Deer stalking vehicles!!!!!

Leica Fortis 6 - Bright and powerful.
ammcknockiter

ammcknockiter

Member
Between L200/dmax/Hilux what's going to survive the Scottish Highlands and the forestry tracks that rattle the vehicles to death snow can be a pain in the but. I want to install drawers and a winch. Would definitely make life easier but that's a project for another day.

I am been looking at used picks up around 15k max dmax seems to be the most affordable. L200 seems have the most spec Hilux in my price range have been to the moon.

Any tips or wisdom What would you recommend I am not to hot on cars not been interested to be honest. In the last 20 years of driving I have owned 2 vehicles. I run them to death last can I put on 168k and before that I had 1lt Corsa that done 130k.

What ever I buy I will have it ways 10 years
 
I’ve had both a Hilux and two L200s over the years. Overall, I’d say the Hilux edges it for me—but when you compare the price point, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the L200s either. Around the £15k mark, you’ll definitely find something more than decent.

If I were buying another truck tomorrow, I’d probably go with an L200. But if money were no object and I was dreaming, I’d go straight for a Hilux. My L200s have been incredibly reliable—I’ve never had a single issue. That said, for shooting, there are a couple of minor drawbacks I’ve noticed.

The cabin in the L200 feels more cramped than the Hilux, and shooting out of the window using the door mirror as a rest is tricky. The mirror’s shape and size, combined with the more aerodynamic design with smaller windows, make it awkward—you often end up having to get out to take a comfortable shot. This was never an issue in older, more boxier vehicles. Another small frustration is the beeping when the doors open with the engine off. I’ve had a few foxes bolt at the sound, which isn’t ideal. Also, the headlights can’t be fully turned off—they’re stuck on sidelights, which again isn’t perfect for lamping. I know these aren’t necessarily stalking-related issues, but they’re worth considering. I’m sure there are workarounds, but I just cracked on regardless as I wasn't prepared to fiddle with features which might have affected resale value.

I also used mine extensively for deer stalking and carcass extraction, and honestly couldn’t have asked for a better tool. They handled rough terrain, heavy loads, and long days without complaint. The only real drawback I found was on very soggy ground — they can be a bit heavy and prone to sinking, but that’s a mark against most trucks in those conditions. If ground pressure is a major concern, then perhaps an ATV would be the better option. But for all-round utility, reliability, and value, the L200s really held their own.
 
Probably the best advice buying a second hand one, and at £15k, it'll be a few years old, is not to concentrate too much on which model, but on condition.

Make a list of suitable vehicles, (which I think, effectively you have) then look around for a good, well kept one. Ideally, maybe a Chelsea tractor or a vehicle used by a farmer's wife for school runs and shopping trips, or even a construction worker supervisors vehicle or the like. Of course with such vehicles, they will usually be a grand or two more expensive (or a bit older) but, in theory at least you'll have a better one. And if you aren't in too much of a hurry, take your time. That way you'll get a better feel for the market and what's out there.
 
Pedro said:
Probably the best advice buying a second hand one, and at £15k, it'll be a few years old, is not to concentrate too much on which model, but on condition.

Make a list of suitable vehicles, (which I think, effectively you have) then look around for a good, well kept one. Ideally, maybe a Chelsea tractor or a vehicle used by a farmer's wife for school runs and shopping trips, or even a construction worker supervisors vehicle or the like. Of course with such vehicles, they will usually be a grand or two more expensive (or a bit older) but, in theory at least you'll have a better one. And if you aren't in too much of a hurry, take your time. That way you'll get a better feel for the market and what's out there.
Click to expand...


I was eyeing that up today
 
Pedro said:
Probably the best advice buying a second hand one, and at £15k, it'll be a few years old, is not to concentrate too much on which model, but on condition.

Make a list of suitable vehicles, (which I think, effectively you have) then look around for a good, well kept one. Ideally, maybe a Chelsea tractor or a vehicle used by a farmer's wife for school runs and shopping trips, or even a construction worker supervisors vehicle or the like. Of course with such vehicles, they will usually be a grand or two more expensive (or a bit older) but, in theory at least you'll have a better one. And if you aren't in too much of a hurry, take your time. That way you'll get a better feel for the market and what's out there.
Click to expand...


I was eyeing that up
jwoolland1 said:
I’ve had both a Hilux and two L200s over the years. Overall, I’d say the Hilux edges it for me—but when you compare the price point, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the L200s either. Around the £15k mark, you’ll definitely find something more than decent.

If I were buying another truck tomorrow, I’d probably go with an L200. But if money were no object and I was dreaming, I’d go straight for a Hilux. My L200s have been incredibly reliable—I’ve never had a single issue. That said, for shooting, there are a couple of minor drawbacks I’ve noticed.

The cabin in the L200 feels more cramped than the Hilux, and shooting out of the window using the door mirror as a rest is tricky. The mirror’s shape and size, combined with the more aerodynamic design with smaller windows, make it awkward—you often end up having to get out to take a comfortable shot. This was never an issue in older, more boxier vehicles. Another small frustration is the beeping when the doors open with the engine off. I’ve had a few foxes bolt at the sound, which isn’t ideal. Also, the headlights can’t be fully turned off—they’re stuck on sidelights, which again isn’t perfect for lamping. I know these aren’t necessarily stalking-related issues, but they’re worth considering. I’m sure there are workarounds, but I just cracked on regardless as I wasn't prepared to fiddle with features which might have affected resale value.

I also used mine extensively for deer stalking and carcass extraction, and honestly couldn’t have asked for a better tool. They handled rough terrain, heavy loads, and long days without complaint. The only real drawback I found was on very soggy ground — they can be a bit heavy and prone to sinking, but that’s a mark against most trucks in those conditions. If ground pressure is a major concern, then perhaps an ATV would be the better option. But for all-round utility, reliability, and value, the L200s really held their own.
Click to expand...



Funny I was just eying this up
 
ammcknockiter said:
Between L200/dmax/Hilux what's going to survive the Scottish Highlands and the forestry tracks that rattle the vehicles to death snow can be a pain in the but. I want to install drawers and a winch. Would definitely make life easier but that's a project for another day.

I am been looking at used picks up around 15k max dmax seems to be the most affordable. L200 seems have the most spec Hilux in my price range have been to the moon.

Any tips or wisdom What would you recommend I am not to hot on cars not been interested to be honest. In the last 20 years of driving I have owned 2 vehicles. I run them to death last can I put on 168k and before that I had 1lt Corsa that done 130k.

What ever I buy I will have it ways 10 yrs
Click to expand...
Ask @ColinBr
 
For me personally it's between the D-Max and the Hilux.
I've had a 2015 plate Hilux and now a 2015 plate D-Max. Both have done exactly as expected.
Bang for buck and on the same par reliability wise I would go for the D-Max again and have just persuaded my mate to get 1 too.
 
I saw a thing a few days ago where a place was importing landcruiser pickups

No idea on cost though


200 k L200 that’s had its share of work - but I wouldn’t describe them as shxte

Mine does what I need, doubles as tow truck for the nag and will comfortably get a 19 stone stag in the rear tub (not at the same time otherwise touch paper is truly lit )

Does 38 in a run easily and goes anywhere I point it within reason
 
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