Hilux or Rodeo or .... ?

[trout_bum]

Hi guys,

Trying to get something inexpensive to tow the boat. Was thinking about a turbo diesel Hilux or Rodeo with 20k being the max I want to spend. Any feedback on either car or perhaps an alternative. I have an ally boat but it will need to be capable of towing mates glass boats as well.

Cheers
TB

[CARRAGANT]

hilux every day of the week... check out the hilux surfs if you dont need a ute, they are relativley inexpensive and if you can get hold of a 3litre one, they are the same motor that is being run in the prados only not intercooled, however this only costs about $400 DIY and very easy to do, they have all the trimmings to electric everything.

[IceManDude]

Go the Hilux, awesome rig.

My bro-in-law took his up to the NT towin a tinny chasing barra,

The photo doesn't do it justice

[Alex]

Toyota! :D

[__MATT__]

do not buy a rodeo, th 3.5l models are sketchy as. my old man got a pair for work vehices (he's a sparky). one was fine, the others on its third engine, every time they would burn a sh!t load of oil in no time. i don even reckon that they bothered on doing another engine swap last time to be honest, im pretty sure they just honed it.

i know that ur talking diesel, but cut short, stay away for them.

[bigpat]

Hilux 100%...
I had a Toyota Surf(absolutely loved it, and still miss it 8 years on), Toyota's are well engineered, and parts are reasonably priced, and widely available. If you are ever going to to 4WDing, they are the best protected vehicle underneath from the factory, bar none. My current Navara dual cab has bugger all in comparison, and the Rodeo's appear the same. The '97 onwards Hilux 3.0 ltr TD is the pick of the bunch there.

As mentioned earlier, if you buy a Surf, go the 3 litre. You can find a mint conition late shape (KZN 185) for $20k, no probs. For all things Surf related, go to www.toyotasurf.asn.au

Good luck with it all,

Pat

[trout_bum]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the feedback. I am in no rush to purchase something as I will not need it until early January. My plan is to research and watch the market and then jump on something in the first couple of weeks of the new year.

Thanks a lot for the information and the links etc. I have now refined the search to the Hilux range and will concentrate on finding the right one.

If anyone else wishes to contribute please do as I will check back to see what you all recommend. I can't wait to tow with confidence as my current car is not doing it easily and the car is so low at the back that my headlights are blinding truckies on low beam...:-( At the moment I have to be extra alert the entire time as the car just cant stop the weight and after three trips to the north coast of NSW fron Vicco in the last 18 months, its an accident waiting to happen.

Thanks
TB

[Gummy Guy]

its also worth considering navaras - they have a little more power than the new 3lt hiluxs 1kD-te and if you add a power chip or desiel gas conversion to either cars you wouldn't even notice what you are towing.
then again you could get a V8 comm or falcon and put it on gas..... and it would still hammer!

[KD73]

Surfs are not a good buy. After having a couple i would not have another even if it was free. Toyotas are great and i have also had two later models but my latest 4wd is a navara duel cab simply because the price was too good to refuse plus the economy was good and it tows my boats easy.

The wife says its easy to handle and i have yet to find something about it that i really dont like. :)

kd

[Mick]

I wouldn't buy a surf either, I went through the whole surf research years ago after a mate went to asia and imported one himself, at that time the market was getting flooded with them, as they were a very nice equipped car both inside and out, great k's and a nice price and a cheap car to import.

But the mates car started having problems and replacement parts were very pricey. I purchased a 4runner and surprisingly although the 4runner and surf looked identical most of the parts were not interchangeable. Seeing 2 surfs over heat on a fishing trip to Fraser island also made me a bit suspect on the vehicles.

Legislation changed due to pressure from toyota and other car manufactuers and the imports dried up and the current ones in Australa had a dramatic price rise overnight.

I have also owned a late 2000 model diesel hilux, purchased it second hand at the time and had no problems with it.

My work has used rodeos as company vehicles since 2000 from memory, both the 2 and 4wd version and they are a good honest vehicles, although a bit basic on trimmings.

If you have a budget of 20k, there are a lot more choices available then the two you have noted, I would do as you mentioned and put in a heap of research before you part with your money.

[CARRAGANT]

Mick, there are plenty of parts availiable for surf nowdays and i would suggest that the cars you saw over heat were probably the 2.4 autos, they werent a great car however the 3litre is a winner

cheers

[lewa]

I have a 95 4 runner 3lt v6, awesome car.
not a import model

[Gummy Guy]

[QUOTE=Mick;245533I purchased a 4runner and surprisingly although the 4runner and surf looked identical most of the parts were not interchangeable. Seeing 2 surfs over heat on a fishing trip to Fraser island also made me a bit suspect on the vehicles.[/QUOTE]

Not true surf and 4runner have exactly the same chassie, drive train etc. the only difference is in the eingins in them. aussie 4runner were made with 2.4 NA deisels, 2.2 2.4 & 3lt V6 where as surf have TD 2.4 & TD 3lt. surfs do have a propensity to overheat but thats due to the fact they were made for the japanese climate and were not made with towing in mind. Anyway it easy to fix the cooling issues, get a lower degree thermostat, tranny cooler, and if need be a bigger alu radiator. if you have more problems with them have a look www.toyotasurf.asn.au site as there is heaps of info from heaps of surf/4runner enthusiasts.
Having said that you could buy a claped out surf for poo change and then drop a 304 or 1UZ in it, put it on gas and you will have a very powerful effeicient V8 which makes a surf/runner flyyyyyyyyyyy!:D

[Alex]

www.toyotasurf.asn.au[/url] site as there is heaps of info from heaps of surf/4runner enthusiasts.
Having said that you could buy a claped out surf for poo change and then drop a 304 or 1UZ in it, put it on gas and you will have a very powerful effeicient V8 which makes a surf/runner flyyyyyyyyyyy!:D

All said above is only for a car enthusiast. Too much work, money and time spent instead of fishing. If you don't like a tray, buy a Prado and start driving, not modifying a surf bringing it up to a standard.

Cheers,
Alex

[madone]

Rodeo for me
had 2 rodeos since 2000 both deisel . both great cars had no trouble with both of them. current one is an RA 3.0 t/d D/Cab 90000ks:D:)
tows boat all over the state good economy & plenty of power to boot .
(has got safari power chip fitted brings power up from 96kw to about 110kw)
much better for towing. running ironman suspension also . best mod to any tow vechile is to fit loadplus helper springs (ironman).keeps car level to help
with handling car is much better for having them fitted.
hope this helps?
cheers

[trout_bum]

Thanks again fellas but I thought I should extrapolate a bit......

I want to purchase a stock or close to stock car ready to go. I have heard only good things about the Hilux and like the look of the newer turbo diesel models. Looking at half cab with some ute room for the dogs when necessary.

Not interested in major modifications or dropping V8s in them. Just want a reliable, efficient, turbo diesel that drives reasonably well i.e. not like a big 4wd. Some ground clearance important for driving in areas with lots of wombats and roos. Also want to be able to launch on sand when there is no ramp nearby.

The Hilux seems to fit the bill and as I live a long way from a dealer and I didn't want to speak to one without a bit of research, I thought I would ask here as there were bound to be many that have this exact car. Not to mention many others that have faced the exact same problem of which car to get for towing that would be able to offer their insights.

I put a few links down below to show the sort of thing i will be looking at come January. I am looking to spend sub 20k but understand that I could end up 10% or so over judging on my usual budgeting skills!!

Thanks again. Lots of good info so far....;-)

BTW I thought I would ask before I go off searching for info...does anyone know the approximate schedule for servicing a diesel? I know with my car every 100k is the major one but what are the sort of kilometres I should be looking out for in terms of hidden costs when I purchase?

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=7410537&keywords=diesel&tsrc=allcarhome&__Ntk=CarAll&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode%20matchany&PriceTo=412&__No=45&PriceFrom=391&__D=diesel&silo=1011&seot=1&__sid=1227B189A54F&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294962861%2042949 62537%20%20391%20412&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1|| pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Cr=5&__Ntt=diesel&trecs=298&__Qpb=true

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=6781279&keywords=diesel&tsrc=allcarhome&SearchAction=N&__Ntk=CarAll&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode%20matchany&PriceTo=413&__No=75&PriceFrom=395&__D=turbo&silo=1011&seot=1&__sid=1227B189A54F&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294962861%2042949 62537%20937%20%20395%20413&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1|| pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Cr=0&__Ntt=turbo&trecs=102&__Qpb=true

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=7104377&keywords=diesel&tsrc=allcarhome&SearchAction=N&__Ntk=CarAll&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode%20matchany&PriceTo=412&__Qpb=true&PriceFrom=391&__D=turbo&silo=1011&seot=1&__sid=1227B189A54F&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294962861%2042949 62537%20391%20412%20937&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1|| pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Cr=9&__Ntt=turbo&trecs=89

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=7375711&keywords=diesel&tsrc=allcarhome&__Ntk=CarAll&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode%20matchany&PriceTo=412&__No=45&PriceFrom=391&__D=diesel&silo=1011&seot=1&__sid=1227B189A54F&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294962861%2042949 62537%20%20391%20412&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1|| pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Cr=1&__Ntt=diesel&trecs=298&__Qpb=true

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=7056558&keywords=diesel&tsrc=allcarhome&__Ntk=CarAll&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode%20matchany&PriceTo=412&__Qpb=true&PriceFrom=391&__D=diesel&silo=1011&seot=1&__sid=1227B189A54F&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294962861%2042949 62537%20%20391%20412&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1|| pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Cr=2&__Ntt=diesel&trecs=298

[Mick]

[QUOTE Not true surf and 4runner have exactly the same chassie, drive train etc. the only difference is in the eingins in them[/QUOTE]

Yes, they did run the same chassis and DT, but as I mentioned although appearing almost identical to the 4 runner, a lot of parts including panels, interior, other bits and pieces were not interchangable between the surf and 4runner, which I know for a fact as we tried to put 4 runner pieces on the mates surf when he had a misadventure in the bush and they weren't going on, but by the sounds of things parts are more readily available today, so it probably isnt a problem any more.

From memory later model surfs have the the prado chassis and the latest models share the cruiser chassis, but if I was spending 20k on a tow vehicle there are a lot of other vehicles I would buy before a surf.

[bigpat]

I understand some people had horror stories with Surfs, but my 2.4 TD manual was great. I made sure I knew what to check before buying, and most importantly I serviced EVERYTHING religiously. Those who did the same, never had dramas either. I drove from Melbourne, to Fraser Island, and towed our caravan in summer for years.

As for interchaging parts between Surfs & 4 Runners, I found a number of things interchangable... but for electronics and driveline, Hilux bits mainly interchange, particularly '97 on Hilux parts. Just find a switched on Toyota spare parts dealer, and life is easier.........

Anyhow, servicing diesels.
In my opinion, unless its a newer direct injection TD which can go 10,000km between services, change the oil & filter(particularly for high soot engines, like Toyotas) every 5000 km, and diesel filter every 10,000 - 15,000 km. I changed air filters every 20,000 km, but cleaned them every service. Every 20,000 km I performed a full greasing on the suspension and driveshafts, more often if I'd been 4wding and going through water/ mudholes as well as flushing out the radiator, and changing the coolant.

My new Navara is currently under warranty, so servicing is Nissan's problem for now. Once out of warranty, I'll be doing the services as above.

5000km works out a service every 3 months or so. In a Toyota, be sure to run a high ash content, light duty oil, to absorb the soot loading. Rodeos, with their Isuzu engines, may well be the same. I used Penrite 15W-50 semi synthetic, and before that a 15W-40 from Peak Oils, made particularly for Jap diesels. I wouldn't recommend light 10W-30, unless you do alpine work. I liked the thicker 50 viscosity when hot due to o the kms on the engine, and less thinning when under load, like when towing. Don't use a heavy duty, high detergent oil like Caltex Delo 400 etc, as the detergents are that aggressive that it results in a slight increase in oil consumption.

Major services for me were at 100,000 km, where without question I'd change the timing belt, fanbelts, and remove the turbo, and have the seals checked or changed. A turbo timer helps to save the seals, I found that out firsthand, even just tootling around town.

It may seem 5000km is pedantic, but I figure its cheap insurance, once you've spent big $$$$ on buying a truck......

Just my thoughts,

Pat

[trout_bum]

Thanks heaps Pat. Just the info I was after. Have stored it in the vault...;-)

[Fishigan]

Spot on Pat;)
For the record, I've got a SSRG 3.0 TD Surf.
Electric Everything and the standard features are what you would get in a Prado.
The 4 Runner SR5 body is exactly the same as the Surf and all body parts are interchangable.
The only thing I don't like about it is that it is a grey import so you wont get much help from some Toyota dealers and insurance can be difficult.

[Hyper Tackle]

Spot on Pat;)
For the record, I've got a SSRG 3.0 TD Surf.
Electric Everything and the standard features are what you would get in a Prado.
The 4 Runner SR5 body is exactly the same as the Surf and all body parts are interchangable.
The only thing I don't like about it is that it is a grey import so you wont get much help from some Toyota dealers and insurance can be difficult.

I've got a Hilux Surf SSR-G 3.0 V6 petrol try get the SSR-G model worth it for the Recaro Seats that they came standard with:D and from my experience with it all parts are interchangable with the 4Runner, I've done 200K of relatively trouble free motoring but has recently sprung an oil leak through the Oil Pump I think.

As Fishigan says most Toyota dealers wont touch them so you'll need to find a mechanic that knows Surfs

Theres a Forum that is for Surf Owners get on there and have a look they're very helpfull.

Mark

[CJA12005]

We have always owned a Toyota, be it a Camry for the wife or Hilux for myself. Toyota's technology and reliability is proven...like they say, "go with what you know". :cool:

Had an article on an old BJ40 Landcruiser that did a million k's on the same motor without being rebuilt :eek:, now that's a vehicle you can trust.

[mossy247]

I would go with the Lux, the rodeo's chew through the fuel.... I got myself the V6 04 Dual cab... Absolutely love it, got it lifted 2" she loves the sand and pulls the boat like a dream.

[brimia]

Go the Lux. Holden’s are crap and they break down all the time.. :P

[Justin Boyle]

I would only ever buy an australian delivered car. With an australian car you get support that can't be matched in imported cars. I think some of the design rules are more stringent so often the australian cars are better.

Insurance companies generally don't support imported cars and if they do it is usually higher for an import. Resale on imports is also an issue. The Japanese don't look after their cars so a car with a low mileage of say 100k might be closer to a car that has done 200k over here.

Toyota's are great but they command a premium. $20k will get you a good ~ 2000 model TD 4x4 hilux. The same money might get you into something 4-5 years younger if you get a Rodeo. The turbo diesel rodeos are great. Isuzu make tough engines and the rodeo engine is no exception. If you look at reviews on the current DMax engine in the colorado or the DMax it leaves the competition for dead.

Either of the cars are good but some thoughts there for you to consider.