I am thinking of changing vehicles and I am very happy with Toyotas. I recently drove a Hiluxe 4x4 ute. The convenience of a ute again would be great and it would enable me to explore further afield. it was a 2005 and although a "commercial" vehicle it was more comfortable than some cars I have driven.
Can you tell me what they are like on fuel, long distance comfort and reliability?
Thanks
Tess
I can't tell you much. I am sticking with my 4wd deisel hilux - unfortunately not turbo- because it has only done 160000km. It is a 4 cylinder. The commercials are better designed for towing caravans. They are more strongly built.
I am still learning about fuel economy with towing my very light Viscount, 760 tare
We have a 2006 Hilux Turbo Diesel and it goes great.
The other half wanted a tray back so the wheel wells don't waste the space so we went for the exta cab instead of the dual cab. Can't rave about it enough to be honest.
Comfy to travel in, quiet, great fuel economy as well. I will ask him when he gets home the exact numbers for you. He has an excel programme he tracks fuel usage on so its pretty accurate.
I think the new models pull heavier loads than our model though.
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I must be a binge thinker. I do it a lot at times, then, not much at all.
Make sure it is the d4 model as they have a common rail engine.The ones before 2005 do not and use more fuel for less power.I had an pld, 93 hilux for years and went everywher in it, right around the block and up to the cape, and gulf country, many times.They are tough, reliable, and easy to fix and get parts for, especially the early ones.If you want to tow definately try the get the d4 model, virtually twice the power, for less fuel.I used to get 7 to 8 klms per ltr from my 93 model, with a 5l 3ltr motor.They are great cars.Bill
I have a 94 2.8lt diesel Hilux SR54wd twin cab i have had it from new.Comfy to drive,they are a good steady plodder,parts are easy to get,i get 10klm to 1 lliter fuel.The downside is that they require an oilchange every 5000km& grease every 10000km.Maybe a petrol version may suit you better.i do a lot of towing at present a semi off road camper trailer,i have towed 14ft caravan.Has a 5 speed gearbox with electric hub locks for 4wd.When towing in hilly country you have to use the gearbox a lot more,& towing in 5th gear only on flat roads.My only mistake was getting the twin cab instead of a king cab i would have been able to have a slide on caravan on it. Good luck
I am thinking of changing vehicles and I am very happy with Toyotas. I recently drove a Hiluxe 4x4 ute. The convenience of a ute again would be great and it would enable me to explore further afield. it was a 2005 and although a "commercial" vehicle it was more comfortable than some cars I have driven. Can you tell me what they are like on fuel, long distance comfort and reliability? Thanks Tess
Must have been the SR5 version if it was comfortable - the base models have miserable excuses for seats.
Are you planning on going off road with it? If so then there are a number of points that you need to watch out for. If not then it is a good vehicle that should be reliable for many years.
The D4D engine is a vastly superior performer to the older unit and will give much better consumption figures, but the older unit is an easier engine to work on.
Get it checked over professionally unless you are a competent mechanic, but a couple of things to look out for (so you can save the money on the inspection if you spot them) are:
1) CV joints - turn it onto full lock and listen to the front wheels (open the window!) to see if they start clicking. If they do then be aware that replacement with OE joints is close to $1,000 a side.
2) Look underneath at the rear of the engine to see if the rear main seal is leaking or if oil is dripping down from the rear of the head. Ovoid these - the costs are also up above $1,000
3) Make sure the 4WD system works. If it is the older Hilux then it will probably have the ADD device fitted to disconnect the drive and this sometimes plays up if it hasn't been used every now and then. Drive it on grass, put it into 4WD and drive on for a few meteres. Then take it out of 4WD and you know if things aren't working smoothly!
4) If it has had a suspension lift you need to check the angle of the CVs. Look underneath at the back of the front wheels and you'll see a rod that goes into the rubber concertina seal at the back of the wheel. This rod is actually the fron drive shaft and it should be level, or close to it, to the ground. If it is operating at any sort of angle then it will cause premature wear,
5) Look closely at those concertina seals at the back of the front wheels. These cover the CV joints and they need to be in good condition. If they are torn then the CVs will wear out quickly.
That's probably enough to be going on with.
Don't be scared of looking though and if you have any questions then ask away.
