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Toyota HiLux 2005 review: snapshot

Other cars are getting out of my way and the second glances and nods of approval are unbelievable, even embarrassing.

I think the girls like the bright blue paint job – very similar to Ford's XR6. But the boys, too, give it the thumbs up.

Yes, unabashed approval. Even the guys on the SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island had to ask "What's she like?" as we manoeuvred the Hilux with ease into a tight spot.

I had to admit that "she" wasn't mine but that didn't stop the questions and admiring glances.

And I learned a lot that I hadn't yet discovered such as the longer wheelbase and deeper tray that this model boasts. That was according to two more blokes standing by my window unashamedly sizing up the SR5 and discussing "her" assets.

But what's with the female tag? Toyota's SR5 4x4 extra cab is all beefy bloke – and it's not just another ute. It's a big, chunky, weekday workhorse that transforms very nicely into weekend playboy packed with a four-litre, V6 petrol engine, five-speed manual transmission and 4WD options.

Dirt roads, puddles and potholes? No probs. Sandy slopes weaving around bushes to secluded beach houses? Easy. Winding roads in pelting rain? Bring 'em on.

How about long stretches of highway with hundreds of kangaroos and wallabies? Not even a big red could dent our enthusiasm – or the Hilux. And it tried very hard, leaping out from the bushes and slamming into the passenger door.

Thankfully, he jumped off leaving only a bit of fur.

Although this big boy is tough on the outside, inside he's soft, comfortable (in the front seats) and stylishly simple – perfect for no-nonsense drivers and techno-phobes alike who enjoy such gadgets as flashy-looking instrumentation with CD stackers, but who just want to turn them on and then not worry about the details.

Space-wise, there's room to party in the front with plenty of head and leg room. The back "extra cab" section though, is minimalist to say the least. It's really meant for expensive tools and the odd person – you need to be odd to be comfortable. The seat is unforgivingly upright and there's not a great deal of padding or room to move.

Unfortunately, with no loads to move, I didn't need to use the ute part of the Hilux and without weight in the back, the ride is quite bumpy.

LOVE IT LEAVE IT

Toyota Hilux 4x4 SR5

$45,290

LOVE IT

The attention and RESPECT. Flash dash that lets you keep an eye on average fuel consumption. Very sensible handles inside the front doors, good for height-challenged drivers and passengers.

LEAVE IT

Could do with two more doors (and they are available) – shifting seats to load and unload gear from the back seats is awkward. Cup holder blocks air vent.

Pricing guides

$13,375
Based on 99 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$6,800
Highest Price
$23,990

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Workmate 2.7L, ULP, 5 SP MAN $3,960 – 5,830 2005 Toyota HiLux 2005 Workmate Pricing and Specs
(base) 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SP MAN $4,180 – 6,160 2005 Toyota HiLux 2005 (base) Pricing and Specs
(4X4) 3.4L, ULP, 5 SP MAN $4,180 – 6,160 2005 Toyota HiLux 2005 (4X4) Pricing and Specs
SR 4.0L, ULP, 5 SP MAN $6,050 – 8,580 2005 Toyota HiLux 2005 SR Pricing and Specs
Pricing Guide

$6,800

Lowest price, based on 86 car listings in the last 6 months

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