2000 Hilux 3.0L 5L engine reliability/lifetime

[Rackers03]

Hi all,
Found a 2000 dual cab hilux I'm looking to buy. It's got a TJM bullbar, 9000 pound Warn Winch, lightbar, 31 inch muddies, long range fuel tank, UHF, side steps and snorkel.
It's got the 3 litre (5L) engine and I know it's no powerhouse but it's perfect for me. All looks good it's just that the k's are a bit steep at 365,000.
The bloke's wanting $5,000 for it and was wondering if it's safe to buy with these k's and if so what to look out for.
Cheers,
Hugh

 

[typhoeus]

365K is not a lot for a diesel, and with the extras like winch, LR tank etc. $5k seems a reasonable price. check around underneath for damage, rust & wear from a lot of off road use, ( bent ubolt threads, paint worn off chassis parts from stones, bent chassis brackets etc) and oil leaks, they can be a PITA to fix, check for gearbox noises and changing problems, and finaly look for any dodgy wiring, . . a lot of old utes have have seen a few dodgy owners, and sorting out rats nest wiring is also a PITA.

 

[Rackers03]

365K is not a lot for a diesel, and with the extras like winch, LR tank etc. $5k seems a reasonable price. check around underneath for damage, rust & wear from a lot of off road use, ( bent ubolt threads, paint worn off chassis parts from stones, bent chassis brackets etc) and oil leaks, they can be a PITA to fix, check for gearbox noises and changing problems, and finaly look for any dodgy wiring, . . a lot of old utes have have seen a few dodgy owners, and sorting out rats nest wiring is also a PITA.

Thanks for the tips. Dad used to have one, about the same age, but his started to pop out of first and second (not sure if that's common), is there any other problems to look out for? And what does it need to be set up for touring?

 

[typhoeus]

If the box is worn, they pop out, my old one liked popping out of 5th if you back off quickly, but I got in the habit of resting my knee on the shifter and it went like that for another few years. For touring, you want to have a good look at the suspension and shocks . You cant expect much comfort from 20+ year old bushes, shocks or springs, and with a heavy winch on the front, it's likely to be a bit sagged. You need to take into account the weight of all your gear too, remembering that 90% of the time you won't be touring and it will be empty. . So stiffer springs in the back might not be what you want, but good shocks. If you have a good read thru the hilux section of this forum, you will see what others have done, and what to look out for. But be warned. . . It's addictive! And can be expensive! . . And you'll love it.

 

[Rackers03]

If the box is worn, they pop out, my old one liked popping out of 5th if you back off quickly, but I got in the habit of resting my knee on the shifter and it went like that for another few years. For touring, you want to have a good look at the suspension and shocks . You cant expect much comfort from 20+ year old bushes, shocks or springs, and with a heavy winch on the front, it's likely to be a bit sagged. You need to take into account the weight of all your gear too, remembering that 90% of the time you won't be touring and it will be empty. . So stiffer springs in the back might not be what you want, but good shocks. If you have a good read thru the hilux section of this forum, you will see what others have done, and what to look out for. But be warned. . . It's addictive! And can be expensive! . . And you'll love it.

Keen to get my P's. Can't wait to hit the trails in the Lux. Any idea on what would be good first mods to do?

 

[CruiserAd]

I owned one of these as my first ever 4wd. I regretfully gave it to my daughter, who then traded it. I wish i'd kept it. Fantastically reliable and went anywhere. If the engine is sound for the kays, i say go for it.

Heres mine with the Mrs, many years ago not long after i got it.

 

[2002GU3]

That's a much better choice than the SWB GQ - at 365k's it's just about run in, if it's ok for rust and oil leaks - GO FOR IT !

 

[Rackers03]

I owned one of these as my first ever 4wd. I regretfully gave it to my daughter, who then traded it. I wish i'd kept it. Fantastically reliable and went anywhere. If the engine is sound for the kays, i say go for it.

Heres mine with the Mrs, many years ago not long after i got it.

View attachment 63382

thanks mate. I want to set it up for touring, so any ideas on what would be good mods besides whats already on it?

 

[CruiserAd]

thanks mate. I want to set it up for touring, so any ideas on what would be good mods besides whats already on it?

A good auxillary battery to run a fridge and a side awning to add with what you have and you've pretty much got all you need.