[megazoid]

Inside the forests at Maredumilli. Great for long distances in comfort especially with some weight at the back. The engine packs a punch and is ably suited for long journeys.

[Gendiesel]

The journey to Toyota Hilux !

To give you a glimpse about my taste in driving, I owned XUV 700 (FWD) since the end of BS4 era. At the beginning, I mostly enjoyed my first car experience over wide plains roads of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, under the scanner of hawk’s eye of the traffic police, mostly during for official purposes. Later over time, when it came to leisure or adventurous drives, my heart and my car both always directed me to one place - Himachal.

Over a period, I developed a taste of taking de-tours, though longer and sometimes approaching nowhere, in the mountainous region from the usual NH/ SH. There were two primary reasons for taking such risks, first, I always feel safe inspite of being non-domicile, and second, each such time it opened a hidden natural treasure to my soul. So, it was quite frequent to experience the drive over muddy terrain during monsoon in and around Manali, upright elevations of Dhaula-Dhar ranges, stony undulations of Lahaul & Spiti and, snowy roads (I won’t say off-roads) in and around Kinnaur. These were terrains where I could push myself the most with my limited driving skills on a FWD car. There were occasions I stuck my car in mud as well as in snow, even at midnights, when local kind hearted people of Himachal came to the rescue and made me realized of my ill-preparedness and limited capabilities.

It was now the beginning of summers in Apr’22 and I recently shifted to Hyderabad on my transfer after spending almost 4 years in Chandigarh. So, not just the temperature which changed here but an entirety of culture, tastes of people, way of traffic, and, so, the choices of car and the character of drive-destinations.

In Hyderabad, the adventure drives came to almost grinding halt lacking the taste I developed over the last few years. So, I started focusing more on gaining some knowledge in Automobiles. Post 2020 Covid-19 time, there have been surge of new influences and enthusiasts among the social media fraternity. Eventually, I was caught with a deep interest in off-road adventures, so, in 4WD cars. Since, I owned and mostly drove the diesel cars, I could never shift my taste in petrol. Diesel perhaps gave me the freedom and character where I found peace to my little driving enthusiasm.

It was now the end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 when there came a serious hunger to upgrade my existing car as it was now completing 5 years – increasing maintenance cost and decent resale value were in my mind.
Among 4WD cars, there were limited options like mighty Mahindra Thar (3 doors), Isuzu D-max V cross – a truck, newly launched Maruti Jimny and tough Force Gurkha (2021), as my budget corresponded. I was in no way looking for 2nd hand cars, so, the possibility of premium used 4WD cars I had in mind, was none.

Thar 3 door was a serious off-roader, reckoned among the off-roadering community, but, for me, it lacked in one undeniable psychological sense – the Character. Nevertheless, it was so well deigned and empowered to handle its native terrains - the off-roads - it lost its uniqueness over the period because of ignorant enthusiasts using it for attention-seeking-purposes. Functionally speaking, there were 3 factors where it performed poor compared to the competition viz. uncomfortable entry/ exit and tight spaces in rear seats, firstly, almost no storage space without costing seating space, secondly, and, horrible drive comfort with stock suspensions, thirdly. The new Thar (5 door) was in news that time and its imminent launch on the independence day of 2024. Ample of news were spreading around full of expectations about new Thar (Roxx) for its upgrade with respect to most of the points of my concern and even beyond. Though I was also eager to see the new Thar, but at the back of the mind, I lost my hope with Thar for the very psychological reason.

Isuzu D-max V cross, the truck, was one of the options, though over-priced. This, longer wheel base vehicle, lacked in three senses, first, looked and felt so outdated while no certainty over any facelift in near future,, second, the limited-service facilities and, third, lacking the differential lock.

The new Jimny was exclusively launched in petrol, so, was dropped for the very reason in my consideration.

Force Gurkha 2021 got its unique fan-following and a limited, but dedicated, enthusiast community caught my attention, though with its limitations on important fronts – 91 bhp engine, limited articulation, low lying lower-control-arms, poor age-old interior, and the reliability. But there were reasons for me to explore the Gurkha more for its distinct potentials viz. rugged built, the ergonomics and the driving comfort, the panoramic view and, most importantly, the character – which brought up the Gurkha in my eyes against the Thar for very reason. In the meantime, Gurkha 2024 was launched in early 2024 eliminating most of the points of concerns except the interiors which still was almost unchanged, to my shock.

But later on, there were stories of frustrated Gurkha owners who were struggling in their experience with this behemoth due to unforeseen and frequnt breakdowns. The owners’ dissatisfaction on service response, the petty oil leakages, seal issues, gear shifting issues, unreliable DPF are enough reasons, after someone spending 20+ lakhs, to question the sanctity of the 2024 facelift. It was very much understandable that not everyone can spend their entire day at the service center by choice. Our country, fortunately or unfortunately, still lacks the culture of self-maintenance. Enthusiasts and experts may find these breakdowns as opportunities, a FUN to cherish and a REASON to feel satisfied by knowing their car a bit more. But this might be a painful story for the rest of the community.

This was when for the first time, Toyota Hilux was in the boom among the social media influencers with a buzz of discounts. I started studying and did my maths to understand its feasibility.

After learning and test driving the Hilux, it gave me the sense of “new character” entirely. It was a diesel, torquey combination of engine and transmission, Toyota’s reliability, comfort (compared to Thar and my XUV 500), respectable interiors amongst others. Nothing additional to mention, about its capabilities, but it almost ticked on all check points.

So, it was almost now the end of 2024, and I was certain to change my XUV 500 with either of Force Gurkha or Toyota Hilux (STD) – the price difference was not much – for some unavoidable reasons:

1. My old car’s (XUV 500) rising maintenance cost
2. Lower resale value with each delay in selling (already crossed 5 years)
3. Govt policies against Diesel (news on uncertainties associated with this beloved fuel in passenger car segment like hiked taxation)
4. Upcoming BS7 norms – more complications in the new-gen diesel cars, so, its reliability and elevated costs - as we saw during shift to BS6.
5. Possibly last Diesel car purchase for me, for above last two reasons, with an eventual compelled shift to greener cars.

So, here I took the decision and went ahead with Toyota Hilux (STD) which satisfied me reliving me from the points of concerns:

1. The king-like-character of the DIESEL truck
2. Toyota’s reliability – engine or transmission or chassis! I can peacefully keep this indestructible vehicle for years to come.
3. Toyota service experience and the maintenance cost
4. The price point at which it was offered at the time of purchase
5. Full 5 seating space and additional carrier space
6. Numerous ways of customization opening a new dimension of overlanding

The Hilux is now home and became an inseparable member of my family. Be it at any time of the 24 hours, the passion it gives me while lifting the key to take it out is evergreen. Every single time, I unlock the car and grab the handle to get inside raises my adrenaline like climbing to sit on the throne. Lastly, I never miss a single chance to look back to it after reaching the destination for the ONE LAST TIME, AGAIN !

Lot of text is written, so, here are some photographs to the hungry eyes:

[SteeringStar]

Originally Posted by Gendiesel

The journey to Toyota Hilux !

To give you a glimpse about my taste in driving, ..

Many congratulations on your new ride!
Excellent choice based on your requirements.

Could you please share the 2nd row seats' comfort?
Will families like it?

[Raghav07]

Originally Posted by Gendiesel

The journey to Toyota Hilux !

Congratulations on the Hilux
It suits your personality really well, and hope you use it to its capabilities.
Also, I think this is only the second Hilux STD variant on the forum, after PrideReds white one. Quite rare.

I think no one has bought the High MT variant. Rarer than a Ferrari in India

Also one quick question. Does your Hilux have a speed limiter at 80 kmph?
Once again, congrats on your new ride!

[Gendiesel]

Originally Posted by SteeringStar

Many congratulations on your new ride!
Excellent choice based on your requirements.

Could you please share the 2nd row seats' comfort?
Will families like it?

Thank you so much, SteeringStar !

There are three aspects of 2nd row comfort you can look at viz. ride quality, seating posture and leg space.

One important point here is from which vehicle someone is (/you are) comparing. Personally speaking, I switched from XUV 500 (2018) which really had stiff stock suspensions. So, as far as ride quality on smooth highways or at curves are concerned, it had been quite comfortable. However, equally terrible as soon as it stepped to the rougher roads even the slightest of rumble strips used to make its presence felt.

In unladen stock Hilux, the ride quality of 2nd row is on better side, thanks to the softer front suspension, when compared to XUV 500. And to my surprise, the body roll is well contained. Seats are spacious width-wise, however, the leg space is bit restricted as well as the under thigh support, especially for the families of tall people (>6 feet). The 2nd row seating angle is bit subjective experience but no complaints were there during shorter distances from my family. I haven't sat there at rear row for longer journeys, so, cannot comment on it for now. Another challenge is for the centre passenger who will further lack the leg space due to the hump at centre, being a 4WD vehicle.

Further, I tried experimenting with the tyre pressure. I was given 40 psi in all wheels during the delivery. Though the front suspension is providing comfortable drives at small rough patches, the rear portion cannot be called comfortable and is as bumpy as XUV 500 especially at the speed-breakers. Reading through the user manual, I reduced the tyre pressure to first 33 psi and then 30 psi, but the improvements in comfort weren't significant for me to continue at the cost of sizeable mileage drop.

Originally Posted by Raghav07

Congratulations on the Hilux
It suits your personality really well, and hope you use it to its capabilities.
Also, I think this is only the second Hilux STD variant on the forum, after PrideReds white one. Quite rare.

I think no one has bought the High MT variant. Rarer than a Ferrari in India

Also one quick question. Does your Hilux have a speed limiter at 80 kmph?
Once again, congrats on your new ride!

Thanks a lot, Raghav07, for wishes and reading behind the words.

It's really an interesting observation on rarity of MT in the Hilux community. Somewhere I studied that 70-80% are only AT in the market.

Yes, the speed is limited to 80 kmph - the actual speed, not the tachometer one. However, I'm exploring the official way to get rid of it without voiding the warranty.

Any info on this is highly welcomed !

Note: My apologies to the members who are sending me DM as I'm still a newbie so the platform is not permitting to reply.

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by Gendiesel

The journey to Toyota Hilux !...

Congrats on the Hilux STD, which is the most sensible variant to buy IMO.

But have two questions, one which you have already answered (the 80km/h speed limit)

Have you registered it on white plates? Or is it on commercial yellow plates?

Can see the mandatory reflective tapes on the bumpers and sides.

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by DicKy

Congrats on the Hilux STD, which is the most sensible variant to buy IMO.

But have two questions, one which you have already answered (the 80km/h speed limit)

Have you registered it on white plates? Or is it on commercial yellow plates?

Can see the mandatory reflective tapes on the bumpers and sides.

Toyota/RTO has been registering all variants of Hilux with white board, they are not supportive of removing speed limiter though.
The standard variant is about 200 Kilo heavier than High variant too.

[Gendiesel]

Originally Posted by DicKy

Congrats on the Hilux STD, which is the most sensible variant to buy IMO.

But have two questions, one which you have already answered (the 80km/h speed limit)

Have you registered it on white plates? Or is it on commercial yellow plates?

Can see the mandatory reflective tapes on the bumpers and sides.

Thanks DicKy !

It's still on temporary number, so technically 6 months. I look forward to get a BH number, however, never came across any such Hilux.

Originally Posted by PrideRed

Toyota/RTO has been registering all variants of Hilux with white board, they are not supportive of removing speed limiter though.
The standard variant is about 200 Kilo heavier than High variant too.

Thanks PrideRed for clarifying. However, I hope approaching Toyota, after getting the personal registration done, may help in eliminating the speed governor. I read similar efforts made by owners with other brands in India, but Toyota.

By the way, what is the logic behind 200kg? If you can throw some light on it.

[Kkumar]

Congratulations on your new car. You have very clearly explained your reasons for picking up Hilux and I am sure that the car will give you miles and miles of stress free rides. Thank you for sharing and keep on munching miles.

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by PrideRed

Toyota/RTO has been registering all variants of Hilux with white board, they are not supportive of removing speed limiter though.
The standard variant is about 200 Kilo heavier than High variant too.

Nippon Toyota here has been adamant on the STD being for yellow plates and only the HIGH variants available for white plates. Though that was an year ago and not sure if it has changed now. or maybe they were trying to clear stock of their red HIGH ATs. Would love to meet the guy who decided that there are people waiting for the 30+ lakhs priced Hilux to replace their Mahindra pickups for real commercial use.

STD weighing more than High variants by 200kgs... If at all, the STD should weigh less with less features and smaller alloys. Guess it is just compliance stuff done by Toyota for the yellow/white plate registration. In the brochure/website it is given as gross weight. So the HIGH variants might have artificially lowered official loading weight to be able t o sport white plates.

[Ramsagar]

Originally Posted by Gendiesel

It's still on temporary number, so technically 6 months. I look forward to get a BH number, however, never came across any such Hilux.

OT: I understand you taking BH, as you often get transferred. There is a lot of ambiguity of converting BH to TG or to any Non-BH registration. This is just in case of you selling the vehicle.
Please thread carefully. This applies for all BH owner.

[Gendiesel]

Originally Posted by Ramsagar

OT: I understand you taking BH, as you often get transferred. There is a lot of ambiguity of converting BH to TG or to any Non-BH registration. This is just in case of you selling the vehicle.
Please thread carefully. This applies for all BH owner.

Thank you Ramsagar for the info.

What I heard from my colleagues that while selling the BH registered car, registration is to be done afresh by the new owner.

In Telangana, the BH registration is seemingly not available. So, would approach the Chandigarh RTO and get more clarity on it.

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by Gendiesel

Thanks PrideRed for clarifying. However, I hope approaching Toyota, after getting the personal registration done, may help in eliminating the speed governor. I read similar efforts made by owners with other brands in India, but Toyota.

By the way, what is the logic behind 200kg? If you can throw some light on it.

You can follow up with Toyota, however they seem to be playing safe to keep legal things out, even after checking multiple channels, Toyota declined.
The 200KG difference mentioned, I am assuming has to do with some tax or compliance.

Originally Posted by DicKy

Nippon Toyota here has been adamant on the STD being for yellow plates and only the HIGH variants available for white plates. Though that was an year ago and not sure if it has changed now. or maybe they were trying to clear stock of their red HIGH ATs.

STD weighing more than High variants by 200kgs... If at all, the STD should weigh less with less features and smaller alloys.

If I am not wrong regular Hilux High were also not allowed for white board registration for sometime(now not an issue) in Kerala. In KA there has never been issue and from what I know, even TN few have got white board registration for STD variant. As for weight, there is no physical changes that warrant 200KG weight difference, Toyota had reduced price of standard variant by good margin and mostly has to do with some approvals/compliance.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by Gendiesel

However, I hope approaching Toyota, after getting the personal registration done, may help in eliminating the speed governor.

By the way, what is the logic behind 200kg? If you can throw some light on it.

I doubt if Toyota will help. The easiest way should be changing coding on ECU or getting a new one. Here, we were offered to get rid of the speed governor on Isuzu at around 10K.


200 Kg - are you referring to the difference in the total weight the cab can carry? This has to do with our norms which are different for personal vs commercial registration. A manufacturer can easily change this by using a different type of suspension (springs) or even having a different type of cab construction. For most practical considerations, it's all on paper and actual load hauling capacities are much higher.

[Simplemotor]

Originally Posted by Raghav07

I think no one has bought the High MT variant. Rarer than a Ferrari in India

This statistic came as a surprise to me when I first heard about it. So far I have not been able to find a satisfactory reason for it.

Is it that the personal preferences of individual buyers just happened to align very neatly, or is there a more fundamental reason to avoid MT in Hilux?

I think of 4WD as having more control over the car. So I thought folks who like that would also like to have more control that MT provides. Maybe my mental model is too simplistic. I would appreciate any comments by Hilux owners.