2007 79 series V8

[trout1105]

I am looking at a 2007 79 series V8 ute to replace the missuses Hilux twin cab because I don't think that the Hilux has the "balls" to tow a 2.8t van for extended travel.
Has anyone owned one of these trucks and if so what are their weak points that I should be aware of?

[rammypluge]

Terribly low gearing, whack 35" on.

[Vern]

5th gear on the pre 2016 I think it is models has a bit to be desired, even with 33's you keep looking for another gear.
I found the brakes pretty ordinary when loaded. Clutch is crap if chipped, allow for a new clutch. Not overly powerful, pretty agricultural, but it is what it is.

[justinc]

Not impressive at all. STILL a cart sprung commercial vehicle 😣😣. And yes i have worked on and driven them and still find them utterly disappointing. Not sure wjat else is out there though....😮

[strangy]

My eldest has had 2 different models.One was the 4 door GXL thing, the other was a single cab Ute.
1st one replaced his D2 and he took less than 2 weeks to decide it rode and handled worse than the D2 and less than 4 weeks to decide to sell it.
The Ute had chip and exhaust done and did get up and go nicely but ran out of legs quickly,
It’s an agricultural design like the Defender but can’t get them to ride like one.
But, you can’t get the build quality the Cruiser manages to consistently deliver.
With the exposure I’ve had directly and indirectly, i would steer away from a chipped vehicle (if you can figure it out) and chip yourself if desired.
At least you will have a bit better knowledge on how hard it’s been treated.
They are a very uncomfortable vehicle without expensive seat and suspension mods. Even then IMO not the best ergonomically.

[trout1105]

My eldest has had 2 different models.One was the 4 door GXL thing, the other was a single cab Ute.
1st one replaced his D2 and he took less than 2 weeks to decide it rode and handled worse than the D2 and less than 4 weeks to decide to sell it.
The Ute had chip and exhaust done and did get up and go nicely but ran out of legs quickly,
It’s an agricultural design like the Defender but can’t get them to ride like one.
But, you can’t get the build quality the Cruiser manages to consistently deliver.
With the exposure I’ve had directly and indirectly, i would steer away from a chipped vehicle (if you can figure it out) and chip yourself if desired.
At least you will have a bit better knowledge on how hard it’s been treated.
They are a very uncomfortable vehicle without expensive seat and suspension mods. Even then IMO not the best ergonomically.

The one I am looking at has a new SS exhaust that looks to be a lot fatter than a standard exhaust and I don't know if it has been chipped or not as I didn't give it that close an inspection, It does have 33' tyres.
I have driven the troop carrier variants of these and they are most definitely not a sports car and my V8 D2a blows them out of the water But they can tow heavy loads with ease is my experience with them.
I would dearly Love to get a D3/D4 to replace the Hilux as a caravan Tug But we NEED a ute to carry all the spare water/fuel, the genset, the extra spares for both vehicles boat trailer and van and the multitude of other things that we want to take for extended trips off grid.
We usually only travel at 90-100kph so speed isn't that important But carrying/towing capacity is.
I will most definitely be getting whatever I am thinking of buying checked over by a Toyota specialist so I will know if the truck has any problems and how much it will cost to fix before I make a decision to buy.
I have worked on plenty of hiluxes and cruisers over the years and nothing on the truck I am looking at appears to be buggered to me But an expert appraisal will be far better than my bush mechanic opinion.

[rammypluge]

New larger exhaust isnt worth much or anything without a chip. Goes with the territory.

[rangieman]

New larger exhaust isnt worth much or anything without a chip. Goes with the territory.

Oh but they sound so good with a Zorst

[trout1105]

New larger exhaust isnt worth much or anything without a chip. Goes with the territory.

Then it most likely does have a "chip" installed, Is that a good or a bad thing?

[justinc]

Depends entirely on the 'chip' or remap that is fitted. In all seriousness these engines can be made reliably very torquey however the tuner has to know what they are doing. There are a few in Perth who know whats what with these. Ecuwest in the south of Perth and Gturbo in Balcatta.

Jc