Best end of Japanese financial year deals: Dual-cab utes

Now is the best time to buy a ute or, indeed, anything vehicle from a Japanese manufacturer as March is the end of the Japanese financial year (EOJFY) and some excellent cut-price bargains are floating around.

Some brands have slashed more than $10,000 off the recommended retail price of some models, but does the family want a ute?

Typically, yes. Utes such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are still the hottest selling things on four wheels. They’re versatile, able to perform duties rangig from shopping and kids’ drop-off during the week, to some work-related haulage and then a leisure machine for weekends.

Here’s some of the best deals from Japanese car makers to make it very attractive to get you behind the wheel. Check CarsGuide regularly for specials as bargains could be as close as today or this weekend at your local car dealer.

Nissan has just upgraded its Navara, but there are still huge savings for ABN holders of up to $10,430 off the recommended retail price. The update is an improvement on the previous version but the drivetrain is untouched, making the savings even more attractive.

The entry-level dual-cab 4x4 Navara is the SL that with the automatic transmission is now $47,990 drive-away, a discount of $7381. Want more features? The ST manual version is $49,490 - slicing $9268 off the normal price - while the ST-X automatic has been reduced by an impressive $7847 to $57,290 including on-road costs.

Nissan has just upgraded its Navara.

Mitsubishi has sliced some coin off its latest Triton 4x4 ute that can deliver a top-level dual-purpose workhorse and family vehicle while keeping up to $8035 in the buyer’s wallet.

Deals for the end of the Japanese fiscal year open with the Triton GLX manual 4x4 at $37,490 drive-away, a saving of $6287. The automatic version is now $39,740, saving $6563.

Probably a better bet for the dual-cab buyer on a budget and is also conscious of the need for maximum safety in a ute is the GLX ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) that boosts the safety levels to help protect occupants. The manual ADAS model is now $38,490 - only $1000 over the GLX without the extra safety gear - which saves $6457 over the normal price, while if you opt for the automatic, it saves $6724 and will cost $40,740 drive-away.

There’s more gear in the GLX+ version that is now $40,490 for the manual (saving $7198) and $42,740 for the auto, down $7482 on the usual price. This variant adds more features than the GLX, including digital radio and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

Go one step up the feature list to the GLX-R and get the manual for $41,490 (saving $7322) and the auto for $43,740 (down $7613).

Mitsubishi has sliced some coin off its latest Triton 4x4 ute.

The GLS adds multi-zone climate aircon, LED headlights, paddle shifters for the auto and a starter button for $45,240 in manual (a discount of $7815), and the best deal yet, the automatic GLS is $47,490 drive-away, normally $55,525, for a huge saving of $8035.

The highest-spec Triton on sale is the GSR that comes only as an auto for $52,740, saving $7312, and adds features including electric driver’s seat and leather upholstery.

Toyota is offering some deals on its highest-selling model, the HiLux, that will save buyers cash by including drive-away costing. Any saving on a HiLux is welcome as it has an enviable resale value and an unbeatable service and parts back up that covers the country.

Examples are the HiLux SR5 for $65,169 drive-away, and the more upmarket Rogue at $73,675 and Rugged X – the second-most expensive four-cylinder ute (after the Ford Raptor) on the market – at $74,702. Prices include on-road costs. See your dealer for any further discounting.

Mazda has chopped an impressive $7036 off the price of its recently launched all-new BT-50 model with the mid-spec XTR dual-cab ute with manual transmission now $53,990 drive-away.

Mazda has chopped an impressive 36 off the price of its recently launched all-new BT-50 model.

The XTR gets a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, six-speed gearbox, 4WD with transfer case, a tow rating of 3500kg, satellite navigation and safety features such as eight airbags that give it a five-star crash rating.

Mazda also offers the flagship BT-50, the GT, for $56,990 drive-away that adds features such as leather upholstery and electric driver’s seat adjustment.