PajeroTD replied:

Hi Stu,

We were looking for a half decent new ute for our business, and we were not brand biased at all because we wanted to pay the least we could and still get something decent, so we were open to any of them. We ended up getting the Hilux because we could get all the features we wanted 4X4 dual cab either V6 or diesel with auto and elec windows, cd and air con. It all came down to purchase price for us at this stage.

So we got the latest Hilux SR 4x4 dual cab 5 speed auto V6. The positives are it performs well, and tows our windows trailer pretty well for our deliveries. It drives nicely as a daily driver and there is enough room for adults in the rear row. The down sides are it does drink a little (we couldnt get a diesel for this price, but that's ok it's used for business use) the interior quality is pretty crappy and plain but it is built in Thailand so you would expect that. Incidentally the SR and SR5 almost have exactly the same interiors. For $35k for a new ute, you can't complain too much, but if i was buying for personal use, and I would definately go the Navara. It's such a better looking truck - I remember driving the Navara too, it is more solid, feels tighter, looks nicer and tougher. I just couldn't find a Navara under $40k for the DX, which also didnt have all the electrics, and $50k for the STX

V8Diesel replied:

There's an Australian Hilux forum around somehwere. A Google should find it.

Turbo Diesel replied:

STU

We have one car a Hilux SR5 Turbo Black Dual Cab, love it to bits looks great and performs well and is good on fuel, i have an OME suspension upgrade, 31 x 10.5 BFG ATs, some michells sacks throughout and a custom made roof rack for the back over the tray. Basically we could not find another car that would do everything we wanted, the reason i went for the lux other than being totally biased (at least i admit it) is the resale, i bought mine brand new for $45000 on road. I still see guys selling them second hand for more than that.

Personally i would buy the Turbo Diesel, it has good torque levels at low revs and is good on the fuel at the same time. in saying that the v6 is a great motor, personally i feel that diesels are more suited to utes.

I hope this helps all the best.

TerraFirma replied:

I have the SR5 Auto Turbo diesel , the reason for the 4 speed vs the 5 speed is simple. TORQUE..! The Diesel doesn't need the extra gear, the 4 speed box is brilliant, works well. On fuel economy one of the 4WD mags took both around Australia towing, the Diesel in short used 1/2 of the fuel of that of the Petrol version. If you bring towing into the equation the Diesel wins hands down. Diesel models also hold their resale value better. Other than that they are both good vehicles..!

camwill69 replied:

Hi Stu-k,
I have a 2006 4x4 SR5 Dual Cab diesel Auto. That was a mouth full. I traded a 2004 STR Navara v6 and would never go their again.

The hilux is great. 10k km and the fuel economy is 8.2l/100km.

This is a combo of loaded with trailer/ city and highway driving.

Have had as low as 7.1 l/100km on a long outback drive averaging about 89km/hour on dirt (600km round trip) 2 adults and 2 kids + fridge.

And as high as 10.6 l/100km towing trailer (1 tonne) + load in ute over Toowoomba range and beyond (2k round trip).

All in all would recommend it to any one over the navara. Auto is great.

Regards,
Camwill69

Takn it Easy (QLD) replied:

Hi Stu-K - look in the trader - mine is on sale - not even a year old - with ev erything that opens & shuts - single cab & canopy -turbo diesel. just done 20000 klms or there abouts - shame - went beck to work - the toy is just not suitable. But whether you buy this or another - Hilux turbo diesel is just beautiful. Good ride,plenty of grunt on request and 12 -14 lit. /100 is standard. went to the Cape last July, and never missed a beat.