1998 Toyota Hi-lux 2.7 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Good 4x4 ute for its age

Faults:

Reconditioned the cylinder head when first purchased due worn vales and replaced 1 CV drive shaft (torn boot).

General Comments:

The Hilux has been very reliable over the last 5 years of ownership. The 2.7 motor is a bit thirsty on fuel, but considering the age and weight of the vehicle, it's reasonable.

It has a 2 inch lift kit and steel bull bar, which doesn't help fuel economy, but in its favour the 2.7 petrol engine is reasonably easy for a home mechanic to work on and service (no expensive injector pump to worry about etc). I didn't have any issues taking the head off, getting it reconditioned and putting it all back together, although having a good service manual helped.

It's a common problem for 3rzfe engines with a few Ks to have issues with the cylinder head, and it's worth checking out if looking at buying a 2.7 petrol. Mine had a lot of money spent on aftermarket accessories (just over $7k), so the engine issue didn't bother me; just helped to knock a few $ off the purchase price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2015

1998 Toyota Hi-lux SR5 3.0 litre, no turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Faults:

Nothing.

When I got it at 119000 km, for a while I was using it, and it was using 18 Km per 100 km, and was costing me up to $160 a week in diesel.

I fitted the car with hydrogen injection from Hawesbury hydrogen in Sydney Australia, and now its 8.5 to 10 km per 100 Km, or up to 900 km per tank of diesel.

This small truck stands up to everything you give it. By the way, I have had the HHO kit in for 3 years and no trouble at all. Towing a car on a trailer from Windsor to Narabri near the QLD border, and that's near 2200 km on 130 litres.

The Hilux needs 2x 12 volt batteries, to enable it to start no matter what, but that could be due to the 8 x 2 way radios I have in it and the HHO kit fitted.

It's a great truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2010

16th Nov 2014, 11:18

Upgraded the hydrogen kit in this Hilux and now it's 6.5 litres per 100 km, in traffic.

At 425250 km the gear box gave up and I had to change it with a reco.

Now it's at 440,000 km and the rear diff is leaking oil, very slowly.

I change the engine oil and filter every 5000 km and use Caltex diesel all the time. Changing the diesel filter every 10000km. Never touching the injectors when using hydrogen injection.

8th Oct 2017, 11:54

Hi mate, is there anyway I can contact you about the HHO setup you've got, as I'm very interested to find out more about it. Cheers.

7th Nov 2024, 10:55

Facebook hawkesbury hydrogen

1998 Toyota Hi-lux Surf 2.4 turbo diesel from Botswana

Summary:

I like the physique of the car, but not the regular engine failures

Faults:

After every 5500 km, the head gasket would blow up.

Cylinder head cracks up, skim it or order a new one.

Re-bow the block or re-sleeve it.

Turbo ceases to function prematurely.

General Comments:

Very nice and comfortable interior.

Can be used for family or safari/fishing, reliable off road.

Wide open sun roof.

Convenient rear glass door opening for loading.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th April, 2009