Pickup?

MHstalker

Well-Known Member
Hi all,

I’m at a crossroads currently with what vehicle to get.

I currently have a 2000 Td5 Defender that I love but is just no longer practical with me weekly commuting 500 miles a week. The Mrs won’t drive it for her considerably shorter commute.

So I think it’s time for change, my current plan is to pick up a late mk7 Hilux which I’ll use for my stalking and our overlanding trips, but is a little more reliable than the landy. And the better half would drive it.

Has anyone had any experience with the mk7 Hilux or equivalent and what would you recommend.

Or should I buy a cheap estate for the commute and put some money into the defender?

Would appreciate your thoughts as I’m reticent to get rid of the landy.
 
What would you be driving for your commute if the mrs took the hilux?

Adding a third car with the cost of the car, tax and insurance might not be much of a saving over fuel, spares and oil for the landy!

I'm a big fan of the various Mitsubishi's on the market, L200, Outlander and Pajero.
 
Anything but a Hilux rotten dogs. Uncomfortable over long runs and very agricultural the dmax is a much nicer truck for the money! Just need to get the dpf sorted as they have an issue of filling the oil with fuel!
 
Given this sort of feedback, I’d keep the TD5 for stalking & get something small & fuel efficient for the commute!
Most of the dmax have had the issue sorted properly by Isuzu but getting rid of the dpf means it won't be a problem ever again plus you can have a remap at the same time.
 
Most of the dmax have had the issue sorted properly by Isuzu but getting rid of the dpf means it won't be a problem ever again plus you can have a remap at the same time.
Interesting, would you say the DMAX is more reliable as well ?
 
ive still got my mk 7 2012 hilux 3.0 invincible manual. 90k miles, engine bombproof. Ive waxoyled mine several times so corrosion not too bad. Worst places are the rear tub mountings under the rear wheel arches. Ive replaced front suspension, front brake calipers and on 3rd exhaust. Otherwise it owes we nothing.
Find one thats not too bad and you wont look back.
I have the manual but I would get an auto next time as its easier on long runs.
My brother had a 2012 mk7 auto but sold it 3 yrs ago. I saw it yesterday as he sold it to a friend. Still in good working order.
3.0 Engines are only 169hp so run forever.

MPG was similar for manual and auto at about 24-27mpg from my experience
 
I bought my hilux at 3 yr old in a BCA car auctions. There were about 40 selling, The ones from the shetland islands looked terrible underneath at 3 yrs old.
If you find the right one it will still do another 10-20 yrs easy if you treat it underneath
 
ive still got my mk 7 2012 hilux 3.0 invincible manual. 90k miles, engine bombproof. Ive waxoyled mine several times so corrosion not too bad. Worst places are the rear tub mountings under the rear wheel arches. Ive replaced front suspension, front brake calipers and on 3rd exhaust. Otherwise it owes we nothing.
Find one thats not too bad and you wont look back.
I have the manual but I would get an auto next time as its easier on long runs.
My brother had a 2012 mk7 auto but sold it 3 yrs ago. I saw it yesterday as he sold it to a friend. Still in good working order.
3.0 Engines are only 169hp so run forever.

MPG was similar for manual and auto at about 24-27mpg from my experience
Thanks.
How many miles are you typically putting on it a year?
And have you got the timing belt done? If so easy job?
 
I had my timing belt done at about 10 yr old 80k even though my mechanic said it didn't need doing for a bit longer. I like to look after stuff and want to keep it going. cost about £3-400 a few years back.
Im usually doing about 6k a year.

amazingly its still on its original toyota batteries (they have 2) maybe this is why they run forever.

BTW my mechanic has run hilux's for the 10yrs Ive known him. And the other day he said the calipers are known for seizing (only on front) rear are drums. but nothings perfect, Hilux's do hold their value too.
 
I had my timing belt done at about 10 yr old 80k even though my mechanic said it didn't need doing for a bit longer. I like to look after stuff and want to keep it going. cost about £3-400 a few years back.
Im usually doing about 6k a year.

amazingly its still on its original toyota batteries (they have 2) maybe this is why they run forever.

BTW my mechanic has run hilux's for the 10yrs Ive known him. And the other day he said the calipers are known for seizing (only on front) rear are drums. but nothings perfect, Hilux's do hold their value too.
It’s certainly confirming why I was looking at a Hilux. Thank yoh
 
What would you be driving for your commute if the mrs took the hilux?

Adding a third car with the cost of the car, tax and insurance might not be much of a saving over fuel, spares and oil for the landy!

I'm a big fan of the various Mitsubishi's on the market, L200, Outlander and Pajero.
Id be driving a golf.
 
The worst thing you can do is swap the td5 for a pickup truck. Speaking as someone who used to make a living from working on pickup trucks there's a reason I drive a 110 td5 as my daily and work vehicle.
My advice would be to go on the Winchester gears website and order a new R380 gearbox with the higher ratio 5th gear from the V8 (it's a tick box option). It's without doubt the best modification I've done. On 33" mud tyres I'm now cruising at 70mph at 2300rpm. A hell of alot cheaper than a hilux as well
 
The worst thing you can do is swap the td5 for a pickup truck. Speaking as someone who used to make a living from working on pickup trucks there's a reason I drive a 110 td5 as my daily and work vehicle.
My advice would be to go on the Winchester gears website and order a new R380 gearbox with the higher ratio 5th gear from the V8 (it's a tick box option). It's without doubt the best modification I've done. On 33" mud tyres I'm now cruising at 70mph at 2300rpm. A hell of alot cheaper than a hilux as well
it all comes back to the point that a landy is simply not as reliable as toyotas. Yes a Landy might be better off road but for most people that doesnt really matter. With good tyres my hilux goes most places. Also the ride is 10x better in a pick up compared to an old landy. Also the rear cab contains all the smells
 
it all comes back to the point that a landy is simply not as reliable as toyotas. Yes a Landy might be better off road but for most people that doesnt really matter. With good tyres my hilux goes most places. Also the ride is 10x better in a pick up compared to an old landy. Also the rear cab contains all the smells
The reliability is my main issue. I’d love to keep the landy as I’ve bonded with it but it isn’t particularly practical as the other half won’t drive it.
It was great when I was self employed and had the time to work on it. But I just don’t anymore
 
also worth noting I have 4 friends with landrovers. Ones just had 2 stolen last week off his drive. The other has a 2 yr old defender and its broken down twice, The other has it in my garage for repairs (rotten bulkhead) and the last had his break down when we were camping last year and I had to tow his caravan home! :lol: Btw how much is insurance for an old landrover? I suspect its more than a pick up because they get stolen so frequently.
 
also worth noting I have 4 friends with landrovers. Ones just had 2 stolen last week off his drive. The other has a 2 yr old defender and its broken down twice, The other has it in my garage for repairs (rotten bulkhead) and the last had his break down when we were camping last year and I had to tow his caravan home! :lol: Btw how much is insurance for an old landrover? I suspect its more than a pick up because they get stolen so frequently.
I’m paying about £650 pa
(It getting stolen would save me the choice)
 
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