RE: Toyota Hilux across Namibia
Discussion
I don't understand your comment about the test being like a 'waterproof watch test in the Maldives'. As you acknowledge there are millions of Hiluxs out there!
Had a newish one last year as a hire car for a week out in Namibia. Really wasn't impressed, soooo sluggish that it made overtaking the big lorry land-train type things basically impossible (sounds a bit like your cattle truck story). Also twisted/flexed longitudinally terribly at 70+ making things extremely uncomfortable for the 3 rear passengers over those long 200km stretches.
Probably decent off road but we didn't do anything too extreme and pretty solid but wasn't wholly enamored.
Had a newish one last year as a hire car for a week out in Namibia. Really wasn't impressed, soooo sluggish that it made overtaking the big lorry land-train type things basically impossible (sounds a bit like your cattle truck story). Also twisted/flexed longitudinally terribly at 70+ making things extremely uncomfortable for the 3 rear passengers over those long 200km stretches.
Probably decent off road but we didn't do anything too extreme and pretty solid but wasn't wholly enamored.
To the people complaining how the Hilux has become less utilitarian, there will be an entry level model without carpets etc for more agricultural use. I assume Toyota didn't want the model in the press shots though.
You can still make order a new Active (entry level) single cab Hilux which is very basic other than air conditioner n & CD player.
You can still make order a new Active (entry level) single cab Hilux which is very basic other than air conditioner n & CD player.
300bhp/ton said:
I get the point.
Trucks used to be trucks, not cars. Simple, rugged, utilitarian. Even when new the interiors were simple enough not to worry and easy to clean.
Then buy the utilitarian version, back in 1997 they also did a luxury one too. Trucks used to be trucks, not cars. Simple, rugged, utilitarian. Even when new the interiors were simple enough not to worry and easy to clean.
300bhp/ton said:
Modern trucks are way too car like inside. Lots of electronics, gadgets and so forth. Sure this appeals to lots, but there are those of us who'd like a simple basic truck still.
As above. However, 20 years ago we still had new cars on the road from the 80s, I think the one he was talking about was from 1988-1996?
Cars in general were a lot simpler then too.
Things move on, they offer a Hilux for everyone, always have, and probably always will.
gizlaroc said:
300bhp/ton said:
I get the point.
Trucks used to be trucks, not cars. Simple, rugged, utilitarian. Even when new the interiors were simple enough not to worry and easy to clean.
Then buy the utilitarian version, back in 1997 they also did a luxury one too. Trucks used to be trucks, not cars. Simple, rugged, utilitarian. Even when new the interiors were simple enough not to worry and easy to clean.
300bhp/ton said:
Modern trucks are way too car like inside. Lots of electronics, gadgets and so forth. Sure this appeals to lots, but there are those of us who'd like a simple basic truck still.
As above. However, 20 years ago we still had new cars on the road from the 80s, I think the one he was talking about was from 1988-1996?
Cars in general were a lot simpler then too.
Things move on, they offer a Hilux for everyone, always have, and probably always will.
gizlaroc said:
The point being you prefer cars from 20 years ago?
Maybe. But that isn't the point here. You questioned another poster. I agree with them and gave a reason. You don't have to agree with or even like it. But that is the reason. Which should enable you to understand the rational, which was you initial comment, that you didn't get it. 
300bhp/ton said:
gizlaroc said:
The point being you prefer cars from 20 years ago?
Maybe. But that isn't the point here. You questioned another poster. I agree with them and gave a reason. You don't have to agree with or even like it. But that is the reason. Which should enable you to understand the rational, which was you initial comment, that you didn't get it. 300bhp/ton said:
Maybe. But that isn't the point here. You questioned another poster. I agree with them and gave a reason. You don't have to agree with or even like it. But that is the reason. Which should enable you to understand the rational, which was you initial comment, that you didn't get it.
He said it was thirstier and more expensive, it is not. He said he didn't want one with a flash interior. Buy the basic one.
I was simply pointing out there was a choice.
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
Maybe I'm missing the point but why are modern trucks so massive and with posh interiors?
I used to have a 1996 hilux and it was awesome. We did climbing trips in it, moved canoes, moved house. What it didn't need was making bigger and having an interior you couldn't get muddy.
Make them simple and reliable, less thirsty and utilitarian cool. Don't make them huge, fast, thirsty and expensive.
They do also come in a basic model its just toyota eurrope think everyone wants a tart mobile so that what they push I used to have a 1996 hilux and it was awesome. We did climbing trips in it, moved canoes, moved house. What it didn't need was making bigger and having an interior you couldn't get muddy.
Make them simple and reliable, less thirsty and utilitarian cool. Don't make them huge, fast, thirsty and expensive.
they also take the piss , these have been avalible in Austriala since last year and
with a 2.8 version of the new gd diesel and a v6 petrol ...
rodericb said:
They aren't built in Durban anymore. Are the Euro built ones now built in Argentina or Thailand? They may be doing this stunt to address fears of the not-as-good thai built hilux.
My 2015 hilux is thai built , no problems and more japanese parts than the SA built ones so given the choice id go Thai!!! in fact if the new one isn't built in thailand I will be hanging on to mine for a while until I see what the other builds are like !!!
Matt Bird said:
fivetenben said:
EnglishTony said:
Great vehicle but is it PH?
Na, a true PHer chooses a nackered old Porsche as their steed in which to cross the Namib Desert... 
Namibia is such a stunning country, and the article is really making me crave a return visit... I'd recommend it to anyone who likes getting off the beaten track.
Freegs said:
I don't understand your comment about the test being like a 'waterproof watch test in the Maldives'. As you acknowledge there are millions of Hiluxs out there!
Had a newish one last year as a hire car for a week out in Namibia. Really wasn't impressed, soooo sluggish that it made overtaking the big lorry land-train type things basically impossible (sounds a bit like your cattle truck story). Also twisted/flexed longitudinally terribly at 70+ making things extremely uncomfortable for the 3 rear passengers over those long 200km stretches.
Probably decent off road but we didn't do anything too extreme and pretty solid but wasn't wholly enamored.
OK, good point. Will make a tweak!Had a newish one last year as a hire car for a week out in Namibia. Really wasn't impressed, soooo sluggish that it made overtaking the big lorry land-train type things basically impossible (sounds a bit like your cattle truck story). Also twisted/flexed longitudinally terribly at 70+ making things extremely uncomfortable for the 3 rear passengers over those long 200km stretches.
Probably decent off road but we didn't do anything too extreme and pretty solid but wasn't wholly enamored.
gizlaroc said:
He said he didn't want one with a flash interior. Buy the basic one.
I was simply pointing out there was a choice.
Can you show me where this basic spec one is? I can't see any mention on the Toyota website or in the down loadable brochure. In fact, they seem to labour the point repeatedly that it is equipped like an SUV....I was simply pointing out there was a choice.
EnglishTony said:
Matt Bird said:
fivetenben said:
EnglishTony said:
Great vehicle but is it PH?
Na, a true PHer chooses a nackered old Porsche as their steed in which to cross the Namib Desert... Namibia is such a stunning country, and the article is really making me crave a return visit... I'd recommend it to anyone who likes getting off the beaten track.
While I'd more than happily provide content for an article, there's more info on the Porsche's trip across Africa here, if anyone's interested: www.bencoombs.net
Right, enough thread hijacking - back to Toyotas...
300bhp/ton said:
Can you show me where this basic spec one is? I can't see any mention on the Toyota website or in the down loadable brochure. In fact, they seem to labour the point repeatedly that it is equipped like an SUV....
The website alludes to the range not being finalised yet. There are basic versions of the new Hilux - cab chassis, rear wheel drive, black bumper on the front, steel wheels.... it has aleady been on sale around the world for a few months already.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff