Best ute deals for end of Japanese financial year

With a wave of new or updated utes around the corner, the sharp deals continue on Australia's favourite workhorses.

A new Nissan Navara and updated Mitsubishi Triton are due in showrooms in May. Facelifted versions of the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 are due in July and there'll be a new Toyota HiLux coming in October.

Meanwhile, there are big discounts on most run-out models - as ever, some deals are sharper than others. Here's our pick of the pick-ups as the end of the Japanese financial year approaches.

Mitsubishi Triton

The Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ is $29,990 drive-away (metallic paint adds $495). This offer once equated to a saving of more than $8000 but the Triton has been at this price for so long that it's hard to assess the discount. The Triton had limboed to an incredible $27,990 drive-away late last year but Mitsubishi has withheld that extra bonus this month.

It's worth noting that Mitsubishi plans to sell this Triton alongside the reskinned model for most of the year, so it's likely to become cheaper over time rather than dearer. Nevertheless it's still good buying and the only one in this class with a five-year factory warranty.

Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara RX with steel wheels and vinyl flooring can be had for the same $29,990 drive-away price (the Triton gains alloy wheels, carpet and a longer warranty).
If you want a Navara with extra kit, consider the Silverline edition with carpet, alloy wheels, sports bar and a ute tray liner from $34,990 drive-away (metallic paint adds $495).

Holden Colorado

The Holden Colorado LS has more towing capacity (3500kg) than the Navara and Triton (both 3000kg) and Holden is asking a little more for the crew cab 4WD at $38,990 drive-away (add $550 for metallic paint).

Toyota HiLux

It's rare for the biggest seller in any class to be under knife but that's the case with the Toyota HiLux. The SR5 crew cab 4WD can be had for $48,990 drive-away with automatic
transmission, almost $10,000 off the full RRP.

Volkswagen Amarok 

Volkswagen is having a bet each way: the basic Amarok (with alloy wheels) goes for $37,990 drive-away while the top-of-the-range Highline is $48,990 drive-away. Metallic paint adds $495 to both.