and reputation for reliability and practicality for all kinds of drivers, and used utes also deliver on that. You’ll also be able to check out used utes with the upgrades or modifications you need, such as tow bars, snorkels, canopies and more. It’s a smart way to buy a practical ute that works for you, whether you’re buying a used ute for your family or for driving to work sites.

Ready to explore our range? Start a search to buy or finance a used ute, and speak with our customer service team for more information about the Carma process or car financing.