Toyota Hi lux - Top Gear destructionSpecial - Steveieb

We all remember watching with amazement while Clarkson did his best to destroy the ageing Hi Lux.

Being flooded in the Bristol Channel , having a wrecking ball hit , dropping a caravan onto the top and falling from a tall building.

But how did the team of mechanics manage to get the car going time after time ? The show made the reputation of the hilux but is it relevant to the later models ?z

Toyota Hi lux - Top Gear destructionSpecial - paul 1963

I was once fortunate enough to get tickets to watch a episode being filmed, Billy piper was the star in the reasonably priced car, I saw the hilux on its stand, it really was beaten to death but apparently still ran.

Toyota Hi lux - Top Gear destructionSpecial - Adampr

I don't think the modern hiluxes are the same. They certainly still have Toyota reliability but, like other UK pickups, they have a lot more bits of trim and frippery on them now and doubtless lots of electronics to break.

The old hiluxes were extremely simple machines. I would guess they could probably have done the same with a Mazda pickup of the same age, or really any old pickup other than a Ford.

I do fine it a bit odd that the old ones have that reputation as the 2LTE 2.4 diesel that was used in a lot of them is one of the worst engines ever made.

Toyota Hi lux - Top Gear destructionSpecial - Steveieb

That’s true Adam .

How is it that Toyota have a problem making reliable diesel engines such as the early Lexus?

Surely tge Landcrusers must be ok ? They often run for more than 200 k

Toyota Hi lux - Top Gear destructionSpecial - elekie&a/c doctor
Toyota GD1 , from around 2015 ,engines have not been as reliable as previous versions. Issues with timing chains , sprockets and oil supply has dented their reliability.
Toyota Hi lux - Top Gear destructionSpecial - bazza

I think that original Hilux was chosen for a reason, a simple mechanical diesel pump and injectors, no electronics , as basic as it gets. I remember the mechanics had either the glow plugs or the injectors out to make sure it didn't hydrolock after the sea immersion. Mightily impressive, must have done wonders for Toyota sales. I would love one!

Toyota Hi lux - Top Gear destructionSpecial - badbusdriver

The Hilux in question (along with one or two other TG cars) is currently in my neck of the woods, at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford.

Toyota Hi lux - Top Gear destructionSpecial - Chris M

It was at Beaulieu as part of World of Top Gear until last year.

Toyota Hi lux - Top Gear destructionSpecial - Steveieb

How on earth did the electrics including the starter motor and alternator survive the sea dipping ?