Buying a used Toyota Kluger (2003-2007)

Toyota’s product-planners are masters at filling market gaps and early in the 21st Century there existed a ripper. In between the macho Prado and urbanely-appealing RAV was a space that other brands were itching to fill. Enter the Kluger.

Toyota’s mid-sized all-wheel drive shared chassis and mechanical attributes with the swoopy and more expensive Lexus RX330. Basic, five-seat versions were available but the one everybody wanted was the seven-seat CVX.

By 2007 when the design changed and against tough competition from Ford’s Territory and the Prado, Kluger sales were averaging close to 8000 units a year.

HISTORY
The vehicle known in overseas markets as Highlander arrived here late in 2003 and was very much intended for disenfranchised Camry wagon owners who needed extra space with the added benefit of off-road capability.

Despite its strange name – German for ‘clever’ – the square-edged wagon supplied abundant space at realistic money and was destined for immediate success.   

Cheapest in the three-tiered local range was the Kluger CV. Like all of the early versions it had full-time 4WD as standard but the seats were cloth trimmed and seating was limited to five. At $43,990, the least-costly Kluger undercut the base-model Outback 3.0R by $1000 and was destined to hold its resale value better than the Subaru.

The Kluger’s major appeal lay in the ability of higher-spec models to carry seven people. Hence the biggest seller in the range – the $49,000 CVX – stowed a two-person bench beneath its load area. CVX additions also included leather seat trim, 16-inch alloy wheels, an in-dash CD stacker and power seat adjustment.

Jumping $10,000 to the top-line Grande was a big ask and one the vast majority of Kluger buyers weren’t prepared to make. However, if you do find one of the ultra-loaded versions its price now won’t be much higher than for a CVX of similar age. Yet the benefits are considerable.

Ignoring the hideous plasti-wood cabin trimmings, there’s a big display screen for the sat-nav and other functions, electric sunroof and roof-mounted DVD viewer. Outside you get 17-inch wheels and a rear roof spoiler.
 
Under the skin changes were controversial, with the CVX’s centre differential and limited-slip rear diff replaced by electronics. These used the traction and stability control systems to detect when grip was being lost and redirect torque or apply braking force to control wheel-spin.  

Under the bonnet was the same 3.3-litre V6 used in the RX330 and a five-speed automatic transmission. Klugers never offered a manual alternative and there wasn’t even a ‘sport-shift’.  

Anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution and dual airbags provided basic safety across the range but those who wanted top-shelf protection needed to option a CVX or spend almost $60,000 on the Grande with its ‘safety pack’ comprising side and head protection and traction/stability control.
 
The CV Sport offered during 2005 wasn’t any more powerful than standard versions but cost only $1000 more than a standard CV. Its basic differences were a body-coloured grille, roof rails and rear spoiler plus more durable seat fabric.

Ride quality on unsealed surfaces is good and the constant-4WD transmission uses a viscous coupling that delivers equal amounts of power to the front and rear wheels. Grandes with their ‘Driver Assist’ all-wheel drive supposedly deliver superior performance on loose surfaces or when descending slippery hills, however, some reviewers weren’t convinced.
 
On unsealed tracks, well-formed sand or heading to the snow, Klugers are competent and comfortable. There’s sufficient clearance for beach driving but only single-range transmission and limited suspension travel.

Sitting high surrounded by large windows and excellent mirrors provides excellent vision front and rear. The electric power steering might feel strange at first but is precise at parking pace and well-weighted as speeds increase.
 
With lots of weight, bodyroll and tall tyres, the Kluger won’t corner like an Outback or even Ford Territory. Providing it’s on decent-quality tyres, however, response is reasonable and even wet roads won’t produce any nasty moments.

The steering wheel adjusts vertically but some owners will still struggle to find a position that doesn’t leave them feeling like a bus-driver.

The seats on CVX and Grande models adjust electrically and the time spent finding the perfect angle can be frustrating. Folding armrests can be intrusive when in use and a transmission shifter mounted half-way up the dash might feel strange.

Leather used in higher-end Klugers is of the shiny and slippery variety but pretty durable. Cars sitting on used lots and with more than 150,000km on the meter weren’t displaying significant trim wear.

Those using the ‘middle’ bench in seven-seat versions will enjoy decent lateral support and legroom. The ‘occasional’ seat that hides under the luggage area floor is reasonably comfy but definitely more suited to younger fry than anyone over 1.5 metres. Child-seat mounting points are easy to reach and both rear seats can be folded to maximise load-space.

With 172kW the 3.3 litre jumps out of the blocks swiftly, hitting 80km/h in a little over six seconds. But downshifts can be slow and full-throttle kick-down savage so planning overtaking moves and being gentle with the pedal enhances the Kluger’s inherent smoothness.

Fuel consumption figures for a V6 that’s hauling around 1800kg won’t ever make pretty reading but the Kluger under most conditions delivers decent economy.

Road tests conducted mainly in open going with some off-road slogging tossed in returned 13L/100km. That can be reduced to mid-10s with some feather-footed freeway driving or sent close to 20L/100km in traffic or when towing.   

CHECK POINTS
>> Underbody damage needs to be checked before looking any further. Before starting a test-drive, slide under the front and rear looking for scrapes around the suspension, damaged or repaired exhaust components and dents under the sills and spare-wheel carrier. While there make sure that the spare is in place.
>> Engine failures have been reported in vehicles showing fewer than 150,000km, while plenty of others have done 250,000+ without incident.
Problems are most likely the result of owner neglect and poor-quality oils that promote sludging and valve-train wear. Avoid a vehicle that doesn’t come with complete service history and especially those that make rattling or thudding noises when starting.  
>> The front drive-shaft boots are vulnerable to damage and ingestion of dirt or sand can cause major transmission wear. Look also at the control arm bushes for damage due to off-road use. More than 15mm of play at the steering wheel rim means something in the column, rack or mountings is worn.
>> Check that the foot-operated parking brake will hold the car on a slope without the gear selector being in ‘Park’ and that it releases without needing a massive kick.  
>> Raise the underfloor seat (where fitted) to make sure it locks into position. Look for damage to the seat covering and check the belts lock properly.
>> Klugers that have been kept in the open can lose their protective ‘clear coat’ finish. This seems to happen first on roof corners, above the windscreen and in the centre of the turret. Find somewhere elevated to inspect the paint from above.

USED VEHICLE GRADING
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 14/20
Practicality: 16/20
Value for Money: 13/20
Wow Factor: 10/20
TOTAL SCORE: 68/100

ALSO CONSIDER: Holden Adventra CV6, Ford Territory, Subaru Outback 3.0R