HiLux Vigo - What to look out for?

meep

Hi All

Some advice please...

I've seen an 06 Toyota HiLux Vigo 3.0 in a local (non-Toyota) garage, drove it and liked it. Not knowing much about HiLux, I've been doing some research and discovered some oblique references to Vigo models and potential problems, in particular the fact that the vehicles are not covered by Toyota 3 year warranty.

Can someone please succintly outline what I should be looking out for on this vehicle (50,000 Kms on clock, approx). I'll need to be getting a warranty from the dealer - what should I ensure is covered? What can I expect to go wrong on this in the next 3 years.

All advice appreciated.

Peter

S.I.R

meep wrote: »

Hi All

Some advice please...

I've seen an 06 Toyota HiLux Vigo 3.0 in a local (non-Toyota) garage, drove it and liked it. Not knowing much about HiLux, I've been doing some research and discovered some oblique references to Vigo models and potential problems, in particular the fact that the vehicles are not covered by Toyota 3 year warranty.

Can someone please succintly outline what I should be looking out for on this vehicle (50,000 Kms on clock, approx). I'll need to be getting a warranty from the dealer - what should I ensure is covered? What can I expect to go wrong on this in the next 3 years.

All advice appreciated.

Peter

make sure the cv joints are sound ( pull the steering left to right, lock to lock several times ) , check for underbody rust or repair as these cjeeps are normally owned for 10 years before being sold on and yes, they have some small rear beam issies now and again... then its just generally check the engine and transfer box. ( usual 4x4 jobs )

meep

mods - can I get this moved to 4x4 please?

Deadwards.com

Hi Meep,

I just want to confirm something for you. The vigo is not a European spec vehicle therefore is not covered by any Toyota warranty in Europe (other than any warranty provided by the seller). You need to be aware of this as you could run into considerable expense if you encounter a problem as any replacement parts will aslo have to be sourced from Japan.

Additionally, the engine is designed to run on I think an 98% octaine mix rather than the 95% we use so in effect you could cause some minor damage here. I also think the grade of engine oil is higher / thicker as the vehicle is designed for warmer climates so again driving it from cold when the oil is not warmed up can cause issues.

Aside from that honestly everything could be fine but as stated above there are risks.

How do i know this??? Well lets jsut say I work in the industry.

Feel free to PM me if you need anything else on this.

meep

Thanks for the informative feedback so far.

If I show up at a Toyota garage for service on this, will there be problems?

Thanks

Peter

maidhc

Deadwards.com wrote: »

Hi Meep,

I just want to confirm something for you. The vigo is not a European spec vehicle therefore is not covered by any Toyota warranty in Europe (other than any warranty provided by the seller). You need to be aware of this as you could run into considerable expense if you encounter a problem as any replacement parts will aslo have to be sourced from Japan.

It is an 06, so the longest conceivable warranty would be 2 months.

I would also say only a select few replacment parts will need to come from japan, 99% will be common with the Euro spec model.

Deadwards.com wrote: »

Additionally, the engine is designed to run on I think an 98% octaine mix rather than the 95% we use so in effect you could cause some minor damage here.

Is it not a diesel?

meep

maidhc

you are light, of course, however, I may be interested in an 07 model and was curious re. the warranty position (and looking for ammo to beat down price at dealer and/or get better warranty.)

Also, it is Diesel so should be no issues there, right?

Peter

colm_mcm

There a number of issues to be aware of:

Many have had bhp upgrade chips (non Toyota) so will be under more stress than most European models

Some have had heaters retro-fitted (hot climate models), many of these are known to leak.

Parts are more expensive and take longer to source.

They're usually fitted with the 4 speed auto box, which isn't the most modern out there

Toyota won't cover them on warranty, and you won't be included in recall campaigns.

There are plenty UK and Irish high spec Hiluxs floating around, these would be a better option.

peasant

meep wrote: »

mods - can I get this moved to 4x4 please?

your wish is my command

E. Fudd

I've heard of issues regarding the batteries, due to being built for warm climates, the batteries are smaller as there is never any cold weather starting.
I've heard a lot of dealers retro-fit larger batteries, which don't actually fit properly and can arc off the bonnet, and also put strain on an alternator which is designed for the smaller battery.

gerbie

Hi Peter
I dont know anything about that one but i have a 3 L Toyota Hilux and i love it and had a 2.5L 2007 one and changed it because it wa very weak for driving approx 120 hp compared to 170 for 3 L .for pulling horse boxes especially there was no comparison the 2.5 was like having the hand brake pulled it when you went into the other one .We are vat reg too and so get commercial tax 277 euro and commercial insurance and have the full warenty so maybe if you tried one of these it would be a better buy .I am awoman and do most of the driving in this and it has a lot more leg room than say the mitsubishi one best of luck Peter

meep

Hi Gerbie

Thanks for the reply. I went ahead and bought the 3.0 HiLux Vigo. got a years engine/gearbox warranty from garage so mind at rest there.

So far, I love it! Only downside is the aftermarket a/c that can be set to either very hot or very cold, no middle ground. There's a place in UK can fit genuine euro unit for £795. Anyone know if similar service available locally?

Apart from that, great buy.

Peter

Mad Manxman

I have one too, Have the same issue with a poor performing heater any advice

meep

I asked on a hilux specific uk forum. Common problem with imports. There's a chap in Kent who can tweak the aftermarket unit (no guarantees) or install a full Uk spec unit. The quote was around £800 I think. Would like to find someone here who could do it.

Kind of getting used to adjusting the heater every 10Kms :rolleyes:


Peter

stackerman

meep wrote: »

I asked on a hilux specific uk forum. Common problem with imports. There's a chap in Kent who can tweak the aftermarket unit (no guarantees) or install a full Uk spec unit. The quote was around £800 I think. Would like to find someone here who could do it.

Kind of getting used to adjusting the heater every 10Kms :rolleyes:


Peter

Peter

Did you ever get that issue sorted, re your heater.

Mine is broken, and I was looking for somewhere to get her sorted.

Outside of the heater problem, she has been fantastic.

Tks

Kevin

keltoms05

Am looking at possibly buying a 06 hilux Vigo, I've been researching online and the heater in them seem to be a very common problem along with the non rust proofing of the underbody. Just wondering if there are any other problems to look out for with this model? Would love to hear from someone who owns one of these thanks

9935452

keltoms05 wrote: »

Am looking at possibly buying a 06 hilux Vigo, I've been researching online and the heater in them seem to be a very common problem along with the non rust proofing of the underbody. Just wondering if there are any other problems to look out for with this model? Would love to hear from someone who owns one of these thanks

one issue with them is for some reason they arent plated for towing capacity so arent technically legal to tow .i have a mate who has one and was stopped by the guards and told to take off the trailer