2003 Dual Cab V6/LPG

[ChrisMc70]

I am new to the forum and have searched for topics realting to some of my questions and I did find great information. I am about to purchase a 2003 hilux dual cab either from car sales or gumtree. I found quite a few with problems, none that the owners would asmit too, found only by spending money on inspections and vehichle history reports. The latest vehichle I looked at has LPG dual fuel. The tank is mounted under the tray. I understand If I go with this option it wont have as much power. Its a V6 engine. My question is, what are the questions I should ask the owner? All i know is the tank has been replaced and certified for another ten years. Any help would be really appreciated. Its a tidy ute, only 210xxxx on the clock and in excellent condition. Also how can i be sure it is a Japan build? Tia
.

[NZMarkb]

Hi Tia
Cant help with most of your questions but don't be worried about the power with LPG
If tuned correctly my experience from when I had LPG in my FJ40 withe a 350 chev is it ran better and was less prone to bogging when cold or on extreme angles
The only issue is availability

[ChrisMc70]

Thanks Mark. Seems that BP are not installing LPg Bowsers when upgrading their service staions. Iv called service staions in the major towns in the area that I will be working a triangle from Warwick to Gundy and Roma. All the caltex stations do in Warwick, gundy and there are two Caltex in Roma, only the woolworths staion sells LPG. I can always fall back on the petrol as a safe gaurd. -Chris

[ChrisMc70]

The Vin starts with JTFDN is that Japanese build? Havent seen the plate.

[Gipsy]

Chris, a v6 with those k's isn't a problem but a diesel would be a problem unless a lot of expensive work has been done and verified. LPG won't be a problem as you can always fall back to petrol. LPG will be available and you only need to plan well and keep the LPG filled whenever it is available.

If you're happy with what you see in the v6 go for it, the extra fuel consumption will not be an issue compared to the maintenance cost of a diesel with some k's on it. You will definitely find that the cost of maintenance and repairs will justify the v6 over the diesel. Just check the maintenance logbook and any other work done on the vehicle.

That Vin is Japanese build

[HK1837]

Don't be scared away from 2005-2015 V6 either because they aren't Japanese. The important parts ie the V6 and the A750F are Japanese. These are actually a better car overall and you'll have a better variety of vehicles to choose from. The final SR 4x4 auto dual cab in late 2011 were quite cheap new so won't be that expensive used. I almost bought the last one in captivity in 2012, it was $35k driveaway, only reason I didn't was they were forced to register it as a demo in QLD and I wanted NSW rego, not worth the hassle.

[Gipsy]

Don't overlook something like this

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/detail ... AD-4903400

[HK1837]

^^Agree. Or if not that a 80/100 Series hybrid ie FZJ105 4.5 petrol auto.

[ChrisMc70]

Thanks fellas, seems Ive missed out on the vehicle I was looking at yesterday, he is swapping it and left me in the lurch. Thanks for the link too Gypsy and a ute isnt out if the question if i cant find a dual cab. im also looking into both the other models mentioned by HK thanks.

[HK1837]

Those 105 Series petrol 'cruisers are cheap for what you get, pretty thirsty though compared to a V6 Hilux. Only think I was warned about them is the tendency of the rocker covers to leak oil into the plug recesses causing misfire, which can be an issue if you get one on LPG. A big backfire on LPG is not a good thing. You may even pick up an early petrol 100 series around $10k, these are a 4.7L V8. Here is one at $14k asking that looks OK:
https://www.carsales.com.au/private/det ... 4900/?Cr=4

Couple of 105 Series, cheapest to dearest that look OK. You'd probably buy either of those asking over $10 for closer to $10k if you tried, the bottom one has a good LPG system on it as has had lots of work done in recent times by the looks:

https://www.carsales.com.au/private/det ... 825/?Cr=25
https://www.carsales.com.au/private/det ... 653/?Cr=56\
https://www.carsales.com.au/private/det ... 969/?Cr=59

[ChrisMc70]

Thanks Hk, the need for a tray and dual cab is the shape that ive narrowed my search too. The tray is more importanat to me than anything else.

[ChrisMc70]

This is my intro post. Il use the tray as a platform while taking photos.

Im Chris and thanks for the Introduction link in the Bible Wip. I live in Warwick, always wanted to own a Hilux. Ive saved $10 to buy a 2003-4 Sr or Sr5 dual cab with tray. The diesels ive found in this price range have upwards of 350xxx on the clock. Ive found quite a few V6 under 10k with much lower k's. The latest vehicle Ive found has 210xxx V6 dual fuel/LPG ITS very tidy, one owner and well looked after. Ive been checking the forums for information on the LPG and what Questions to ask. The tank is mounted under the tray, but further back than the spare tyre bay. Is it safe under the vehicle? Seems to have a steel plate protecting it and is lifted 3". I AM worried about the V6 and fuel consumption. Hoping the gas may balance it out. I am a weather photographer with Higgins Storm Chasing. Most of the country I will travel in this ute is flat. I can get Gas in gundy and also Mitchell and Roma so can refill when in those towns.

Finding A good quality secondhand vehicle has become really daunting. I cannot afford to F# this up.
The plan is to keep the vehicle for a few years and then upgrade to a new Hilux when I'm ready and after a few years in my new job.

Any help and guidance along the way would be great. Only a wish I had found this form a few weeks ago

Thanks, Chris.

[HK1837]

Thanks Hk, the need for a tray and dual cab is the shape that ive narrowed my search too. The tray is more importanat to me than anything else.

Fair enough.

One of the guys I work with just bought a brand new Mitsubishi GLX+ auto dual cab 4x4. $32500 drive away with 5 years new car warranty. I know it is a totally different vehicle to a V6 auto Hilux, but sort of puts it into perspective a bit! He leased it too, and when leasing you only finance the ex-GST amount. He will be selling his 2009 RX dual cab D40 4x4 manual Navara pretty cheap if that interests you. Will have a new clutch in it, but the tub is knocked around a bit. Will be less than $10k I think. Around 170,000kM.

[ChrisMc70]

Thanks Hk yeah Im keeping an open mind. Ive looked at a few Navaras too. The links you sent those 100 series wagons are pretty amazing, didnt relise tjey were around that price, because I havent been looking. I have a Patrol wagon atm and wet dogs/wagon just dont mix. Apart from using the tray for photography Im also really looking forward to taking the dogs down the river secured on the tray.

[ChrisMc70]

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/detail ... omLoc=4370

This is an example of what im after but, 2003 -2004. I have managed to find two this week, really good ones but they get snapped up, you snoose ya loose

[ChrisMc70]

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/detail ... omLoc=4370

This is an example of what im after but, 2003 -2004. I have managed to find two this week, really good ones but they get snapped up, you snoose ya loose

[HK1837]

That’s getting long in the tooth! Pretty reliable old girls but they will still wear out, like diffs, front axle assembly (steering, CV’s etc). Cars that old tend to need unless already done stuff like alternator, starter, master cyl etc.
Have you thought about one of these?
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/detail ... AD-5032022

[ChrisMc70]

I hadnt mate, main reason is im on Fraser island a few times a year.

[ChrisMc70]

Im after a Hilux dual cab V6 poss duel LPG with "low K' with a tray.
IVE made my mind aye. I also made it clear im not looking at the old in the tooth model, im looking for 2003-4

[HK1837]

Will keep an eye out for you.