T4,T5 buyers guide/ issues

[transporter_wannabe]

Im a 3 time Hilux owner and have gotten used to bullet proof reliability, but want to get a Transporter for the extra space and to do a camper fitout for road trips. I was a bit dissapointed when i started reading about $7000 turbo replacements and one 2010 model i looked at in sydney had to have a full engine replacement after just over 200,000kms , the list goes on. What i would basically like to know is what is the most reliable model (if there is one), i was set on getting a newer 2010 or later model with the new 2 liter engine but if the older T4's with the 2.5TD are more reliable im happy to chase an older model, also what issues should i look out for? i already get the impression i should steer away from autos, any help is much appreciated, or links to other threads as im sure this has been discussed many times already

[Bryn23]

Hilux, bullet proof....

I brought a new SR5 D4 Turbo Diesel in 2007 and had the injector issues for over a year until they made modified injectors for the D4, I got stranded in Victoria for two weeks, only to find out there was nothing they could do for me. (this injector issue covered all the prados and hilux's for 2007 and i think 200

Then i had faulty frame mounting, but to be fair, all replaced under warranty.. thats the key, all cars have issues, its just how they deal with with them..

It has been discussed many times here, it's hit and miss.

There are quite a few threads on here about the issue, and are worth reading, i looked at getting a T4, then i looked at a
T5 and looked at the issues for both, so i ordered a new T6, which will have its own issues.. but hopefully they will raise their heads during the warranty period.

[LogicprObe]

I'd get a Crafter..........but the manual only may put some off.

[transporter_wannabe]

All mine were a bit older (98,2003,2005) and although i did have the rare problem it was always minor and fixed for a few hundred max, i agree all cars have their own issues, maybe its a bit of loss of build quality due to everything becoming more and more commercialized (cheaper) as well

[transporter_wannabe]

interesting!, i didnt know VW did a larger van, it looks good but i think a bit big for me, especially living in Sydney, a SWB transporter would be the perfect size...

[Sunny43.5]

If you can find one in good condition T4 2.5 Petrol is a Clydesdale decent cubes and pulls like a train . I suppose finding one with low kays might be difficult but a manual would be first choice . I do miss mine as it had decent grunt and I miss a particular piece of uphill near our home , you would descend down the steep downhill bit and then go uphill again part way up there was a hump in the road and on acceleration it would lift the pass side wheel of the ground and give a nice chirp in 3rd gear . The T5 struggles get up the same hill without dropping it back to 2nd and no chirp .

[ready]

Mate if you want I have two T4's both petrol tho! Regod one is a T4 SWB 2L pet 5 speed manual with an immobiliser issue. The other is a T4 2.5L Pet 5 speed Auto, bought it from a wreckers for the body being close to Mickey mouse. I suspect blown head gasket,It doesnt appear to have an existing immobiliser. Both = $2000 as is. they need to go quickly so I can get back on the road for work. I will swap for a licenced reliable get me (and preferably my tools though not essential) to work vehicle.
Ps you can view them in Mt Colah between hornsby and berowra.

[LogicprObe]

interesting!, i didnt know VW did a larger van, it looks good but i think a bit big for me, especially living in Sydney, a SWB transporter would be the perfect size...

They are easy to park in Sydney, that's for sure.

[LogicprObe]

Mate if you want I have two T4's both petrol tho! Regod one is a T4 SWB 2L pet 5 speed manual with an immobiliser issue. The other is a T4 2.5L Pet 5 speed Auto, bought it from a wreckers for the body being close to Mickey mouse. I suspect blown head gasket,It doesnt appear to have an existing immobiliser. Both = $2000 as is. they need to go quickly so I can get back on the road for work. I will swap for a licenced reliable get me (and preferably my tools though not essential) to work vehicle.
Ps you can view them in Mt Colah between hornsby and berowra.

You failed to mention how many KMS!