Hilux 3.4 Auto
Submitted: Friday, Jan 22, 2010 at 19:07
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Croc nsw
G'Day everyone,
I realize there is a wealth of knowledge and experience out there and would appreciate gaining access to your thoughts.
I am looking at buying a 03-04 3.4L Auto Hilux, the ones Im looking at have 140K to 170k on them and are going for just under $20k.
Does this seem fair value?
Does this model, engine, trans, etc have any common problems?
What fuel economy can I expect?
Any advise would be appreciated, have spent a couple of hours looking through archives and have not really answered my questions.
Regards
Croc nsw
Reply By: Mark Howlett - Saturday, Jan 23, 2010 at 19:10
Saturday, Jan 23, 2010 at 19:10
Hi Croc,
I think the lack of replies is due to that model Hilux not being overly popular - not many for sale compared to diesel Hilux's!
Our Prado runs the same 3.4 petrol motor and I'm assuming the same 4 speed auto. A common thing is a vibration around 2600-2800rpm but it isn't an issue. Make sure timing belt has been done, they are apparently fussy with coolant, otherwise that's about it related to the 3.4 other than general checks.
They're not a powerhouse but fine for running around and 'adequate' when towing.
The best economy we achieved was 13L/100km at 100km/hr. Didn't increase that much touring around on dirt roads with occasional low range (15L/100km) and towing a small camper 16-18L/100km. We have converted to LPG and these figures have now increased.
We bought ours with 140,000kms and have now done 236,000kms. Still running
well.
Cheers,
Mark.
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Follow Up By: Croc nsw - Saturday, Jan 23, 2010 at 23:15
Saturday, Jan 23, 2010 at 23:15
Hi Mark,
Thanks for that info mate, still undecided but I reckon it would be hard to go wrong with a Hilux, or just about any Toyota.
All the best
Croc
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Reply By: gbc - Sunday, Jan 24, 2010 at 20:53
Sunday, Jan 24, 2010 at 20:53
I had an '03 v6 auto sr5 hilux for six years and just under 200 000 kms.
They are the last of the jap built lux's, and show that in their fit/finish and general quality.
The engine is similar to the prado, but not the same. The intake plenum was shortened for the lux, giving it slightly better torque and slightly less power. Reason being the motor didn't fit under the bonnet.
I had an auto tranny cooler fitted to
mine, and towed up the cape, gulf, Fraser (boats), etc etc.
Fuel eco isn't great (about 16's per hundred and upwards for towing), but not too bad either.
The engine likes a water blind for crossings or the fan will find it's way into the radiator.
Toyota don't have a specific maintenance regime for the auto boxes (apart from oil), so look out for genuine serviced ones, the box will have never been cracked.
There was a recall in about 2005, whereby the transfer case was replaced due to the possibility of a porous casting, so if you're under one and the transfer case looks newer than the rest that'll probably be why.
I don't recall a single issue or
breakdown with the vehicle and I drove it as a fourby., so the extra fuel cost is buying you some genuine reliability.
Good luck.
Oh and for serious touring offroad while towing, I fitted 285/75r16 tyres to
mine which kept the revs a bit lower while towing with the overdrive off. The ute liked it.
Good luck.
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