Toyota Hi Lux 3.0d 2010 Model

gilbert_and_sullivan

http://www.roadtestreports.co.uk/road-test-reports/Toyota/Hilux/

The report there from Lew is written by me, hopefully it will give some idea of my impressions.

OK the 2010 model is improved somewhat especially the Invincible.

The automatic gearbox is new and i believe now has an extra 5th gear.
The wheels will be 17" on the Invincible and it will have stability control, obviously if people think they are driving a GTi of some sort then a truck will roll over...i suppose doing chicane swerves with your concrete mixer might not end well but in the nanny state it seems common sense has all but vanished and replaced by unadulterrated idiocy, we haven't had a moments worry with the Hilux and you won't either.

Speed limits are the same as a car, a twin cabbed 4x4 pick up is a dual purpose vehicle and enjoys the same speed limits as cars ( a single cabbed one does not)...i can find and post the relevent DOT bumph for those who disagree, and it is regd and taxed as a goods vehicle (£190ish).

Turning circle is good for such a big vehicle, but we had high quality aftermarket F&R parking sensors fitted by a sparky mate and they are worth doing (note the rear bumper is not stainless so if you drill the bumper for any reason rustpfoof the bare metal).

The front passenger airbag cannot be turned off with our motor but worth checking if it can with the newer model, should you wish to carry a rear facing child seat that is.

Update for tyre situation which probably won't apply to the 2010 model but you might be interested.

My number one priority for tyre choice is wet grip regardless of the vehicle, the original Pirelli's were not up to much IMO (maybe contributory towards that idiotic moose test..incidentally held at a Mitsubishi premises) and i removed and sold them.
I researched a lot and ended up against all my instincts buying a set of General Grabber UHP tyres, not only do these grip astonishingly well in the wet without a period of scrubbing off/bedding in but the ride quality is now excellent, probably as good as an LC5 Landcruiser.
I run (Vredestain) winter tyres on my vehicles anyway and on winters the truck is virtually unstoppable in the ice and snow.

The Hilux continues to give trouble free service, Toyota's service dept are their usual efficient selves and don't rip their customers off.

I would have another tomorrow, though in an ideal world if they slung the V8 Diesel in from the new Amazon and gave it full time 4WD then a more perfect vehicle you could not buy.

North_Star_2

Thanks Gilert n Sullivan best post so far , really informative , I am used to controlling a large vehicle in my concrete mixer and its driver know how on what a car/wagon/4x4 can or cannot do and if somebody was to purchase a 4x4 pickup expecting to obtain the performance or drive of a GTi then more fool them , its a workhorse vehicle and needs driving accordingly. I was swayed by the Navara but having sat in one and now drove one I felt it was great on exterior looks yet interior was very basic and dull and to be sat inside that cab for my daily journeys would have me regretting it but i managed to get a go in a Hi Lux 3.0d now and loved it , I want the armadillo roll shutter on mine ideally with black roll bars which is going to cost a bit but that way its best suited to my needs and as for tyres I can book them as wagon tyres for my truck and claim loads back.

The parking sensors sound a great idea and really quite a must have item , my only worry is getting fed up if the Mrs wants to go shopping and trying to park in multi storey car parks or even the local car un-friendly car parks there are these days but I am sure the financial benefits of owning one will really outweigh the personal irritability and also with a young un on the way itll be reassuring to have a vehicle of size that can accomodate them in safety and also carry anything I need and so much more with ease.

Thanks again to all posts so far , great help and advice there.