Toyota HiLux Problems

There is nothing sinister or underhand here. Car companies rotate their plates on to their newest models to make life a little easier for their fleet administrators.

To fully answer that I would need to know more about the car; is it a 4WD, dual-cab, which diesel engine, and its condition and price, but in terms of longevity and reliability the Hilux diesel is generally a good deal. The key to future reliability is regular servicing, so make sure the car you buy has been regularly serviced and hasn’t been neglected in any way.

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.

There are quite a few reports of problems with the dpf clogging on the latest 2.8-litre diesel, but a Toyota spokesman told us there is currently no service campaign or recall related to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) on any of the three vehicles you reference.

It's an unproven brand, which is why they are cheap. It was the same with Great Wall and their resale values reflect the way owners and potential owners feel about them. I wouldn't do it.

Market values are a guide only, and they sold used that way. The value of a car comes down to condition, kilometres travelled, service history, and accessories and options fitted. Start with the guiding values given on websites like Redbook and Glass's and go from there. It's usually better to deal privately because a private vendor doesn't have an expensive car yard to pay for, doesn't have to offer you a warranty, and isn't under as much pressure to achieve a price that would represent a profit. A dealer has all of those things to consider when setting his prices. There isn't a rule of thumb when it comes to negotiating, it's best to go in with a figure you're prepared to pay for a particular car and try and negotiate with the dealer to get it.

It doesn't matter what brand of fuel you use, the problem in the fuel-injectors. It's a problem with today's common-rail diesel engines and the injectors used in them. The only solution is to replace them. Phone Toyota's customer assistance people (Ph: 1800 869 682) if you want to pursue the problem.

There shouldn’t be any significant noise if the injectors are within specification. Injector wear on common-rail diesel engines is quite common, so have the injectors checked to determine if they are within spec or not.

It's not me saying it, just reporting the results of owners and car companies. In the case of your Toyota — and I'm also a HiLux owner — it's a tool and not a family car or SUV, which means a different focus on the consumable components.