Toyota HiLux MK6 (1998-2004)

Like Father like Son – My Father had a second gen Hilux back in the day, then he bought me a 1990 extra cab SR5 4x4 which I still drive, then in 2003 I bought a SR5 dual cab 4x4 in silver. I’m telling you Hilux’s are with out a doubt the best all round vehicle on the market. My extra cab has 4460000km And my 2003 has 342000km and neither has ever had a mechanical… Read more

failure or let me down, also using them for work and play driving them in the city and county and getting respect from all the other tradies on site (you know Andy the guy that drives the Hilux”)

I drove the extra cab all through my P plate stage and as you probably know P platers are not the most cautious of motorists but ist still going strong, one of the thing that my Father Instilled in me was servicing your vehicle! Every 5000km change the oil and filter even if you need to go without food! Ha ha

If your looking for a good second hand Hilux look at the owner you will know if he or she really loves their Hilux and treated it like their child and not just a vehicle. I’ve still got that feeling every time I turn the key!!!

Best Utility Ever!!! – We purchased this Hilux so I would have a tow vehicle & independence to take my horses away riding with my friends. Since purchasing this ute it's done allot of hard work & it now has 373,000km's on the clock! Although it's not a powerful towing vehicle it does the job in a sure steady manner & has NEVER let us down! Although the engine is getting… Read more

pretty tired now & it's definitely lost some of its power especially on hills it still continues to perform reliably never missing a beat. Fuel economy is the only thing that's not great...I only manage approximately 450k's per tank & this is predominantly highway traveling 98+ kilometers per day to work & back. If I'm towing I'd easily lose 50 to 70 kms of fuel economy. The only other thing I'd mention is the metallic paint has oxidized badly but that's just cosmetic & of little concern to me at its age. It's still nice inside, velour seats, comfortable & tidy. Air conditioning is still working a treat! I really love this utility!!!

new hilux 2000 2.7 4wd the better choice – hilux 2.7 petrol 4wd 5sp manual is my new car,sadly my last 2000 2.7 2wd got written off,so went hunting and got this for boat ramps,farm etc 4wd,,,had for 2 weeks 303,000km and head gasket went,[car had been sitting in shed a numbers off years unused]had to pull engine out easyier to fix on stand,these models do suffer from head cracks in the… Read more ·  2

cambers,brand new head/gaskets etc $1100 new timming cam kit $200 block shaved and honed $200 new bearings and rings $300 all done by self taught and basic fix no special tools needed,running in so far getting about 16lt per 100 hope that gets better,is a ruff ride,but brakes are great,seats very average,no air bags elec windows,trac control,plain key ,a honest great car that will give you reliable drive and cheap easy fix,fitted 18in hilux wheels/tyres that are great in the wet,not like the std 14in 2wd model deadly in the wet,sticking to the petrol engine without all that nowdays crap that doesnt do a buyer any favours ,,,,,,New update getting just over 14lt per 100 not as fast as my last 2wd and somewhat disappointed in performance but I quess it’s a heavier car? But still happy and get better with longer run in,seats are still a pain and need extra foam support so far nothing to spend since engine rebuild

Vzn167r dual cab great car – Great truck. Drives a bit like one to. I use mine on and off road. Never lets me down. Great on the beach, gravel roads and climbing up and down harsh terrain. The rear end is a bit loose on bitumen especially when wet. So you drive to the conditions. It’s very versatile, Carries loads all day every day. Not great on fuel, I get about 400k on a 60 litre tank. The v6 makes short work of overtaking though. Very reliable. Show details ·  1

deadly in the wet – This is my everyday car and the most loyal relationship Ive ever had. She was bought new in 2002 and has done over 300K doing everything from school runs to beach driving,long distant trips,towing multiple things and off road mud. Not once has she ever let me down. No breakdowns,only replaced the timming belt,water pump and CV joints. 40% nite… Read more

driving and after 20 years still has the original headlight globes in it. My only issue is it is extremly dangerous in the wet. Even the slightest tap of the throttle will see the wheels spin esp at round a bouts. Tried many different types of tyres with no joy and as a professional driver it has only been my experience that has saved me. I wont let anyone else drive it for that very reason. Such a brilliant car but with this one stupid design .Deadly in the wet

Can't break it – I've own this car for 15 years and it has never once let me down. I've only replaced an air-conditioning compressor. It has gotten rust in the rear and front glass gutters but that's it. Show details

Good Ute. :) But needs more power – Reliable 4x4 ute. :) Bit slow, but snorkel and extractors opened it up so it would sit on 110kms on the highway, but not much faster than that. Mine has 300,000kms and still goes strong. Yes, i would buy another. But would go for the V6 or 3ltr turbo diesel just for that extra over taking power vehicles.  Show details

Has been legendary – 2001 model bought used 2003 ex govt vehicle, 2.7 motor nearly done 300,000 ks. Has been a great truck, reliable only problems I have had have been starter come loose ages ago, couple of cv boots, centre bearing, replaced clutch after 210, 000 other basics , like shocks and ball joints as well as an AC issue that were easily repaired. Mainly daily… Read more

driver and every year go beach camping a couple of times, tows a boat. Poor old 2.7 starting to get tired, even though truck and motor has been awesome I do wish I had bought a turbo diesel from the beginning. Would have been more suited to what I use it for. Easy to work on and nice and simple keeps cost down. Get another couple years out of it, but most likely get a newer diesel truck but will miss this one when the time goes. Most likely if I had bought a TD diesel i would have rebuilt motor and kept this one going.

this old Hilux is best ever!! – This car is never die. it is 1998 model with 2.7L dual cab. Very good working ute, at same time, can fit more people as well. If service can be done regularly, the engine is so good and realible. small parts need to be changed (eg alternator when comes to 230,000km), driver seat needs to be changed when it comes to 210,000km. other than that. it is awesome car.  Show details

Tough and powerful – This car isn't very fuel efficient, however, it is a very reliable and powerful car. It's towed my dad's Navara and camper trailer at the same time across the whole of Moreton island when the sand was too soft for them to cross. This car has never given me any trouble and I would buy it again, but the next car I will definitely be getting a turbo  Show details

Best vehicle ever – It is the best its anyone could buy. The engine has heaps of power. It has really bad fuel economy. I get about 350-400 km for a 60 l tank. The manual gearbox is so smooth. I would recommend this vehicle to everyone. There isn't anything I would change about it.  Show details

just keeps going – hilux 2.7 lt 2000 model done over 400,000 km ,got it just over 200,000 km,spent only on tyres,just replaced pads,exhaust,shockers,treat it like crap and just keeps going,used in farm,boat ramps,had it in salt water front wheels,no problems, get around 450-480 km on a tank,is a rough ride,seats needed to be better,handles like a set off ice skates on a wet road,tows anything,love this old car very happy custmer apart from fuel cost,ride  Show details ·  1

Exactly What I look for in a car – The first I need from a car is for it to start and go. 2nd thing is that it does this for 20 years (if required). Bought my 2.7L 4cyl petrol 5sp 2003 Dual Cab Hilux (aluminium tray) in 2006 for $18k with 40,000km now has 160,000km worth about $7k. It is not very comfortable when empty. Rear end bounces. I Love the vinyl floors, easy access engine… Read more

bay, bullet proof mechanicals.

gets about 480-500km city from 55-58L fuel 10% ethan. Its a 60L tank. Not much difference with unleaded. Premium gets better mileage but not by much... maybe 40km more.

Still on the original rear break shoes (drum). Same with front rotors. Change the oil filter always makes a mess, there seems to be an amount of oil above the filter that dribbles everywhere when the filter is removed.

Very happy so far.

unstoppable.

2003 Workmate converted to LPG. 130k and no issues. Getting 430km for $30 – Purchased from original owner with very low kms this is my daily hwy drive and often farm ute i service it as needed with mechanic mate as required in the book and have not had and issue. Mine was the very base so I have added 2nd hand AC form a wreck and all good. 4 years ago I fitted top system LPG as this toyota engine is LPG approved (has… Read more ·  1

stickers) and halved my fuel costs. As above I get around 430km from $30 of gas and have dual fuel so twice the range. Starts auto on petrol and once warm converts to gas used LPG crew in Tullamarive. Very happy. Have replaced front shocks as i do long drive with no load and it bounces.

Yes it rides like a truck and having the bench seat sucks but to those who say that is a reason for a poor rating I say, you bought the wrong car. Load it up and rides smooth. I use my ute hard and it is often loaded with a tonne of wood from dozer and still going great. Only wish the new ones converted to LPG as well and I could buy decent 2nd hand buckets!

Update. Just sold vehicle. 153,000km in Perfect condition and no faults. Upgraded to 2017 4x4. I did add bucket seats from wreckers and AC. GREAT CAR. if it was 4wd would have kept. New cars costs double $$ to fill in diesel.

too many things worng – i only purchased toyota hilux utes for my business which run approx 12 of hilux utes, Toyota had once been hard to beat in product quality for 40+ years. However my experience with hilux utes mainly diesel auto 4wd versions the following issues ive had with little no interest from the Toyota Australia and generally thsy turn thier back on a once… Read more

die hard toyota buyer. examples over the last 10 or so years include: Diff failing between 80k & 100k, i was told that i spin the wheels, my response was i'll give $100 if you can in the wet that was my 2004 diesel turbo not intercooled - gutless, then we hard Auto transmissions failing and theirs the injectors that need changing at the owners expense - apparently we all buy dirty fuel in Oz. then my landcruiser with its brakes totaling failing due a faulty ABS system but guess who had to pay the $4k to get that fixed yep me. i was told once again that i'm the only one that experienced that hmmmmm thier full of it! guess what i only buy Ford Ranger 3.2 diesel 4wd ute now, so far so good

Duraterrible – The good news is that 15 years and 265,000 kms and not a single breakdown or fault with it yet - that is the dura part of the duraterrible verdict. One cannot dispute that it has lasted and lasted well. My parents still have it and I drive it from time to time and the darned thing still goes like I remember it from the time before. The… Read more

terrible part is that it is just so god awful to drive - it always was and always will be. I don't know why they bothered with first gear on it when you can start off (from idle) in second and even third with a few revs and a bit of clutch riding. First gear is almost worthless at take off because no sooner than you have got moving you need to change up to second.

The ride and handling is rubbish, bordering on dangerous in corners. The front is set very soft (very bouncy) while the back is rock hard (not bouncy, just jittery and nervous) all this results in an almost comical twisting of the front half of the car while the back steadfastly refuses to follow suit until you hit a bump mid corner whereby you had best be right with God, because you very well could be on your way to meet him if there is an oncoming car in the other lane you now find yourself in.

All in all, I can see why Toyota got it's unbreakable reputation - they earned it with utes like this one. However unbreakable does not make it unbearable, which it is to drive.

The new ones while a bit better are not better enough to overcome it's horrid driving dynamics which is why when I went to buy a new ute for myself Toyota missed out on my $$$ given that for the same price Mum and Dad paid for their Hilux in 2000 I was able to get a brand new ute from another brand that drives like a car instead of a wooden pallet with a tractor engine.

Great Ute – I have both the single and dual cab and enjoy them both I have no complaints the inside driving access is the only issue and only for my two six foot plus sons the rear seat access is very good too, the load carring is good with a lot of weight in it. reliable quiet powerfull suspension is harsh when unloaded Show details

Great little truck – I bought my 2.7, 2001 cab chassis with ally tray with 40000k's on her and I am just coming up on 200000.. So far I have replaced the battery and tyres ( at 120000 k's by the way) and given her a wheel alignment.. That is the sum total of what I have spent.. Sorry, I replaced the front disc pads as well.. It never ever lets me down and I have worked it pretty hard.. I wouldn't change it for quids..  Show details

Bad Service – My Hilux Workmate single cab worked tirelessly for10 years in my work as a landscaper. 2 years ago I went out to go to work and noticed the headlights were on.I tried to switch them off but they would not come off,I had to take the relay off.I took the car to Toyota in Deer Park and they said it needs new stalk and it was going to cost me around… Read more

$300.About 4 days later same thing happened again.I took it back and they said that they have to get an electrician to look at it and I have to pay for it.I asked them what about the $300 I have paid.they would not give it back.I bought my car there,My wife bought a brand new corolla there as well,but never again in that place.since then I took the car to two different electricians and no one could find the problem.Now even my brake and oil light stay on when I switch off.

bad service

Hilux 2003 – Drama after drama worse car ever owned. Gearbox had rebuilt twice. Diff go as well as starter motor Tensioner bearing for timing chain. What next could understand if car had high Kms 200000 on clock. Disappointed with car would recommend it to anyone over priced piece of [censored word removed]. Spend the extra get a landcruiser or a patrol.

Issue with Air Bag Light Staying On – My HIlux is a D4D 2.5 liter diesel. It is a double cab, 4-wheel drive. I have been using this in Nassau, The Bahamas which is a fairly small island, so the mileage is fairly low - 45,583 km (28,181 mi). In all fairness, it has run rather well over the five plus years I have owned it since new, but recently the airbag light started staying on after… Read more ·  6

the usual self-test on start-up.

The owner's manual suggested that I take it in to the dealer for a diagnostic test. I dropped it off early morning. By late morning, I received a call from the dealer advising that the test could not find anything. I was asked if I wished to authorize further manual and other checks. (I was previously advised that the computer check cost $65 per hour). I authorized another two hours maximum before being contacted again if nothing was found.

Late afternoon, I started calling the dealer since I was not hearing from them and expected to have the truck back by the end of the day. After about three calls, I was told by the maintenance supervisor that the diagnosis was that the spiral spring from the airbag/steering assembly needed to be replaced. I rushed down on by bicycle in order to beat the closing time.

I received a bill for the diagnosis of US$201.00 and then the bombshell. The spiral spring was not in stock in the parts department and had to be ordered from overseas at a cost of US$480.00. $480.00 for a spiral spring? It would be 14 working days before delivery. Luckily it is not a vital part. The truck is running perfectly except for that light staying on. Since I am old school and drove for many years without an airbag, it did not faze me one bit that it is possible that an airbag might not go off in an accident. But it certainly will affect my resale value since one of the first things that will be noticed is a light remaining on after the engine is started.

Well, well, was my Toyota brand failing me. I have been a loyal Toyota fan for over 18 years. Thirteen years with a '91 Corolla and five plus years with my Hilux and nothing like this until now.

I started doing some checks on the internet and found out that this problem with the spiral spring and the airbag light staying on are not uncommon with this era of Hilux. And that there are dealerships that have had to deal with as many as 15 Hiluxes over a significantly short period of time with this issue.

Is this is a flaw in the design? Is this is a possibility because of the frequency. If so, why hasn't Toyota done a fix and a recall of the vehicle?

The indomitable, indestructible reputation of the Toyota is being threatened here. Still, I love this truck and would still give it a 4 rating on a scale of 5. But I cannot imagine that something as simple as replacing a spiral spring to get rid of an airbag light staying on is going to cost me nearly $900.00.

I paid attention to the numerous recall of other Toyota vehicles in the recent past and hoped for the best.

Now I cannot conceal my disappointment and hope my brand loyalty remains after this episode. Reliability, fuel consumption. low end torque, appearance, spaciousness for a mid-size. Fragility of airbag system over time, no power wing mirrors, no intermittent wiper, weak horn.

Excellent – Great for its purpose (cheap vehicle for high mileage use), driver and passenger are comfortable. Have driven 1100klms in one day several times. Tows caravan and box trailer well. Came with good exterior mirrors. 2004 single cab 2.7 petrol converted to LPG Cheap readily available parts. 206000klms at 1000klms / week, no problems Powerful… Read more ·  1

reliable, engine sounds good. Great radio/cd sound. Heaps for these around on the road. Runs $10 / 100klms on LPG. poor turning circle, 2 seater 3rd person is very uncomfortable in the middle seat.

Excellent – Apart from the fact its not good for young kids, and you will have to get a second car for the first 6 months of babies life, its a great ute. Havnt had much problems with it, great for fuel for its size, just cant kill it! Had alot of fun with it and will be around for a long time yet! Definately look to buy another newer one later on, to have… Read more

this one for the farm, but for another 10 years im happy using it daily! Just love it. Got a space cab 4x4. Cant kill it! Wouldnt get anything but a 4x4. Great on fuel, doesnt use much extra fuel when towing. Cant put a baby seat in the rearward facing position

Excellent – I no longer have a HiLux .. I did own a 2 door 4WD 1989 2.8 diesel for 16 years and had a great run with it, we had a canopy and often would go away for days on end and plenty of long weekends sleeping in the back, apart from an injector pump seal, spring bushes and of course regular filter and oil changes never laid a hand on her,it would have to… Read more

be one of the most treliable vehicles I have owned and I have had a few,I would have no problem in recomending a HiLux to anyone

Trebro

Dependable work mate! – I had my 2004 3.4 v6 4x4 hilux for three years,and never had any problems with it. The hilux is very well built, strong chassis, and strong drivetrain and strong engine, the 3.4 v6 engine goes pretty good, however doesnt quiet have the strong off idle grunt the turbo diesel model has, but once rolling the 3.4 v6 petrol goes well, its the same when… Read more ·  1

towing the turbo diesel tows off the line better, were 3.4 v6 petrol you need to slip clutch a little bit more to get moving, but once your up and running the 3.4 v6 petrol up to the task.The 3.4 v6 petrol isnt to bad on fuel,but can get a bit thirsty when worked, expect beetween 10.5L100 TO 12 on trip to 13L100 to 15L100 around town ,towing can see usage go up to the late teens, comfort wise the hilux cabin is not suitable for three,the cabin is to small, the drivers seat is fairly comfortable, the bench seat is comfortable for one, not two.the ride is a little firm, only to be exspected from a work ute designed to carry a heavy load. the steering and handling is good, due to the inderpendent front suspension. the standard tyres lack grip in the wet, but this can be fixed with wider aftermarket tyres and rims. The hilux is pretty easy to service and work on,not that you have to work on them very often, their very reliable.the hilux is a great ute. I would buy another one any time. strong and reliable, great resale value, spare parts avalability. firm ride, not cheap to buy.standard wheels and tyres lack grip.

A classic, perfect little utility – I bought my 2004 Toyota Hilux in 2007 with 40,000klms on it. It was a 2.7L petrol, black single cab style side, with electric everything, tinted windows and Toyota genuine parts. I had it for just over 3 years, put 50,000klms on it, and sold it for 75% of what I paid for it. It was regularly serviced, and never came back with any faults. I… Read more

replaced the battery and a set of tyres and that was all that it needed. It ran all the time and never stopped. Parts and servicing was everywhere for it, had I needed it, and being black it always turned heads. People offered to buy it off me a month after I bought it 'till the day I sold it. I only sold it due to living arrangements and not needing a vehicle, if and when I need a vehicle in future I will buy this again. Flawless reliability, solid build quality, classic look, endless usability, more than enough power, comfortable yet roughable, resale value, availability of parts and servicing Rides like a work ute not a car, legal factory rims poor grip in wet and with no load(a LSD wouldn't help), big 4 cylinder means a little thirsty, short gears, single cab a little small on long trips

Good – mechanically fantastic.these vehicles will do nearly anything.i carried on mine a 2 metre high pallet of solar panels weighing 980kg almost 500km several times & it never missed a beat.got a bit thirsty with the wind drag though.overall a very solid vehicle which does what it was designed for very well.id recommend buying one if you can get one… Read more

with reasonable kms on it had a 4x2 with a tray.great courier vehicle.ran up almost 500,000km on it.never broke down.never replaced any major parts on it,clutch etc.very strong vehicle mechanically very bad turning circle.uncomfortable ride.the diesel is very expensive to buy

Excellent – Great 2003 dual cab, basic interior, seems no major changes in many years. However we bought ours for towing floats and boats so luxuries werent on our list of wants. Been fantastic so far! On another angle, I actually find it very suspicous that there are so many UNKNOWN people posting reviews, and they all seem to mispell a word here and there… Read more

or have some incorrect grammar sentence thrown in, if i didnt know better i would assume they were all written by the same person? wouldnt you?? i no longer want to hear from any unknowns, they shouldnt be allowed to post, fair call? well what they have to say is important enough they can spent 3 minutes to sign up. it takes up valuable space and i consider most of what they say to be spam. thanks. Great Vehicle. After much shopping around settled, on a Hilux 3.0TD. Best value for money and a secure feeling driving a proven reliable ute. I have been all over this ute and am quite happy with the build quality. Nothing to complain about at all! Nothing to mention, guess i will have to get back to you

Good – Enough power with 3L TD 2004 model. Have 5 Hilux utes where I work and all have performed well and they manage to keep reasonable resale value. Little hungry on fuel opposed to courier and triton, however still get about 600Km from 70L. Good robust work ute. Good on the farm after putting wider tyres on it. Narrow cabin. Just enough space for 2 blokes, no extra room for esky inside ute!

Excellent – The best 4x4 dual cab smooth and powerfull v6. And a turbo diesel with lots of torque. Very good off ability very good on road to. About the best cabin room in it’s class.The 3.0L turbo diesel/3.4L v6 petrol are very good engines. fuel tank a bit small.tray could be a bit bigger.

Excellent – the 4x4 hilux is great. my partner used to have toyota hilux that was great for weekend trips, with friends and family. great i love four wheel driving sometimes they can be a bit slow(speed)

Good – I have a 2005 2.7 petrol 4x2 twin cab. It now has 160k on the clock. 100% reliable ute, the twin cab is very practical. Toyota service was both [censored word removed] & expensive, don't bother just take it to a decent mechanic. I have improved the ride quality a little, but it is still poor. reliable, practical. Low running costs. Re-sale value. Poor ride quality. Poor grip from O.E. tyres. O.E. brake pads grind & grab when hot

Good – The 2wd are lighter and faster but should only be used as work utes. Not the most comfy back seat and not very much room. A lot will be for sale/auction soon (In WA) when the Freeway finishes and they sell off the fleet Plenty of power with the turbo. Handles ok, The SR5 are acceptionally nice to drive around. they are Great on fuel. They look… Read more

good and the engines are strong (trust me) The 2wd versions should be avoided even if your going to be on only a little bit of soft sand. On the upper end of the dollar but cheaper than a land cruiser.

Excellent – An incredibly tough vehicle. Getting to some bits of the motor can be a bit challenging (as with all modern cars) but thinking out easy access to high frequency maintenance bits like alternators, fan belt tightening bolts would be useful in future. Power steering is a must. No soft edges -a ute for the toughest of conditions and for equally tough… Read more

drivers. I would love to try out the 4x4 version. The Hilux is the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. The '96 twin cab 4x2 I own has had two exhaust problems ($200 muffler and $50 gaskets) but after that only needs servicing and fuel. The twin cab suffers from tough back seat syndrome, mixed with the 1 tonne suspension can shake kiddies and other passegers around during normal road journeys. On long trips the exhaust system on the good old R22 motor tends to suffer. Also in extreme outback heat sitting still with the air con blowing can lead to over heats.