Vehicle Choice. Hilux
Submitted: Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 09:33
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red up
This is another question for advice.
Have posted 2 already and after all the great response we had from the last question’s and talking to people we are looking at a strong Ute type of vehicle. For a 6-12 month trip around Australia.
We definitely don’t want to take our VW golf, as it is too small and will get shaken apart on unsealed roads. If we did take it we would have to tow a trailer or get a Pod for the roof for extra room. Would restrict us going into National Parks and if it breaks then servicing and parts could be a problem. Stop me if I am on the wrong track here.
Funds are the problem.
A good 4x4 seems to be out of out price range with the buying value and running costs. We do enjoy some of the off the beaten track type camping but not keen to cross rivers and drive up mountain slopes. Have spent some time in
Kakadu (on a tour) and
places like Jervis Bay and South NSW coast National Parks.
Thinking a Hilux with canopy/closed in back could be the best option.
They are strong and will solve our space problem.
They do come also as 4x4 but think this could pose more problems than solve re more moving parts and fuel economy.
Our budget is around $3,000-$6,000 depending on rego, tyres etc.
Anyone have any advise about what engine to go for, problems to look out for, model that is a good. Diesel (good economy unless it breaks) or Petrol.
The one thing that I do love about my VW Golf for long long journeys is the Cruise Control. Good for fuel economy and less to concentrate on. Do any come with this.
Hope you can help.
Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:08
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:08
Red, I'd always prefer a 4WD for this sort of trip. Just adds more capability and options. I don't think you need to worry too much about increased fuel usage or mechanical problems. But a 4B will cost a bit more to buy.
I'd also go a diesel if possible. A
well maintained diesel pretty much goes forever. They also use less fuel (though at times diesel fuel costs more than ULP). But once again a diesel will cost you more to buy.
The Hilux is a great vehicle and you should be able to find some good older ones. But again, Hiluxes tend to hold their value a bit better than some of the others, so might cost you a bit more.
So, my preference would be a 4WD diesel Hilux. If you can't get a good one in your price range (which could
well be the case), I'd change brand first a try for a Rodeo, Navara, Triton, Mazda or Ford Courier. I'f you had to compromise further, I'd go for a petrol (hopefully with not more than 200K on the clock). I'd give up the 4WD part last. But that's just me.
At your price bracket, you would normally be better to buy privately and negotiate hard to get the best you can for your $. Also to improve your options consider buying without a canopy if you can't get one with canopy fitted. You should be able to pick up a second hand canopy, possibly the wrong colour, but that shouldn't be a problem.
My son has a mate looking to sell his 4WD Hilux, but he wants about $8,800 (which is a pretty good price for it), but that's out of your price bracket.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:22
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:22
Check this out Red. But it's in WA and probably done a lot of
miles.
http:// Site Link
In you price bracket, you are looking at mid '80s to early '90s vehicles. Should get a reasonable one.
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Follow Up By: Heefers - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:36
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:36
I agree with Norm, a 4WD is definitely the go for this type of trip. If you are going to be doing some fairly corrugated tracks I think that you'd find the
suspension components on a 2WD would be more prone to failure due to the constant hammering. Also there would be nothing more frustrating than wanting to see a particular landmark and not being able to because the tracks are 4WD use only.
4WD's open up a totally new Australia so I think that anyone's advice on this
forum would be to get out there and get amongst it. Happy trekkin'.
Cheers,
Heefers
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Follow Up By: red up - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:47
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:47
You guys are great.
Cheers for that.
Great link.
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Follow Up By: red up - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 11:41
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 11:41
Had a really good look around at all types.
Lots to look at.
I now have a good idea what I am after and why.
This came up in one of my searches.
Not a Ute style but what do you think?
Thanks again.
Site Link
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Reply By: Member - Jeff H (QLD) - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:27
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 10:27
Agree with Norm C.
The 2.8 diesel Rodeo had a top reputation, including good economy.
Happy hunting. Jeff H.
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Reply By: madfisher - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 12:31
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 12:31
I agree with most of whatr Norm said, he is very wise. But sometrhing to think about most hiluxs are workhorses as are most utes and a lot have hard lives. If you go for say a 4runner you get same mechanecals, a lot more comfort and they are often cheaper to buy. We picked up a NH gls Pajero with 63000ks all doc.
services for 10500. Have now done 10000ks and only cost has been tyres and service. If you ch
eck out the trading post on line their are a lot off 4runners for 5 to 7 thousand
Good luck Pete
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Follow Up By: red up - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 12:40
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 12:40
Cheers will have a look.
Did you see the link for Subaru.
Maybe not a sturdy enough car and it is petrol?
Site Link
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Follow Up By: madfisher - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 14:14
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 14:14
Sorry just saw ks. Its def. worth a look with that mileage but get it checked by someone who knows subs.
Pete
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Reply By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 14:07
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 14:07
Hi there Red up, the info you have already received is valuble info, the bit about a 4 runner is also a good point, they are available in 2.4 diesel and if serviced
well will take you
miles. Up to the 1988 should be in your price range over that will lead you to the 2.8 but will start at around the 9k mark for a diesel. Just keep in mind wether you will also want air con as I imagine you will so these are the things you will also need to
check. Power steer was an option in most of these earlier model vehicles. Either way I would take the advice given above and buy a 4wd so that you can venture that bit further. A 2.4 diesel will return fuel figures of about 9/10 Litres per hundred same with rodeos possibly a bit less. In petrol version all of these would increase to approx 13/14 but as mentioned diesel is a bit dearer at the pumps but will give you further klms per tank. A suzuki vitara is also another option but will be a bit limited for room but very capable either on ther tar mac or the dirt roads and parts are plentiful. I had two of these prior to the hilux and bar ground clearance a bit lower that I would have liked were fantastic vehicles and will give you about 8/10 L per 100klms. Hope this helps a bit. Regards Steve M
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Reply By: madfisher - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 14:09
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 14:09
sub. looks OK but dealer doesnt state mileage car has covered. Personally I never trust a used car dealer and you will rarely get e good deal from one. I prefer to buy privately off a person who has had the vehicle for a no of years. THen do a REVS
check and a mechanical inspection by an expert.
I am a bit wary of old diesels as they are hard to compression
test, and if they go BANG it is huge bucks. Injectors and a fuel pump could run into thousands of dollars I would only buy an old diesel if it has a reco motor and they can show you the receipt
AnswerID:
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