Toyota HiLux 2015 Problems

Toyota spokesman, Stephen Coughlan, says the lack of an automatic is a result of overwhelming global demand for manuals in the Extra Cab models. "There is no plan at this time for an automatic but we will continue to monitor customer demand in Australia," he says.

It sounds like the needle has physically moved on its shaft to exhibit this problem. The question is how. Did you hit a huge pothole or bump off-road? Has any part of the dashboard been adjusted or pulled apart for another reason? Has the vehicle been operated in really dusty conditions (sufficient to have jammed up the smooth movement of the speedo needle)?

Unlike older vehicles, the modern HiLux doesn’t use a simple mechanical cable to power the speedo. Instead, it uses a vehicle speed sensor as part of the transmission to inform the body computer of the vehicle’s speed which then transfers an electrical signal to the speedo in the dashboard. If anything goes wrong with that chain of electronic command, then the speedo can be affected.

Comparing utes and SUVs is tough. I get complaints from Grand Cherokee owners, the HiLux is being replaced soon and the Outlander is nothing special. The Colorado SUV is probably best for you but drive a Hyundai Santa Fe before you commit.

Start by finding out why the claim was rejected. Talk to the dealer first, but don't hesitate to go to Toyota directly for an explanation. Once you have that explanation you can determine the way forward.

The HiLux is all new and should be here around the middle of the year, perhaps a bit later. It's definitely worth the wait and I'm certain the auto will handle a relatively light load such as yours.

I bought a Toyota HiLux last year which I love, and it would be in your budget, but a Falcon would also be good. Avoid anything too old, also high-mileage, or with go-faster modifications.

The Ranger gets The Tick and is a clear winner from the Amarok. The all-new Navara is not even close. But we're expecting a new Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota HiLux in the first half of 2015, so check back nearer then.

The Ranger is the winner, ahead of the Colorado and the HiLux (which gets replaced in the first half of next year). But don't forget to cross-shop the Ranger's Mazda BT-50 twin.