I've been a fan of the hilux since my farming days, driven a few but never owned one. Used (and abused) all sorts of Utes but the Toyota's were the only ones that seemed to hold up. Cruisers were big and tough, but heavy and not as agile as the lux. And the bigger trucks keep the tracks trimmed wide enough for the hilux get down mostly unscathed.
I wanted a tray long enough to sleep on, as well as room behind the seat, so extra cab was the answer.
Diesel for towing, manual cos I just like em. And I've boiled an auto on the beach once.
Planning on pillar pod so pre 2012.
I was patient, watched the market and forums for 6 months, was very happy to find this at the right price.
10 years old, 200k's, ex Alinta, never seen a dirty road let alone a dirt road. Had it's 200k service 2k's prior, 18 months ago, so it's been shed' for a while. New battery with the deal. Not a mark on the bash plates or on ally steps. All stock except for the flexiglass canopy and tray.
Preston beach for the christening.
Adding the future / wish list here: (keeping it legal in the Western 'nanny' state)
•Fronts struts to carry the barwork, ~30mm lift, probably adjustables to counter the inevitable settling in sag
•31/10.5/15 or 265/70/16, probably go the 16's because they have more offset options in sunnies
•Black 8" sunnies, p10 or p20
•carjoying head unit with the 7450 chip swap, all plumbed up and decent speakers
•GME TX3345
•Bash plates
•Recovery points
•fuel pre filter
•cruise control
•mfc steering wheel
•Pillar pod
•Under tray boxes and drawer
•Water tank
•Fishing rod holder
•long range tank
•Fyrlyt or HTX230 driving lights
• side led search lights
