Brother has 2. The '96 4X4 has almost 400k on it, and only changed the radiator, other than regular maintenance, tires, etc. It still runs good. So, what did he do, went and bought a 1992.
That "HITS" close to home. Had a 99 Taco SR5 TRD. Bought at 74,000 miles in 05. Drove it until Feb 2023. I was T- Boned and totalled at 280,000 miles. Over its life, it needed a radiator, starter, a door handle, one fuel injector. Watch out for them Tesla "drivers".
Can confirm. Have a 95 Toyota pickup deluxe with 895k miles. Original 22re engine, 5 speed transmission, and differential. Has working ac and crank windows. Has a valve cover leak, and has been hit by countless deer so the front end has been replaced over 3 times. The plant is chipped and fading. But, she starts every time. The trucks been with me through countless relationships, and eventually drove my wife and I home from our wedding. When I got sick, lost my job and had my car repoed, my trusty Toyota was right there for me. It’s done everything we’ve asked of it and more. I can say with 100% certainty, we will never sell it or junk it. I don’t care what regulations are passed here in California, the truck will always be in my garage, ready to take me anywhere.
@@yusufozzy That is mainly because they have DPF's now on diesel models. Toyota did a terrible job of implementing those. But they are just as reliable without them. On the other hand Land Rovers... Ugh.
@kir0nz no there is many issues with the modern d4d toyota engines the 4 cylinder has cracked pistons as 1 example The 4.5 v8 has dusted engines as 1 example
The Nissan hardbodies of those days are better. And I still see a ton of those still running around. Don't see nearly as many of those year Toyos still going.
I had a high school friend who still has his 1990 toyota pickup 4x4 painted black like Marty's (back to the future) with over 1.1 million miles in Michigan. He does oil under coats on it regularly and it's almost never gonna die. The 22re will live on into the apocalypse.
People sometimes forget there is great number of us that just need to go from A to B and back. All the bells and whistles can be saved for the family car.
My mom drives a 2000 Toyota Avensis and my sister drives a 1997 Toyota Starlet. Both very basic cars and bulletproof reliable. Just imagine if Toyota or Honda offered a new basic FWD car, manual gearbox and wind down windows. It would be an instant hit in the 3rd world but it would cut into their fancier and pricier cars in the US and western Europe so not going to happen.
Exactly. Some people will say "I can't use that, it can't tow a 10,000 lb trailer" and that is ok. Buy one that can do that if you truly need it for work. But for majority of us that don't need to haul 10,000 lbs everyday, this is perfectly fine. And it's sad that this product dried up. There simply isn't a basic to the bone inexpensive pickup that will last you 10+ years anymore.
@westcoastplinkin6559 most of us will never tow or move anything around 10k, normally it's a fridge, couch or garden goods. That truck is good transportation.
It's all about perspective. See, my dad has been a mechanic for over 50 years and I've been turning wrenches for 20 years. So, for us, we view these old Toyotas as the LEAST reliable vehicles ever... ...we absolutely cannot rely on these things to show up in the shop, need repairs, and keep us in business.
I grew up a Dodge guy, then switched to GM when I became a tech at a Chevy dealership. An older tech I worked with at an independent shop always told how reliable Toyota's were. Being wet behind the ears I brushed him off. After moving I worked at a Toyota dealership. I finally saw the light. Currently have a 2000 Camry with 206k, 2007 Rav 4 with 241k, and a 06 Tundra with 186k. I can't speak to the newer Toyotas but the older ones cannot be beat!!
88 Supra and 01' Celica GT-S here. I wanted looks, fun, AND Toyota reliability and those were the ticket for me. Though I have had to throw a lot of money at them for various things and parts are fairly to very expensive depending. Never actually had any major issues with them.
Yep... I keep telling all my friends why I would not own anything else but a Toyota products. My 01 ES300 with about 150K is 3 times the car any of those new and pathetic plastic toasters on wheels are now for sale. I have real leather, real wood inside the car and every single button works as the day it came out of the factory. My only problem was that I ignored the timing belt and it snapped after almost 20 years... minor inconvenience for me, its a non interference engine so swapping a new timing belt kit over the weekend put the Lexus back on the road. Name one car today which you can do that with? There aren't any.
@@Dwigt_Rortugal Ihave a 2005 Ford E250 work van , orignal engine and transmission. It has 441,000 miles on it with only maintaince items replaced. I believe it would give the hilux a run for it's money.
I just recently sold my Toyota work truck. 1987, 2wd xtra cab, long bed, 22R, 5 spd. No air, no cruise, manual windows and locks, but it did have power steering. I put almost 200K miles on it in the 19 years I owned it. It built several houses all over the county, hauled countless loads of firewood, made multiple 3500 mile trips across the Northern states to visit family, and never let me down. Only reason I sold it is I no longer need it. It was a bittersweet day, but the buyer was so happy to have it, that helped. Plus, I got $300 more than I paid for it in 2005!
@@TomatoWithARifle I didn't necessarily replace it since I no longer needed it for that type of work. But my other "daily" is a 91 Chevy K1500 with about 76K miles. I only drive 4-5K miles a year now, so it suits my needs fine. Wife's go kart is an 08 Toyota Matrix. Boring, but a great little appliance. Other than that I walk or ride my bike. There is an old BWM and a Moto Guzzi awaiting me to fire them up once again. Gotta finish my house first.
I know a lady who owns that precise model 1991 Toyota Pickup. The last time I saw her the mileage was close to the 350K miles. She bought it brand new. Other than regular oil changes and routine preventative maintenance it runs great. She had to replace the water pump, but this was at the 125K point. The truck runs very well!
A couple days ago I was at a local bar and a woman pulls up in a brand new black Toyota pick-up truck I was impressed I should of got her phone number😂
Where I work the top mechanic drives one of these, he bought it new in '94. Single cab short bed 4x4. Almost 500k miles. 3 things have broken in 30 years. THREE. Combined, they cost less than $100. A couple years ago he did pull the engine to reseal and refresh everything, but it's all original. My grandpa had one just like this, a '96. 22re 5 speed. I drove it a few times. The clutch didn't bite until it was basically all the way out. You could shift it without even pressing on the clutch, just the weight of your foot was enough. No tach, so you had to listen to the engine and feel the gears out. That truck was sold and totaled some years later in a really bad wreck, but everyone survived.
There's a reason the flipflop brigade use hilux's with entire AA guns on the back lol. Gotta respect the sandals even if you don't agree with what they do, they're creative and make do with what they got. Imagine how much money a company in the US/Canada would make if they were allowed to sell a ~20,000 basic, small pickup that's reliable. No fancy sensors and cameras all over the place, no SUV-sized seating arrangement meaning you get more than a few chairs worth of bed.
Had a customer with an 89 Extra Cab 2wd, had almost 300,000 miles on it, had some rust and many dents and scratches. Had a trans fluid leak from the output shaft. Driveshaft bushing was allowing too much play, causing the seals to tear. At the time, our local machine shop would not replace the tails haft bushing. Had to order the tails haft assembly with a new bushing in it from Toyota. Labor of course was just an hour, but that tailsshaft assembly was over $600 bucks. Owner didn't blink, just said fix it!
Storytime. My gf in '84 had a '82 Toyota truck with 90k miles (!). She wasn't sure if she had ever changed the oil and she was sure she had never changed the sparkplugs (this was when they had 30k lifespans). I had to use a drill to remove the oil filter and a screwdriver to punch through the oil drain opening to get it to flow, and one of the sparkplugs was missing the ground electrode and three were missing chunks of their insulators. I replaced the oil and filter and plugs and it had noticeably more power but got a little worse gas mileage. Incredible vehicle. When it came time for me to replace my F-150 I remembered it and chose a bank-repo '00 Tundra V8 that had been repo'd after only four months of ownership. Had the $27k window sticker in the glove box and I got it for under $19k. It turns 25 years old next month, has the original alternator, has never needed an a/c recharge, and I've had to replace one coil.
Knew a guy north of San Fran - his entire business was buying 2nd gen Runners after the head gasket went, rebuilding and flipping. I went third gen after - 99 4Runner Limited, gonna outlive me.
I 100% agree. I have a '94 4x4 Toyota Pickup that has been in my family from day one. It - as they say - "keeps on ticking'. One surprising thing to me (among many) is that it starts up without any hesitation, every time.
Best vehicle ever produced. My first was an ‘82 diesel in Germany. It got me hooked. From there an ’84, ‘86, ‘89, ‘90 extra cab, ‘91, ‘94 & ‘98 all with a 2.4 except for the ‘90. Over 2,000,000 driven miles combined. Then I moved to Tundras with an ‘04, & an ‘06. Later I grabbed a ‘93 4Runner which had the 3.0 (3.slow) and went 250,000 miles before selling her after a full restoration. Never once was I stranded or left without a working truck. AMAZING!!
My 2007 Rav4 2GR-FE, at a well-maintained 220K miles, just keeps on going. Great car. My first Toyota truck , a '20 Tacoma, was purchased last year because of that same reputation for reliability and long life. After 44 years of caring for my vehicles, DIY wrenching isn't as easy for me as it used to be and I wanted a truck that can be relied on for many years to come with minimal "interventions."
You are 100% correct. Earlier this year I was in Guatemala and these trucks are EVERYWHERE! We drove on a main drag outside the city and there were 100's lined up for sale. These people are more interested in reliability (i.e., not spending money on repairs) than they are on the flashiness of their trucks. As you said, many are 4-clyinder powered by a version of the 22R engine.
I believe the absolute validation of the reliability of the Hi-Lux and other Toyota 4x4s is their almost exclusive use by Militias which includes the often very 'nasty' terrorists located in far away and often inhospitable regions of the globe.
When we were in Guatemala we rode in the back of an old Toyota pick up out to see how the people live in the country side. Yes, the old Toyotas are used everywhere in the world. Good stuff Wizard!
Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane. I fondly remember my 1987 Toyota standard bed with the 4-speed manual tranny. The 4 cylinder 22R engine was easy to maintain (you could spit on it twice to tune it). I put some 300k miles on that truck before it was in a wreck (head-on collision that broke the frame). Again, my thanks to you and Mrs. Wizard. 😀
The Toyota Pickup is also an abnormal case where a naturally aspirated inline four is arguably more desirable than the V6 spec. And that's all the more impressive because the 3VZE isn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, the 22RE is just that legendary.
I have a 2000 4Runner with the updated 3.4v6, and that thing WILL NOT DIE. My family has owned it since new. In its 25 years and 240,000 miles it has LITERALLY NEVER not started. Best car I’ve ever owned
I have a 2000 4Runner SR5 5 speed manual gearbox. 235K Miles. Bought used with 13,000 miles and 2 years old. Just replaced the clutch and rear brakes, both original. Recently replaced the timing belt and H20 pump, I do this on time or mileage. All serviceable items, that is the secret to longevity, that and timely oil changes. Never missed a single service. OEM parts. Relaced the coil springs (99 springs, taller) and shocks at 200K. My 2016 TUNDRA is no comparison in quality to the 4 Runner... cup holder on wheels. My 1982 base long bed 5 speed was far superior, should not have sold it. .I also have a 2018 Highlander, our second. Excellent. The latest TACOMA is a grossly overpriced joke. I will no longer buy new Toyotas, they lost me,. used maybe. Dealer greed is now the watch word .
I have one and it has lived through an accident. It's had the front clip replaced as well as the passenger door. It is just like this one but a 4x4. Rust has killed the box so it will get a flatbed. It sits outside all year around. Previous owner put a block heater in but I have never used it. -20 with a windchill pushing it to -50 and it starts. I keep fixing it because for the cost of repair I couldn't replace it and if I did, I would have to still replace things on the next truck. I call it meatloaf because it is like that food it takes care of things even if it isn't fancy.
@@truthserum5310 I bought one used. Sounded like a machine gun on cold start. I was surprised how quickly the chain guide wears out. It is plastic but was rubber coated steel at one point. I see that modification as a design flaw. Earlier engines were truly bulletproof
@@utistudent099 Get the OSK Timing chain kit, and you'll be good to go on your 22RE. My 86 4Runner SR5 still runs and looks great. With care, they will last a lifetime.
I have had several of these trucks, but for me the reliability champ was a 1978 Mercedes 300D that I got 500,000 miles out of with only routine maintenance and minor repairs.
Yep Ive had many of these yotas including an FJ62 now but my all time most reliable was a 4 spd 4 banging oil burner Mercedes 240D got it for free, ran and ran and ran and I gave it to my neighbor when I moved out of Florida
Top Gear tried to destroy one of these trucks and failed. They set it in fire, ran it through salt water and in an ultimate test placed it on the top of a building that was blown up with explosives, and despite been a bit twisted it still ran. The best free advert that Toyota could have wished for.
At 71 I have three Toyotas. My truck is a 2002 SR5 Tacoma with 140k miles. Like new. Love it. My family car/truck is a 2014 4Runner Limited. My Hot Rod is a Lexus 1997 SC400. Back when Chevy turned into GM/ Government Motors. I turn to Toyota for QUALITY.
I never recall hearing about a government bailout for Toyota or any Japanese manufacturer. I guess Ford didn't ask for one, either but I'll take a Toyota over a Ford any day. I still like sedans. I just bought a 2017 Passat SE w/Tech with 100K and it runs like a champ.
My 91 pickup 4wd 22re with 5 speed is teaching me so much about cars. This month im upgrading to some bilstein shocks and getting fresh rotors, pads, calipers. its sooo satisfying sprucing up the 30+ year old truck with new stuff and making it last another 30 hopefully. It has 160k miles and runs really well
I have a zero rust, 2wd '94 Toyota Pickup with a 22RE engine, five-speed manual, single cab, and 267,000 miles. It doesn't have cruise control, but it does have A/C and power steering, which were all options at the time. It loses about 1/2 a quart of oil between changes. Unless it crashes or gets stolen, it will be in my automobile rotation until I am no longer on this planet. Shortly after I bought it, it needed a clutch and another one at 250,000 miles. Other than that, it has never broken down.
I had one too, '86, 22RE, manual, 2wd, regular cab, long-bed, 1-Tonne. Body rot killed it. Once it started, there was no stopping it. Especially along that stupid horizontal seam along the bed. It was a pain to work on because just about every fastener on it rusted solid. I used to keep a bunch of wheel studs in the glove box because about half of them would snap trying to change a flat. It made it to 300k kms, but was mostly compost by then and it wouldn't pass inspection anymore. If you lived in someplace dry, I could see them lasting. Anywhere with lots of road salt, not so much.
I still own a 1987 Toyota SR5 … 22RE extra cab bought new. Only has 135,000mls and is garage kept. Even the original paint is still in excellent condition. Has air conditioning and automatic transmission and runs flawlessly.
Pride owner of a 2023 diesel Hilux. All, new and old ones, are bullet proof. The only thing that will end up killing them are environmental regulations ... Greetings from Argentina!
@@rolandthethompsongunner64 I know! The gas powered here are also extremely rare. The downside of the modern diesels is that they only use premium diesel + have the DPF filter, etc etc. Regards, Nacho.
the older Hiluxes may be a bit more reliable than the newer ones but they're all still very tough trucks nonetheless. these trucks are so commonly used as fleet vehicles and as workhorses for our provincial farmers.
I had a 1991 SR5, 4wd with a 5 speed. I had a small pop-up camper on it. I have many happy memories of going to out of the way places in it. I had to get rid of it in 2002. Not because it was a problem, but lives change. I still miss it.
Great truck...but there's a strong chance that 3L V6 has blown a head gasket or 2 to get to 170k. I had the 22R 4-cyl version from 1988. Also great trucks, though you'd have to consider the timing chain tensioner a maintenance item on them. You either replace the V6 head gasket or the 4-cyl tensioner and just do oil changes, you could get 400 or 500k miles out of them.
I had a 91 4x4 with the V6 with automatic and extended cab. I put close to 200,000 miles on it with nothing major going on it. Power steering hose blew, found out you basically have to strip the front off the truck to replace. Had a weird squealing sound from engine when you stopped at a stop sign or light, dealer couldn't figure out, turned out to be a hole or tear in the EGR valve, replaced that and that fixed the squeal. Master cylinder went and had to be replaced. Heater started to hardly throw heat, back flushed the heater core, it was plugged full of red make a gasket silicone. Strangely in the shape of the thermostat housing. So dealer used way too much goop on the housing when they replaced the timing belts. Other than that, just basic maintenance. Not much for power, could hardly spin the tires so they lasted forever too! Too bad they still don't make trucks that size anymore.
Both my 87 and 90 had timing chain guide failures. Plastic crap! Got tired of dropping the pan, fishing out plastic pieces, and resealing the front cover over that poor Toyota decision.
I have a 1995 Toyota T100 SR5 3400cc extra cab. I bought it almost 30 years ago. It runs just like the day I bought it. Over the years I have replaced tires, some gaskets, leaking steering assembly, rad hoses, rear cam shaft seals, timing belt, water pump, front brake pads, shocks, and a vacuum hose or two. Original engine, alternator, A/C, trans, and everything else. Upgraded the radio, and during Covid hiatus, I replaced all lighting with LED bulbs. (excellent improvement) It's an awesome vehicle. $700 per yr.insurance, $150 lic. fees, oil changes and filters. Calif. vehicle with not a spec of rust... Original paint very nice and interior excellent. Pretty hard to beat........
My '90 a/c was garbage. Swapped out the seized compressor for an upgraded Sanden unit worked ok, but never as good as GM a/c. I dont know their trick, but thats one thing GM has figured out. I thought Toyota being partners with GM would learn something, but I guess not. Both my 87 and 90 Yota pickups had anemic a/c.
Most of the small, reliable trucks like this have ended up in Mexico. I've seen groups of them on the interstate, each towing another truck headed through southern Arizona. And the trucks themselves are typically piled high with mattresses and other furniture.
I watched Top Gear abuse the hell out of one of these. They had it literally swept into the ocean, dropped by a crane, and collapsed into a building under demolition. And it still ran after everything the Top Gear crew did to it, with only basic hand tools to repair it
In Australia my 1997 Hilux 2.7 litre petrol motor with trayback I ran mine till 600 000 kilometres with heavy loads daily for 18 years never missed a beat.Always changed oil myself every 10000 km.
Props to the person who offered to share his/her Yota pickup for this video. Great video. Please send Wizard a VW Quantum, Scirocco, or best of all - Corrado.
Agree’d…. Nothing is more bullet proof than an 8v or 16v vw engine. God knows why they made their 4cylinders barely serviceable with timing chains out back, when the 2.0 16v has proven itself to be one of VW greatest engines. Bosch mechanical fuel injection is the simplest most reliable system even though those who don’t understand it hate it.
I had a '90 Corrado under lease and the exhaust manifold broke after 27k miles. Was cruising down I-25 in southern Colorado, heard a loud roar and the vehicle began running poorly (O2 sensors went nuts) and before I got to Trinidad it completely broke away from the headers. Other than that "little" thing, a very fun and practical car, but my last Volkswagen after owning three.
I couldnt agree more Mr Wizzard. I worked at the Toyota dealer in the 90s and these sold like hotcakes. I really got a dose of reality every time a Chevy. S10 or Sonoma came in on trade. With 100k they were shot. Loose as a goose if you know what i mean. The 100k sr5s drove like brand new still. Thats when i became a real believer in the Toyota pickups. Have had several over the years, 1992, 2000, 2002 , 2006. Loved them all. Wouldnt buy anything else, except my wifes Camry. Had a few of those too. Love your channel. Keep on doing what your doing. We need more Car Wizzards like you. God bless
We had one of these when I was growing up. It had a flatbed and we would throw square hay bales on the back over 15 feet. I have no clue what the payload of these are, but that much hay is easily twice as much weight than any modern pick up can claim for payload. Unfortunately someone ran a stop sign and ripped the front end off of it with 529,612 miles on the odometer. Best vehicle I've ever owned.
This truck with its simplicity excites me just as much as a McLaren with its sophistication. I wish they still made cars like this, reliable, barebones simple and inexpensive (A/C and cruise control would be the only must haves for me as far as options). Progress is necessary, and I don’t imagine new trends not progressing, but even if these existed as a niche market vehicles, that would be much appreciated.
You are 100% correct on this Toyota. Where i grew up in the backwoods of rural Africa this version of Hilux pick up as we knew them were beaten to pieces in farms and OTR transport duty over roads that would make a Hummer blush carrying loads that would make an F150 tuck tail and run🤣 and they kept going strong. The Yn55 Toyota Hilux is the best period.
I had an 82 longbox the same way only with the 22R 4 cylinder. Dead reliable. Never ever broke until one day my seat posts fell thru the floor while I was driving. Upon inspection, rust ate the bejeezus out of the frame and everything underneath. That is what killed mine. Pulled the motor and sold it cause it still ran like a top… rest of truck went to boneyard
Me dad used to cram us kids in the back of his tacoma, maybe like 4-5 kids at one point but then we got fatter so 4 lol this was when he’d take us to school in the mornings
I had quite a few friends in the 90s who ran these toyotas out of oil. And did exactly what the wizard said. They added oil and freed up the motor, and off they went. I had one friend do it like 3 times to his 2.4L 22re and kept driving it and ended up selling it, and we saw it around town after that. They were and are crazy depend vehicles.
My dad had bought a 1983 diesel pick up brand new back then and a 1982 used for me for work. They ran over 350 000KM and 400 000KM after which the rust got the better of them here in Québec, Canada. They had always been reliable, never broke down on us at all, all we did was change the oil & filters every 8 000 to 10 000 KM, replaced the tires every 2 years and winter and summers, he had them coated for rust every 2 years, we carried about 1200 pounds worth of tools, home made racks, added blades on the suspension for the added weight, bought shocks due to the excess weight. We never changed them after that ever. Sadly because of the salt on roads here they finally gave in, in 1991 sadly 😞 Diesel made it worth it for us as in winter we let them run 24/7 due to the -40 celcius and more in winter. As we had government contracts we could not allowed to be caught and not be able to start due to emergencies at all time of the day and night!!!
Had a few, they were as good as advertised. The drive trains were amazing. Especially the 22R types. Loved that engine. They had one flaw. Terminal cancer on the bed and sometimes frame. For work, cleanliness was pretty low on the list. So yeah, any truck will rust under those conditions. But the Toyotas were the first to rust. But once they started to fall apart, they made good parts trucks to keep others running. Though I prefer full size trucks, those small Toyotas from the mid 80's/90's were the best trucks ever made imo.
Yes indeed! Those Nissan Hardbody pickups were stupid reliable. Most Nissans of that era, especially the Sentra, Stanza, and Maxima, were very reliable but overshadowed by the glory days of Honda and Toyota.
one of my vehicles is an 05 Sienna that I use for hauling and taking beach trips and it jus hit 500,000 miles a few weeks ago. it was my parents van and my father used it for many years as an Uber vehicle up until the pandemic. my parents got it new in 04 and it was well maintained over the years. the only major repair it has had was the A/C compressor being changed and damage from an accident years back.
I installed factory A/C and cruse control in a 92 base model for a lady at the dealership. Thought you were going to mention the EFI system on the engine. 😉 I have the Toyota certified EFI also EPA certified to rebuild them that was fun.
Back in the 80's my friend drove one of these. Larger wheels and locks for the alles made it invincible. Through 5 feet of snow without an issue, or climbing steep hills was not any problems for it. I loved that car and my late friend is sorely missed.
@@SuperSnakePlissken yes they were...the 240-280zx and the early 300zx were very reliable under the nissan/datsun label. also many maximas and altimas went well over 300k miles in the 80s and 90s not to mention the nissan hardbody truck which was bulletproof just like the toyota trucks in the 80s/90s. there's many still on the road today....of course a lot of it is how you treat a vehicle...if someone is out there modifying and racing and doing donuts all the time then their car isn't gonna last very long no matter how well it is built lol
Yes Sir, I have 1996 Xtra cab 4x4 w 2.7 4cly. 5 speed. It's a one owner truck. Little rust on beside only. 281,250 miles. I drive it daily. Replaced distributor and fuel pump.
when I found myself stuck in Brazil with the family - 13 years after I left the country - right after pandemics started, I was (am) living out of any big city, 60km from the nearest (smallish) town, 200km from São Paulo, I decided to buy a Hilux. At first when I came out of the dealer, I regret my decision badly, and it's hard, harsh, horrible on the back... but I knew I could trust the Hilux, and 4 years later I still own it, 99.757km on. I had other cars in the meantime, and I own other cars, but that is the one I have no plans on selling. Yes its harsh, yes it's annoying to drive in traffic, but there's nothing better out there on the road, be that 20km from home, or 5000km from home, hours away from any village. Awesome vehicle!
I have one of those, same year, same color, extra cab. Mine is lowered and modified. I've had it for 10 years, over 300k miles on the body. Has a new engine, runs like top. Super easy to work on.
Had an 89 with the 22-RE 4 cylinder 4WD and I had it for 25 years. I coated the chassis with Karnak roofing tar 6 months after I drove it off the showroom floor. The Cassis was like the day I bought it when I sold it to a kid who had to have it. Three things went wrong with it in 25 years. 1. the clutch pedal bracket broke twice. First time, I bought a new bracket from Toyota. Second time, I welded it. 2. Fan Clutch went south at 30K. Toyota replaced it under warranty. 3. Timing chain guides exploded and ended up in the oil pan. They were made of plastic. Needless to say that the timing chain rubbed a hole in the timing cover and the oil and coolant mixed and took out one connecting rod bearing. I pulled the engine out of the truck and did a re-build on it myself. After the re-build, she ran like new for 5 years until I sold it to a youngster who ended up exporting it to Costa Rica. That was a nice little truck.
¡Hola! Greetings from Costa Rica. I bet your little truck is still out here and running strong! And I can confirm that Toyota has built its local reputation on quality and rock-solid dependability.
@@lukemarks92 They blew out at 85K. I had read that those plastic guides were creating a problem for 22RE owners. For at least 5K, I kept hearing a noise upon starting that sounded like a can of coffee with nuts and bolts. The noise would go away a few seconds after starting. Little did I know that the chain was wearing a hole in the front timing cover eventually causing coolant and oil to mix. The one rod bearing that went happened quickly, a mile from home. By that point it was too late. I simply parked it in my driveway and proceeded to rip the engine out. Aside from that rod bearing, everything else looked OK. I proceeded to re-build the engine with King bearings. I took the crank and pistons/connecting rods to my local engine shop for new piston bushings and a polish on the crank.There was zero wear of the cylinder walls. The head received new cam bearings as well. I ordered a pair of metal guides and after assembly, the engine was running like a top. I used the old head bolts and dropped in new brass freeze plugs on the block. I made sure to use Indian Head shellac on the freeze plugs before driving them in. I ran the engine for at least another 30K before I sold the truck altogether.
Really wish they still made bulletproof small trucks like these especially with manual transmissions. Not a fan of the overcomplicated massive rolling computers they produce now.
I learned to drive on an 89 with a 22R and a 4sp manual. It wasn't much to look at, but I still revere that truck. It was totaled at 176k miles but ran flawlessly until that point. It also had the nut cooler air vent on the bottom of the steering column! Best. Feature. Ever. 😄
I owned a 1979, 4X4. One of the first 4 wheel drive ones Toyota came out with. It was loaded with a factory CB radio, steering, brakes, tilt. I had it 3 months, and it was a dependable truck. The bad part for me was it was a dog, even with a 4.37 rear end. I was used to fast cars and trucks, so I sold it for what I paid on the window sticker. They were hard to find back then. 😄
There's a good reason why both this and the Land Cruiser killed off Land Rover globally. In fact in an episode of Clarkson's Car Years it was said that Land Rover's 90% share of the Australian Market fell to 2% after Toyota arrived on the scene; because they didnt break down and leave you stranded in desert heat......I may be British, but I'm always in awe of the toughness of Toyotas.
We had a beloved '98 4Runner that we owned for 23 years with the 3400 V6. ZERO problems ..original engine, transmission, and factory AC that NEVER needed a charge!! and 4WD that never failed. We sold it to good friends whose son needed a car for his last year of high school and then off to college. If it weren't a Toyota we would never sell a used car to friends that had just under 400K on the clock. Toyota rules!!!
We have a lot of these here in Asia, mostly the diesel version (non turbo). These things are super ultra reliable, we load it with a ton of supplies. If something breaks, we just pull on the side of the road, get a wrench and hammer, boom fixed! I have fond memories of these trucks. Only thing I don't like is it didn't come with AC and its super hot in Asia lol.
Crazy cause my father in law had an '83 with 22r engine. He rode it til the wheels actually fell off. He was the type that paid no mind to maintenance. Bought it back in the late 80's and road it til maybe 2014-15 when the wheels fell off coming out of the freeway due to og ball joints breaking off. He ended up junking it. But man, it lived a very rough life and started everyday.
I've got a 98 T100 with the 5 speed AND a supercharger. Which was a dealer option at the time. It has just under 95,000 miles. My only complaint is the LH torsion bar is sagging and I can't find a replacement. It's a California truck, so no rust. I've actually bought this truck twice lol! I bought from my friend who was the original owner. I installed the supercharger, aftermarket cruise control and a better stereo, then he bought it back from me. Later he called me saying he wanted to sell it, so I bought it again. You missed something regarding the 3VZ - They would blow a head gasket at about 100,000 miles. So, your example likely had that replaced.
@@georgeelder8415Maybe most in the US were replaced, but in Japan, you just went and got another car. I know this because the Toyota Surf ( 4Runner in the US) I had in Okinawa popped it right on time at 160,000 Kilometers. The clouds of smoke were spectacular. 2 of my co workers cars with 3VZs did the same. At least they were consistent.
I still own my grandparents ‘93 Pickup 2WD 22RE Auto. Learned to drive in it when I was 11-12 down dirt roads around their house. This was 30 years ago. I started daily driving it in ‘07 and drove it almost daily till ‘19 when I was finally able to buy a new Tacoma. Ended up selling the Tacoma for a ‘21 4Runner to have more room for the kids. I don’t get to drive the truck as much as I wish, but I’d still drive it anywhere… after I put a new battery in it. Haha! Love that truck.
i had a 1988 toyota 4x4 truck with 2.2re engine and 5 speed manual tranny. i bought it for $6000 used with 100k miles on it back in 1994. i drove it up to 300k miles until about 2004 when i sold it for $1000. It was the best, most reliable vehicle ever. the only repairs i ever did were brake master cylinders every 100k miles ( about $100 to get it done at repair shop) , clutch master cylinders every 50k miles (about $50 to get repaired at the shop), fixed the starter twice with new copper contacts myself for 5 cents each contact (it takes 2 of them), the radiator blew a hole in it so had to get that replaced for $200. replaced the alternator once for about $50. then the normal maintenance stuff like tires, brake pads, batteries, spark plugs, etc. I remember i could do oil changes on it myself for $11. it took 4 qts of oil or 4.5qts i can't remember exactly. it still ran like it was new even after 300k miles. it did use a tiny bit of oil and anti-freeze so i'm guessing maybe it needed a head gasket replacement but i never did it. i just kept topping the levels off every now and then and drove it as is. geeze i remember when owning a vehicle was affordable. the quality was so good and it wasn't expensive to maintain or repair either. Oil changes for $11....now it's $65 for an oil change maybe more and any repair is $500 to several thousands of dollars. there was a time i loved cars and trucks but now i despise them because of the huge increase in prices. i'd rather ride a bike or walk if i could as it's affordable.
My dad had a 4x4 version when I was a kid. We road tripped in it a couple times and I vividly remember those uncomfortable back seats. 😂 He later traded it for a mid 90s Toyota 4Runner and then we decided to become missionaries. Our mission organization took out the v6 and auto trans and put in a naturally aspirated diesel and manual transmission and retrofitted it with some other more off road capabilities. We never ended up taking it to Ethiopia because it was such a pain and expensive to import vehicles. We ended up buying a brand new (late 90s) Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero here in the US). It was a solid reliable SUV but I always remember wishing we had a Hilux or Land Cruiser. It really sucks these trucks aren’t offered with fuel sipping diesel engines here in the US!!
I drive a 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. I’m 73 years old. This is probably the last truck I will ever own. I bought a 1980 Toyota 4x4 new in 1980. I drove it for 9 years. I gave it to my oldest son when he got his drivers license and he drove it for 9 years. He sold it when he bought a new F-150 in 1998. I have no idea how many miles it had in it but it was still running just fine. It had been repainted and reupholstered. And I had replaced the cracked exhaust manifold with headers. Other than that, just maintenance. Wish I had kept it! The 1998 F-150 died many years ago!! My dad had a 1986 Toyota 1 ton pickup with a glass rack on it for his work truck. He passed away in 2004 and the truck got sold. Wish I had kept it also!
My aunt, a farmers wife in South Africa, had a little Hilux 2.4 D four cylinder diesel one. She had over a million kilometres on the odo when she was hijacked in the city, when she came to visit her sister😢. The vehicle didn't break down with her even once, and she did all minor maintenance herself, like oil and filter changes. She would haul household contents stacked high up on it for a 1000-mile journey with ease. And pulling a trailer with more furniture on it. 😅
I've got a '91 with the 22-RE (173k). On those you got to keep an eye (well, ear) on the timing chain guides. They're made of plastic and will break. Once that happens the timing chain will slowly eat its way through the timing cover. You can hear it hitting the timing chain cover on start-up/idle. Happened to mine and had timing chain guides replaced with aftermarket steel ones (along with new water pump, timing chain and cover).
I may have that one beat. My 2001 Tacoma (base, standard cab) just turned 24 years old, and except for brake pads, tires, wiper blades, a fan belt, and routine maintenance, has never had ANY part replaced- not one, single, unscheduled mechanical repair. It looks good, runs and drives like new, and is tight as a drum- no squeaks, rattles, or noises- even the shifter bushings are original! (186,000).
Toyota Hilux is also called a Technical, in the Middle East and Africa they are used by irregular army forces, you can mount a machine gun in the back.
I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma extra cab , 2.4 5speed with 85,000 original miles . It has an updated stereo , new 15 inch rims and tires and a nice camper shell . It also has a/c power steering power windows and locks and that’s it . I really like this truck it was a one owner truck and dealership worked on only and garage kept . Oh yeah , it also has a nice trailer hitch as well . At 62 years old , this is the last truck that I will own . Well other than an old 60 through 66 Chevy truck for the weekend cruises lol .
In the Philippines, that is the Hilux with a diesel engine in it. It only has 2 body styles, the double cab 4 doors, and the single cab long bed. The 4x4 models still uses the straight solid front axles...
In 2009, I purchased a used '89 Toyota extended cab pickup with the bullet proof 22re engine (4 cyl) with mileage around 300K. I didn't expect to drive it long - but I did.... I absolutely LOVED that truck! Around 350K, I replaced the head gasket and machined the head - and it ran forever. My son took it to college in Michigan (we lived in CA) and drove it for FOUR more years including many cross-country trips. What killed it? RUST. My son sold it with the engine still running and got as much for it as I paid 10 years earlier. That pickup was the most dependable and fun vehicle we ever drove. I've often wondered WHY Toyota didn't continue to manufacture this truck with its longevity, dependability, and comfort???
Back in early 90s I remember these 2wd trucks with the 22r and they were about 7,000 with no air conditioning. We installed the ac kits for the customer at the dealership
These are VERY popular in Finland and mostly used for commercial use. Also some for personal vehicle use. And yes we call them Hilux and they are still made to this day. Now just bigger and a lot bigger tires/rims. 4 cylinder diesel engine is our choice. Not a powerhouse, but lot of usable low rpm torque (300ft lb smallest option). Now the curb weight is around 4800 lb so not so little anymore.
My brother had one of these in high school and panic sold it when he joined the military. He absolutely adored that truck and I did too. I'm not a truck guy (Supra/Celica owner) but if I ever did, I would seek one of these out over anything else. Sadly they are quite expensive now and VERY hard to find in good shape. Pretty much all of them have damage or are dogged out. But they sure as hell all run.
Download the FREE Upside App at upside.app.link/carwizard to get an extra 25 cents
back for every gallon on your first tank of gas.
Any thoughts on oil catch cans as a DIY mod? It seems a controversial topic.....
Brother has 2. The '96 4X4 has almost 400k on it, and only changed the radiator, other than regular maintenance, tires, etc. It still runs good. So, what did he do, went and bought a 1992.
That "HITS" close to home. Had a 99 Taco SR5 TRD. Bought at 74,000 miles in 05. Drove it until Feb 2023. I was T- Boned and totalled at 280,000 miles. Over its life, it needed a radiator, starter, a door handle, one fuel injector. Watch out for them Tesla "drivers".
Garbage shill.
Can confirm. Have a 95 Toyota pickup deluxe with 895k miles. Original 22re engine, 5 speed transmission, and differential. Has working ac and crank windows. Has a valve cover leak, and has been hit by countless deer so the front end has been replaced over 3 times. The plant is chipped and fading. But, she starts every time. The trucks been with me through countless relationships, and eventually drove my wife and I home from our wedding. When I got sick, lost my job and had my car repoed, my trusty Toyota was right there for me. It’s done everything we’ve asked of it and more. I can say with 100% certainty, we will never sell it or junk it. I don’t care what regulations are passed here in California, the truck will always be in my garage, ready to take me anywhere.
Get that ol girl to a million+! She can do it :)
It's definitely the opposite of my 2009 BMW! 😂
Nice story bro, cry me a river
@@daniel17319you'll be the one doing the crying now take off them pants and get your ass up into them Hills
It's needed one or two timing chains and one or two cylinder head gaskets.
In Australia there is a saying. If you want to go into the outback take a Land Rover. If you want to come back take a Land Cruiser.
In Afghanistan it's L/C The Taliban Tank not the L/R Defender
ain't that the truth LOL
Not the new ones
@@yusufozzy That is mainly because they have DPF's now on diesel models. Toyota did a terrible job of implementing those. But they are just as reliable without them. On the other hand Land Rovers... Ugh.
@kir0nz no there is many issues with the modern d4d toyota engines the 4 cylinder has cracked pistons as 1 example
The 4.5 v8 has dusted engines as 1 example
The Greatest Vehicle That's Ever Lived
Greatest technician that ever lived agrees
the greatest comment that's ever lived
Agreed
The Nissan hardbodies of those days are better. And I still see a ton of those still running around. Don't see nearly as many of those year Toyos still going.
My 1990 Nissan truck would disagree
I had a high school friend who still has his 1990 toyota pickup 4x4 painted black like Marty's (back to the future) with over 1.1 million miles in Michigan. He does oil under coats on it regularly and it's almost never gonna die. The 22re will live on into the apocalypse.
Be sure to mount a Ma Deuce on a Pintle mount in the bed for the apocalypse!!
And it still has a body on it ? Michigan's rough on sheet metal ! ✌
Yep oil undercoating yearly to every other year it's a lesson to thoes in the rust belt.
@MattHmm-rq6dn That is a sweet little truck too.
I wish he would have made a video of it rolling over a million miles.
People sometimes forget there is great number of us that just need to go from A to B and back. All the bells and whistles can be saved for the family car.
That's why I buy used practical machines...instead of throwing money after the newest trends.
My mom drives a 2000 Toyota Avensis and my sister drives a 1997 Toyota Starlet. Both very basic cars and bulletproof reliable. Just imagine if Toyota or Honda offered a new basic FWD car, manual gearbox and wind down windows. It would be an instant hit in the 3rd world but it would cut into their fancier and pricier cars in the US and western Europe so not going to happen.
@@danielscarbrough4363 Every person needs to have the taste of a new car once. So they know not to do it again.
Exactly. Some people will say "I can't use that, it can't tow a 10,000 lb trailer" and that is ok. Buy one that can do that if you truly need it for work. But for majority of us that don't need to haul 10,000 lbs everyday, this is perfectly fine. And it's sad that this product dried up. There simply isn't a basic to the bone inexpensive pickup that will last you 10+ years anymore.
@westcoastplinkin6559 most of us will never tow or move anything around 10k, normally it's a fridge, couch or garden goods. That truck is good transportation.
It's all about perspective. See, my dad has been a mechanic for over 50 years and I've been turning wrenches for 20 years. So, for us, we view these old Toyotas as the LEAST reliable vehicles ever...
...we absolutely cannot rely on these things to show up in the shop, need repairs, and keep us in business.
The shop I go to continues to be amazed at these vehicles. They said the 22RE engines will come in with 300,000 miles and still pass smog.
@@SkylerKing You guys are lucky if most of those Toyota trucks appear in the shop. Because they are way easy to work on...
@@vanceb1 22RE engines are smogless. No smoke at all...
😂
93/96 Tercel
I grew up a Dodge guy, then switched to GM when I became a tech at a Chevy dealership. An older tech I worked with at an independent shop always told how reliable Toyota's were. Being wet behind the ears I brushed him off. After moving I worked at a Toyota dealership. I finally saw the light. Currently have a 2000 Camry with 206k, 2007 Rav 4 with 241k, and a 06 Tundra with 186k. I can't speak to the newer Toyotas but the older ones cannot be beat!!
88 Supra and 01' Celica GT-S here. I wanted looks, fun, AND Toyota reliability and those were the ticket for me. Though I have had to throw a lot of money at them for various things and parts are fairly to very expensive depending. Never actually had any major issues with them.
Yep... I keep telling all my friends why I would not own anything else but a Toyota products. My 01 ES300 with about 150K is 3 times the car any of those new and pathetic plastic toasters on wheels are now for sale. I have real leather, real wood inside the car and every single button works as the day it came out of the factory. My only problem was that I ignored the timing belt and it snapped after almost 20 years... minor inconvenience for me, its a non interference engine so swapping a new timing belt kit over the weekend put the Lexus back on the road. Name one car today which you can do that with? There aren't any.
Cool, our 07 Tundra SR5 5.7 has 307k. 06 highlander 3.3 has 357k. Both still rolling down the road everywhere!
@@RamBo-uu9so04 Tundra, 190,000 miles. Things have broken and worn out due to old age, but it's still got years left on it and still looks great.
@@Dwigt_Rortugal Ihave a 2005 Ford E250 work van , orignal engine and transmission. It has 441,000 miles on it with only maintaince items replaced. I believe it would give the hilux a run for it's money.
I just recently sold my Toyota work truck. 1987, 2wd xtra cab, long bed, 22R, 5 spd. No air, no cruise, manual windows and locks, but it did have power steering. I put almost 200K miles on it in the 19 years I owned it. It built several houses all over the county, hauled countless loads of firewood, made multiple 3500 mile trips across the Northern states to visit family, and never let me down. Only reason I sold it is I no longer need it. It was a bittersweet day, but the buyer was so happy to have it, that helped. Plus, I got $300 more than I paid for it in 2005!
That’s the Hilux stories I’m here for
what'd you end up replacing it with?
@@TomatoWithARifle I didn't necessarily replace it since I no longer needed it for that type of work. But my other "daily" is a 91 Chevy K1500 with about 76K miles. I only drive 4-5K miles a year now, so it suits my needs fine.
Wife's go kart is an 08 Toyota Matrix. Boring, but a great little appliance. Other than that I walk or ride my bike.
There is an old BWM and a Moto Guzzi awaiting me to fire them up once again. Gotta finish my house first.
I know a lady who owns that precise model 1991 Toyota Pickup. The last time I saw her the mileage was close to the 350K miles. She bought it brand new. Other than regular oil changes and routine preventative maintenance it runs great. She had to replace the water pump, but this was at the 125K point. The truck runs very well!
A couple days ago I was at a local bar and a woman pulls up in a brand new black Toyota pick-up truck I was impressed I should of got her phone number😂
@@patrickboyd3364why?
.her boyfriend probably paid for it😂
Where I work the top mechanic drives one of these, he bought it new in '94. Single cab short bed 4x4. Almost 500k miles. 3 things have broken in 30 years. THREE. Combined, they cost less than $100. A couple years ago he did pull the engine to reseal and refresh everything, but it's all original.
My grandpa had one just like this, a '96. 22re 5 speed. I drove it a few times. The clutch didn't bite until it was basically all the way out. You could shift it without even pressing on the clutch, just the weight of your foot was enough. No tach, so you had to listen to the engine and feel the gears out. That truck was sold and totaled some years later in a really bad wreck, but everyone survived.
There's a reason the flipflop brigade use hilux's with entire AA guns on the back lol. Gotta respect the sandals even if you don't agree with what they do, they're creative and make do with what they got. Imagine how much money a company in the US/Canada would make if they were allowed to sell a ~20,000 basic, small pickup that's reliable. No fancy sensors and cameras all over the place, no SUV-sized seating arrangement meaning you get more than a few chairs worth of bed.
look up "The Toyota war" When Chad using Toyota pickups donated by the French beat the Libyans
I guess someone’s gotta make love to the goats…
They wouldn’t profit because that’s not what most consumers in the states want.
technicals are my favorite
Had a customer with an 89 Extra Cab 2wd, had almost 300,000 miles on it, had some rust and many dents and scratches. Had a trans fluid leak from the output shaft. Driveshaft bushing was allowing too much play, causing the seals to tear. At the time, our local machine shop would not replace the tails haft bushing. Had to order the tails haft assembly with a new bushing in it from Toyota. Labor of course was just an hour, but that tailsshaft assembly was over $600 bucks. Owner didn't blink, just said fix it!
Storytime. My gf in '84 had a '82 Toyota truck with 90k miles (!). She wasn't sure if she had ever changed the oil and she was sure she had never changed the sparkplugs (this was when they had 30k lifespans). I had to use a drill to remove the oil filter and a screwdriver to punch through the oil drain opening to get it to flow, and one of the sparkplugs was missing the ground electrode and three were missing chunks of their insulators. I replaced the oil and filter and plugs and it had noticeably more power but got a little worse gas mileage. Incredible vehicle. When it came time for me to replace my F-150 I remembered it and chose a bank-repo '00 Tundra V8 that had been repo'd after only four months of ownership. Had the $27k window sticker in the glove box and I got it for under $19k. It turns 25 years old next month, has the original alternator, has never needed an a/c recharge, and I've had to replace one coil.
They never had V8’s 😂
@@rolandthethompsongunner64 the tundra's do lmao
@@rolandthethompsongunner64the 1st and 2nd came with an optional V8 dumbass😂😂😂🤡
@@datboibottemtextcut Roland some slack, he’s headless.
I've got a V8 T150 (Tundra). Almost 21 years old, and I'm solidly in the rust belt.
As a 3.0 4Runner owner, it’s amazing to not hear the word “head gasket” mentioned. Our one Achilles heel.
Yep had a 1988 truck with that problem
The Head gasket issue was solved years ago.
Knew a guy north of San Fran - his entire business was buying 2nd gen Runners after the head gasket went, rebuilding and flipping. I went third gen after - 99 4Runner Limited, gonna outlive me.
Oh, he said they don't break LOL
Yeah by engineering and building a totally different engine@@maineiacman
I 100% agree. I have a '94 4x4 Toyota Pickup that has been in my family from day one. It - as they say - "keeps on ticking'. One surprising thing to me (among many) is that it starts up without any hesitation, every time.
Best vehicle ever produced. My first was an ‘82 diesel in Germany. It got me hooked. From there an ’84, ‘86, ‘89, ‘90 extra cab, ‘91, ‘94 & ‘98 all with a 2.4 except for the ‘90.
Over 2,000,000 driven miles combined.
Then I moved to Tundras with an ‘04, & an ‘06.
Later I grabbed a ‘93 4Runner which had the 3.0 (3.slow) and went 250,000 miles before selling her after a full restoration. Never once was I stranded or left without a working truck. AMAZING!!
My 2007 Rav4 2GR-FE, at a well-maintained 220K miles, just keeps on going. Great car. My first Toyota truck , a '20 Tacoma, was purchased last year because of that same reputation for reliability and long life. After 44 years of caring for my vehicles, DIY wrenching isn't as easy for me as it used to be and I wanted a truck that can be relied on for many years to come with minimal "interventions."
You are 100% correct. Earlier this year I was in Guatemala and these trucks are EVERYWHERE! We drove on a main drag outside the city and there were 100's lined up for sale. These people are more interested in reliability (i.e., not spending money on repairs) than they are on the flashiness of their trucks. As you said, many are 4-clyinder powered by a version of the 22R engine.
I believe the absolute validation of the reliability of the Hi-Lux and other Toyota 4x4s is their almost exclusive use by Militias which includes the often very 'nasty' terrorists located in far away and often inhospitable regions of the globe.
Im costarican, toyota is selling here (and possibly in the entire central american region) brand new landcruiser J70 !!
When we were in Guatemala we rode in the back of an old Toyota pick up out to see how the people live in the country side. Yes, the old Toyotas are used everywhere in the world. Good stuff Wizard!
Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane. I fondly remember my 1987 Toyota standard bed with the 4-speed manual tranny. The 4 cylinder 22R engine was easy to maintain (you could spit on it twice to tune it). I put some 300k miles on that truck before it was in a wreck (head-on collision that broke the frame). Again, my thanks to you and Mrs. Wizard. 😀
Love our 1993 Toyota 4WD pickup with the 22R-E 4cyl engine. We bought brand new in 1993 and still drive it today.
The Toyota Pickup is also an abnormal case where a naturally aspirated inline four is arguably more desirable than the V6 spec. And that's all the more impressive because the 3VZE isn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, the 22RE is just that legendary.
I agree, I have a 1990 long bed pu. The 6 gives it too much torque and spins the rear tires. Plus the rear seal is going out on the 3vz at 160k miles
Imagine a company that made NEW 90's toyota pickups... and other good vehicles inn history.
How I wish
Toyota still produce the land cruiser 70 series...
Yeah, at 1990s prices!!!😂😂😂
@@mwqs1 Hell yea!
Volvo 240
Mercedes 190e
Peugeot 405
I have a 2000 4Runner with the updated 3.4v6, and that thing WILL NOT DIE. My family has owned it since new. In its 25 years and 240,000 miles it has LITERALLY NEVER not started. Best car I’ve ever owned
I have a 97 Runner with 345 Its a rock
I have a 2000 4Runner SR5 5 speed manual gearbox. 235K Miles.
Bought used with 13,000 miles and 2 years old.
Just replaced the clutch and rear brakes, both original.
Recently replaced the timing belt and H20 pump, I do this on time or mileage.
All serviceable items, that is the secret to longevity,
that and timely oil changes. Never missed a single service. OEM parts.
Relaced the coil springs (99 springs, taller) and shocks at 200K.
My 2016 TUNDRA is no comparison in quality to the 4 Runner... cup holder on wheels.
My 1982 base long bed 5 speed was far superior, should not have sold it.
.I also have a 2018 Highlander, our second. Excellent.
The latest TACOMA is a grossly overpriced joke. I will no longer buy new Toyotas, they lost me,.
used maybe. Dealer greed is now the watch word .
I also have a 2000 with the 3.4 V6. Only 110,000 miles and is in mint condition. I’ll never sell it!
@@chrismichael1161 Hands down the Gen 3are the best of the 4 Runners. 2000 easily being the best year.
I have a 1993 Toyota Pickup that I bought new. 22re, 5 speed, base model. Over 300,000 miles and burns no oil. Heavy duty little truck.
You have to be at highway speeds since the gearing is what made these engines burn oil
I have one and it has lived through an accident. It's had the front clip replaced as well as the passenger door. It is just like this one but a 4x4. Rust has killed the box so it will get a flatbed. It sits outside all year around. Previous owner put a block heater in but I have never used it. -20 with a windchill pushing it to -50 and it starts. I keep fixing it because for the cost of repair I couldn't replace it and if I did, I would have to still replace things on the next truck. I call it meatloaf because it is like that food it takes care of things even if it isn't fancy.
I hope you've done the timing guide and chain service. That's all you really have to do to a 22RE. OSK timing kit, and you'll be good to go.
@@truthserum5310 I bought one used. Sounded like a machine gun on cold start. I was surprised how quickly the chain guide wears out. It is plastic but was rubber coated steel at one point. I see that modification as a design flaw. Earlier engines were truly bulletproof
@@utistudent099 Get the OSK Timing chain kit, and you'll be good to go on your 22RE. My 86 4Runner SR5 still runs and looks great. With care, they will last a lifetime.
I have had several of these trucks, but for me the reliability champ was a 1978 Mercedes 300D that I got 500,000 miles out of with only routine maintenance and minor repairs.
What happened to it
Those old Mercedes diesels are still selling for a small fortune. I shopped around for a 300 D wagon and couldn’t find one running for under 20k. 😂
Ya, but it’s not a truck. Maybe you can’t understand.
Old Mercedes are the best ever built 💪🏼 number one 💪🏼
Yep Ive had many of these yotas including an FJ62 now but my all time most reliable was a 4 spd 4 banging oil burner Mercedes 240D got it for free, ran and ran and ran and I gave it to my neighbor when I moved out of Florida
Top Gear tried to destroy one of these trucks and failed.
They set it in fire, ran it through salt water and in an ultimate test placed
it on the top of a building that was blown up with explosives, and despite been
a bit twisted it still ran.
The best free advert that Toyota could have wished for.
That was a great episode. Damn thing just kept going.
Took the Words right out of my Mouth.
Clarkson and May did what they could to try and Destroy it.
Now it is a Murial in it's own way!
@@SoundFX09 what is a murial ????
Toyota did an advertising campaign on advertising hordings using a photo of the Top Gear Hilux.
Clarkson and May went to the Magnetic North Pole in one.
At 71 I have three Toyotas. My truck is a 2002 SR5 Tacoma with 140k miles. Like new. Love it. My family car/truck is a 2014 4Runner Limited. My Hot Rod is a Lexus 1997 SC400. Back when Chevy turned into GM/ Government Motors. I turn to Toyota for QUALITY.
I never recall hearing about a government bailout for Toyota or any Japanese manufacturer. I guess Ford didn't ask for one, either but I'll take a Toyota over a Ford any day. I still like sedans. I just bought a 2017 Passat SE w/Tech with 100K and it runs like a champ.
My 91 pickup 4wd 22re with 5 speed is teaching me so much about cars. This month im upgrading to some bilstein shocks and getting fresh rotors, pads, calipers. its sooo satisfying sprucing up the 30+ year old truck with new stuff and making it last another 30 hopefully. It has 160k miles and runs really well
That’s almost new lol
Nice, I just did the shocks on my 94 v6 4wd! Old man emu shocks and Brembo brake rotors with OEM toyota pads.
Slow. As. Dirt.
I have a zero rust, 2wd '94 Toyota Pickup with a 22RE engine, five-speed manual, single cab, and 267,000 miles. It doesn't have cruise control, but it does have A/C and power steering, which were all options at the time. It loses about 1/2 a quart of oil between changes. Unless it crashes or gets stolen, it will be in my automobile rotation until I am no longer on this planet. Shortly after I bought it, it needed a clutch and another one at 250,000 miles. Other than that, it has never broken down.
I purchased an 1986 truck with the 22RE motor. Drove it for over 200,000 mi with no issues. Those were the good old days.
I had one too, '86, 22RE, manual, 2wd, regular cab, long-bed, 1-Tonne. Body rot killed it. Once it started, there was no stopping it. Especially along that stupid horizontal seam along the bed. It was a pain to work on because just about every fastener on it rusted solid. I used to keep a bunch of wheel studs in the glove box because about half of them would snap trying to change a flat.
It made it to 300k kms, but was mostly compost by then and it wouldn't pass inspection anymore. If you lived in someplace dry, I could see them lasting. Anywhere with lots of road salt, not so much.
@@SirOsisofLiver I had the extra cab sport model. Best seats ever with side and leg bolster adjustments. Lived in No. Cal so rust was not an issue.
I still own a 1987 Toyota SR5 … 22RE extra cab bought new. Only has 135,000mls and is garage kept. Even the original paint is still in excellent condition. Has air conditioning and automatic transmission and runs flawlessly.
We used to have the Toyota Hilux 1987, and yes it was indestructible,,,
I love the way Mr. Wizard explains things,
Wish you all the best Mr. Wizard.
Pride owner of a 2023 diesel Hilux. All, new and old ones, are bullet proof. The only thing that will end up killing them are environmental regulations ... Greetings from Argentina!
23 HILUX IS NOT AS STRONG AS THE ONES MADE DURING 88-2000. BUT STILL BE BETTER THAN MOST OTHER VEHICLES.
The diesels are extremely rare in the states. Would love to find one.
@@rolandthethompsongunner64 I know! The gas powered here are also extremely rare. The downside of the modern diesels is that they only use premium diesel + have the DPF filter, etc etc. Regards, Nacho.
the older Hiluxes may be a bit more reliable than the newer ones but they're all still very tough trucks nonetheless.
these trucks are so commonly used as fleet vehicles and as workhorses for our provincial farmers.
AFUERA
I had a 1991 SR5, 4wd with a 5 speed. I had a small pop-up camper on it. I have many happy memories of going to out of the way places in it.
I had to get rid of it in 2002. Not because it was a problem, but lives change. I still miss it.
Great truck...but there's a strong chance that 3L V6 has blown a head gasket or 2 to get to 170k.
I had the 22R 4-cyl version from 1988. Also great trucks, though you'd have to consider the timing chain tensioner a maintenance item on them.
You either replace the V6 head gasket or the 4-cyl tensioner and just do oil changes, you could get 400 or 500k miles out of them.
Was about to mention the head gasket issue with these 3vze engines lol
I had a 91 4x4 with the V6 with automatic and extended cab. I put close to 200,000 miles on it with nothing major going on it. Power steering hose blew, found out you basically have to strip the front off the truck to replace. Had a weird squealing sound from engine when you stopped at a stop sign or light, dealer couldn't figure out, turned out to be a hole or tear in the EGR valve, replaced that and that fixed the squeal. Master cylinder went and had to be replaced. Heater started to hardly throw heat, back flushed the heater core, it was plugged full of red make a gasket silicone. Strangely in the shape of the thermostat housing. So dealer used way too much goop on the housing when they replaced the timing belts. Other than that, just basic maintenance. Not much for power, could hardly spin the tires so they lasted forever too! Too bad they still don't make trucks that size anymore.
Both my 87 and 90 had timing chain guide failures. Plastic crap! Got tired of dropping the pan, fishing out plastic pieces, and resealing the front cover over that poor Toyota decision.
I have a 1995 Toyota T100 SR5 3400cc extra cab. I bought it almost 30 years ago. It runs just like the day I bought it. Over the years I have replaced tires, some gaskets, leaking steering assembly, rad hoses, rear cam shaft seals, timing belt, water pump, front brake pads, shocks, and a vacuum hose or two. Original engine, alternator, A/C, trans, and everything else. Upgraded the radio, and during Covid hiatus, I replaced all lighting with LED bulbs. (excellent improvement) It's an awesome vehicle. $700 per yr.insurance, $150 lic. fees, oil changes and filters. Calif. vehicle with not a spec of rust... Original paint very nice and interior excellent. Pretty hard to beat........
Had a 89 pickup.....BEST A/C ever! Turn it on and frost came out of the vents like opening your freezer door.
Little cabin and R12. Those were the days…
My '90 a/c was garbage. Swapped out the seized compressor for an upgraded Sanden unit worked ok, but never as good as GM a/c. I dont know their trick, but thats one thing GM has figured out. I thought Toyota being partners with GM would learn something, but I guess not. Both my 87 and 90 Yota pickups had anemic a/c.
Had that AC in a 1988 r12 made it a refrigerator it was awesome
I believed those used Freon 12, back in the day.
Most of the small, reliable trucks like this have ended up in Mexico. I've seen groups of them on the interstate, each towing another truck headed through southern Arizona. And the trucks themselves are typically piled high with mattresses and other furniture.
They go further to central america. The drivers scotch tape "In Tow" and once saw they included headed to Guatemala
I watched Top Gear abuse the hell out of one of these. They had it literally swept into the ocean, dropped by a crane, and collapsed into a building under demolition. And it still ran after everything the Top Gear crew did to it, with only basic hand tools to repair it
One of my favorite TG bits of all time
In Australia my 1997 Hilux 2.7 litre petrol motor with trayback I ran mine till 600 000 kilometres with heavy loads daily for 18 years never missed a beat.Always changed oil myself every 10000 km.
Props to the person who offered to share his/her Yota pickup for this video. Great video. Please send Wizard a VW Quantum, Scirocco, or best of all - Corrado.
Agree’d…. Nothing is more bullet proof than an 8v or 16v vw engine. God knows why they made their 4cylinders barely serviceable with timing chains out back, when the 2.0 16v has proven itself to be one of VW greatest engines. Bosch mechanical fuel injection is the simplest most reliable system even though those who don’t understand it hate it.
I had a '90 Corrado under lease and the exhaust manifold broke after 27k miles. Was cruising down I-25 in southern Colorado, heard a loud roar and the vehicle began running poorly (O2 sensors went nuts) and before I got to Trinidad it completely broke away from the headers. Other than that "little" thing, a very fun and practical car, but my last Volkswagen after owning three.
I couldnt agree more Mr Wizzard. I worked at the Toyota dealer in the 90s and these sold like hotcakes. I really got a dose of reality every time a Chevy. S10 or Sonoma came in on trade. With 100k they were shot. Loose as a goose if you know what i mean. The 100k sr5s drove like brand new still. Thats when i became a real believer in the Toyota pickups. Have had several over the years, 1992, 2000, 2002 , 2006. Loved them all. Wouldnt buy anything else, except my wifes Camry. Had a few of those too. Love your channel. Keep on doing what your doing. We need more Car Wizzards like you. God bless
I remember driving one. The one I drove was 4 cylinders and no seats in the back. It is a beast. Definitely better than the new pickup trucks.
16:19
I love this story! I’m from Peru, and have always heard people tell me that “a Toyota is a Toyota.”
"el que tiene un toyota sabe lo que tiene" , asi lo publicitan en Costa Rica
We had one of these when I was growing up. It had a flatbed and we would throw square hay bales on the back over 15 feet. I have no clue what the payload of these are, but that much hay is easily twice as much weight than any modern pick up can claim for payload.
Unfortunately someone ran a stop sign and ripped the front end off of it with 529,612 miles on the odometer. Best vehicle I've ever owned.
This truck with its simplicity excites me just as much as a McLaren with its sophistication. I wish they still made cars like this, reliable, barebones simple and inexpensive (A/C and cruise control would be the only must haves for me as far as options). Progress is necessary, and I don’t imagine new trends not progressing, but even if these existed as a niche market vehicles, that would be much appreciated.
With so many zombies driving around glued to their smartphones I wouldn't drive a vehicle without even one airbag.
You are 100% correct on this Toyota. Where i grew up in the backwoods of rural Africa this version of Hilux pick up as we knew them were beaten to pieces in farms and OTR transport duty over roads that would make a Hummer blush carrying loads that would make an F150 tuck tail and run🤣 and they kept going strong. The Yn55 Toyota Hilux is the best period.
I had an 82 longbox the same way only with the 22R 4 cylinder. Dead reliable. Never ever broke until one day my seat posts fell thru the floor while I was driving. Upon inspection, rust ate the bejeezus out of the frame and everything underneath.
That is what killed mine. Pulled the motor and sold it cause it still ran like a top… rest of truck went to boneyard
My grandfather had one of these. I can confirm that the back seat is awfully uncomfortable! Especially on a 4 hour trip to the mountains.
Agreed, sat in the back for a 3-4 hour road trip. Terrible even as a young person.
Me dad used to cram us kids in the back of his tacoma, maybe like 4-5 kids at one point but then we got fatter so 4 lol this was when he’d take us to school in the mornings
That's where our subwoofers and amps were installed. Slammed and a booming system.
@@VanCityDLLM For sure!
Those trucks were never comfortable.
I had quite a few friends in the 90s who ran these toyotas out of oil. And did exactly what the wizard said. They added oil and freed up the motor, and off they went. I had one friend do it like 3 times to his 2.4L 22re and kept driving it and ended up selling it, and we saw it around town after that. They were and are crazy depend vehicles.
I've my share of of both Toyota and Nissan pickups still working hard for their owners 400 and 500 thousand miles. Amazing simple and reliable builds.
Maybe I'm getting old, everyday I apprecciate older vehicles like this more and more! The durability and simplicity makes them a thing of beauty.
My dad had bought a 1983 diesel pick up brand new back then and a 1982 used for me for work. They ran over 350 000KM and 400 000KM after which the rust got the better of them here in Québec, Canada. They had always been reliable, never broke down on us at all, all we did was change the oil & filters every 8 000 to 10 000 KM, replaced the tires every 2 years and winter and summers, he had them coated for rust every 2 years, we carried about 1200 pounds worth of tools, home made racks, added blades on the suspension for the added weight, bought shocks due to the excess weight. We never changed them after that ever. Sadly because of the salt on roads here they finally gave in, in 1991 sadly 😞 Diesel made it worth it for us as in winter we let them run 24/7 due to the -40 celcius and more in winter. As we had government contracts we could not allowed to be caught and not be able to start due to emergencies at all time of the day and night!!!
Had a few, they were as good as advertised. The drive trains were amazing. Especially the 22R types. Loved that engine. They had one flaw. Terminal cancer on the bed and sometimes frame. For work, cleanliness was pretty low on the list. So yeah, any truck will rust under those conditions. But the Toyotas were the first to rust. But once they started to fall apart, they made good parts trucks to keep others running. Though I prefer full size trucks, those small Toyotas from the mid 80's/90's were the best trucks ever made imo.
90’s Nissan trucks are also very indestructible too
For sure..❤
I'd argue they were better than the toyos of these years. I still see a ton of the hardbodies still running around, not nearly as many toyos.
The KA24E is better than NAPZ
@@whois3581 I believe they just took the rust a little better. Just don't get an auto , mine just started to crap out lol
Yes indeed! Those Nissan Hardbody pickups were stupid reliable. Most Nissans of that era, especially the Sentra, Stanza, and Maxima, were very reliable but overshadowed by the glory days of Honda and Toyota.
one of my vehicles is an 05 Sienna that I use for hauling and taking beach trips and it jus hit 500,000 miles a few weeks ago. it was my parents van and my father used it for many years as an Uber vehicle up until the pandemic. my parents got it new in 04 and it was well maintained over the years. the only major repair it has had was the A/C compressor being changed and damage from an accident years back.
I installed factory A/C and cruse control in a 92 base model for a lady at the dealership.
Thought you were going to mention the EFI system on the engine. 😉 I have the Toyota certified EFI also EPA certified to rebuild them that was fun.
Back in the 80's my friend drove one of these. Larger wheels and locks for the alles made it invincible. Through 5 feet of snow without an issue, or climbing steep hills was not any problems for it. I loved that car and my late friend is sorely missed.
My Dad bought a T100 Toyota truck back in the late 1990s and still drives it to this day. That era of Toyota as well as Honda last forever.
NIssans as well. my brother had a 1984 nissan 300zx with over 300k on it no repairs.
@@BackyardAquatics-o2m That is a rare vehicle. The ZX wasn't known for going that kind of mileage.
@@SuperSnakePlissken yes they were...the 240-280zx and the early 300zx were very reliable under the nissan/datsun label. also many maximas and altimas went well over 300k miles in the 80s and 90s not to mention the nissan hardbody truck which was bulletproof just like the toyota trucks in the 80s/90s. there's many still on the road today....of course a lot of it is how you treat a vehicle...if someone is out there modifying and racing and doing donuts all the time then their car isn't gonna last very long no matter how well it is built lol
Thank You For Doing this truck. I have a soft spot for 89-93 Toyotas
These trucks are everywhere in SoCal. They never die!
mexicans love em. (i do too)
Yes Sir, I have 1996 Xtra cab 4x4 w 2.7 4cly. 5 speed. It's a one owner truck.
Little rust on beside only. 281,250 miles.
I drive it daily. Replaced distributor and fuel pump.
when I found myself stuck in Brazil with the family - 13 years after I left the country - right after pandemics started, I was (am) living out of any big city, 60km from the nearest (smallish) town, 200km from São Paulo, I decided to buy a Hilux. At first when I came out of the dealer, I regret my decision badly, and it's hard, harsh, horrible on the back... but I knew I could trust the Hilux, and 4 years later I still own it, 99.757km on. I had other cars in the meantime, and I own other cars, but that is the one I have no plans on selling. Yes its harsh, yes it's annoying to drive in traffic, but there's nothing better out there on the road, be that 20km from home, or 5000km from home, hours away from any village. Awesome vehicle!
I have one of those, same year, same color, extra cab. Mine is lowered and modified. I've had it for 10 years, over 300k miles on the body. Has a new engine, runs like top. Super easy to work on.
Had an 89 with the 22-RE 4 cylinder 4WD and I had it for 25 years. I coated the chassis with Karnak roofing tar 6 months after I drove it off the showroom floor. The Cassis was like the day I bought it when I sold it to a kid who had to have it. Three things went wrong with it in 25 years. 1. the clutch pedal bracket broke twice. First time, I bought a new bracket from Toyota. Second time, I welded it. 2. Fan Clutch went south at 30K. Toyota replaced it under warranty. 3. Timing chain guides exploded and ended up in the oil pan. They were made of plastic. Needless to say that the timing chain rubbed a hole in the timing cover and the oil and coolant mixed and took out one connecting rod bearing. I pulled the engine out of the truck and did a re-build on it myself. After the re-build, she ran like new for 5 years until I sold it to a youngster who ended up exporting it to Costa Rica. That was a nice little truck.
¡Hola! Greetings from Costa Rica. I bet your little truck is still out here and running strong! And I can confirm that Toyota has built its local reputation on quality and rock-solid dependability.
I wonder what mileage your timing guides blew at. Im at 104xxx seems to be fine so far but might change them just for peice of mind
@@lukemarks92 They blew out at 85K. I had read that those plastic guides were creating a problem for 22RE owners. For at least 5K, I kept hearing a noise upon starting that sounded like a can of coffee with nuts and bolts. The noise would go away a few seconds after starting. Little did I know that the chain was wearing a hole in the front timing cover eventually causing coolant and oil to mix. The one rod bearing that went happened quickly, a mile from home. By that point it was too late. I simply parked it in my driveway and proceeded to rip the engine out. Aside from that rod bearing, everything else looked OK. I proceeded to re-build the engine with King bearings. I took the crank and pistons/connecting rods to my local engine shop for new piston bushings and a polish on the crank.There was zero wear of the cylinder walls. The head received new cam bearings as well. I ordered a pair of metal guides and after assembly, the engine was running like a top. I used the old head bolts and dropped in new brass freeze plugs on the block. I made sure to use Indian Head shellac on the freeze plugs before driving them in. I ran the engine for at least another 30K before I sold the truck altogether.
@@andresboza8285 I'm sure that some lucky person is enjoying that little truck. I did take care of it and it was running great when I sold it.
Mrs Wizard is right with the 14" tires. I miss those days and when mini trucks were popular.
Really wish they still made bulletproof small trucks like these especially with manual transmissions. Not a fan of the overcomplicated massive rolling computers they produce now.
I learned to drive on an 89 with a 22R and a 4sp manual. It wasn't much to look at, but I still revere that truck. It was totaled at 176k miles but ran flawlessly until that point. It also had the nut cooler air vent on the bottom of the steering column! Best. Feature. Ever. 😄
The 2.8 diesel ones are the real indestructible ones
@@javedfazil6686 True. We've got millions of them here in South Africa. They're extremely popular 😀
I owned a 1979, 4X4. One of the first 4 wheel drive ones Toyota came out with. It was loaded with a factory CB radio, steering, brakes, tilt. I had it 3 months, and it was a dependable truck. The bad part for me was it was a dog, even with a 4.37 rear end. I was used to fast cars and trucks, so I sold it for what I paid on the window sticker. They were hard to find back then. 😄
There's a good reason why both this and the Land Cruiser killed off Land Rover globally. In fact in an episode of Clarkson's Car Years it was said that Land Rover's 90% share of the Australian Market fell to 2% after Toyota arrived on the scene; because they didnt break down and leave you stranded in desert heat......I may be British, but I'm always in awe of the toughness of Toyotas.
Your story is the genesis of the Australian 'saying' - You need a Land Rover to visit the (Australian) Outback, but a Toyota if wish to return home.
What is the expression?
I remember it as:
Land Rover will get you there, but Land Cruiser is sure to also bring you back.
We had a beloved '98 4Runner that we owned for 23 years with the 3400 V6. ZERO problems ..original engine, transmission, and factory AC that NEVER needed a charge!! and 4WD that never failed. We sold it to good friends whose son needed a car for his last year of high school and then off to college. If it weren't a Toyota we would never sell a used car to friends that had just under 400K on the clock. Toyota rules!!!
In Europe we had the diesel version, and if you think the petrol version lasted for a long time, the diesel makes it look weak!
Ah, the comment I was looking for!
We have a lot of these here in Asia, mostly the diesel version (non turbo). These things are super ultra reliable, we load it with a ton of supplies. If something breaks, we just pull on the side of the road, get a wrench and hammer, boom fixed! I have fond memories of these trucks. Only thing I don't like is it didn't come with AC and its super hot in Asia lol.
If it wasn't for rust those things would never die.
Crazy cause my father in law had an '83 with 22r engine. He rode it til the wheels actually fell off. He was the type that paid no mind to maintenance. Bought it back in the late 80's and road it til maybe 2014-15 when the wheels fell off coming out of the freeway due to og ball joints breaking off. He ended up junking it. But man, it lived a very rough life and started everyday.
I've got a 98 T100 with the 5 speed AND a supercharger. Which was a dealer option at the time. It has just under 95,000 miles. My only complaint is the LH torsion bar is sagging and I can't find a replacement. It's a California truck, so no rust. I've actually bought this truck twice lol! I bought from my friend who was the original owner. I installed the supercharger, aftermarket cruise control and a better stereo, then he bought it back from me. Later he called me saying he wanted to sell it, so I bought it again.
You missed something regarding the 3VZ - They would blow a head gasket at about 100,000 miles. So, your example likely had that replaced.
Toyota had a recall on these... Most have been replaced...
@@georgeelder8415Maybe most in the US were replaced, but in Japan, you just went and got another car. I know this because the Toyota Surf ( 4Runner in the US) I had in Okinawa popped it right on time at 160,000 Kilometers. The clouds of smoke were spectacular. 2 of my co workers cars with 3VZs did the same. At least they were consistent.
I still own my grandparents ‘93 Pickup 2WD 22RE Auto. Learned to drive in it when I was 11-12 down dirt roads around their house. This was 30 years ago. I started daily driving it in ‘07 and drove it almost daily till ‘19 when I was finally able to buy a new Tacoma. Ended up selling the Tacoma for a ‘21 4Runner to have more room for the kids. I don’t get to drive the truck as much as I wish, but I’d still drive it anywhere… after I put a new battery in it. Haha! Love that truck.
Wish the Toyota Hilux were available in the U.S. Most reliable pickup ever .
Toyota is selling one built on the Hilux frame but only in SE Asia.
i had a 1988 toyota 4x4 truck with 2.2re engine and 5 speed manual tranny. i bought it for $6000 used with 100k miles on it back in 1994. i drove it up to 300k miles until about 2004 when i sold it for $1000. It was the best, most reliable vehicle ever. the only repairs i ever did were brake master cylinders every 100k miles ( about $100 to get it done at repair shop) , clutch master cylinders every 50k miles (about $50 to get repaired at the shop), fixed the starter twice with new copper contacts myself for 5 cents each contact (it takes 2 of them), the radiator blew a hole in it so had to get that replaced for $200. replaced the alternator once for about $50. then the normal maintenance stuff like tires, brake pads, batteries, spark plugs, etc. I remember i could do oil changes on it myself for $11. it took 4 qts of oil or 4.5qts i can't remember exactly. it still ran like it was new even after 300k miles. it did use a tiny bit of oil and anti-freeze so i'm guessing maybe it needed a head gasket replacement but i never did it. i just kept topping the levels off every now and then and drove it as is. geeze i remember when owning a vehicle was affordable. the quality was so good and it wasn't expensive to maintain or repair either. Oil changes for $11....now it's $65 for an oil change maybe more and any repair is $500 to several thousands of dollars. there was a time i loved cars and trucks but now i despise them because of the huge increase in prices. i'd rather ride a bike or walk if i could as it's affordable.
My dad had a 4x4 version when I was a kid. We road tripped in it a couple times and I vividly remember those uncomfortable back seats. 😂 He later traded it for a mid 90s Toyota 4Runner and then we decided to become missionaries. Our mission organization took out the v6 and auto trans and put in a naturally aspirated diesel and manual transmission and retrofitted it with some other more off road capabilities. We never ended up taking it to Ethiopia because it was such a pain and expensive to import vehicles. We ended up buying a brand new (late 90s) Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero here in the US). It was a solid reliable SUV but I always remember wishing we had a Hilux or Land Cruiser.
It really sucks these trucks aren’t offered with fuel sipping diesel engines here in the US!!
Here in Europe we only have the diesel version, the Hilux of that year 2.4 diesel is the most reliable car ever, will over last the world
My 1989 Nissan truck would disagree especially in China 😂😂
I drive a 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. I’m 73 years old. This is probably the last truck I will ever own. I bought a 1980 Toyota 4x4 new in 1980. I drove it for 9 years. I gave it to my oldest son when he got his drivers license and he drove it for 9 years. He sold it when he bought a new F-150 in 1998. I have no idea how many miles it had in it but it was still running just fine. It had been repainted and reupholstered. And I had replaced the cracked exhaust manifold with headers. Other than that, just maintenance. Wish I had kept it! The 1998 F-150 died many years ago!!
My dad had a 1986 Toyota 1 ton pickup with a glass rack on it for his work truck. He passed away in 2004 and the truck got sold. Wish I had kept it also!
My aunt, a farmers wife in South Africa, had a little Hilux 2.4 D four cylinder diesel one. She had over a million kilometres on the odo when she was hijacked in the city, when she came to visit her sister😢. The vehicle didn't break down with her even once, and she did all minor maintenance herself, like oil and filter changes. She would haul household contents stacked high up on it for a 1000-mile journey with ease. And pulling a trailer with more furniture on it. 😅
I've got a '91 with the 22-RE (173k). On those you got to keep an eye (well, ear) on the timing chain guides. They're made of plastic and will break. Once that happens the timing chain will slowly eat its way through the timing cover. You can hear it hitting the timing chain cover on start-up/idle. Happened to mine and had timing chain guides replaced with aftermarket steel ones (along with new water pump, timing chain and cover).
Tires were a lot cheaper in those smaller sizes. Back to the Future!
I may have that one beat. My 2001 Tacoma (base, standard cab) just turned 24 years old, and except for brake pads, tires, wiper blades, a fan belt, and routine maintenance, has never had ANY part replaced- not one, single, unscheduled mechanical repair. It looks good, runs and drives like new, and is tight as a drum- no squeaks, rattles, or noises- even the shifter bushings are original! (186,000).
Toyota Hilux is also called a Technical, in the Middle East and Africa they are used by irregular army forces, you can mount a machine gun in the back.
I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma extra cab , 2.4 5speed with 85,000 original miles . It has an updated stereo , new 15 inch rims and tires and a nice camper shell . It also has a/c power steering power windows and locks and that’s it . I really like this truck it was a one owner truck and dealership worked on only and garage kept . Oh yeah , it also has a nice trailer hitch as well . At 62 years old , this is the last truck that I will own . Well other than an old 60 through 66 Chevy truck for the weekend cruises lol .
As long as you don't get the frame, you know...wet.
I had a 91 2wd 4cyl reg cab "YOTA I used to mob from Springfield Mo to San Diego several times over a 4 year period. 2.2RE is amazing. \m/
The 80s Mercedes diesel is probably more indestructible than this old Toyota.
The W115s from the 70s were even more so, But they measured the 0-60 times in minutes lol.
Not really. But still very reliable
VW group 1.9TDI too
In the Philippines, that is the Hilux with a diesel engine in it. It only has 2 body styles, the double cab 4 doors, and the single cab long bed. The 4x4 models still uses the straight solid front axles...
The Taliban LOVES Toyota Pick ups ! ! !
In 2009, I purchased a used '89 Toyota extended cab pickup with the bullet proof 22re engine (4 cyl) with mileage around 300K. I didn't expect to drive it long - but I did.... I absolutely LOVED that truck! Around 350K, I replaced the head gasket and machined the head - and it ran forever. My son took it to college in Michigan (we lived in CA) and drove it for FOUR more years including many cross-country trips. What killed it? RUST. My son sold it with the engine still running and got as much for it as I paid 10 years earlier. That pickup was the most dependable and fun vehicle we ever drove. I've often wondered WHY Toyota didn't continue to manufacture this truck with its longevity, dependability, and comfort???
The 3.0 aren’t that great tho…
I dont consider 3.0 tobe. Its all about 22re.
I dont consider 3.0 tobe. Its all about 22re.
Back in early 90s I remember these 2wd trucks with the 22r and they were about 7,000 with no air conditioning. We installed the ac kits for the customer at the dealership
These are VERY popular in Finland and mostly used for commercial use. Also some for personal vehicle use. And yes we call them Hilux and they are still made to this day. Now just bigger and a lot bigger tires/rims. 4 cylinder diesel engine is our choice. Not a powerhouse, but lot of usable low rpm torque (300ft lb smallest option). Now the curb weight is around 4800 lb so not so little anymore.
My brother had one of these in high school and panic sold it when he joined the military.
He absolutely adored that truck and I did too. I'm not a truck guy (Supra/Celica owner) but if I ever did, I would seek one of these out over anything else.
Sadly they are quite expensive now and VERY hard to find in good shape. Pretty much all of them have damage or are dogged out. But they sure as hell all run.