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6 months with my Toyota Hilux: Likes, dislikes & modifications done

11th January 2024, 11:04 by Dev Shah

My other car I was driving before the Hilux, is a Thar Petrol AT. Coming from that ride quality, I find the Hilux much much better.

BHPian Touringlawyer recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hey BHPians,

It's been 6 months with the Hilux, about 7300 Kms driven.

I wanted to share my ownership and driving experience with the truck, and also the mods I have done on it. Will keep it to the point and short.

Likes:

Almost everything - The Size, the space inside, the way it drives, the build quality. What all you can do with it!! Everything.
I had my doubts about the ease of driving something this big, but to my surprise it's really no different than driving any other sedan or SUV. I know this will raise eyebrows, but that has been my experience. Yes, you have to be a little more careful at the turns, but thats it.
The ride quality - this again depends on one's context. Let me explain. My other car I was driving before the Hilux, is a Thar Petrol AT which drives (rather bounces) more like a Tennis ball (just terrible). So coming from that ride quality, I find the Hilux much much better.

Dislikes:

No TPMS - Why Toyota? on a 45 Lakhs on-road car?
The digital display screen can't be switched off with a button.
No printed user manual and the on-app version is also not user-friendly at all.
No-lock for Truck Bed Door. Really? Why?

Modifications / Additions:

Now to the most exciting part, the modifications. I would like to mention here that a truck is a truck, you can put it to many uses depending on your use case. Mine is to use it as an overlander, to camp at remote places, and to travel in it keeping in mind the safety of my daughters (my dogs, that is). Hence, the steel canopy (which some would say, takes away the rugged looks of a truck).

AZAD 4x4, Delhi:

Saamitr Steel Canopy.
Replacement of Back fixed Glass with Sliding Window frame and glass (to enable communication between people in the car and those inside the canopy).
Lock for the Bed with Central Locking.

Total with GST: Rs. 2,63,000/- (with installation)

Adventure Hut, Delhi:

3-Person Aluminium Hardshell Tent
Awning Shed and Room
Fire Pit

Total with GST: Rs. 1,18,000 / - (Post Discount, with installation)

Classic, Noida:

Custom-made main body Roofrack.
1 tank - 20 Litres capacity - with locks (could be used for fuel / water)
2 inter-connected tanks - 20 litres capacity each - for water, with outlet pipe with 2 taps.
Modified Metal bumper - to raise approach angle - and also to prevent minor dents, with shackles, and LED.
Original Horn replacement with Hella TE40 - I find the Toyota Hilux original horn very puny.

Total: Rs. 1,45,000 with GST (with installation)