I need your experience...

[Rolando]

Hello friends. Again I have to make a decision. I like diesel very much and do not loose space for a tank when using gas. now the price difference between the Chevrolet Cruze and the Captiva (light SUV) well equiped is only 52 kb. The way to our house is very good and I don`t need an SUV for this. But we plan to travel a lot across all Thailand and also the neighbour countries. I have heard that most streets are in good condition and do not ask for a special car. You know the country much better than me. What would be your decision? Have you other ideas? Thanks for your help.

[Freddy]

Hi,
I dont move permanently to Thailand until next month so responses from others may be more valid. However, to date I have done quite a lot of driving between Bangkok and Buriram and also a couple of trips up to Chiang Mai. From a personal perspective, I would not be without a truck and will be purchasing one within a coupe of days of my arrival. I was over last September and October and there were quite a few areas where had I been in a car, I would have had to make some lengthy diversions due to water across the roads.
Indeed, many of the main routes have good 2/3 lane carriageways but often between those are miles of single lane roads where conditions are not as good. Many potholes that would have damaged a car but not a truck and no lighting to spot them early.  Also, and a very personal opinion, some of the driving in Thailand is appalling, possibly the worst I have seen anywhere I have visited in the world. I like the compfort of having a larger vehicle which I hope may offer a little more protection should I be unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident.

[urleft]

If you are going with a single vehicle my recommendation would be the SUV.   The higher ground clearance comes in handy during heavy rains, road repairs (happens more than you think), and having to use dirt roads.  The extra carrying space also comes in handy. 

However, for in town, have a small car is much easier for parking and narrow streets.   


Not sure what your plans are, but if you open a business, a PU Truck almost becomes a necessity. 

[gotlost]

If you are going with a single vehicle my recommendation would be the SUV.   The higher ground clearance comes in handy during heavy rains, road repairs (happens more than you think), and having to use dirt roads.  The extra carrying space also comes in handy. 

However, for in town, have a small car is much easier for parking and narrow streets.   


Not sure what your plans are, but if you open a business, a PU Truck almost becomes a necessity.

"Not sure what your plans are, but if you open a business, a PU Truck almost becomes a necessity. "

AND for carrying the wifes family.

[CO-CO]

I can't imagine being without a pick up truck now.

[mahdam]

I bought a 4 door pick up, and wouldn't be without it, you have the best of both worlds.
As mentioned above, the condition of some of the minor roads are very poor, and no better in neighbouring countries.

[davu]

We have a small (old) truck plus the (cheap but new) family car, this was the solution that I came up with. I am driving down to Bangkok/Pattaya most weeks, Chiang Mai 4/5 times a year, never felt the need for a SUV apart from the security question of course.

[urleft]

The PU is by far the vehicle of choice around here.  I have a 4 door PU, when I travel, that is what I take. 


So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well. 

[Nobby]

So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well.

and the family and the village.

[CO-CO]

The PU is by far the vehicle of choice around here.  I have a 4 door PU, when I travel, that is what I take. 


So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well.

I would consider a 2 door, or better still the 2+2 with 'suicide doors'. Less likely to get so many requests from the extended family 

[Nobby]

The PU is by far the vehicle of choice around here.  I have a 4 door PU, when I travel, that is what I take. 


So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well.

I would consider a 2 door, or better still the 2+2 with 'suicide doors'. Less likely to get so many requests from the extended family 

Agreed, plus the added bonus of a good saving in annual road tax.

[gotlost]

Don't forget all the extra contraband from the border market you can haul.

[CO-CO]

Don't forget all the extra contraband from the border market you can haul.

TWAT!

[gotlost]

Don't forget all the extra contraband from the border market you can haul.

TWAT!

 

[urleft]

The PU is by far the vehicle of choice around here.  I have a 4 door PU, when I travel, that is what I take. 


So as recommended here, get a 4 door PU.   It will serve you well.

I would consider a 2 door, or better still the 2+2 with 'suicide doors'. Less likely to get so many requests from the extended family 

Agreed, plus the added bonus of a good saving in annual road tax.

As a matter of perspective, I pay right at 5000 baht in yearly taxes for the 4 door.