Good morning gents,
I read a write up in the herald sun this morning on the Hilux. For those of you who cant get your hands on the paper.. here is the link:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/ute-to ... 6351998636Ute is tough but breakableby: Graham Smith From: National Features May 10, 2012 7:00PM NEW The arrival of the Toyota HiLux at the top of the sales chart a few years ago showed that Australians were looking for an all-round vehicle that could perform several roles.
..In its high-end dual-cab configuration it could be a family car but one that could haul a tradie trailer, tow a caravan or simply look cool cruising to the beach.
The humble ute is no longer just a working-class vehicle.
Toyota covered all bases with its wide range of body styles in two- and four-wheel drive configurations, and the choice of petrol or turbo diesel engines. The 2005 HiLux had more cabin space, bigger payloads, better performance and economy and improved safety, comfort and equipment.
Underneath, the conventional ladder chassis had coil-spring front suspension and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Steering was by power-assisted rack and pinion and brakes were a combination of front discs and rear drums, with ABS available on the SR5.
At the working end of the range the Workmate had an updated 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine but the heroes of the line-up had new V6 and turbo diesel engines.
The new 4.0-litre petrol V6 put out an impressive 175kW/376Nm, which gave it all the punch you could possibly want. But the performance came at a cost, as it guzzled unleaded like there was no tomorrow.
The answer to the pump blues was the turbo diesel, with its impressive 120kW/343Nm and much better fuel economy. The V6 and turbo diesel could be coupled with manual or automatic transmissions, and both were available with rear drive or 4WD.
-- NOW
Toyota has always boasted that the HiLux is unbreakable but perhaps it's not as unbreakable as it has led us to believe. A potentially serious problem has come to light affecting the 1KD-FTV diesel engine used in the HiLux (and Prado) relating to the fuel injector seals.
The seals can leak, letting blow-by gases enter the engine oil stream, which can turn the oil to carbon and eventually clog the oil pick-up in the sump, in some cases starving the engine of oil. The worst-case scenario is engine seizure.
Such is the seriousness of the issue that Toyota has had a recall on HiLuxes in Britain, while in New Zealand the company has introduced a requirement to change the injector seals every 45,000km.
Carsguide has had one report of total engine failure, requiring a new engine, and two others where the engines were inspected and found to have carbon at least partly clogging the oil pick-up - the suggestion is that, had they been allowed to run on without the inspection, they too would have suffered a major engine meltdown.
To date there has been no indication from Toyota here that it will instigate a similar recall campaign as in Britain. Owners of HiLuxes with the 1KD-FTV engine would be well advised to have their dealers inspect the oil pick-up to check on carbon build-up and have it cleaned if carbon is found. It's possible to inspect the oil pick-up by inserting a probe through the oil drain plug without removing the sump. It would also be prudent to change the injector oil seals.
In 2010 Toyota recalled 4WD models to check for a possible failure of the tailshaft support bracket. Ensure any vehicle you're thinking of buying has been checked and cleared of this problem. Given the potential to be used as a tradies' hack or offroad, it's important to thoroughly inspect any Hilux being considered for purchase. It's particularly important to check underneath any 4WD model for damage.
We've heard of CV joint seals splitting, so make these one of your checks. Check for regular servicing and, particularly in light of the potential issues with the diesel, check for evidence of regular oil changes.
-- SMITHY SAYS Tough as nails but be aware of potential for oil starvation problems with the diesel engine. It's a deal breaker.
-- AT A GLANCE
Toyota HiLux 2005-09
Two and a half stars
PRICE New $20,990-$51,850 Now $13,500-$42,000
ENGINE 2.7-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 118kW/241Nm; 4.0-litre V6 petrol, 175kW/376Nm; 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 120kW/343Nm.
TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual, 5-speed auto (V6), 4-speed auto (TD); RWD, 4WD
ECONOMY 13.1L/100km (V6), 8.5L (TD)
BODY Single cab, extra cab, double cab
VARIANTS Workmate, SR, SR5
SAFETY Rating 4-star ANCAP
EXPECT TO PAY $13,500-$21,000 for Workmate double cab; $28,000-$41,000 for 4WD SR5 extra cab; $29,500-$42,000 for 4WD SR5 double cab; $16,500-$30,000 for SR double ca.
*** Others to consider
- NISSAN NAVARA D40 2005-10
Most comfortable and refined of the one-tonne utes but issues with clutches and cam timing chains dampen its appeal.
Pay $21,500 to $41,000
2.5 stars
- MITSUBISHI TRITON 2006-10
Swoopy style but tough as nails. The Triton has decent petrol and diesel options with a wide choice of body styles and models. Should be high on the shopping list.
Pay $12,000 to $43,600
4 stars
- FORD RANGER 2007-10
Ford had only diesels in the Ranger and focused on the recreational market but the Ranger is worth considering. A good all-rounder.
Pay $12,500-$40,000
3.5 stars
COMING UP
Do you own or have you owned a Mazda6? Share your experience with other Carsguide readers by sending your comments to
graham.smith@carsguide.com.au or write to Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.