"Workhorse" or "Show Pony"?

2011G6E · 12-09-2011, 05:56 PM

Has anyone had the issue of people giving you "friendly advice" on doing up a vehicle, particularly a ute, and they don't seem to realise that not everyone starts out aiming for a full on show car?

I've been doing a bit of work to an old WB 253 ute we bought, and most people are quite accepting of the fact that I'll be painting it myself, and only doing it to a standard that is "good", not "over the top". However, some people just don't seem to understand that while it will be sitting on alloy wheels, lowered, and with a mild 253, shift kitted auto, GTS dash, and black paint, it will be a workhorse...it'll be getting used to go to the dump with loads of rubbish, moving timber and stuff around for the family, going camping in the bush at the gemfields, and bringing large stuff home that we've bought.

There seems to be a fair bit of this sentiment around when you tell people you have an old V8 ute..."you should stick a nice set of 17's or 18's on it...the biggest stereo you can fit...get a hard lid...you want to paint it black? I know a great panel beater that would give it a piano black finish so deep and glossy you wouldn't believe!", and so on.
So when did utes become something that the general feeling is that they should be done to a standard that means they are unuseable as a ute anymore, something that shouldn't dare venture onto a dirt road or rough track, which wouldn't dare venture to the dump full of grass and tree cuttings from the yard, something that shouldn't carry anything bigger in the tray than a small polishing and detailing kit for when you park and admire it?

While I can appreciate any show-quality car, it just seems a bit odd that people cannot understand that you would like to use a "ute" as a "ute"....

onfire · 12-09-2011, 06:02 PM

When did Utes start being treated as show ponys?

When Ford and Holden started marketing trade vehicles to hair dresses.

Windsor220 · 12-09-2011, 06:09 PM

I'm fairly Aussie even though I wasnt born here but I have never understood the whole done up ute thing. If you use it to carry loads thats fine but whats with all the people (especially girls) driving around with V8 utes that would never see a bit of work or dirt in their life. Why have a ute when there is a sedan or coupe equivelant? It boggles the mind.

Ford_The_Win · 12-09-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windsor220

I'm fairly Aussie even though I wasnt born here but I have never understood the whole done up ute thing. If you use it to carry loads thats fine but whats with all the people (especially girls) driving around with V8 utes that would never see a bit of work or dirt in their life. Why have a ute when there is a sedan or coupe equivelant? It boggles the mind.

I think it's probably culturally engrained, the whole notion of driving a ute to show that you're a real man and all that other garbage. As for the girls, maybe they like being different or maybe they're bush pigs?

calais · 12-09-2011, 06:16 PM

Funny you should mention this problem, I have begun the process of sourcing a new standard SS ute in white, with a manual transmission and no options. All I want in my new car is to move big things, and be able to do it quickly. All any dealer wants to do is upsell the SSV with leather and all. Not my cup-o-tea.

I figure a Hilux is boring as hell, and Im not taken in by the Ford Ute range, because I simply dont fit under the steering wheel.

I like the idea of a tidy ute with a bit of poke, without having to tell the world about it. So go on with your plans for your WB. It's your car, do with it as you like!

nstg8a · 12-09-2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Why have a ute when there is a sedan or coupe equivelant? It boggles the mind.

some dont like sedans, and if we are talking old models then coupes are rare and expensive.

or simply dont exist.

each to their own i say. too many people these days think they have a right to impose their own tastes onto others.

RepSpec · 12-09-2011, 06:34 PM

CuB or CuT

cashed up bogans / cashed up tradies

thats the only reason why these utes are around, they saw a market and "utelised" it

a mate of mine has a VE Maloo... cant tow anything over a tonne, cant carry too much in the back because its too low, cant put anything longer than about 1.8mtrs (if that) because it has a hard top, wouldnt dare take it off road as it would: 1 damage the rims, and 2 because its too low.

Ford_The_Win · 12-09-2011, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RepSpec

CuB or CuT

cashed up bogans / cashed up tradies

thats the only reason why these utes are around, they saw a market and "utelised" it

a mate of mine has a VE Maloo... cant tow anything over a tonne, cant carry too much in the back because its too low, cant put anything longer than about 1.8mtrs (if that) because it has a hard top, wouldnt dare take it off road as it would: 1 damage the rims, and 2 because its too low.

On the money there. The same sort of people who build McMansions with 'parents retreats' and 'the good lounge room' buy a lot of these cars.

Sick EB · 12-09-2011, 06:45 PM

im guilty of having a ute (FG XR6 Turbo) that i treat aswell as my show EB. i occasionly put things in the back (i am a sparky) but the back is carpeted.

The only reason i have the ute is for tax purposes. I chose the xr6t only because it has the go of a sedan and i have all the luxurys of a sedan but im claiming it as a sole purpose work ute.

If i wanted a rough ute i would have got something a lot older but and the end of the day i love the look and luxury of my car even if i dont want to put 'cut down trees' ect in the back.

each to their own..

FPV+fteT3 · 12-09-2011, 06:56 PM

The show pony utes tradies use are about perception I know I have one. If I rocked up to a site in my clapped out POS nissan to quote a big job the customer could percieve that maybe I was not financial enough to carry out the job in $$$ value. If I showed up in an F360 modena I could be concieved as ripp off merchant, but a maloo, SS, F6, XR8 or FPV ute says his business is doing ok and he can probably afford to do the job without tearing us a new one.
Horses for courses and utes for different purposes. If its a work ute safe and tidy is the minimum requirement if its about customer perception the total look can make a big difference.

**DJM83** · 12-09-2011, 07:00 PM

If i were to buy a new Falcon it would be a ute, i went looking for an XR6T before i bought the XR5T

Bucknaked · 12-09-2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

If i were to buy a new Falcon it would be a ute, i went looking for an XR6T before i bought the XR5T

Some good deals about. Local dealer has an xr6t, nitro,6 auto, leather 19's sports bar and color icc for $37990.

CFOUR · 12-09-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onfire

When did Utes start being treated as show ponys?

When Holden started marketing trade vehicles to hair dresses.

Fixed

Cabbage · 12-09-2011, 07:14 PM

In one of the threads in the classic section I think someone posted a link to old ford adds. There was one for an xb ute and the slogan was "work or leisure". That's what they were designed for and the whole purpose of the ute, able to be used for work but also able to be driven around town with the comfort of a sedan. It may have gone more towards leisure than workhorse these days and if you look at ford and Holden utes today some are closer to sports cars than utes. While they may not be used as true workhorses utes are perfect for throwing a surfboard, motorbike, dog, camping gear in the back and getting out and about. In relation to your wb, I guess there are so few around people want to see them looked after. Definatley should be used and enjoyed I think.

Cabbage · 12-09-2011, 07:14 PM

Double post

Hally · 12-09-2011, 07:21 PM

2011G6E,

My take on your situation and people who think it should be to show car standard is this:

- Utes, like the WB (and equivalents Fords and Valiants etc) are getting less common by the year, and I think for a lot of people they bring back good memories.
- These same people want that type of vehicle to stay around for much longer.
- Further, people can't understand that if you want to spend the time, effort and money to make a good ute, and then use it for what they see as activities that may damage/degrade the ute why do it in the first place. they would rather see it stay as is or be turned into a show stopper. They just don't get the concept.

I have a similar problem when people see me driving my Mustang like I do any other car. I will drive it in rain, on dirt roads (not offroad), I will park it in the street (assuming its a great part of town). The way I look at it, I want to enjoy the car and if it got smashed or stolen I would be very sad, but it would just change the direction of the ownership journey.

Cheers,

Andrew

**TUF_302** · 12-09-2011, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onfire

When did Utes start being treated as show ponys?

When Ford and Holden started marketing trade vehicles to hair dresses.

Holden started to with the brightly colored ve utes lol!!

**Burnout** · 12-09-2011, 08:03 PM

Like to think I have the best of both worlds:

04redxr8 · 12-09-2011, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TUF_302

Holden started to with the brightly colored ve utes lol!!

You may want to check that. In 2003, Holden only had 4 colours in their ute range, while Ford had over 10.

As to the OP, make sure you add sparkles and fleck to that black. Just kidding. It's your car, do as you please.

SteveJH · 12-09-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RepSpec

CuB or CuT

cashed up bogans / cashed up tradies

thats the only reason why these utes are around, they saw a market and "utelised" it

a mate of mine has a VE Maloo... cant tow anything over a tonne, cant carry too much in the back because its too low, cant put anything longer than about 1.8mtrs (if that) because it has a hard top, wouldnt dare take it off road as it would: 1 damage the rims, and 2 because its too low.

In my opinion, its probably quite a simple situation.

1) Other then Holden & Ford Utes, what other *new* two door cars available with 6 and 8 cylinder engines can be purchased in Australia for less then $100,000? (fairly sure its just the Nissan 370Z and its more expensive then all currently available FPV/HSV utes)
2) Which other two door vehicles available in Australia are as "iconic" to Australians as utes?

vhcbm · 12-09-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burnout

Like to think I have the best of both worlds

I reckon you do too.

At the end of the day you can make a U-Beut-ute look good and I don't see a problem with it. As long as it's still fit for the purpose!

My poor XF · 12-09-2011, 08:37 PM

I want a ute, the only reason is because I dont want or need 5 seats. Plus they look better.

Windsor220 · 12-09-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nstg8a

some dont like sedans, and if we are talking old models then coupes are rare and expensive.

or simply dont exist.

each to their own i say. too many people these days think they have a right to impose their own tastes onto others.

I'm not trying to impose my tastes all I was saying is I dont see the appeal. Utes to me are a commercial vehicle. For example I have a female friend and all she buys is SS utes. No work purpose. Just seems odd.

b2tf · 12-09-2011, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Why have a ute when there is a sedan or coupe equivelant? It boggles the mind.

Because I dont want a 'family car'. I have a ute, this one is my third and they have all very rarely had anything in the back other than maybe luggage for trips away. I dont carry stuff in them and I am very fussy about what gets put in the back. Call me crazy - I dont mind, but I reckon I would weld the tub shut if I could.

nstg8a · 12-09-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windsor220

I'm not trying to impose my tastes all I was saying is I dont see the appeal. Utes to me are a commercial vehicle. For example I have a female friend and all she buys is SS utes. No work purpose. Just seems odd.

sorry, the last line in my post wasnt directed at you, or anyone in particular, just seems to be a common theme these days to put down anyone who has an opinion that differs from our own opinions.

SteveJH · 12-09-2011, 09:11 PM

Nothing wrong with buying a Ute if you don't need back seats.

Cheaper to purchase then a sedan and they keep their value for longer.

jpd80 · 12-09-2011, 09:32 PM

An SS or XR Ute makes a lot of sense, Holden and Ford are using both as Quazi sports coupes
rather than having to spend up big on the real thing, Utes can also be used for work too where as
a coupe has very limited application, mostly with a high fun factor......

dansedgli · 12-09-2011, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveJH

Cheaper to purchase then a sedan and they keep their value for longer.

If they are cheaper to purchase than their sedan equivalent then havent they lost more value over the same time period?

If people dont often have passengers then a ute is nice to have just in case something needs to be moved. I dont think I could sell mine, its too handy.

I prefer the workhorse. Cars are for driving, not for washing and parking up under cover imo. I had a good looking car once, I hated fussing over it.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...gli/002-12.jpg

gumbi_18 · 13-09-2011, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

Because I dont want a 'family car'. I have a ute, this one is my third and they have all very rarely had anything in the back other than maybe luggage for trips away. I dont carry stuff in them and I am very fussy about what gets put in the back. Call me crazy - I dont mind, but I reckon I would weld the tub shut if I could.

Agree 100%. I didn't need a sedan and I occasionally like carrying large things in the tub. For just under $40k nothing else came close to a ute in terms of performance and practicality. And seeing as I'm a Ford man it had to be an Xr6t.

SteveJH · 13-09-2011, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansedgli

If they are cheaper to purchase than their sedan equivalent then havent they lost more value over the same time period?

Maybe I should have said cheaper to purchase new....