Description
Toyota Hilux Double Cab Pickup LN105R 2.4cc Diesel, Mk3, 1997. MOT until Feb 27.
It took me a year to find a decent double cab mark 3, but sadly I am having to let her go for a work deployment.
I am the fifth owner. Two owners before me were a man and his dog who had it for 15+ years, hence why the back seats look almost brand new. The owner before me only owned it for 3 weeks before he realised how much it would cost him to drive in London's ULEZ (this is, believe it or not, not a ULEZ-compliant vehicle). It has 190,000 and has been well looked after. She underwent a full engine service in Nov 2024, and I have driven her from Plymouth to Edinburgh a couple of times with no issues at all.
Driving-wise, it's the funnest car I've ever driven. The lift kit attracts a fair amount of attention at traffic lights, but doesn't affect the handling whatsoever. The torque is great fun, and it's a very unique driving experience.
Other than the look, the main reason anyone would be interested in this car is the fact it is absolutely bomb proof. It fires up instantly even on a cold day, and I've never had a single issue driving it. I have done some green-laning in it, and it was superb.
Cosmetics are the only thing that stops this being the *perfect* car. The driver's footwell faux leather is obviously new, there is a non-structural crack on the bed cover, and there is some surface oxidation underneath - but nothing unexpected for a 30-year-old car. Its MOT reports have never had any issues with rust. I felt that touching with Hammerite would raise suspicions with buyers rather than just showing the current, decent state of it.
Service history-wise, I have records going back to the mid 2000s, along with receipts for all the parts that have been changed on the car in the last 20-odd years. All is in its own folder.
I am very reluctant to sell this car, but I also dislike the idea of her sitting and rotting on a Naval Base for a year, not knowing when I can drive it again. I hope that I can sell it to someone who is as enthusiastic about these cars as I am.