Toyota HiLux 2008 Problems

Your budget will limit you to an older model, around 2008/2009, which will have higher kilometres, and be less safe and less reliable than a later model.

It’s hard to go past a Toyota HiLux, but try to find one that hasn’t been beaten up by a tradie, or used extensively in the bush or off-road.

It does sound like you have copped a lemon. Go back to the dealer and ask for a meeting to discuss your problems, and ask for a Toyota rep to inspect your car and give you a report on what they are going to do about it. The good thing is that the fact that the warranty has expired doesn’t mean a thing if the vehicle Toyota has sold you is unfit for purpose, and it sounds on the surface as if that is the case. If the approach to Toyota through the dealer fails to arrive a satisfactory resolution consider approaching the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 and enlisting their help.

Under the Australian Consumer Law introduced in January 2011, a consumer can request a refund or a replacement for persistent problems if the car doesn’t do the job it’s supposed to do.

The BFG tyre is regarded by the industry as one of the best of its type, but what you’re feeling is a characteristic of the type of tyre and not related to the brand. Any tyre of this type, with the large tread blocks, moves around and feels uncomfortable, but the movement reduces as the tyre wears and blocks wear down. They then feel better, which is why the half-worn tyres felt better when you put them on the rear. It would also feel better if you replaced all four tyres at the same time.

WITHOUT knowing the strength of the wind gust that caught the door it's hard to comment on your son's case, but we have had no reports of problems with the HiLux's body. We have had a few reports of clutch problems and this does seem to be an issue with the vehicle.