08/12/2022
Toyota probox alternatives.
The probox is a very practical car that offers uttermost reliability and a suspension/drive train that can surpass its recommended carrying capacity of 400kgs.
I see people loading up to a tonne, though such vans usually have a bad ending.
The old model probox (NCP50) comes with a
1300cc 2NZ
1500cc 1NZ
1400cc turbo diesel,
matted to either a 4 speed automatic transmission or 5 speed manual transmission.
The new model (NCP160) has
1300cc 1NR,
1500cc 1NZ,
1500cc 1NZ hybrid.
Also driven by a 5 speed manual or CVT.
The probox is a workhorse that will rarely breakdown. This has made it to be used in abused and used inappropriately rendering it infamous. If you drive a probox around town, you immediately become suspect till proven innocent. Police will always want to have a peek inside, so for you private use or commercial service it becomes obnoxious.
Little do people know that we can have other vehicle models in the same class that can work just as well avoiding the 'probox' cliche.
1. Nissan AD.
This one looks better,
Offers more space,
better power
Better handling
More economical fuel wise,
Better features and comfort
And is cheaper to acquire.
Downsides
Has poor clearance but can be rectified by adding sturdier coil springs and bigger wheels (I would recommend size 185 70 14)
It has a poor CVT (y12) that is prone to overheating but can be rectified by installing an inexpensive CVT cooler.
The engine is just as reliable as the probox engine but requires a little more TLC.
The older model (y11) is just fine.
The AD/Advan/AD Expert Y11(old model) offer
1300cc QG13
1500CC QG15
1800CC QG18
2000CC MR20 and
2200cc diesel.
Matted to either a 4 speed automatic or 5 speed manual.
The y12 (New Model) offers
1.2 L CR12DE
1.5 L HR15DE
1.6 L HR16DE
1.8 L MR18DE
Transmission
4-speed E-ATx automatic (1.2/1.6 L)
JATCO XTRONIC CVT-M6 (1.5/1.8 L).
The Toyota Probox may take a slight winning edge here but if you take a very close look, the AD offers more and is the definite value for your money.
Honda offered a very stiff competition which would have been the best deal but it was discontinued early probably due to low sales, The Honda Partner.
