Mic hits the nail on the head

I was so pleased when I read Mic van Zyl’s letter in go! Drive & Camp #6 about the bakkie he ended up buying. Like Mic, I am (or was) an avid Toyota fan. I’ve had the 3.0 d4d bakkie, the Land Cruiser 70” series, and now the 2.8 new double cab 4x4. Clearly, Mic has not used one of these on a long trip or else he would have noted more letdowns. Without a doubt it has the very worst suspension of any bakkie. In fact, I’ve had to install air max air balloons at the rear, because I tow a Conqueror Companion caravan. Trip 1 saw my electrics ripped out at the tow bar because of the way the tail drops. Toyota should also sell gas masks with each vehicle as standard equipment. You can’t imagine the dust. Toyota tried to fix the issue by removing the carpets and seats and sealing holes in the back panel and floor. I tried to explain to the factory rep that the dust comes in through the vents. Not so, says he. “Always leave the recirculating button on and presto, problem solved.” They wish. It’s as bad if not worse than before. And it’s already had a factory mod done to the gearbox because of the struggle to shift in and out of fifth and sixth gear. When I traded my Cruiser in for this vehicle I did so because it was a suicide mission trying to overtake while towing my caravan. Admittedly, the Hilux solved that problem. Its engine and comfort are excellent. Another huge reason for selling the Cruiser was dust. I should rather have kept the dust from the Cruiser, which came in only through the back doors. I remember telling a friend that I would do a couple of trips before forming an opinion. Well, it’s formed. This is a real bad attempt by Toyota. The mind boggles. By the way, we have just completed a 9 500 km trip through Zambia. There are roads on the map that can’t be considered roads. Especially up north. Anyway, this was about Mic’s article and he has my sympathies. Ranger, here I come, when I can. PETER EMMANUEL Knysna >