May be selling the Hilux....

[HK1837]

I've been waiting for someone to sell something in Australia that can replace my Hilux. Needs to be able to be an FBT work-home exempt type vehicle, able to tow 2500kg and not be too big. Ram1500 fits the bill but it is slightly too big for me - useable yes, but not ideal. Nothing else is available that isn't a hand grenade diesel.

Jeep upgraded the towing ability of the Wrangler with the new JL to 2495kg, which suits me fine. It is only about $8k for a supercharger for the V6. Costs under $60k ex GST for an Overland or a Rubicon 4 door. Carrying capacity is more than the weight of the occupants and the back seats are easily removed so room for a fridge and some tools. And it does look like when the Gladiator ute is released here next year it may get the 3.0L V6 diesel that is in the Ram so those who gravitate towards diesels are catered for too! The Gladiator is good for 3500kg towing as well.

So my supercharged Hilux may be up for sale later this year or early next year if anyone wants one. I'll probably buy a Rubicon and pay more for the Overland's leather trim and painted exterior parts upgrade.

[HiluxBill2]

I'd be checking your FBT exemption

[HK1837]

The Gladiator will be OK, the Wrangler needs a log book.
But I think this may all change soon anyway. There are too many dual cabs now that the Govt/ATO will be looking at the lost FBT revenue closely.

[hiluxxury]

Do you need space? My bro has a JL Rubi in Canada. Its a very good car for nearly everything but if you like the carrying space that comes with a dual cab, the 4 door Rubi has next to nothing.

[HK1837]

I had a JK in Canada last year for about 3 weeks, great car. I don’t carry much and the back seats can be removed if I have to. I may wait for a Gladiator though, just depends on the final length figure when it gets released.

[jimO]

wouldnt a hilux engine with a supercharger be considered a hand grenade

[HK1837]

wouldnt a hilux engine with a supercharger be considered a hand grenade

No. Not at 6.5psi maximum boost anyway. That title easily belongs to the current crop of TD’s especially if chipped etc. Having said that, as a standard engine it would be hard to go past that Cummins 3.0L V6 in a Wrangler if it was priced right in Australia. That won’t happen though, they added $12k to the Ram1500 Laramie if you choose the same engine - you’d be lucky to own it long enough to save the difference in fuel. They even add about $7k to a Wrangler Rubicon for a tiny little 2.2 diesel over the 3.6L V6 Pentastar.

[hiluxxury]

No. Not at 6.5psi maximum boost anyway. That title easily belongs to the current crop of TD’s especially if chipped etc.

Has anyone blow up a 1GD yet? I haven't seen that thead.

If the Rubi had more space, larger fuel tanks and was generally better suited to outback touring, I'd have one.

[HK1837]

Dunno, but lots of stupid issues like EGR, DPF etc that goes with the damn things. I haven’t heard of any grenade TRD engines though, unless someone has maybe gone stupid on boost and timing on one.

Next year the Rubicon will have what you desire:

https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/d ... ew-117924/

[hiluxxury]

Yeah nice... a foot longer though than the hilux will be a bit of a pain. I'm a huge fan however of that ZF 8 speed.

No autonomous braking is a huge fail. Having driven several cars with this tech, I honestly believe that this tech is life saving tech and we need more cars on the road with it. Airbags are for 'mericans who dont use seat belts and there a good reasons you don't see airbags in race vehicles - they have proper seatbelts. Autonomous braking is the future... so no jeep for me.

[HK1837]

My Lexus RX350 has that, it gives a massive tug on the seatbelt, primes the brakes and screams at you. If you don’t react it applies the brakes. I like it for my Mrs, it has saved her a few times but I’ve never had it engage on me. To me having a reliable engine, transmission and able to tow 2500kg is more important. I get the desire for it though but not interested in paying more for it. It may well come with a model update in time though with the JL.

As for length, agree 5669mm is big but it is smaller than the only other alternative ute available to me and that is a Ram1500 which is 5817mm. Will still carefully consider a Wrangler though.