Toyota Problems

The GCM of the current VX Landcruiser is 6850kg, the GVM is 3350, and it can tow up to 3500kg. You are correct, the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is the maximum weight of the vehicle, including passengers, luggage, payload, or whatever is in the vehicle, plus the weight of the caravan or trailer including whatever is being carried in it.

There’s no reason to think the Hybrid will not last as long as a regular petrol vehicle.

Toyota has been making hybrids for many, many years and they have never shown any sign of being less durable or reliable then the company’s petrol models. The batteries are said to last the lifetime of the vehicle, so there’s reason to be concerned about that either. The thing with the hybrid is the higher purchase price. That’s offset by the lower fuel consumption, so the longer you keep the vehicles the greater the chance to recoup the extra initial cost.

The other thing to consider is that hybrids work at their best in stop-start city traffic, they are not so good out on country roads where the petrol engine comes into play more of the time.

Buying a car sight unseen is not a good idea. I would go for on of the big three: HiLux, Triton, or Courier. They are all much of a muchness when you get to the used car market. The important things are service history, odo reading, and previous use.

Your budget will limit you to an older model, around 2008/2009, which will have higher kilometres, and be less safe and less reliable than a later model.

It’s hard to go past a Toyota HiLux, but try to find one that hasn’t been beaten up by a tradie, or used extensively in the bush or off-road.

The quoted average retail price is $4000-$6000, but the car you are talking about would attract a premium due to its low kays and condition, so you could easily double that.

The Mazda3 and Holden Astra are both good alternative choices, but you could also consider a Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio or Cerato.

It’s hard to put a number on the price reduction you could expect on a car without a compliance plate. People suspect the car could be dodgy when the plate is missing. Who is to say that the missing plate isn’t out there somewhere on another car? I would be reluctant to buy a car without a compliance plate.

There’s no real difference in reliability or maintenance, but the SBV is more comfortable and feels a little safer with a little more sheetmetal ahead of you. I would prefer to be driving the SBV. It’s value would be $6000-$8000.

There are kits available for your Landcruiser. You best bet is to talk to a local diesel engine mechanic to find out the best kit for your application.