Buying a used Toyota HiLux (2012-2018)

It was said during the last century that no Aussie child could reach the age of 10 without having ridden in a Holden. Today, the same can be said about the Toyota HiLux.

Local versions of the HiLux have been with us since 1972, used as work trucks, family transport or farm utes.

During its time in this country, we have seen eight versions and every one has managed to achieve market leadership while at no time achieving anything remarkable.

A revitalised HiLux range was introduced here in late 2011 and updated to eighth-generation form in 2015.

According to Toyota, a full-on replacement isn’t due until about 2025.

When the revamped seventh-generation Toyota HiLux arrived in early 2005, more than 30 versions were available. We’ve already covered those early years to 2012 in some detail.

From 2012, the Toyota HiLux was facelifted. Dual-cab versions offered increasingly broad appeal as family transport, for recreation and commercial purposes.

The versions we’re considering began in two-wheel drive territory with the dual-cab WorkMate. It was sparsely equipped and cost an attractive $26,990 plus on-road costs, but from there the asking prices soared past $55,000 plus ORCs for an SR5 turbo-diesel automatic.

For many buyers that number was just a start. Adding a bull bar and tow bar, maybe a canopy and other knick-knacks would kick the eventual price well past $60K.

Engine choices for Toyota HiLux dual-cab models began with a 116kW 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and progressed to a 4.0-litre petrol V6 with 175kW. In between was the 126kW/343Nm diesel, with four cylinders and 3.0-litre capacity.

Changes across the updated range included a front-end restyle and new tail-light clusters, standard ABS on all models and uprated audio systems.

However, the big news was a rationalisation of the range to favour buyers whose preference was for the diesel engine, where price reductions saw some models $5650 cheaper than the ones being replaced.

Basic equipment included tinted glass, a CD player plus Bluetooth, dual airbags and cruise control in automatics.

Spend more on an SR version and the list grew to include fabric trim, power windows and mirrors, remote locking and curtain airbags.

Move to the SR5 and enjoy alloy wheels, a six-stack CD with six speakers, air-conditioning and a polished alloy ‘sports bar’ bolted to the tray.

Sales of the revamped and repriced range hovered around 40,000 units annually until 2015. Then came a dip as stocks of the old model ran out and the eighth-generation HiLux made its appearance.

In profile, the new-generation shape looked little different, however its nose jutted further forward, in contrast with the shovel nose of the previous model.

The dual-cab body was 70mm longer and 20mm wider than before. A new grille, bumper, wheels, headlights and tail-lights defined the new model, while inside there was more space and effective packaging.

Improvements saw the 2.7-litre petrol engine gain power and torque (to 122kW/245Nm) while using 11 per cent less fuel. The 3.0-litre diesel was gone, replaced by a more effective 2.8-litre that produced up to 130kW of power and 25 per cent more torque (up to 450Nm with 4x4 auto). Lower down the range, a new 2.4-litre diesel (110kW/400Nm) joined the fray.

New six-speed automatic and manual transmissions arrived as well, and under the skin a beefed-up body structure ensured that squeaks and rattles stayed away longer.

Carrying capacity of an SR5 dual-cab was 925kg and with a 2.8-litre diesel it could legally tow a braked trailer weighing 3200kg.

Responding to many years of buyer criticism of its harsh ride, in 2017 Toyota made changes to the HiLux suspension. Targeted in particular were rear leaf springs, which were extended by 100mm and given revised mountings.

Why it took 45 years before Toyota got serious about a problem with unladen HiLux ride quality is not inexplicable. While people kept buying them, ‘why spend the money’ seemed to be the prevailing attitude at Toyota.

Then along came competition from the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 pairing, not to mention an improved Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-MAX and Volkswagen Amarok, obliging Toyota to lift its game and improve the rattly ride.

If you can’t afford a recent version – and resale values are very solid – find a well-kept seventh-generation HiLux and consult a suspension specialist about what you want the vehicle to do and where it might be used.

Avoid extreme lift kits however, as an inherent high centre of gravity makes even the standard versions a roll-over risk and having them stand on tippy-toes exacerbates the problem.

Even at standard height you sit high in a HiLux, with good vision in most directions and the option of cameras in some versions to help cover hidden areas.

Dual-cab versions, especially the well-equipped SR5, are popular as family transport. The front seats adjust to accommodate occupants of pretty much any size and shape, but side support and back-rest comfort aren’t strong points.

The rear seat improved in recent versions but still isn’t the most comfy spot to spend a long trip.

Seventh-generation versions with six airbags scored a decent four-star ANCAP rating for occupant protection, increasing to five stars from 2015, which is excellent for a commercial vehicle.

If you’re buying a Toyota HiLux predominantly for use as family transport, consider a 4x2 version which will cruise serenely at highway speeds and with a 2.8 diesel will still tow 3200kg while saving you on fuel.

The dual-range manual transmission of the 4x4 versions is a bit coarse and noisy but earns its keep if you’re the kind of HiLux owner who frequently tackles sand dunes, steep descents or rutted tracks.

For smooth cruising there’s not much to rival the V6, but once you start slinging things into the tray or towing, fuel consumption soars.

Tests reported an unladen average of 12.2L/100km which then climbed to a nasty 18-20L/100. With the diesel engine, expect sub-10L/100km consumption, rising to a worst of 13.5/100km when towing around two tonnes.

If you’ve chosen a HiLux in preference to a family passenger car or SUV, it needs a secure and weatherproof tray cover. At the very least, choose a vehicle with a lockable box bolted to the floor that will hide valuables, tools, etc and stop the shopping sliding around.

Remember that the HiLux was designed primarily as a commercial vehicle so its levels of road and mechanical noise will be higher and comfort demonstrably less than for passenger vehicles.

Test drive in the environment closest to the one where the vehicle will typically be used: suburbia, flowing roads, even on a loose surface if you can.

If you’re not an urban 4WD warrior, check comfort levels in stop-start traffic and whether the transmission/tyre noise isn’t going to become annoying as speeds rise.

• The 2.8-litre diesel engines suffer issues with their Diesel Particulate Filter system (DPF) which causes excessive exhaust smoke to be emitted and may trigger 'limp home' mode. This condition affects Hiluxes built from 2015-18 and mainly those used for short trips that don't reach engine temperatures which trigger cleaning of the DPF. Toyota has a webpage dedicated to this issue.
• A HiLux can be its own worst enemy, with inherent toughness and a reputation for reliability encouraging some owners to extend service intervals beyond reality while ignoring visual or audible warnings. Ask to see the service books or recent receipts and avoid any vehicle that comes with neither.
• Diesel pumps and injector nozzles need to be kept clean and performance/fuel consumption will suffer if the system deteriorates. Regular services will also check if injector seals are leaking.
• Dust bypassing the air filter on diesels can trick engine sensors into triggering ‘limp home’ mode and there is little that can then be done until the ECU is reset. Aftermarket filters are worth considering if you do a lot of driving in dusty conditions.
• Expect any HiLux that has done some off-road work to be showing some underbody damage, but some can cost money to fix. Should you spot a crushed exhaust, torn CV boots or chassis damage, check repair costs before finalising the deal.
• Check the tray for dents and deep scratches that can allow rust to take hold. If the vehicle has a bed liner, ask the vendor to remove it for inspection of the metal underneath.

Used vehicle grading for Toyota HiLux (2012-2018)
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 14/20
Practicality: 14/20
Value for Money: 12/20
Wow Factor: 12/20 (SR5)
Score: 67/100

Also consider: Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok