In preparation for selling the Ute, I rebuilt the front brake calipers, installed new disks and pads and replaced the powersteering motor. After about a year delay, it only cost 3k and took a Sunday afternoon to repair, ricocheting between the car, pool and fridge...I had forgotten how pleasant this car actually is to drive... Whoops, too bad I already hate it.
I helped a mate move house this weekend, with the Ute loaded, I was really surprised at how quiet it was on the highway. I'd say 70% of the NVH comes through the cabin/bin bulkhead. If I were keeping the Ute, it would be a quick and boozy Sunday afternoon job to install some sound deadening on the bulkhead and would make the Ute about 4.5% better. Maybe something to consider for a buyer.