toyota hilux (import)

maka_2

would you guys buy an imported hilux as i understand it there maybe an issue with getting parts and insurance is this right?? also ive been told that some insurers will insure you however will look for something on it to ensure they dont have to pay up.
how do u find out if it is upto uk spec?
just got an insurance quote and it came up on go compare as a toyota landcruiser

Dave_Z

Have you seen a particular car you're interested in because there's always tons of UK Hilux's on AutoTrader. Given that the Hilux is sold by Toyota in the UK i can't see that you'd have any trouble with parts or servicing. Unless you've seen an imported example you really love, i'd just get a UK one and then you won't have anything to worry about.

maka_2

had a look on autotrader and was going to view the car tomorrow until i saw it said import on it the reason im looking at it is because it i cheaper and always looking to save money the other ones that seem to be uk are 4k 6k more
oh i should point out that this is not a brand new car but 2006 so i would think it complys with uk spec by now

KillerWatt

Never had a problem with insurance, parts, or anything else on our Bighorn (Jap import).

Only downside I can think of to the 4x4 Jap imports is that they tend to be automatic (auto is not an option in a 4x4 IMO), but on the plus side they come in with low mileage and (invariably) a much better spec than their UK counterpart.

gilbert_and_sullivan

If it's a 2006 then it must be a Vigo, which is the Thai built version of the Mk6 Hilux (European) made in South Africa.

The Vigo does have some differences, check for no passenger airbag may not even have a drivers one, no seat belt pre tensioners, no child locks to rear doors (if it's twin cab), and most importantly does it have ABS.

Also you may not believe this but it will have aircon but will have been made without a heater, the heater fitted will be aftermarket and not quite as good as the proper jobbie but still OK.

Check carefully underbody for chassis corrosion and exhaust, the paint application is as bad as Landrovers, i daresay this motor has been in the Uk since new as the 3.0 litre import (is this a 3 litre?) was available 2 years before they were officially imported, so it will have had it's fair share of salt.

If servicing is suspect walk away, you won't get any change from £9K for a new engine, oil change intervals are recommended at 9K miles, cam belt is 100K miles.

edit...you must listen to one of these from a cold start, especially the 3 litre, if it sounds like the engine's hammering itself to destruction then it probably needs the injectors overhauling/reprogramming and it will be out of warranty and Toyota dealer 'may' not want to know (think £££s), ask your friendly local dealer if they will entertain this vehicle before you buy.

Harry_Flashman

Nothing wrong with imports (and the Hilux is a very good truck).

Try a specialist 4x4 insurer (Sureterm, NFU, Adrian Flux), join an online owners club (lots of sound advice from people with the same motor) and enjoy.

If it's imported from Japan, the speedo will be in KMs and it won't have underseal (they don't salt roads over there), so that'll need sorting before winter.

You might just have a bargain here though

property.advert

There are numerous comments about UK Toyota being totally unwilling to retrofit a heater to a Vigo. However, if you are ordering one new from Thailand (I had one) then you can specify it with a heater, though with some difficulty. In northern Thailand, a heater is necessary in winter. Same issues with the Fortuner, which is based on the Vigo platform.

As a truck, I much prefer the Isuzu Highlander.

maka_2

morning everyone thanks so far for all the info just looked at it again (online) with fresh eye's i relised it a 2005 TOYOTA HILUX VIGO G 2.7 VVT-I not 06 plate also converted to LPG i did think it may have been a thai import as we had one of these while on holiday in thailand and loved it then

indicators are orange and also has rear seat belts driver and passenger airbags aswell. ive decided to go and view in today ill keeps you updated .

maka_2

just spoke to the garage and have been informed the car is to uk spec just one thing though i asked where it was imported from and he had no idea:eek:

Harry_Flashman

Could well be a real bargain

gilbert_and_sullivan

Hmm 2.7 petrol running on LPG, no d4d injector worries.

If the vehicle checks out OK i'd be very tempted, i believe the auto box is an electronic (learning) box on the 2.7 petrol and it might well be a 5 speed too as against the 4 speeder found in the Diesels.