For many months Francois Steyn searched for the right Hilux. He found it, and it has only failed him once − deep in the Karoo. But apparently it wasn’t the Toyota’s fault.

What did you drive before?
An Opel Astra 160i Estate.
When we went camping, my wife and I could “comfortably” sleep in the back, curled up.  Sleeping in it is more comfortable if you can leave the back door open so the mattress can jut out.

How did you find the Hilux?
I had been searching for the right Hilux a long time − one which had been well maintained, and which did not cost an arm and a leg.

Returning from a wedding one day, we had to detour to a family get-together.
I saw it at a roadside dealer, and a week later it was part of the family.

Why a Hilux?
The engine is probably among the most reliable, and the vehicle is one of the few true 4x4s with a solid front axle and low range which I can afford.

Every backyard mechanic just about anywhere in Africa will also be able to fix it. I knew it was one vehicle I would have no regrets about.

What other vehicles did you consider?
Nissan Safari (too thirsty), Nissan Tracker King Cab (too rare), Suzuki SJ410 (too little space for our toys such as mountain bikes and kayaks), Ford Ranger Super Cab (too expensive), Land Rover Defender 110 Tdi (I know too little about vehicle repairs), Toyota Land Cruiser bakkie (one day!).

When did it fail you?
Its diehard reputation and the amount of confidence these workhorses instil, lead me to drive into unknown territory without having everything serviced. A week after buying it, my wife and I found ourselves somewhere between Calvinia and Wuppertal, on the way to who knows where − on foot.

My bakkie could still idle, but refused to drive. Due to my limited knowledge of cars, walking was the only option.

The last time we had cellphone reception, was the previous day, and the only car we saw that day was parked under a tree − without wheels or doors.

Three Samaritans in an identical Hilux came to our rescue, took us back to our bakkie and helped to get it going again.

Rust in the extra fuel tank (that of an old Mazda 323) and a dirty carburettor caused the problem. The tank was removed and we haven’t had a hiccup since.

To decide at seven on a Friday evening to chuck in a bag of wood and a kettle and to head for the West Coast, is the best! With the tail gate open, one can sleep stretched out, except perhaps in lion country.

Why second-hand rather than new?
A new vehicle loses a lot of value in the first few months after the purchase. The new hardcore 4x4s were also way beyond my reach.

What does the Hilux lack? 
Nothing, but it would be nice to have OME shocks and maybe later, a winch. And longer legs on the open road!

Pleasant surprises?
I would be satisfied with any Hilux from 1985 onwards, single or double cab. I didn’t expect it to have air-con or power steering. The space behind the back bench is more than enough for all my tools and emergency supplies.

What accessories did you buy?
None. It already had a long-distance tank, split charger, reinforced canopy, and tie-down hooks in the load bay. I scored a bull bar from a helpful guy from Paarl who had stopped to help when we were stuck with the dirty carburettor. And a friend and I welded the roof rack.

What modifications are you considering?
I want to mount a rooftop tent, which I got from my dad, on the cabin.

What do you like about it?
The solid front axle ensures good wheel articulation. The diehard 4Y engine can run all day in second gear, low range in deep sand without overheating.

There is no place in front for attaching a towing rope, because it’s never necessary. And because the front bench doesn’t slide forward far enough, my wife can’t get a turn to drive!

If you could change something, what would it be?
The automatic choke. A hand throttle would also be handy. And a little more power at high speeds would not be wasted.

What problems does it typically give?
The only problem I’ve had was the rust in the fuel tank. But ask me one day when I’m back from Cairo. Some people do complain about bruised kidneys though.

Where have you been in the Hilux?
We have had a few good adventures in the Cederberg and Great Karoo, as well as a trip through the Richtersveld. We realised there are still some roads which aren’t on any map.

What is a comfortable cruising speed?
110 km/h, but if you are prepared to fill up more often, you can easily drive between 120 km/h and 130 km/h.

Fuel consumption?
In the city I get 7 km/litre, and 8 km/litre cruising on the open road. If you put foot on the open road, or against the wind, it demands 6 km/litre, or even more.

Where can’t one go with the Hilux?
You tell me.

Special preparations for a long trip?
Check all basic mechanics and ensure your camera’s battery is charged.
Take some water along.

How much does a second-hand one cost?
Between R60 000 and R100 000, depending on the condition and accessories. The old Hilux bakkies aren’t getting cheaper.

What do I have to look out for when buying a second-hand one?
Check the general neatness and condition. And steer clear of rust!

For whom will you recommend it?
For someone with a limited budget who wants to travel far and wide.

Will you buy one again?
You can’t go wrong with the Hilux if you want to go everywhere and aren’t afraid of shaking around.

The old Hilux will keep driving after most of the new 4x4s have disappeared.