Toyota Hilux Fourth generation

[Vibuda Thisuraka]

Hi All !

First timer here 

I currently drive a Mitsubishi Lancer A172 and am planning on going for an upgrade. Mainly due to maintenance and general running costs and since I am in a loosing battle to rust. 

I came across and opportunity to purchase a Fourth generation Hilux (1983) which was recently re-built (repainted, engine overhauled). 4x4, 2-door. And I have seen it in action and have been pretty up to date with the rebuild process. 

It was quoted for roughly 2.8 mil

Is this a good option?

• My concern is that it is registered as a motor lorry and therefore requires a heavy vehicle license.
• Is there an aftermarket incase I want to sell it at some point?
• Is there an alternative maybe from a different brand for under 3 mil which I can/should consider? 
  (I am also considering a D21, preferably in that price range)
• Are there any factors I should be considering that I may have missed?  

Thanks in advance !

[iRage]

I have to ask...why won't you do a proper restoration of the Lancer and keep it ?

How much will you sell the Lancer for ? How much would it cost to do a proper restoration ? Would it cost around the same amount of money you will have to put in to purchase the Hilux ?

1 hour ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Is there an aftermarket incase I want to sell it at some point?

Yes but I would say a good Lancer wagon would have more desire than an old Hilux. These vehicles are prone to rust and whoever would want it for daily use would want it only because it is cheap. The Lancer on the other hand also has the enthusiast market who will be willing to pay premium. Also dont forget that old diesel engines are more cumbersome to maintain than a petrol one.

1 hour ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Is there an alternative maybe from a different brand for under 3 mil which I can/should consider? 
(I am also considering a D21, preferably in that price range)

For a pickup truck your only other option in SL would be the Nissan pickups. Would have the same is as the issues as the Hilux. WHy won't you consider something like a Corolla van/wagon or a Nissan AD Van or something that is newer than the Lancer ?

I still think you should do a proper restoration on the Lancer.

1 hour ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Are there any factors I should be considering that I may have missed? 

I think above covers it...maintaining old diesel engines. Rust (no matter what the car). Is a 2 door pickup really practical for you?

[Vibuda Thisuraka]

For context I bought the Lancer Box 2023 Nov' for 700k and definitely did more than that on repairs alone.

9 minutes ago, iRage said:

why won't you do a proper restoration of the Lancer and keep it

Restoration involves full strip of body panels and addressing the rust (pretty much everywhere) and then repainting. I would be able to do that this side of 500k but my concern is that even if I do, at the end of the day if selling it would go for 1 mil tops.

10 minutes ago, iRage said:

How much will you sell the Lancer for ?

For context I love the box and it is quite nimble and quick but it is draining my finances (re-did brakes, suspension, A/C, sounds, stripped the bottom with a grinder and repainted coz of rust, windshield, tyres... honestly list goes on and I have logs). Only problem with it, honestly, is the rust (which is not visible all around per say) so was thinking for selling for around 800k.

14 minutes ago, iRage said:

The Lancer on the other hand also has the enthusiast market who will be willing to pay premium

Sadly the most expensive Lancer box I have seen for sale was like 1.2 mil and it was a solid one but it has been there for sale for a while. I have seen people put them out for like 400k.

15 minutes ago, iRage said:

Why won't you consider something like a Corolla van/wagon or a Nissan AD Van or something that is newer than the Lancer

Not a huge fan, I am 25, I only take the car out on weekends and just cruise around. I just want something that would make me giggle when I drive around on weekends and something reliable I can take on trips basically.

18 minutes ago, iRage said:

or a pickup truck your only other option in SL would be the Nissan pickups.

I have been considering and NGL there were some good ones. But still, not a Hilux eh?
Concern is D21 vs 83'Hilux (in terms of resell market). 
 

20 minutes ago, iRage said:

Is a 2 door pickup really practical for you?

Other than the inconvenience of parking in Colombo, should be fine I suppose. Also the truck I was looking at was 4 door. Lifted. Pretty cool looking. 

20 minutes ago, iRage said:

maintaining old diesel engines

I have heard it is easier? But I may be wrong. If you don't mind giving more details on this?

Also, thank you for your insights. I really really appreciate it!!

PS: Image of the source of my happiness and the demise of finances

PS: 

[Nate]

4 hours ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Hi All !

First timer here 

I currently drive a Mitsubishi Lancer A172 and am planning on going for an upgrade. Mainly due to maintenance and general running costs and since I am in a loosing battle to rust. 

I came across and opportunity to purchase a Fourth generation Hilux (1983) which was recently re-built (repainted, engine overhauled). 4x4, 2-door. And I have seen it in action and have been pretty up to date with the rebuild process. 

It was quoted for roughly 2.8 mil

Is this a good option?

• My concern is that it is registered as a motor lorry and therefore requires a heavy vehicle license.
• Is there an aftermarket incase I want to sell it at some point?
• Is there an alternative maybe from a different brand for under 3 mil which I can/should consider? 
  (I am also considering a D21, preferably in that price range)
• Are there any factors I should be considering that I may have missed?  

Thanks in advance !

Disclaimer, I know next to nothing about anything, that said, I'd ask two things:

1. How is parts availability? In the case of my car (110) body parts are rather rare. Even engine parts are starting to look rare.  The Hilux is older (I think) so are parts, spares, engine components available?

2. By falling under the lorry category, could they be less demand? (Resale may not be a big issue for you), but all the same.

Regarding trucks (I used one for a decade) there are a few challenges which may or may not matter to you - but are you very familiar with that category of vehicle - the pros and cons of day to day life with one? 

 

On parking, I don't think it's much of a problem. Yes ,you won't fit in a spot a Maruti can squeeze in, but you should do fine.

You might also love the elevated driving position and how people scurry out of the way and don't want to mess with you 🤩

Edited February 5 by Nate

[Nate]

Off topic somewhat but what is it with mitsubishi cars and rust? Obviously I'm not blaming them as they are 20 years past their expiry date but I had one and I swear it rusted in places you didn't think a car could rust. 

[Vibuda Thisuraka]

4 minutes ago, Nate said:

How is parts availability? In the case of my car (110) body parts are rather rare. Even engine parts are starting to look rare.  The Hilux is older (I think) so are parts, spares, engine components available?

As for the Lancer, plenty. Hilux, less plenty but thanks to them not changing the design and all for over a decade, majority of parts of later models would work and from what I have found so far, some parts like from D21 can be used. I am not convinced but it is what I have heard. Again, based on information I have gathered, no experience on this whatsoever.
 

6 minutes ago, Nate said:

By falling under the lorry category, could they be less demand? (Resale may not be a big issue for you), but all the same.

This is the issue I have, and I think this is true. I managed to find 4 vehicles for sale of the same license plate (28-) year and all were selling for quite a low price compared to that of (40- and 50-). The age and the registration category had contributed to the low price more than the condition itself. 
 

8 minutes ago, Nate said:

Regarding trucks (I used one for a decade) there are a few challenges which may or may not matter to you - but are you very familiar with that category of vehicle - the pros and cons of day to day life with one? 

Not at all, the Lancer being my first car. I would appreciate some insight on this. The pros the cons, what to look out for. The next vehicle I would go for at some point would be a 4x4 so any and all information is welcome!
 

9 minutes ago, Nate said:

You might also love the elevated driving position and how people scurry out of the way and don't want to mess with you

Very much looking forward to this. I am tired of being blinded by my own side mirrors loyally reflecting the lights of every car ever.  

 

[Vibuda Thisuraka]

7 minutes ago, Nate said:

Off topic somewhat but what is it with mitsubishi cars and rust? Obviously I'm not blaming them as they are 20 years past their expiry date but I had one and I swear it rusted in places you didn't think a car could rust. 

Honestly, no clue. But it did make the car light. Scurries up mountains with ease. 

Major rust points I found so far are

• Just under the dash (starts leaking water to your foot)... easy fix though 
• Doors: hinges and top of door as well if beading is not right 
• Bonnet. Not even sure how
• Everywhere else I found were quite minor and age appropriate

These are the ones I have found so far, some addressed, some not. Surprisingly, under carriage was fine. 

But got to hand it to the Lancer Box for being 40 odd years old and still being amazing to drive regardless of the unnerving feeling that I might go through the floor.

[iRage]

  

1 hour ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Restoration involves full strip of body panels and addressing the rust (pretty much everywhere) and then repainting. I would be able to do that this side of 500k but my concern is that even if I do, at the end of the day if selling it would go for 1 mil tops.

If you do a proper restoration and a good paint job it will cost you around 1 to 1.5mil depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done. However, it will last you anything up to 10 years. The A172 is an enthusiast car and in a few years you would easily be able to sell it off.
Remember cars are not investments. Will you be able to recover the 1.5mil you spend on it...probably not. However, you will have a reliable car. Never buy a car thinking that you can and will recover or make money on it. The country is in the current state when it comes to cars because of that completely wrong ideology. Remember this is your car you know what is wrong with it and how well the car has been restored (mind you I am talking about a PROPER restore...not a maka baas paint and mechanical job). If done right and kept long enough it will be quite fun AND it would probably go a lot in value too (completely restored stock KE72 Corollas have exchanged hands for almost 2mil...so..). You buy a new car....you don't know what is hiding underneath everything. Just like your car looks good from outside the other car could look good from outside but actually have poor repair jobs and cover ups done up for a quick sale that you might have to spend a LOT of money fixing up an unknown car.

2 hours ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

I just want something that would make me giggle when I drive around on weekends and something reliable I can take on trips basically.

You are talking about 40 year old cars. Reliability is not a factor here. Only way any of these cars will be reliable is if and only if you spend a LOT of money in restoring it. Components would have been replaced many times by now and rest assured these would have been second hand or Chinese parts. So will these need to be replaced from time to time...yes. But you will never know what will break at what time. There is no way to assess that either because you can't test the life span of an oil seal or an alternator during a simple test drive or inspection.

As for making you giggle...all of those cars are actually quite fun due to their simplicity and complete and utter lack of electronic controls. If you want to make your A172 fun..there are plenty of ways to do that.

2 hours ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Pretty cool looking.

If this is your determining factor for a car...then you are going to be in trouble. Your main concern is to get which ever vehicle that is in the best shape possible for the budget you have. The more stock it is the safer your buy. E.g. you do not know what workmanship has gone in to doing the lift. It could be a good modification or it could be a maka baas job (quite common in SL) that looks good at first glance but has completely mucked up the vehicle's suspension. Also, a lift might be cool but it significantly compromises a vehicle's on-road behaviour so it is not something fun to have unless you actually are going to use it.

2 hours ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Concern is D21 vs 83'Hilux (in terms of resell market). 

It is sad that in SL people buy a car thinking of reselling it even before buying it. You are 25...doesn't seem logical does it ? Either way you are going to spend the same amount of money in purchasing and after service repairs and maintenance...at the end of the day any car that is honest and reasonably priced gets sold. There is always someone there to buy a good car. Only time you hear cars not being able to be sold are those that are a pile of $#*! and priced more than gold. If you buy something for 2.8mil you can't have a guaranteed expectation of making it back.

2 hours ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Other than the inconvenience of parking in Colombo, should be fine I suppose.

You do realise that a 2 door pickup has seating only for two plus a person without a lower body right ?

You are 25..don't you have any friends you would like to drive around with ?

2 hours ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

I have heard it is easier? But I may be wrong. If you don't mind giving more details on this?

Sadly you are wrong....diesel engines would require an overhaul at some point in its life. These 40 year old trucks would have probably had one or two of such overhauls...depending on the mileage (which cannot be trusted in any car in SL) and when the overhaul was done, you yourself might have to do one. If the overhaul is not done properly your engine is going to be absolute garbage...then on top of that, there are all the other components from emissions systems to cooling to oil systems that you need to make sure are in proper condition. My general advice to anyone buying an extremely old diesel is "do not buy one unless you are willing to redo the engine" (unless you come across a vehicle that you know of very well and you know has an excellent service and repair history...). Then there is the issue of things like body parts, etc...popular cars like your Lancer and Corolla wagons are running out of parts (which makes your car even more valuable if you do it up properly), I can't imagine 4th gen Hilux parts to be any more common. My dad restored a 1984 Hilux way back in 2010. Mechanical parts were okay but finding body parts was an absolute nightmare even back then (as you can see we have to improvise the rear tail lights and bumper).Even then it had to be pampered like a baby. 

Here is my take....I feel you are just tired of your car (all the repairs together with the lack of change in the feel) and for some reason you are convincing yourself that a different old car is going to be your solution. Sadly, that is not the case. With these 40 year old cars you will simply be exchanging one set of problems for another. You are not even trying to get a newer car!
Logically and realistically, you are better off restoring your current car. You will have to put at least 2mil just to purchase your pickup truck, then you will have to spend at least another 250,000 for preemptive maintenance work as soon as you buy it (brakes, fluid changes, belt changes, etc...) for 2.25 mil you can do a pretty good job on your Lancer. If you are bored with the car, think about upgrading the suspension and brakes, and wheels and stuff. These old cars even the smallest change makes a huge difference. The A172 is a platform with a lot of potential.

[Nate]

4 minutes ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Not at all, the Lancer being my first car. I would appreciate some insight on this. The pros the cons, what to look out for. The next vehicle I would go for at some point would be a 4x4 so any and all information is welcome!

Question for you: how do you hope to use the vehicle? Office daily driver? Outstation, long distance? 

So these are my experiences (could be different for each person/vehicle).

Performance

- it may be difficult to overtake in a truck, particularly in busy roads, and possibly more in outstation / mountain areas (if you go there) I have not driven a Hilux, probably the performance may be good. In general, if you enjoy a quiet drive and are not in a hurry, I think you'll be fine. 

Handling

Definitely not a car, so mountain roads, bends etc needs a fair bit of slowing down.

Stopping distance

More than a car.

Cops

So, for some reason, I find cops out of Colombo love trucks. In Colombo, they don't care much.

People/other vehicles

They respect trucks more - which is awesome. Particularly in Colombo, if you are feeling lazy you can just amble along and nobody will bother you.

Is there a way you can borrow or rent a truck from someone for a weekend or something and see what you feel? 

 

 

 

[Nate]

8 minutes ago, iRage said:

you will have to spend at least another 250,000 for preemptive maintenance work as soon as you buy it (brakes, fluid changes, belt changes, etc...)

For what it's worth, I have spent at least 400 or 500k on the 110 I purchased, and there's more to do - I expected this, even though the car was (by Sri Lankan standards) "nothing to do, buy and drive" but the benefit is I end up with (what I feel is) a good car which can be used and enjoyed long term.

I feel a budget of at least 10-20% minimum may be good to set aside for repairing the vehicle (I could be wrong).

I also second @iRage suggestion of considering a corolla/nissan AD wagon (van) - I was going to buy one but I didn't find a good one. If I had I would definitely have got one. You would also get things like ABS etc.

As for fun to drive, I test drove a few and they are delightful - great performance and the space is fantastic. You can carry anything, even a coffin 😎

 

[iRage]

9 minutes ago, Nate said:

You can carry anything, even a coffin 😎

[Nate]

1 minute ago, iRage said:

My biggest regret in not buying a wagon is this. I would put a sticker in the back that said something florists, tint the rear windows and drive at a somber pace. 

[Vibuda Thisuraka]

@iRage Thank you for taking time for this. I appreciate the advice and the insights. 

50 minutes ago, iRage said:

Remember cars are not investments. Will you be able to recover the 1.5mil you spend on it...probably not. However, you will have a reliable car. Never buy a car thinking that you can and will recover or make money on it.

This is fair, I was just worried I was pouring money to a car that could have been a better car. But then again, who knows. I am pretty much sold on the restoring and making the Box better. 

52 minutes ago, iRage said:

not a maka baas paint and mechanical job

Yea not an option. I with bitter experience found out that I should either do it right or not do it at all. Regardless of the cost. 

 

53 minutes ago, iRage said:

you buy a new car....you don't know what is hiding underneath everything. Just like your car looks good from outside the other car could look good from outside but actually have poor repair jobs and cover ups done up for a quick sale that you might have to spend a LOT of money fixing up an unknown car.

Pretty much what happened to me. "Mata atawala dunna". But since I have been in and out of literally everything in the car. I like to think that I know the state of almost every component.

55 minutes ago, iRage said:

You are talking about 40 year old cars. Reliability is not a factor here. Only way any of these cars will be reliable is if and only if you spend a LOT of money in restoring it.

Touché

56 minutes ago, iRage said:

The more stock it is the safer your buy. E.g. you do not know what workmanship has gone in to doing the lift. It could be a good modification or it could be a maka baas job (quite common in SL) that looks good at first glance but has completely mucked up the vehicle's suspension. Also, a lift might be cool but it significantly compromises a vehicle's on-road behaviour so it is not something fun to have unless you actually are going to use it.

Never thought of it this way to be honest. Sounds like some solid advice. I will take that in to account. 

58 minutes ago, iRage said:

You are 25..don't you have any friends you would like to drive around with ?

Touché again
 

1 hour ago, iRage said:

My general advice to anyone buying an extremely old diesel is "do not buy one unless you are willing to redo the engine" (unless you come across a vehicle that you know of very well and you know has an excellent service and repair history...)

I did not know this. Will keep in mind. Was thinking it was better than engines I'd find in sedans of the same era. 

1 hour ago, iRage said:

Even then it had to be pampered like a baby. 

Looks beautiful. It does look like a lot of time and money was put in. 
 

1 hour ago, iRage said:

Here is my take....I feel you are just tired of your car (all the repairs together with the lack of change in the feel) and for some reason you are convincing yourself that a different old car is going to be your solution.

On point. Exactly what it is. It is an amazing car for sure but same repairs over and over gets exhausting. 
 

1 hour ago, iRage said:

If you are bored with the car, think about upgrading the suspension and brakes, and wheels and stuff. These old cars even the smallest change makes a huge difference. The A172 is a platform with a lot of potential.

I have been considering this. Was just not sure if it was a good idea. I came across a chance to buy a GSR Turbo engine for quite a decent price. Basically that of A175. Did not go for it since body needed more attention than what was under the hood.

I will be looking in to restoring costs and timeline. Will update when I find details.

Thank you again, you may have saved me from a decision I would have regretted. 

[Vibuda Thisuraka]

1 hour ago, Nate said:

Question for you: how do you hope to use the vehicle? Office daily driver? Outstation, long distance? 

So these are my experiences (could be different for each person/vehicle).

Performance

- it may be difficult to overtake in a truck, particularly in busy roads, and possibly more in outstation / mountain areas (if you go there) I have not driven a Hilux, probably the performance may be good. In general, if you enjoy a quiet drive and are not in a hurry, I think you'll be fine. 

Handling

Definitely not a car, so mountain roads, bends etc needs a fair bit of slowing down.

Stopping distance

More than a car.

Cops

So, for some reason, I find cops out of Colombo love trucks. In Colombo, they don't care much.

People/other vehicles

They respect trucks more - which is awesome. Particularly in Colombo, if you are feeling lazy you can just amble along and nobody will bother you.

Is there a way you can borrow or rent a truck from someone for a weekend or something and see what you feel? 

 

 

 

More of a weekend driver + Outstation

I do enjoy getting about a bit quick but have not really gotten a chance to go off road. Hence the sudden desire for 4x4. I managed to get the Box up a mountain through some estates to a Chalet one time deemed impossible by some locals who said it was only for 4x4s. 

I would love to avoid cops. Due to modified exhaust I have right now, does cause me anxiety every time they grace the roads with their presence.  

Maybe I should leave trucks for when I am older and have more patience (and money) 😄

[Vibuda Thisuraka]

A Toyota DX Wagon was the initial option. Did not go for it thinking peers would judge. But still would love to own one.

As for corollas, AE platform is something I am interested in. I have noticed a bit of a trend where AE110 are modified and considered the new "JDM Classic" in other countries. It might brush off on local markets as well. So this is still pretty much an option I would definitely consider. 

For the time being, I feel like I owe it to the future car enthusiasts to make sure my Lancer Box is well taken care of and maybe restored. 

Also @Nate Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated! 

[Nate]

15 minutes ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Thank you

Happy to be of help, all the best with restoration.

[iRage]

16 hours ago, Vibuda Thisuraka said:

Yea not an option. I with bitter experience found out that I should either do it right or not do it at all. Regardless of the cost. 

Wise words but money does play a part...so think about how much money you can afford to spend as well. You don't want to end up starving yourself for the sake of fixing a car. At the end of the day it is just a car and your health and family are more important. 
But yes...it is better to do it properly even at a slightly higher cost. If not in the long run you end up spending more.

Glad to help. You should come back and keep us updated. There are oldies here who would like to see and help a decent new restoration.

Edited February 6 by iRage

[Vibuda Thisuraka]

7 hours ago, iRage said:

Glad to help. You should come back and keep us updated. There are oldies here who would like to see and help a decent new restoration.

Will do, need to plan it out and will start a fresh topic for it so I can keep the updates coming.