Buying guide
Tough, Smart, and Second-Hand: Trade Me users' favourite 4WD Utes
Your guide to NZ's most loved second-hand 4WD utes. We review top models to help you find the perfect one.
12 February 2026
Tough, Smart, and Second-Hand: Trade Me users favorite 4WD Utes
The Top Contenders
1. Toyota Hilux: The Kiwi Icon
2. Ford Ranger: Power Meets Technology
3. Isuzu D-Max: The Reliable Workhorse
Your Pre-Purchase Checklist
Why It's Important and what to check
| What to Check | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service History | Service History | A complete logbook is a great indicator of a well-maintained vehicle. Regular servicing is crucial for the longevity of any turbo-diesel engine. | A complete logbook is a great indicator of a well-maintained vehicle. Regular servicing is crucial for the longevity of any turbo-diesel engine. |
| Clear Title | Clear Title | Ensure the vehicle has no money owing on it before you buy. A dealer is legally required to guarantee this, which removes a major risk. | Ensure the vehicle has no money owing on it before you buy. A dealer is legally required to guarantee this, which removes a major risk. |
| 4WD System | 4WD System | Engage all 4WD modes (high and low range) during your test drive. Clunky shifting or warning lights could signal expensive problems. | Engage all 4WD modes (high and low range) during your test drive. Clunky shifting or warning lights could signal expensive problems. |
| Consumer Protection | Consumer Protection | Remember that purchases from a registered dealer are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA), ensuring the vehicle is of acceptable quality. | Remember that purchases from a registered dealer are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA), ensuring the vehicle is of acceptable quality. |
| Trade-Ins & Finance | Trade-Ins & Finance | If you need to trade in your old car or arrange finance, a dealership can offer a convenient, one-stop solution. | If you need to trade in your old car or arrange finance, a dealership can offer a convenient, one-stop solution. |
| Warranty Options | Warranty Options | Ask if a Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) policy is available. This can provide valuable peace of mind against unexpected repair costs. | Ask if a Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) policy is available. This can provide valuable peace of mind against unexpected repair costs. |
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