Toyota

Hilux LN106 / LN107 / LN111 inspection checklist

1989-1997 · 6 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highChassis rust on coastal examples

Look for: Rear wheel arches, chassis rails, cab mounts. Can write off the truck. Worst on QLD coast and any examples used in coastal saltspray. Dry-state Vic/NSW interior examples hold up much better.

If you find it: Walk away from heavily rusty examples. Treat dry-state examples with cavity wax and underbody coatings.

Any · ~$0-15000

highChassis rust

Look for: Common on examples used in coastal or wet conditions. Rear wheel arches, chassis rails, cab mounts. Can write off the truck.

If you find it: Walk away from rusty examples. Treat dry-state examples with cavity wax and underbody coatings.

Any · ~$0-15000

mediumDoor bottom rust

Look for: Door bottoms rust from inside out due to blocked drain holes.

If you find it: Clear door drains. Patch panels and respray if rusted through. Most have at least cosmetic rust by now.

Any · ~$200-600 per door

2 of 3 engines

mediumTiming belt (2L/3L)

Look for: Timing belt service interval is 100,000km. Belt failure = bent valves on these engines.

If you find it: Replace on schedule with kit (belt, tensioner, water pump). Easy weekend DIY job.

From 100k km interval · ~$400-800 DIY

2.4L 2L-T (turbo diesel)

medium2L-T turbo coking

Look for: Shutting down hot causes oil to coke in the turbo journal bearings. Eventually destroys the turbo.

If you find it: Always idle for 60 seconds before shutdown. Fit a turbo timer. Use quality synthetic oil.

Any · ~$1500-3000

2.8L 3L (NA diesel)

medium3L injector copper seal failure

Look for: Copper washers at injector seat fail, allowing diesel to leak into engine oil over time. Dilutes oil, washes bores.

If you find it: Replace injector seals as a set. Easy DIY job. Check oil level rising as warning sign.

From 200k+ km · ~$200-500

1 minor thing (low severity)

lowKing pin / front axle wear

Look for: Solid front axle king pins wear over time, causing vague steering.

If you find it: King pin kit replacement. DIY-friendly with hand tools.

From 150k+ km · ~$300-600

From FlamingCars' Toyota Hilux guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.