Tow vehichle

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 10:15

ThreadID: 70458 Views:2668 Replies:5 FollowUps:6

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Member - Wesley S (NSW)

Hi, we are looking to buy our first tow for camper trailer for our trip in October.
Pretty much settled on a second hand Hilux sr5 for a few reasons, mostly budget and experience.
Was wondering is 290,000ks is too much for a second hand tow car.
We will not be doing heavy off road, but dirt tracks etc. will be expected.

Thanks, Wesley

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Reply By: Member - Malcolm (Townsville) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 10:40

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 10:40

Hi Wesley

290K is not much in the run of things. I have an '84 Sahara with nearly 500K on the clock and still goes fine.

If you are in the NRMA I would get a mechanical check for peace of mind.

Malcolm

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AnswerID: 373433

Reply By: Member - Cozzie Toodyay(WA) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 10:52

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 10:52

Hi Wesley
On Top Gear (UK) last night they absolutely brutalised an old Hilux they totally submerged it in the ocean rammed it into a tree dropped it, knocked it around with a wrecking ball then set fire to it and in the end it was still running, what more could ya want? These things if looked after go for ever.

Cheers
Cozzie

AnswerID: 373435

Reply By: D200Dug- Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 12:11

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 12:11

Petrol or diesel ?

The engine of my Hilux needed some work after 300,000K but it was petrol.

The rest of the car was running just fine !

Get it checked out by a good mechanic and see what you are up for to get it back into shape.

AnswerID: 373442

Reply By: Member - Wesley S (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 12:19

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 12:19

Its a Diesel. Its at a dealer and says it comes with a 1 year warranty, but I'm sceptical on what that will cover.
I think ill test drive it and get an inspection as suggested. Maybe they can come down on the price a bit.
Thanks

AnswerID: 373443

Follow Up By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 13:14

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 13:14

Wesley what is your budget?. 2nd hand medium wagons are usually cheaper then utes and a lot more comfy. eg pajs and Jacks. Usually pick up low k immaculate units for less then $15000.
If you want the lux get a diesel mechanic to check the motor out. Usually good for 400000ks if wellserviced. But they do not last as long as the 6 cylinder diesels.
Cheers Pete

FollowupID: 640588

Follow Up By: Member - Wesley S (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 13:21

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 13:21

Our budget is only 10k im afraid. Ill keep looking around with your suggestions in mind, I had started looking for a wagon but could not find one in our price range

FollowupID: 640589

Follow Up By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:14

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:14

Hi Again Wesley,
Mate I just had a look on car sales and found one cracker and three other reasonable buys
Petes best buy lol 1997 3.1 Jackaroo(this is the good motor) diesel White. b/bar 180000ks driving lights looks to be in good nic. Its at Burwood. These are a very good model.
2nd best buy 98 man 3.5 v6 190000ks b/bar blue,$7500 loc Pelican
3rd 98 3.5 Jack white SE in very good order man 206000ks$9500 but neg, arround $8000 would be good buying as this is a nice unit.
4th 95 mit nj 3lt Paj auto blue 152000 excellent condition bit dear at $9000, arround $7000 would be good buying but that auto will drink.
PLEASE NOTE stay away from any 3lt diesel Jacks(post 98)
If you want any extra info get back to me
Cheers Pete

FollowupID: 640632

Follow Up By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:18

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:18

Sorry these veh are all private sales on the car sales website.
What area are you located in?
Cheers Pete

FollowupID: 640633

Follow Up By: Member - Wesley S (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 23:10

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 23:10

Wow, thanks for that Pete! we've got a lot more research to do. We are in sydney so will def check out anything close.

FollowupID: 640667

Reply By: Member - Vic S (VIC) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 16:47

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 16:47

Hello Wesley
If you go with the extended cover from the dealer read the fine print as they do not cover a lot in cars that have done over 140000 km and only cover up to max of $1500 for any repair,the other catch is that if you dont have it serviced by them you void the warranty.Things like head gaskets are usually not covered, and with high km cars they have a lot of lee way in the "normal wear "clause.
Good luck
Vic

AnswerID: 373468