The Toyota Hilux is a pickup truck that is popular with many people for its powerful design and high off-road capabilities. However, there are many who say they regret buying a Hilux . In this article, we will take a closer look at the disadvantages and solutions you should be aware of before purchasing a Hilux, based on the experiences of actual owners.
1. Biggest regret: Parking issues and the reality of the car’s size
Hilux GR SPORT
Everyday problems caused by the size of the Hilux
The most common regret people have after buying a Hilux is its sheer size. With a total length of 5,340mm, width of 1,855mm, and height of 1,800mm, it’s a massive vehicle that’s simply not suited to Japan’s road conditions.
| item | Hilux | Typical SUV |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 5,340mm | Approximately 4,600 mm |
| Overall width | 1,855mm | Approximately 1,800mm |
| Minimum turning radius | 6.4m | About 5.5m |
Specific examples of parking lot trouble
- Generally, it cannot fit into mechanical multi-story parking garages (most have a height limit of around 1.55m).
- There is a high risk of parking out of the parking space in urban coin parking lots
- In the apartment complex parking lot, the distance between cars is so small that it is difficult to open and close the door.
- It may not be possible to obtain a garage certificate for a typical monthly parking lot (5m x 2.5m).
WARNING: Please check the size of the parking lot around your home before purchasing. We strongly recommend that you measure the parking lot in person to avoid the worst case scenario of not having a place to park.
Poor maneuverability leads to driving stress
The minimum turning radius of 6.4m is extremely large compared to vehicles in the same class, causing various inconveniences in everyday driving. Turning around in residential areas or making U-turns on narrow roads requires multiple maneuvers, which can be a major burden for those who are not confident in their driving skills.
2. The reality of maintenance costs: Running costs are higher than you might imagine
Hilux
Detailed breakdown of annual maintenance fees
The maintenance costs of a Hilux are certainly higher than those of a regular passenger car. The special handling required for registration as a number 1 vehicle increases costs in various ways.
| expense item | Annual amount | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| automobile tax | 16,000 yen | The benefits of number 1 |
| weight tax | 24,600 yen | Annual fee for annual vehicle inspection |
| Vehicle inspection costs | 80,000 yen | Held annually |
| Voluntary insurance | 120,000 yen | Vehicle rates are high |
| fuel cost | 130,000 yen | When driving 10,000 km per year |
| total | Approximately 370,000 yen | Parking fee not included |
Annual vehicle inspection fee
The Hilux, a license plate number 1 vehicle, must undergo vehicle inspection two years after purchase, and then annually thereafter. This means twice the time and financial burden compared to the two-yearly inspection required for passenger cars. It involves more complicated work than you might imagine, such as having to take time off work every time an inspection is required and arranging for a loaner car.
Highway toll fees
The Hilux, classified as a standard freight vehicle, is treated as a medium-sized vehicle on expressways, and therefore requires tolls that are approximately 1.2 times higher than standard vehicles. Furthermore, various discount systems such as holiday discounts do not apply, which can be a significant burden for those who frequently travel long distances.
Solution: To reduce maintenance costs, it is effective to use a user vehicle inspection service and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. You can also reduce fuel costs by finding a gas station with low diesel prices.
3. The reality of ride comfort: Rear seat comfort is particularly problematic
Characteristics of leaf spring suspension
The Hilux is designed based on commercial vehicles and uses a leaf spring suspension in the rear. This structure is excellent for durability when carrying heavy loads, but the ride quality when empty is not particularly good.
Specific ride comfort issues
- Even small bumps in the road cause strong shocks to the rear seats.
- When empty, the rear has a noticeable bouncy feeling.
- Fatigue builds up easily during long rides
- Complaints from passengers (especially family members) are likely to occur
Vibrations and noise unique to diesel engines
The 2.4L diesel turbo engine excels in power and fuel economy, but may feel strange to those accustomed to gasoline engines. In particular, the rattling noise when idling and the vibrations during acceleration make it unsuitable for those who prioritize quietness.
Important: Before purchasing, always test drive the car from the back seat and ask for the opinions of your family members who will be riding with you. Dissatisfaction with the ride comfort can lead to daily stress.
4. The gap between fuel efficiency and practicality
The reality of catalog fuel economy and actual fuel economy
The Hilux’s published WLTC mode fuel economy is 11.7km/L, but in actual use it often only achieves around 8-10km/L, which is a large discrepancy from the catalog value.
| Driving pattern | Actual fuel consumption | Annual fuel cost (10,000 km) |
|---|---|---|
| City center | 8-9km/L | 170,000-190,000 yen |
| Mainly suburban/highway | 10-12km/L | 130,000-150,000 yen |
Advantages and disadvantages of diesel prices
One advantage of diesel engines is the low price of diesel fuel, but in many cases, the fuel economy is not as good as expected due to the deterioration of fuel economy.In addition, the distinctive smell of diesel fuel and the dirt on your hands when refueling at a self-service gas station can be small everyday stressors.
5. Usability of the cargo area: The gap between ideal and reality
Practical issues with utilizing the cargo area
The Hilux’s greatest attraction is its cargo bed (1,520mm x 1,535mm x 480mm), but in actual use it has many limitations.
Main problems when using the loading platform
- It is always necessary to take measures to prevent your luggage from getting wet in rainy weather.
- High risk of theft, so valuables cannot be carried
- It is time-consuming to have to secure your luggage every time.
- It is not used frequently in daily life and tends to go to waste.
Countermeasures and costs of optional equipment
To solve the problem of the cargo area, optional equipment such as a tonneau cover or hard cargo is required, but these additional costs can add up to around 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen, which can significantly increase the total purchase price.
6. Characteristics of people who are likely to regret their purchases
Types of people who are likely to regret buying a Hilux
- For those who live in urban areas and use the car mainly for daily use : Parking issues and poor handling are a daily source of stress
- Frequent family users : Passengers complain about the lack of comfort in the back seats
- Those who neglect maintenance costs : Running costs that are higher than expected put a strain on the household budget
- Those who judged based on appearance alone : They realized the product was not practical after the purchase
- Those who are unsure about their driving skills : Driving a large vehicle is more difficult than you might imagine.
Conditions for people who are suitable to purchase
- Living in the suburbs means you can secure ample parking space
- Do a lot of outdoor activities and use the cargo bed frequently
- Annual income of 7 million yen or more and can afford maintenance costs
- Extensive experience driving large vehicles
- Understand and accept the unique characteristics of diesel
7. The appeal of the Hilux and measures to avoid regrets
Still, the appeal of choosing the Hilux
While it has many drawbacks, the Hilux has a unique charm that cannot be found in other vehicles.
Hilux-specific benefits
- A special feeling as a rare pickup truck in Japan
- Excellent rough terrain and off-road performance
- High resale value (60-70% residual value even after 5 years)
- Maximum load capacity of 500 kg
- High degree of customization freedom
Pre-purchase checklist to avoid regrets
Essential checklist before purchase
- Actual measurements of parking spaces (home, workplace, frequently visited stores)
- Detailed simulation of annual maintenance costs
- Test drive with the whole family
- Specific use plan for the loading platform
- Understanding diesel characteristics
- Comparison with alternative vehicle models
- Used car market price survey
Ideas to increase post-purchase satisfaction
- Selecting appropriate optional equipment (tonneau cover, side steps, etc.)
- Securing a reliable repair shop
- Participating in the Hilux Owners Club
- Regular maintenance
- Clarifying and optimizing usage
Summary: Final decision to avoid regrets when purchasing a Hilux
The main reason people regret buying a Hilux is the gap between the lack of information they received beforehand and reality. There are many practical issues that cannot be understood from catalogs or websites alone, such as the size of the vehicle, high maintenance costs, a hard ride, and the usability of the cargo area.
However, if you fully understand these disadvantages and consider them in light of your lifestyle and values, the Hilux can be a very attractive choice. Particularly for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or who are looking for a special car that stands out from the crowd, the satisfaction they offer may outweigh the disadvantages.
If you are considering purchasing a car, we recommend that you refer to the information presented in this article, check the actual car, and allow sufficient time for consideration. Impulse purchases can lead to regret, so please make your decision carefully.
Final advice: Purchasing a Hilux is not just a matter of “dream,” but is a successful investment only when three things are met: “realistic necessity,” “sufficient financial means,” and “an understanding family.” Calmly assessing whether these three conditions are met is the key to choosing a car you won’t regret.
Hilux
