Our choice of vehicle is again the
MAZDA Drifter
2600i SLX Double Cab 4x4 petrol.
Sani Pass, Lesotho 2003 |
Mafika-Lisiu Pass, Lesotho 2003 |
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Our experience with the previous vehicle has convinced us that the MAZDA is ideal for what we do with it. The previous vehicle gave a few hassles initially with stupid "teething" problems but overall it satisfied us in every way. The high level of cab comfort for "big" people is a major factor and the trade-in price offered was more than satisfactory. This vehicle is not the fastest nor the most powerful BUT is probably the most basic technically of all South African double cabs making it ideal for out of the way places where mechanical skills are rudimentary at best in case of breakdown. Very good in soft sand and mud is a very strong point.
Magazine writers carry on about it not having air bags or ABS and what else - as far as we are concerned keep it simple for bush work. How many of these Road Testers contemplate the problem of fixing unnecessary components in the "sticks". We did however change DEALER to FURY FORD & MAZDA in Rivonia as we were not being looked after properly by the previous Dealers Sales Departments. Having to "barter" on trade-in irritated us - their initial trade-in offer was R60 000 lower than their final offer - who is "ripping" who off? In the end the new Dealer's workshops are no better than the previous bunch.