Everything just keeps going right
You have more options than ever if you’re in the market to buy something to tackle our many 4x4 trails, but Chris Beater from Pennington wouldn’t have anything other than a trusty Toyota.
New and improved
2017 TOYOTA HILUX 4x4 RAIDER DC and BUSH LAPA VLOOI
There’s a reason that Chris has been purchasing Toyota vehicles for the past 40 years, and it’s not that he’s biased, being a scientist and all…
I used to drive a Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4x4 for two years before I upgraded, eventually seeing that the old turbodiesel motor was not as refined and economical as the new engine. I also didn’t have as much space to pack all the equipment needed for my offroad adventures. There was no doubt in my mind that I’d buy another Toyota and I considered no other brands before making my purchase – especially because my dream vehicle would be a Prado.
I settled for this used Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4 double cab – purchased for R519 000 a year and a half ago.
There are a number requirements a vehicle has to fulfil before I even consider it: the motor has to have sufficient torque for towing duty; the standard ground clearance must adequate for most off-road conditions; it must have proven reliability and proper 4x4 ability; be relatively fuel efficient and, finally, its suspension and chassis needs to be capable of being bumped around in off-road environments.
I think Toyota should consider fitting better tyres more appropriate for off-road conditions, particularly if the client is about to buy a 4x4 model, and then maybe the side steps could be a little more robust.
Otherwise I can’t fault my Hilux. It’s already proven that it’s more than capable off the beaten track and has excellent manners on the road as well. It offers a comfortable ride and has enough packing space. To make my trips more epic, I also installed a long-range diesel tank, an additional battery and charger for the fridge-freezer and then also replaced
the stainless-steel side steps. It’s also got a steel canopy.
The Hilux tows like a champ, pulling my Echo Chobe caravan around with little fuss before I opted to replace it with a Bush Lapa Vlooi just ahead of my recent trip to the Kruger. At the pumps, it’s achieved a 12,6 ℓ/100 km average fuel consumption while towing, and 8,5 ℓ/100 km without a caravan hitched. My ownership experience has so far been flawless, except for a sidewall puncture experienced on a previous 4x4 excursion. I remedied that by fitting more appropriate all-terrain tyres.
So far, my favourite place to visit must be the Baviaanskloof. Being a qualified geologist, the many and vast rock formations ‘talk to me’ regarding violent upheavals in the region in the ancient history of the earth. And then there’s also the scenery, and fantastic flora.