Best used dual-cab ute 2018

What vehicle offers the most versatility, whether hauling tools and a trailer during the week or a caravan on holidays?

For a particular type of buyer the one-tonne dual-cab ute just can't be beat. It's a workhorse from Monday to Friday (with tax concessions the cherry on top for some) and enough room inside for family excursions through national parks or towing a boat down to the nearest ramp for a spot of fishing. The modern dual-cab ute with an automatic transmission is easy for anyone to drive, and can be economical to own if it's a diesel.

For our inaugural running of the carsales.com.au Best Used Car Awards, we've piled together informed opinion from our expert vehicle reviewers and market research from RedBook.com.au to announce the winner in each of 10 categories.

And in 2018, the carsales best used dual-cab ute is the...

The Ford scored 44.7 points out of 50 from RedBook and 36 points from the five judges for a total of 80.7 points. According to RedBook market research, the 2012 Ford Ranger XLT dual-cab with five-cylinder engine and automatic transmission should sell privately for between $24,900 and $27,800.

Technical Editor Ken Gratton praised the Ranger for its "Punchy driveline and respectable driving dynamics".

You can read more about the Ford Ranger XLT in our launch review.

Reviewer Matt Brogan made this observation at the time : "Ford has produced a class-leading vehicle in Ranger and one we look forward to spending more time in as other models arrive."

Find a used Ford Ranger now on carsales

Honourable mentions:

Volkswagen Amarok TDI420 Ultimate 

Scored 41 points from RedBook and 36.5 points from the judges for a total of 77.5
Red Book value: $25,900 to $28,900

"The Amarok dual-cab auto proved equally adept offroad as it was agile and civilised on the tar " – Chris Fincham

Mazda BT-50 GT

Scored 42.4 points from RedBook and 33.5 points from the judges for a total of 75.9
Red Book value: $23,900 to $26,700

"Perhaps most impressive was the super smooth and torquey 3.2-litre turbodiesel, which endows this ute with the type of easily accessible pulling power required for effortless, uphill overtaking or heavy-duty towing." – Chris Fincham

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Cars Awards?

• Less than six years old
• Standard side-curtain airbags
• Standard Bluetooth
• Standard reversing camera for SUVs

How did RedBook weight the categories for scoring?

• 10 per cent for resale,
• 10 per cent for ANCAP rating,
• 20 per cent for cost of ownership,
• Five per cent for service intervals,
• Five per cent for number of days for vehicle to sell

Read all about carsales Best Used Cars for 2018 here.