The ubiquitous Japanese 4x4 Pick-up that has come in many guises and styles for many years. This fifth generation N107 double cab version was one of the most popular, seen the world over hauling whatever to wherever over anything. From 1968 through to today the Hilux has been put to work over the entire world, from deserts to ice caps and everything in between. 

As a leisure vehicle too, the Hilux has been a hit with a good towing capacity and all sorts of customising options available with a large and dedicated fan base to follow it too. Deemed by many to be considered practically indestructible you’re unlikely to get a tougher workhorse than a Hilux. Even Jeremy Clarkson and friends tried to kill one. 

They tried to extinguish the life out of a 1988 version with over 300k on the clock. After crashing it into a tree, submerging it in the Solent and then putting it on the top of a 20 storey building and demolishing it! Barely recognisable admittedly, but the thing still ran and was driven into the studio. Now, I’m not suggesting you put this humble example through anything like that, but you can be assured that it has plenty of life left to give.

Bought three years ago, our owner has put this Pickup to good use. He’s an Electrician by trade and so he was able to lug around anything and everything he needed for the job in hand. He has simply used it to the full and spent time and money on keeping it in fine fettle mechanically whenever the need arose. 

There is a current V5 showing that the truck was manufactured in 92 and was imported from Japan and registered in the UK in 1999. There are several MOT certificates available along with several receipts for remedial work undertaken

This vehicle has been used for what it was designed for and it is obvious that it has worked hard and well through its life. It does bear the scars of that life in dents, scuffs and scratches. Some of those battle scars have gone untreated an allowed surface rust to develop. 

The worst affliction being an area of corrosion at the forward corner of the load compartment just behind the cab. All of these imperfections have not stopped the Hilux from passing the regular MOT and any advisories have always been dealt with to keep the Toyota doing its job.

Again, the interior has needed to cope with the comings and goings that a working vehicle can expect. The seats are still supportive but display some ingrained staining and there’s a tear on the driver’s seat. 

Some of the softer trim on the driver’s door also shows damage. Nevertheless, considering the age of our Hilux and that it hasn’t stopped being a workhorse its entire life, the interior could be considered quite fair and there’s nothing that can’t be sorted with relative ease.

 
Mechanically the truck has been kept in good fettle. Regular servicing and adhering to any advisories from the annual MOT has kept it strong. The owner has invested in a new prop-shaft, shocks and leaf springs during his ownership as well as routine work to ensure the Hilux keeps working well.

 
This Hilux represents quite an interesting proposition. On one hand, we have a used but extremely capable truck that does not attempt to hide its long and illustrious hard-working life that can continue in that role for a good time yet. On the other hand, we have a vehicle of an age that is becoming quite a rare sight and in the right hands could be retired from a strenuous work life and restored to its former glory. 

Either way, this N107 Hilux has a purpose to fulfil for anyone interested in this kind of mega practical pickup. There is a huge parts network for this age of truck both new and used components are readily available and with so many clubs and associations taking the vehicle to their hearts, you will always have a wealth of help and advice. 

So, if you are in the market for a ready to go workhorse or a restoration project, look a little closer at this Toyota Hilux. Just try and remember not to park it on top of a block of flats, it may not end well.