Get a double cab for under R100k

You can own a Colt, Ranger or Hilux for less than six figures.

The Mitsubishi Colt – a dying breed.

South Africa is bakkie country. Whether you want one for work, to go play in or just simply want one because you want one, double cabs have become highly desirable. But judging by the price tags of the most advanced models that range from the lower R800 000s to close to a bar, not everyone can afford to drive a spanking brand-new double cab off the showroom floor.

Outside the traditional brands there are more affordable options from ambitious Chinese and Indian manufacturers, but you’ll still be forking out in excess of R300 000 for a double cab. But what if six figures are even a stretch for you. That is exactly why we shopped around on autotrader.co.za to see what double cabs are available for under R100 000.

We are happy to report that even on a shoe-string budget, there are plenty of double cabs to choose from featuring both petrol and diesel engines, as well as a few four-wheel-drive models. They all feature manual transmission, as comfort features in the model years we looked up were not as high on the priority list as it is today.

But what these picks do feature is some generous after-market specifications in the form of canopies, rubberising, tow bars, roll bars and nudge bars. If you were to add any of these items separately, you are looking at paying a pretty penny, which gives the kitted-out options added value.

Our standout picks are two Mitsubishi Colts, a very sought after bakkie locally. Mitsubishi reluctantly changed its bakkie’s name to the Triton locally in the mid-2000s because the Colt was a joint effort with Mercedes-Benz, who until today still owns the naming rights.

These Colts might have gone out of production by around 2005, but they are still so plentiful that Mitsubishi not that long ago said that they still sell in excess of 300 air filters for them every month. Our two picks are both powered by the never-say-die 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine producing 92 kW of power and 294 Nm of torque.

Another popular option in the 2000s was the Nissan Hardbody 3.3i V6. Although the bakkie is still around today in NP300 guise, it only features a 2.4-litre petrol engine. The V6 version produces 125 kW of power and 271 Nm of torque. It was claimed to go from 0 to 100km/h in 11.5 sec, which was lightning quick by double cab standards back in the day.

Ford Rangers are plentiful, with our picks including both the 3.0-litre and 2.5-litre turbo diesel engines, producing 115kW/380Nm and 80kW/266Nm respectively. And what would any bakkie list be without South Africa’s top seller? The Toyota Hilux on our list features the trusty 2.7-litre petrol engine that produces 108 kW of power and 235 Nm of torque.

Here are our picks: