Should I really buy a hilux ?

[smallzoo]

That may sound an odd question on a hilux forum but I think its one I should ask even though I have always admired hilux and surf trucks


Reasons I am asking the question

1. I am not likely to be doing any off-roading in the near future
2. I am very busy with my own business and not a mechanic so I will have to rely on garages to fix things
3. I will only be doing circa 5k miles a year
4.I want a biggish car that will take 5 and when needed my 15st stone dog (so need the boot height/size ) but do I really need something as big..would a cherokee or xtrail do the job
5. I have no more than £2500-3000 to spend am I heading for big future bills

Many thanks

[Balllsy]

Sounds to me like a 3rd gen surf ticks all your boxes. If you aren't planning any off roading I would advise you get an unmodified truck as it will be less likely to have been abused. And will make it easier for your dog to get in and out. My truck is modified and my dog struggles to make it onto my tailgate.

[Sclerotic Hen]

Hello Smallzoo.
I carry both our dogs with ease in the back of the surf. One of the dogs is quite big. She stands 32" at the shoulder although nowhere near 15 stone. She has trouble jumping up into the back of the vehicle as she seems to feel there is not enough headroom for her to jump up into the boot. I invariable end up lifting her rear end into the car which is no hardship for a dog her weight but I shudder to think of doing this with a 15 stone dog. I check to see if your dog would be happy be happy jumping into the back of the vehicle unless of course you have a ramp for your dog.

[smallzoo]

Surf

Thanks for the comments..

No worries at the moment with the tailgate.. he can jump really well ( we need 6ft fences to keep him in ! )

Obvious question is there a difference between a hliux and a surf ?

If there is would one suit my purposed more than the other

Thanks

[Sancho]

In all honesty, a big estate is much better value and will do the job just as well.

[BUSHWHACKER]

In all honesty, a big estate is much better value and will do the job just as well.

Yup.

How about a Subaru Forester?

[smallzoo]

Estate

Fair point but I have had a look at LOTS of estates ( mondeo, audi etc etc ) and the boot is just not tall enough for my dog. He is TALL even sitting up.

I did think about the forester but after speaking to a few subaru experts they said with that sort of money I could be buying a heap load of trouble. Unlie the hilux diesel, when the subaru petrol engine gets above 100k it can literally go bang..

[Wolfracer]

2.0 litre petrol or the 2.0 diesel Vauxhall Zafira. 52 plates can be had for a grand these days.
Has half as much again boot height than the surf. Can seat 7 people with a boot capable of holding 1 suitcase, or seat 5 with a boot capable of holding a lot lot more. When I was comparing boot sizes, as I used to use a Zaf for work, I found it hard to find anything with more cubes. (plus you get the height)

[trev1968]

i would get a volvo v70 awd better with the mpg and loads boot space.

[smallzoo]

Advice

Thanks for all the advice.

It seems the consensus is that I should not get a hilux/surf

I was hoping it would be the opposite but I appreciate everyones honest opinion.

Thanks again

[Balllsy]

Obvious question is there a difference between a hliux and a surf ?

Hilux is an open bed pickup truck A surf is a closed estate

[Sancho]

Hey, if you want one, get one. We will be here to help out.

[HONEST AL]

Buying a Surf

Peter,go on treat yourself.I will bet a penny to a pound of dobby horse droppings that after you own one you wont want to get rid of it.
Apart from the surf I have a Saab 9000 Griffin (3 litre V6),since I got the surf 5 years ago I have not driven the Saab once,prior to buying the surf I had never driven a 4x4 or a diesel,and as Sancho says,we are here to help if needed.Be warned,this forum does not get really busy till after the sun has gone down.Go on ,treat yourself

[Diezel Weazel]

Hi n Welcome, time to go for it me thinks ..... if ya not convinced read through there's plenty of info here .... n Good Luck

11+ Years of Surfs .... n Faultless to a " T " is my Yota

[BUSHWHACKER]

Hilux is an open bed pickup truck A surf is a closed estate

I used to live in a closed estate.