HiLux vs Landcruiser
Submitted: Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 13:46
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Hairy (NT)
Gday,
The old petrol 80 series is starting to blow a bit of smoke now and then and has a few noises happening when on the rough stuff and has made me think it might be time to retire the old girl. With over 300,000 km on the clock and never missed a beat, its been a great vehicle but cant see the value in pouring money in to it?
My daughter has her licence now and son has only a couple of years to go which got me thinking I might be able to get that v8 Landcruiser ute I've always wanted and build a flash harry canopy for it.
Or
Do I really need a Landcruiser now, or would a HiLux better suit my needs??????
A 4 door Hilux would have the extra seeting that could be handy now and then too.
HiLux's have always seemed a little small, light weight and flimsy to me, for what I needed (Living in Central Australia) but these days I live on the coast and do more beach driving than anything, so I'm starting to think a near new HiLux with a small lift and a nice canopy might be a more practical choice......and the fuel savings would be great ! Im just scared it might be a step backwards?
I have briefly considered a Colorado but I prefer to stick to something that has been around forever so unless someone could really convince me ( and that would take some doing!!!) Ill be sticking to Toyota.
Has any one else changed from a Cruiser to a HiLux?
It would be great to hear some comments from Late model ( no older than 5 years) Hilux or Land cruiser ute owners.
See if you can really confuse me??? LOL
Cheers
Hairy
Reply By: Rod W - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:11
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:11
There's only one way for you to go and that is for a TROOPY.
AnswerID:
515166
Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:22
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:22
Arrrgh!!! more decisions.
Troopys are too big on the beach though and the new shorter ones (not up with the new models yet) are probably to dear for me...I should have said $40,000 is about all I want to spend.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: TerraFirma - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:13
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:13
Off course a wagon versus a ute and some would say the Cruiser to be far more comfortable and family orientated. The Hilux would also be a rougher ride in the back. For family I would prefer the wagon, we have both a Hilux and a Cruiser in our family and the cruiser is the family transport when together. The Hilux is more the work horse where we are always throwing stuff in the back etc. The V8 70 Series cruiser ute is manual only, and won't be around forever I am told, great rig for towing and a workhorse and a bigger prospect than a Hilux. Really depends on what your uses are?
AnswerID:
515167
Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:26
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:26
Whats the HiLux like for leg room in the back? Im over 6 foot and 100kg and my
young fellas not much shorter ( a bit lighter though. LOL)
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:31
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:31
The Hilux has the biggest back
seat of the utes however I haven't tried the new
Ranger or Amarok etc. It's ok but for long trips the Cruiser Wagon would wins in this department. I have canvas covers on my back
seat and they really compress the cushioning making the
seat much harder than normal and the kids have reminded me of this ha ha.!
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:42
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:42
Im kinda heading away from a wagon and got my mind stuck on a ute......I will probably have to forfeit a bit of comfort but it isn't that often really.
We don't do many long trips these days and we are blessed with bitumen roads in WA..... We have a
sedan to shoot down to
Perth in and I ride my bike to work or 4wd which is only a short distance.
So its more for beach work and the odd camping trip.
I wonder how the Hilux compares to Lancruiser for beach launching a heavy fibreglass boat???
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:56
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:56
Beach launching a boat would be fine I have done it up on the
Murray river with a 2 tonne ski boat but I we have a solid sand river bed with plenty of traction for low gear & 4WD.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:30
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:30
Obviously I would have to go for a drive in one but does anyone know if the new Lancruiser utes have more leg room than the older ones? Older as in 1990-2000 type size.
I drive a Hilux now and then at work at that's comfortable enough.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 18:36
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 18:36
Definitely more room than the 75series (pre Aug '99). 79series had 120mm more cab space. I know a guy (similar size to you and me) who bought a fully fitted out 75series ute and had to sell it because he couldn't fit in!
But I reckon the Hilux has a slightly more comfortable
seat, so best to hop in to a 79series yourself. I put recaros in
mine and sat slightly lower and further back than the factory
seat.
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Reply By: landseka - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:36
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 14:36
In 2007 we went from a 97 80 Series 40th Anniversary Cruiser to a new Triton Dual Cab DiD. Honestly never looked back. The Triton has more power and tows the van (2t) more easilly & much more economically than the Cruiser did.
We liked the Triton so much we upgraded in 2010 to the ,then latest one when a friend nagged me to trade so he could buy the old one having seen how
well it worked.
Not quite what you want opinion on but it may help.
Cheers Neil
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 15:04
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 15:04
Cheers Neil......That's a fair comparison to what Id be doing if I got a Hilux.
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Follow Up By: Crackles - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 22:14
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 22:14
"That's a fair comparison to what Id be doing if I got a Hilux."
Not really. The Triton tows better than a Hilux. (As does the
Ranger, Colorado etc) The Current Lux's being late in their model life, have fallen behind most of the other brand utes in many ways. If you want to tow, the current Hilux's while they will do the job are left wanting at times.
Best advice I can give in this comparison is don't worry what others here think as many will only recommend what they own. Hop in them both, take them for a drive to see how you fit, how comfortable they are & even tow with them if you can get the opportunity to make sure they will do the job for you.
Cheers Craig............
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Reply By: Member - Geoff M (VIC) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 15:24
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 15:24
Hi Hairy,
I can understand your dilemma as I have just recently been forced into changing vehicles. Some more details.......
In my opinion, the current crop of medium duty utilities are a long way short of the heavy duty vehicles such as the Landcruiser, Patrol, Defender in regards to long-term durability and load carrying capacity. Yes, they are rated to the same load carrying capacity and generate as much or more power/torque - but I seriously doubt they will last as long.
I previously owned a 1989 D/Cab Hilux for 15 years and it was a great vehicle, but the design of the current model Hilux is quite different as far as chassis strength and clearance goes. My next vehicle was a 2007 Mazda BT50 which had numerous faults and effectively fell to bits. My current drive is a 2012 Landcruiser 79 series that I am hoping to keep for a very long time!
So at the end of the day it is a compromise - the medium duty utes drive like a car, get good fuel economy, have all the bells and whistles, but are built to a cost and lack the strength and raw 4WD ability of the Landcruiser (etc). Depending on the intended use and time of ownership, a meduim duty utility may be the best option. However for me that it definitely not the case, and I am more than happy with my current Landcruiser. Regarding the choice between a Hilux and the others, I too would be more confident in the Hilux.
Cheers, Geoff
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 15:53
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 15:53
Yeah...Im starting to move away from the Hilux for that reason I think.
I just read on another
forum that the 2012 Hilux are fitted with stability control which has caused issues with lifting them.....and that's the first thing I would have to do to it.
Might be better just buying the vehicle built for the conditions and stick to the v8 ute.
Cheers
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: olcoolone - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 16:22
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 16:22
There is no issue with lifting a vehicle or a Hilux that has stability control.... bit of an urban myth and it had be put to rest years ago on the new hilux
forum.
As for strength, the current Hilux is good and how much strength do you need in a 4wd, the way some talk you would think it's going to fall apart as soon as you venture off road.
There are plenty of Hiluxs with over 300,000k on them with no problems...... just like there are Patrols and Landcruisers with less K with problems.
If you want a truck that rattles your fillings buy a 70 series, if you want something that will do 99% of the 70 series but with comfort and power by a Hilux. Both are as reliable as each other.
The Hilux is getting a bit outdated compared with the Ranger/BT50 and Amarok.... the Hilux is more like a current Dmax/Colorado and better than the Navara and Triton.
BTW the Hilux is 80mm narrower and lower but 330mm longer than the current 200 series.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 17:20
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 17:20
The lift issues I was reading about was on a 2012 but turned out to be a software issue.
I agree with what your saying.......I know plenty of people who have had or got Hilux's and have been very happy with them.
I just don't know too many people who have gone from a Landcruiser to a hilux.
Cheers
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 18:33
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 18:33
G'day Hairy
I have just come out of a 07 Dual cab Hilux that I have had since new and now in a dual cab 79 series
The Hilux had all the usual mods of lift, bar work lockers etc and has been a great touring rig
The 79 is more agricultural and a heavier built and would stand up to repeated abuse for longer but the Hilux is still an extremely capable vehicle and I would happily own one again.
We travel fairly heavily laden and whilst the Hilux did the job, the 79 just does it with less effort
I wouldn't say one is better than the other as they are different vehicles, I think it is more a case of which one meets your needs best.
By the way the Hilux and the 79 are nearly identical in size, the steep windscreen on the 70 makes them look longer
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Follow Up By: mountainman - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 19:26
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 19:26
you cant put a quality vehicle together for 30g.. like the triton and make it last.. in the rough stuff !!
abi group run solely hilux and cruisers because the mechanics are telling them.. they handle the punishment better than any other vehicle on the market.
no issues, and they get treated like a used car too, on the construction sites....... freeways and bypass.... projects.
for mobile mechanics, engineers.. or the lacky on the tools..
its all Toyota gear.
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Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 18:50
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 18:50
2010 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER WORKMATE (4x4) VDJ76R 76000km - $36,942
2010 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER WORKMATE (4x4) VDJ79R 59758km - $38,842
Does anyone know much about the 76R? I would have thought they were a lot dearer than the utes???
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Life Member TourBoy, Bundaberg - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 19:20
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 19:20
Hi Hairy,
Why don't you just do up the valve stem seals as they are the cause of 95% of the smoke in the petrol 4.5's. Then worry about upgrading to a 2000- 2004 4.5 rigid axle 105 series instead as it will use less fuel. The last 3 VDJ79's we had at work all used around 24 l/100km wether loaded or not. The 105 will use less than the 80 as they use coil packs instead of a distributor and other subtle changes, put out more kw too than the 80 series 1FZ. Just a thought.
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Reply By: Trev6 - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 19:51
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 19:51
Hi Hairy,
What is the rest of the cruiser like mechanically ? like Dave suggested you could do up or replace the motor in yours and get another couple of years out of it and then go for the V8 that you want after the kids move onto other
places.
Trevor
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 20:08
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 20:08
Yeah..........Im thinking that might be the best option? As long as its not too expensive.
Its all food for thought.
Cheers
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Follow Up By: fisherPete - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 22:11
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 22:11
Only a few hundred to do the valve stems seals Hairy, no big deal. I remember doing my 2f 25 years ago and it cured 95% of the smoke as Dave said. I had no option as I could not sell it as it was smoking so much.
Cheers Pete
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Follow Up By: fisherPete - Tuesday, Jul 23, 2013 at 13:12
Tuesday, Jul 23, 2013 at 13:12
I should add they no longer remove the head, but use compressed air to hold the valve open. They are normally good for 600000ks, so yours is just run in. want a bit more go, throw a set of extractors on it.
Cheers Pete
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Reply By: Member - Stuart P (WA) - Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 23:25
Monday, Jul 22, 2013 at 23:25
dmax over the colorado, the hilux no longer has lsd, the dmax is easier to work with electrically, much more auto elec friendly
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Reply By: The Bantam - Tuesday, Jul 23, 2013 at 09:01
Tuesday, Jul 23, 2013 at 09:01
Hairy mate....I think you may be disapointed in some of the new crop of 4wds.....that 80 series some say is one of the best 4wds ever built.
If its basicly straight and sound, throw a few thou$and at it and you will be way ahead.
And you will have the vehicle you know and love.
because most likley that is exactly what whoever buys it will do.
cheers
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Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Tuesday, Jul 23, 2013 at 20:44
Tuesday, Jul 23, 2013 at 20:44
Thanks for you input everyone.
I really does get the brain ticking over and has opened my eyes to a few different options.
At this stage I think I might put a few dollars into old faithful and wait until my
young fella has his licence and probably go a Landcruiser ute, when Im sure I don't need a 4 seater.
Thanks again...... your advice/suggestions /experience has certainly helped.....I think! LOL
Cheers
Hairy
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Life Member TourBoy, Bundaberg - Wednesday, Jul 24, 2013 at 18:55
Wednesday, Jul 24, 2013 at 18:55
Hairy,
The other reason I mentioned the 105 (rigid axle) is that all your susp,etc will fit as the chassis and diffs and most mechanicals are the same only the axles are wider.
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