The Best and Affordable Cars For Tradies On the Market Today

Affordable cars for tradies are a very different kind of beast. Tradies have to get from one place to another quickly and work in different spots across the city. One needs a car that is robust and resilient to keep up with the demands of the job. However this multipurpose car also needs to come at an economical price point. This can be a difficult combination to find with everyone from agricultural workers to families seeking recreation vying for a multipurpose car. As a company that deals with hundreds of cars through the course of the year, we know what kind of models will work for you.

Our top picks in the coveted affordable cars for tradies category are:

Our top picks in the coveted affordable cars for tradies category” refers to a selection of reasonably priced vehicles that are suitable for tradespeople (tradies), such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other manual laborers. These vehicles are typically rugged, practical, and have ample storage space to carry tools and equipment. The term “coveted” implies that these cars are in high demand among tradespeople due to their affordability and functionality.

Toyota HiLux

There simply cannot be a conversation about affordable cars for tradies without this perennial market favourite. Loved across the country for its rugged off roading capabilities, it has time and again captured the spot of the best selling Ute in Australia. The safety features include trailer sway control, downhill assist control and a sturdy pre-collision safety system. While the durable build also factors in heavy-duty suspension and underbody package. Not many competitors on the market come close to the reliability and pure convenience of this one.

These features might seem to add up to a rather hefty price point, however the good news is that the Ute comes with a number of sub models including:

• WorkMate – Driveaway Price starting at $33,122
• SR – Driveaway Price starting at $51,178
• SR5 – Driveaway Price starting at $61,07

You can also choose a number of add-on features or browse the secondhand market. While hunting for a used car you are also bound to come across the more high end models of Rugged, Rugged X and Rogue that are currently not available to order due to supply issues.

Ford Ranger

In the overcrowded Australian ute market, the Ford Ranger stands on its own as an unbeatable workhorse – the ideal affordable car for tradies. Unquestionably, what this model does best is offering the practicality a tradie needs at an affordable price. You can choose from the popular dual-cab 4×4 designs, sport models with the V6 Turbo Diesel engine and more. As perhaps the leader in ladder-framed commercial utes on the lighter end of the spectrum, the model is perfectly suitable as a working tower or a family tourer.

The halogen daytime lamps and the sturdy steel wheels have been cited in particular as the features to look out for in the latest models. The range of models include:

• XL (2022MY) – Driveaway Price starting at $47,497
• XLS (2022MY) – Driveaway Price starting at $52,206
• XLT (2022MY) – Driveaway Price starting at $59,685
• Sport (2022MY) – Driveaway Price starting at $69,676
• Wildtrak (2022MY) – Driveaway Price starting at $73,281
• Raptor (2022MY) – Driveaway Price starting at $92,130

Since these are brand new prices, you can also opt for a number of factory options on the build your ranger platform. You can also opt for older models on the used car market like the FX4 and FX4 Max.

Volkswagen Amarok

Despite heavy competition from big brand names, power and performance is the USP of the Volkswagen Amarok. As the powerhouse in the affordable cars for tradie arena, all models feature a sophisticated industrial design with a strong twin-turbo engine for an excellent off-road driving experience. The super-spacious interiors pack excellent comfort no matter what terrain you are navigating. Additionally the fuel capacity and electronic stability is a huge plus.

Perhaps the reason why a lot of tradies choose this brand is the sheer number of sub-variants across different prices that are on offer, these include:

• TDI400 Core – Driveaway Price starting at $50,596
• TDI420 Core – Driveaway Price starting at $53,596
• TDI500 Core – Driveaway Price starting at $55,731
• TDI550 Core – Driveaway Price starting at $<58,812
• TDI550 Sportline – Driveaway Price starting at $63,025
• TDI580 Highline – Driveaway Price starting at $68,671
• TDI580 Black Edition – Driveaway Price starting at $69,287
• V6 W580 – Driveaway Price starting at  $78,941
• V6 Aventura W580–  Driveaway Price starting at $79,457
• V6 W580X – Driveaway Price starting at  $84,487
• V6 W580S – Driveaway Price starting at  $87,157

You can also customise your car with a range of extensions.This allows you to choose from the packs to convert your existing Triton with XL and XXL chassis options.

Mitsubishi Triton

The Mitsubishi Triton stands out from the fleet of everyday utes and serves as the perfect affordable car for tradies looking to handle lighter jobs. As the smaller option on the market, it is ideal for jobs around the city. While the single cab options are robust with exceptional safety features, the double cab models are the signature in comfort and toughness. There is also an additional club cab alternative available, ideal for those looking for some extra space to carry gear or another passenger. The interiors with clamshell style doors also reflect this convenience.

Each tradie has a different set of needs, there is a choice to be made between a number of models each with a different price tag. These include:

• GLX (4X2) – Driveaway Price starting at $24,240
• GLX (4X4) – Driveaway Price starting at $35,990
• GLS (4X4) – Driveaway Price starting at $48,940
• GLX-R (4X2) – Driveaway Price starting at $42,940
• GLX-R (4X4) – Driveaway Price starting at $47,190
• GLX+ (4X4) – Driveaway Price starting at $43,940
• GSR (4X4) – Driveaway Price starting at $55,690

Much like most brands, this range of utes also come with one of the most comprehensive ranges of accessories. You can also choose between 2WD and 4WD, automatic and manual, petrol and diesel, cab chassis and pick-up for pretty much any model.

Tradie cars have to serve a number of needs and these models definitely hold up to the demands of the job. In the question of cost-effectiveness, the price will ultimately depend on the number of add-ons you need and how you want to customise your ute. However, we would advise you to make an informed decision based on the nature of your job and the requirements of the tasks and the locations you have to visit.