After stripping the “Tupperware” off his 2006 Toyota Hilux 3-litre D-4D, Ian van den Heever is chuffed with his hard-as-nails 4x4 machine.

Capetonian Ian van den Heever has big plans for his Toyota Hilux. Just older than two years, the bakkie has to last at least another eight years, by which time it has to be a legend.

Moreover, the vehicle isn’t a mere city slicker; during weekends and holidays it works hard to gain its off-road spurs. Even though the bakkie is much heavier than the original model, Ian is still stoked with the Hilux’s fuel consumption.

What did you drive before?
Mazda Drifter 2.5 Turbo Diesel 4x4 (twin cab)

What did you like about it?
It’s a comfortable vehicle with a good engine. The whole package was good.

Why did you get rid of it?
Its front suspension, specifically the torsion bars, severely restricted the vehicle’s use. A heavy load puts the torsion bars under severe pressure. No upgrades were available then.

How did you decide on the Hilux?
The history of the marque and the reconfigured suspension (independent springs with shock absorbers) were decisive. Its 4 year/90 000 km maintenance plan is also a big bonus.

What else did you consider?
I looked at the Nissan Navara and Toyota Fortuner.

What is the best characteristic of the Hilux?
Its performance and fuel consumption

Second-hand or new?
I bought it new. I plan on keeping the vehicle at least ten years. Hopefully, this Hilux will also become legendary.

What accessories does it need?
Due to the extra weight the vehicle has to carry over difficult terrain, the suspension should be replaced with something more suitable for 4x4 work.

What accessories have you bought?
What I appreciate most is the fridge and GPS.

What modifications have you made?
I’ve fitted Gomad 4x4 bumpers front and rear with an extra spare-wheel arm, an Old Man Emu suspension, a snorkel, an extra diesel and water tank and an aluminium canopy.

The original Bridge¬stone H/T tyres the Hilux had on when I bought it weren’t really suitable for 4x4 purposes. I would have thought the 4x4 version would have been shod with tyres that are suitable for tar and dirt road. I negotiated with the dealer and factory and had the tyres changed to Bridgestone Dueler A/T tyres.

If you could change something, what would it be?
I wouldn’t have taken such a cosmetic approach to designing the vehicle – the “Tupperware” falls off in a flash when the bakkie starts working hard.

The bumper the Hilux came out with is stylish, but it is low and restricts your approach angle. If I hadn’t replaced it with a custom-made 4x4 bumper, the original one would have bitten the dust in the Richters¬veld.

What do you like about it?
The vehicle is very versatile. I drive it daily and can pack in a flash to go away for a weekend.

What don’t you like?
Although it is a great privilege to be able to drive it daily, the kilometres are running up fast. (I also dislike driving around with the canopy, because it doesn’t look like a bakkie any longer.)

What problems does it typically give?
I have nothing to complain about yet.

Where have you been in the vehicle?
I’ve been to Gamkaskloof (Die Hel), Boegoeberg 4x4 near Clanwilliam, Mozambique and the Richtersveld.

What is a comfortable cruising speed?
Driving at 120 km/h is very comfortable, but if you’re listening to good music you can find yourself on the wrong side of 140 km/h before you can say, “Sorry, officer”.

Where can you go in it?
Someone once asked me whether it is a type of army Ratel. But he was leaving the hotel in Kenhardt, may I add, on a sweltering day. All in all, I think I will be able to get wherever I want to without trashing the vehicle.

What is its fuel consumption?
The vehicle is heavier than it used to be because I’ve replaced the bumpers, added an extra spare wheel and the canopy. Despite the extra weight, I still get 9 km/litre. As soon as the bakkie starts working hard on 4x4 terrain it drops to about 7 km/litre.

Special precautions before a long trip?
I ask my garage to check everything. I also ensure everything has been tied down properly and increase the tyre pressure for the tar road and extra load.

How much do they cost second-hand?
Two of my pals are looking for a second-hand Hilux, but they are as scarce as Super14 trophies at Newlands. You’d still have to fork out more than R250 000 for a second-hand model (2006 model with few kilos).

What do I have to look for when buying second-hand?
I am wary of buying the turbo diesel second-hand. This new-generation vehicle is so willing an uninformed driver could damage the vehicle by pushing it too hard. Make sure about your guarantee transfer and service plan.
 
Whom would you recommend it to?
It’ll suit anyone with a passion for nature and for carefree driving pleasure.