ANCAP Ute crash test results

By Alborz Fallah | March 30th, 2008

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has recently put four utes through its crash test. Scores ranged from 2 to 4.

The car’s tested were the Holden Commodore ute, the Mazda BT50 4×4, the Nissan Navara D40 4×4 and the Mahindra Pik-up.

The new VE Commodore Ute missed out on a 5-star rating, coming in with a 4-star result. The Commodore’s standard equipment include anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC).

ANCAP Chairman Lauchlan McIntosh was expecting more from the new Commodore:

“We are seeing more and more 4 and 5-star vehicles on the Australian market these days, and we would expect that a utility vehicle should earn a 5-star rating in the near future” he said

The Mazda BT50 achieved a 3-star rating, while the Nissan Navara was awarded a 3-star rating from ANCAP’s sister program EuroNCAP.

The car which will most likely create the most controversy was the Mahindra Pik-up. If you remember Alborz’s review of the Pik-up, his biggest concern was safety, and he was proved right with the PikUp only managing 2 stars out of 5.

The Mazda BT50 and the Ford Ranger, which are essentially the same car, managed 3-stars due to poor passenger protection. The frontal offset crash by ANCAP left the passenger compartment severely deformed, with the steering column, dashboard components and park brake lever presenting as potential sources of injury.

While Nissan is working to upgrade the airbag software of models already in service in Australia. ANCAP advises that despite the improved performance the software will bring, there is still a high risk of serious injury with the retested vehicle.

However ANCAP is more concerned about Australian models of the Navara which were sold without a driver airbag as they are expected to perform worse
than the model tested in Europe, which have standard airbags.

Struggling Indian ute manufacturer Mahindra, was also disappointed by its Pik-Up only rating in at 2 stars.

Given the Ute has minimal safety features (no air-bags), it was expected.

“Mahindra has advised ANCAP it will be providing driver and passenger airbags in 2008 models and the anchorages will be a standard design feature from 2009,” Mr McIntosh said.

The Commodore Ute and Mahindra Pik-Up each scored only 1 out of 4 stars for the Pedestrian test ratings.

Do ANCAP ratings affect your choice of car?

http://evo Frugal One

*****PRIMO!*****

What about my Falcon Ute?

Cheers

F-0
o

ur ute sucks y buy a falcon ute at then end of the lifecycle and when the commodore ute is supereior.
MatthewM

ANCAP/Safety ratings didn’t factor in to my last car purchase at all, I only found out after I bought it that it had 7 air bags…

I figure if it is allowed to be registered to drive on Australian roads, then it is safe enough to drive.
http://www.geardiary.com Mitchell Oke

Very mature. Put a sock in your O maybe?

That standard safety equipment on the Omega ute is pretty good. Weird it doesn\’t get a 5 star rating.

In future I will be looking at these safety ratings. My current car is a 4 star car, which isn\’t too bad.
Myke

People nowadays are making 4 star ratings sound like a death sentence, if every car received 5 stars, wouldn’t it make these independent crash tests superfluous?
Wheelnut

The ANCRAP safety standards for utes must be a new thing because when I test drove the VE SS Ute just recently.. the sales rep said that at the moment there are no ANCRAP safety standards for utes as there are for cars.. of course it met the ADRs but the VE ute also meets the safety standards set by ANCRAPs European and American counter-parts.

And no ANCRAP safey ratings don’t influence my decisions as to what car I buy because to do so implies that you are a relatively crap driver who lacks the ability to take evasive action to avoid a crash and are expecting to have an accident on regular occassions.

Not only that but there was a report about the test with Aurion where due to a loop-hole in the ANCRAP regulations Toyota were able to provide extra cars inorder to pass the 5th test after it had failed.
As it turned out the Aurion got 5 stars but apparently it took more than 5 cars to do so
Which means its not the range of cars being tested but each individual unit.. So for ecample: your Commodore may have failed a particular ANCRAP Test yet my Commodore might have passed

Lee Riley

Mate I almost fell off my chair laughing when I read your comment. What you said is so bloody right. Drive in a competent manner. It’s like the guy complaining that his iphone 4 broke when he dropped it. Just don’t drop it idiot. You are a man ahead of your time in a world gone soft. Keep telling it like it is. Cheers for the mirth. Lee

Reckless1

Plenty of people must take notice of the ratings – the Golf V was the first car to exceed 5 star rating, and it did so by a huge margin.

VW now has trouble keeping up with the demand.

But do I care – yes. If I am going to buy say a 4×4 ute such as the Nissan, Mazda, or Mahindra and put an employee into it as a daily driver, I will buy the one with the highest safety rating. Why? – because if I don’t, I could easily get sued if a crash happens and the employee is injured. If I have done all I can to minimise such consequenses, I can rest easy that I have not contributed.

If I choose the Mahindra without even an airbag, I might as well have swung an axe at the employee.

As for the pedestrian safety part, I don’t care at all. If a pedestrian is stupid enough to get hit, they can stay hit for all I care. In over 40 years of driving, I haven’t hit one yet.
realcars

I agree that the Mahindra did well to get 2 stars for a commercial vehicle without airbags. I believe safety ratings would influence a future purchase but only to the extent that i would be looking for three or better. At least a reasonable rating for pedestrians would be a bonus as regardless of who’s fault I wouldn’t want that on my conscience.
Navara results don’t surprise as these things have a full chassis like most heavy duty off roaders and aren’t designed to bend in any particular way.
Alex

Whats with ANCRAP? Thats just stupid.
SPEED FREAK

me thinks the falcon ute dosnt even rate thats how crap they are……….lol
Bob

Speed Freak isn’t little lunch over? Your kindergarten teacher’s calling you back to class. Grow up rofl lol omg brb… The only one laughing out loud is you. On your own.
golfschwein

Reckless, I only read days ago that the Renault Laguna was the first car ever to score 5 stars. Another poster was right; with 4 stars, you still get a very safe car.

And was the Nissan Navara tested the later model? How would the recently re-introduced previous model fare? Ewwww!
Minnow

The VE ute got the exact same score as a Falcon ute from 2004. How brilliant is the AU design?! The VE is competing against something from 1998. How sad.
Minnow

Well the scores for the VE ute were 27.41/37 against the falcon of 25.92/37, not too shabby for a car that is based on the AU
No Name

Wheelnut
“I buy because to do so implies that you are a relatively crap driver who lacks the ability to take evasive action to avoid a crash and are”
OK your opinion but you cannot possibly account for the third party driver who’s drunk and swerves into you pass. Nah crash result are important. Don’t tell me if you were skint and only able to afford the Mahindra you would actually buy it!
As for the Pedestrian stuff 1 an 2 aren’t so bad considering none of these vehicles have no design consideration for pedestrians. Reckless1 thats not on mate. How you gonna feel when that 12yr old kids kicks his ball into you path and you run over him.

Any results for the Toyota Roll over Hilux?
Minnow

Then when you compare the sedans, the BA from 2002 got 27.27/37, the VE commodore sedan got 27.45/37. The results speak for themselves.
Reckless1

Minnow, your name describes your intellect perfectly.

Are you trying to say the Ford is better because and old model scored lower than a newer commodore? Der, mate, that’s so good….you idiot.

Golfschwein, the Laguna might have got there first in 2002, but the Golf V was better in 2004 (see here http://www.carkeys.co.uk/features/industry/2004/3488.asp ) with a 5+4+3 against the Renault 5+3+2. Shows that the Renault rested on its laurels whereas the VW had a lot more effort put into it. Anyway, no-one in AU should desire to drive a French car, even if it is relatively safe. And why would you pass over a Golf for a Megane??? Beauty and elegance versus ugly and crass and poor resale thrown in for free.
realcars

Gee,impressive result for the AU UTE all things considered.

Hopefully the FG will score five. Would be a good selling point.

I reckon the Mahindra ute was a Toyota Stout Ute of the Sixties in a former life.
European Lover

If you think the Navara’s 3 star rating is correct read this Euro NCAP release…

“Euro NCAP said that in addition to the collapse of the Navara’s chassis rail on the impacted side, which allowed a “significant” level of intrusion into the driver’s footwell, “protection of the driver’s chest was rated as weak owing to the extent to which the chest was compressed, combined with the threat posed by the unstable passenger compartment”.

“The passenger’s neck was bent rearwards in the impact, presenting a high risk of life-threatening injury,” Euro NCAP said. “The airbags and seatbelt pretensioners were triggered late in the impact and readings from the driver dummy’s head also indicated a high risk of life-threatening injury.

“The Navara has been awarded a one-star rating as its performance in frontal impact did not reach the minimum level required for a higher rating. Moreover, the unacceptably high risk of life threatening injury to the driver’s head and the passenger’s neck have led to that star being struck through.”

No software update will fix this. Perhaps CARADVICE should tell the real story. Makes the MAHINDRA look acceptable.
TP

Minnow excellent point, sure to fall on deaf ears. Forget the star rating, that is a gimmick to give manufacturers an incentive to participate in these tests… the points are what matters, the new Commodore beats the AU, simple as that. And anyway, the AU is candidate for ugliest car ever to be sold in Australia, Id prefer to die in a Mihandra then be seen alive in an AU.
AC COBRA

The Toymota Camry would have to be a candidate for girls car of the century and ugliest, the Mihindra comes second, the AU had modern design with world class technology….
golfschwein

No, no, no. Dead heat for the ugliest car ever sold here would fall to the Datsun 120Y and the previous model Camry. But that didn’t stop thousands of people buying them. They’re the sort of cars whose buyers doesn’t know or care that they’re ugly to the bone. Holden and Ford fans are a more passionate lot, so it matters more if a style is contentious. Despite that, I quite liked the AU, but showrooms told a wider story.
golfschwein

“They’re the sort of cars whose buyers doesn’t know or…”

Oops. Make that “don’t know”.
TP

Yes one of the most popular Camrys was the ugliest… great call. The AU is attacked as being ugly by Ford fairies themselves… but continue looking like fools trying to defend it.
golfschwein

Thanks TP I thought it was a great call too!
Duck

Wasnt it before the AU falcon ute the whole ute was a whole one panel?

Why did they make it separate from AU onwards?
golfschwein

Production line ease, I think, Duck.
Duck

Yeah! Because commy has gone in different direction and has kept it all in 1 piece.
golfschwein

Yup, each to their own, hey?
God

TP = totaly pro holden
golfschwein

You don’t know TP!
Minnow

reckless 1, the fact that they hyped up the VE so much and its barely better than a 6 year old falcon is hilarious. 1 billion in development… The commodore has side curtin airbags, of which they get points for that and the points are so close, means the holden is still deficient in other areas. Also the fact that the VE is equivalent to a BA falcon is pathetic, der to you moron. Compare the BA to a VY the VY is even worse. The VE just matched the BA in everything. The VE should have had a bigger jump in safety not virtually match a car from 6 years ago. Thats my point, jeez your a knob.
golfschwein

I’m with Reckless. If the cars are safe, does the number score matter? Seriously? With Omegas now equipped with 6 airbags, I think you’ll find a new ANCAP test will reveal interesting results.

I’m not going to buy into the billion dollar versus only good as BA bla bla bla thing. They’re both good cars, as far as I’m concerned. I stand by comments I’ve made here before that Holden got quite reasonable value from their Billion bucks.
SRTargets

you never know, but the VF could achieve a 5 star rating.

There are more 5 star vehicles now than 3 or 4 years ago. Thats how technology works, it gets better and better.
Dlr1

So the Commodore Ute got 4 stars, so did the Mitsubishi Triton (L200 as its known in europe) in the EuroNCAP tests ! Why isn’t that reported.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/11456/2010-holden-vf-commodore-cgi Atomic SSV

golfschwein Says:
March 30th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I’m with Reckless. If the cars are safe, does the number score matter? Seriously? With Omegas now equipped with 6 airbags, I think you’ll find a new ANCAP test will reveal interesting results.

I’m not going to buy into the billion dollar versus only good as BA bla bla bla thing. They’re both good cars, as far as I’m concerned. I stand by comments I’ve made here before that Holden got quite reasonable value from their Billion bucks.

I agree with that now with 6 airbags std it should get 5 stars think with the added airbags holden will pay for that extra pole test which is needed for the 5 * rating.

I think the FG will come very close to 5 stars or get it.

The VE ute it shows that if holden were able to develop and and safetly put in the extra airbags on it, there would be a chance for that 5 star rating.

I also read that the Maloo has 4 airbags but i cant find any more info on that.
http://aca Hilux Is The Best

Toyota Hilux is 4 stars !!
Bret

“The BF Falcon ute also scored four stars when it was tested in 2006″

Just goes to show that structural integrity and good design is paramount, and that dozens of airbags are sometimes only a coverup for poor design or even used as a marketing tool.
Hilux is the worst

Toyleta Hilux is 1 star !!
http://aca Hilux Is The Best

No – it is 4 stars. Have a look you weirdo.

It’s also the best quality and much, much better then a Rodeo or Ranger.

Is also the biggest selling ute in Oz and the third biggest overall.

GO unbreakable hilux.
TP

The Hilux is world renowned for being the best ute. The Falcon and Commodore utes aernt even renowned in Australia…forget the world!
Hilux is the worst

Ford Ranger looks better, goes better, Hilux is not as tough, boring as duck $hit, also stick those sale numbers where they fit give me a Ranger any day, the Rodeo was a good unit but now has slipped in quality ratings..

Buy a Ranger heaps better than a Lolux!!!!!!
realcars

Guys,I wouldn’t take too much notice of TP’s comments after all he is a pencil necked accountant that hasn’t lost his virginity yet. Kinda like the character in 40 year old virgin ha ha ha ha.

Yeah him and his cult car i.e his Dads Widebody Camry ( Pre Safe T Cell model)with spinning hubcaps.

…and as far as the Hilux is concerned if u drive for a living Hilux would be last on your list as these things ride like a billy cart.
Wheelnut

Quote TP – The Falcon and Commodore utes aernt even renowned in Australia…

You obviously havent been to Deni [around sept] then? if you had you would have seen what a cult following the Ute has in Australia and how popular the various Holden and Ford models are… from FX through to VE and XP through to BF

I mean correct me if I am wrong but they didn’t make the Hilux back in 1948 did they?
golfschwein

But wait…TP backs all of his statements with facts and figures. He says so himself. I guess we’re going to wait awhile for the lists that support this latest outburst.
http://aca Hilux Much, Much Better Then A Ford Angel

Ranger looks better … weirdest, wackiest, dumbest statement i’ve heard in a long, long while.

Ranger is poor quality, unreliable and has the durability of someone with down-syndrown … trust me, I KNOW !!

The Hilux however is globally renouned for it’s QualityDurabilityReliability (QDR) and the greatest test of all – Test Of Time – has proven why Australian Farmers, Tradies, Industries and Miners prefer the Lux more then any of it’s direct competitors … because it is simply a much, much, much better ute !!

Sales to our most challenging industries says it all really …. !!

Besides – while the Hilux is 4 star crash rated, the Ranger/BT50 are only a dismal 3 star.

I bet the combined efforts of the Ford Angel and the Mazda pftt50 don’t even remotely come close to that of the Hilux’s sole effort in March as with every other month and don’t give me a gay story because Toyota sells them cheaply because it’s bullsh*t.

The Hilux sells because of thier reputation for being a solid workhorse like all other Toyota commercials/4×4′s … PERIOD !!

It is something Holden and Ford just can not compete with and all the passed generations have proven it every time.

Real Life is the Greatest Test Of All – not fairy boys living in La, La, Land telling La, La, Stories.

Cheers
http://aca 4X4 Turbo Diesel Hilux – A Real Ute For The Real Aussie Bloke

To prove how pathetically poofy and gay the new Holden Ute is … it carn’t even carry 1 ton without it’s ar*e falling apart.

What ever happened to the Holden 1 ton ute … gone because it become a car for the gay and not for the hard working Australian Farmer or Tradie.

WARNING … if you have one of these Gay Holden Utes, don’t put anymore then a surf board in the back and keep the weight of your poofter friend at the minimum otherwise the suspension will sh*t itself, cave in and then be embarrsassingly hauled home by a beefy 4×4 diesel Hilux driven by a rouge, brawny Aussie tradesman how hates poofters.
golfschwein

“Aussie tradesman how hates poofters.”

Wow.

How evolved are you?
No Name

Gone from pond life to knuckle dragger and one swooping generation. Politician next???
http://. Naughtyius Maximus

TP 31.3.08 6.12pm states…..”The Hilux is world renowned for being the best ute. The Falcon and Commodore utes aernt even renowned in Australia…forget the world!”

NM response: Numbers what Hilux sell in Australia versus Falcon and Commodore numbers are not supported by your ludicrous outrageous stupid comment! Obviously this is what you are drawing the line on! Geeeesh you are so dam self centred and idiotic!
Ranger Much, Much Better Then A Toyleta Freak

Ranger looks better..
Lolux is poor quality, unreliable and has the durability of someone with down-syndrown … trust me, I KNOW !!

The Ranger however is globally renouned for it’s QualityDurabilityReliability (QDR) and the greatest test of all – Test Of Time – has proven why Australian Farmers, Tradies, Industries and Miners prefer the Ranger more then any of it’s direct competitors … because it is simply a much, much, much better ute !!

Sales to our most challenging industries says it all really …. !!

Besides – while the Ranger is 5 star crash rated, the Lolux are only a dismal 1 star.

I bet the combined efforts of the Toylet Freak and the Rodeo don’t even remotely come close to that of the Rangers.

The Ranger sells because of thier reputation for being a solid workhorse like all other Ford car’s, commercials/4×4’s … PERIOD!!!!!!!!

Goddamn “Oh what a Ford” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oz.

Good work AC Cobra!!!
COBRA

I love it when a plan comes together, Toycars, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
realcars

Amazing that the AU ute gets four stars equal to the brand spanker Hilux and the AU was first released in 1998!

Falcon. The Great Australian Road Car!!!!!!!!

P.S U would want to make sure your Hilux is still under warranty before u put a ton load in it. They sag in the middle a bit!!!
realcars

Hard to believe a Hilux would get 4 stars? 1 or 2 stars sounds believable given the tinny 3/4 size cab on these things.
Oz.

Yep Realcars, the Falcon is “Trim, Taut, Terrific” “The Supreme Road Car” so in that case “Don’t Settle For Less Falcon Is The Answer” LOL!!
TP has NEVER backed up the 25% diesel claim

I read once that toyota continue to put substandard cart springs on the Hilux due the the taliban overloading them with troops. Seems Toyota don’t care about the civilised world.
No Name

“Trim, Taut, Terrific” sounds like your describing Bavarian Missile
Oz.

LOL actually…..Trim, Taut, Terrific was the ad campaign for the XL Falcon in 1962. Now I shall return the the 21st century.
AussieCars

Regarding the AU ute business. The standards to reach a 5 Star rating goes up each year to keep up with new technology and impact standards.

So if you ran an AU ute in the tests done today it would not get a 4 star rating.
(Im pretty sure the AU didnt have standard airbags and Im dead certain it didnt have any form of ESP)
http://aca Oh What A Feeling …

There are wacky people who live in La, La, Land and think the Ranger is a good ute then there the Tradesman, Farmers, Industries and Miners who live in the Real World and KNOW whats a good ute.

Check out the sales chart …. you’ll work it out !!

Reality and generations form the greatest test of all – Test Of Time – and Toyota commercials/4×4′s are the greatest conquers of all … PERIOD !!

OH WHAT A FEELING … TOYOTA

ps. Toyota won NASCAR ‘again’ this weekend beating the Americans at thier own game on thier own soil … Ooouuuch !!
Ranger is Better, Hilux Sux

I will repeat what some people keep repeating sales sales sales sales sale sales miners miners sales sales miners sales industries sales blah blah blah blah blah….

Ranger looks better..
Lolux is poor quality, unreliable and has the durability of someone with down-syndrown … trust me, I KNOW !!

The Ranger however is globally renouned for it’s QualityDurabilityReliability (QDR) and the greatest test of all – Test Of Time – has proven why Australian Farmers, Tradies, Industries and Miners prefer the Ranger more then any of it’s direct competitors … because it is simply a much, much, much better ute !!

Sales to our most challenging industries says it all really …. !!

Besides – while the Ranger is 5 star crash rated, the Lolux are only a dismal 1 star.

I bet the combined efforts of the Toylet Freak and the Rodeo don’t even remotely come close to that of the Rangers.

The Ranger sells because of thier reputation for being a solid workhorse like all other Ford car’s, commercials/4×4’s … PERIOD!!!!!!!!

Goddamn “Oh what a Ford” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s. Who cares about Nascar, it’s a gay mans race….put ya cardigan back on………
The Axe

To all the Toyota fans, Hilux sells well to govt departments, as does Corolla (rentals).
Don’t get all worked up with sales figures as they are not an indicator of what the best vehicle in each category is.

Ranger is indeed a very good truck. Quality? Please do not comment how bad it is as you have NO idea. It is built in Thailand, as is the Hilux. It is well built, well equiped as apposed to Hilux where you still have to “option” A/C for $2000.

I really wish people would get their facts first before posting nonesense.
WTF

Hilux is falling behind the competition. The Ranger has come a long way and will continue to get better, seeing how the next model will be designed and developed in Aus.

The Dunnydore equals the score of the previous model Falcon, lets rejoice….. oh wait Ford are releasing a new model. Lets hope Holden gets some sense and recruits a few Ford engineers to show them how to build a car the right way.
http://aca Test Of Time Has Proven That The Hilux Is The Best Ute

Axe – i am employed as an everyday mechanic for Rio Tinto in a Central Queensland Mine as i have been for the past 4 years so don’t you dare even start me on the Ranger and Hilux comparsion because as a ‘god damn given FACT’ – the Ranger has got nothing on the Hilux … PERIOD !!

We have had a few new Rangers for the past couple of months and fact is – interior trim, electrical glitches and transmissions have already been concerns while the Hilux has ALWAYS proven time after time to the most rugged, reliable, dependable and durable workhorse amoung it’s direct competitors and don’t you dare try and tell me otherwise because i know first hand from everysingle working day of my life … FACT !!

As stated, the greatest test of off all – Test Of Time – has proven exactly why Australian Farmers, Tradies, Industries and Miners have always predominately chosen the Hilux before it’s direct competitors because it is infact A BETTER UTE … PERIOD !!

For many, many generations the Hilux has undisputed rugged the most challenging environments of all in Australia and proven beyond any doubt that just like any other Toyota commercial/4×4′s – it is the most reliable, dependable and durable work hack in Australia and anyone who disputes that is a wacked out freak living in La, La Land.

You can not dispute Test Of Time … PERIOD !!

So yes, please – get your facts right before posting nonsense.

And while i am at it, the Hilux is 4 star crash rated compared to the 3 stars of the Ranger/BT50.

OH WHAT A FEELING …TOYOTA !1
golfschwein

There are a lot of PERIODS in some peoples’ lives.

It seems like the most effective means of terminating discussion for those inept at communicating is to finish their sentences with the word PERIOD! Excepting my own example just then, of course!

Does one say this word PERIOD with an Oprah Winfrey-like flourish of the hand? You big nancy thang, you.
Ranger is Better, Hilux Sux

MENSTRUAL PERIOD, IS WHAT HE MEANT, HE HAS TO STOP BLEEDING ON THIS SITE, HAVE SOME RESPECT HILUX PROMOTER, PLEASE STOP THE FLOW AND USE SOME PADS, MOP UP THAT DUMB ATTITUDE……

STOP IT PERIOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ranger is Better, Hilux Sux

And while i am at it, the Hilux is 1 star crash rated compared to the 5 stars for the Ranger/BT50.
Wheelnut

Quote: No Name – Trim, Taut, Terrific” sounds like your describing Bavarian Missile..

I can tell you that she most definitely is…. and more

I’ve told her that on a number of occassions – as well as other complimentary phrases/gestures.

Love Ya Babe. mmmmwwwwaaaa
TP has never back up the 25% Diesel claim

Aaawwww shuck you’re a creep Wheelnut/Brembo staying power
European Lover

Anybody who thinks the Ranger is a better truck than a Hilux is just a blind Ford hack. The Courier and Bravos were just cheap P.O.S. If i had a dollar for every Gearbox in one of those i’ve had to repair I could probably afford not to work anymore. What makes anybody think a Ranger is going to be different than its predecessor after less than 12 months on the market?
realcars

It’s all well and good u lolux riders to say the Hilux is the better ute but don’t come whinging to me after your spine packs it in from riding so long in a Hilux!
COBRA

European Lover, if u love European why do you back Japan made Toyleta Hilux, have you driven a Ford Ranger, if not don’t make assumptions, just wasting your breath, they are great ute’s and look real cool in black I have not heard many Couriers gearboxs fail, though I did hear about Hilux engine’s, drivetranny’s and build quality fail many times………here is one Hilux with gearbox problems can u fix it lover, poor sod…

TOYOTA HILUX 4X4 SR 2006: BEWARE OF NEW HILUX
I HAVE A MAJOR ROTATIONAL NOISE COMING FROM MY GEARBOX IN MY V6 4X4 SR CAB CHASSIS WHEN I PUSH THE CLUTCH IN AND OUT.

“I have a major rotational noise coming from my gearbox in my V6 4×4 SR cab chassis when I push the clutch in and out. It could be confused by a slipping fan belt noise but definitely isn’t any belts as I got my wife to push the clutch in and out whilst I got under to have a listen and the noise comes and goes when the clutch is pressed and depressed, and even occurs when driving in gear. It only happens when the car is cold and then goes away by the time I get to the dealership.

The vehicle has done some light off road work and has only 40,000km on the clock. I took it in for them to look at but the noise had disappeared again. A 4×4 SR5 duel cab was in for the same problem but the noise on this vehicle was constant.
Rang customer service at the Toyota dealership at Magellan when the noise was happening and he could clearly hear it over the phone. They will not fix it until they hear the noise for themselves. Do they think I want them to pull my new car apart for the sake of it?
Toyota needs to look into this one because this will destroy the Hilux reputation, especially when it is brought up in online forums all over Australia.
golfschwein

Oh dear! Lo Lucks quality probs! The only problem with my 1990 Lo Lucks SR5 was unf***nbelievable boredom problems as it didn’t have a cassette player and my company bought it as my new rep vehicle for me to spread the word in the Pilbara.

I couldn’t break it. But the Camray that replaced it in perth in 1991 was easily broken, as they all were.
The Axe

“Test Of Time Has Proven That The Hilux Is The Best Ute Says:
April 1st, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Axe – i am employed as an everyday mechanic for Rio Tinto in a Central Queensland Mine as i have been for the past 4 years so don’t you dare even start me on the Ranger and Hilux comparsion because as a ‘god damn given FACT’ – the Ranger has got nothing on the Hilux … PERIOD !!”

You said it there pal. Like I stated, using FACTS, that Hilux sales good mainly due to fleet sales!! And who do you work for?? Rio Tino, a large multinational company.

Ranger is just as well built, and better equiped than any equivelent Hilux. Only the SR5 have standard A/C, half the models don’t have power windows!

Toyota also pay national fleet customers to buy Toyotas.
Yes they actually pay subsidies to large firms and govt organisations to buy new Toyotas.
Yes even Holden do it. Ford did.
How do I know this?
I work for a major dealer group. And yes I used facts.
Andrew M

TP,
you have never driven a ute let alone a falcon nor hilux to be able to claim the hilux “the best ute in the world”

all of the jap utes are equally as good as each other.

japs utes cant handle to save themselves. at least you get comfort and handling properties whilst hauling your load in a falcon ute.

have any of you people actually driven a Jap ute whether it be a hilux or courier/ranger?
the gear ratios are unbearable. quite frankly to sum it up they drive like pigs.

hilux’s are overrated for the simple fact that they are percieved as the best, yet arent any better and offer the worst value for the private consumer.
a mate of mine bought a Hilux 12 months ago.
after he bought it, and looked over to a BT50 we parked next to, he felt like he was ripped off as the BT50 was just as good and offered far better value. he admitted he was just sucked into the “if you want a ute think hilux” mentality.

on safety ratings,
from what ive found the AU right through to BF all beat the VZ commodore ute.
has the BF11 been tested? i would assume the different panels on the front of the 2nd series BF would yeild a different result just as the BA/AU reskin did.
either way you put it, they are just as good as each other.
honestly what we are talking about is effectively something like 1 50th of a difference.
and then you have to factor in the posibility that you dont crash into a simulator when you are on the roads. yes they are a good indicator but, no body ever crashes text book style.
to split hairs on such ratings is plain silly.
surely there are other things people would desire in vehicles before bragging about a 50th of a difference
Andrew M

and surprise surprise,
the guy coming to the defence of of a toyota product is Dingo with yet another name change after his previous attempts to gain any sort of credibility under his many previous names.

also guys, if the BT50/Ranger is so hopeless, then how come they outclassed the hilux in the 4×4 ute of the year?

actually, when did the hilux last win an award?
TP

My claims never included ‘I have test driven these vehicles’ did it AndrewM? The fact is unbiased sources are making the claims I quote, I will go off that over a biased source such as yourself. Afterall the Hilux is sold worldwide and had worldwide success, the Ford platform isnt even liked by Ford itself in the states!
Andrew M

you constantly say the Hilux is the best ute. i have never seen any text that constantly backs that up, there fore its your own quote, and therefore you are unable to comment on such qualities as you have never driven one

i dont care what anyone says, but jap utes drive like a pig compared to a falcon or commy ute, and you must have rocks in your head to think otherwise

ok so where is your quote that the americans dont like the falcon? pfffffft

keep your childish bickering comments to yourself
golfschwein

More astonishing logic by TP: “…the Ford platform isnt even liked by Ford itself in the states!”

Goodness!

Who approves every generation of Australian Ford? The RSL?

AndrewM, I was once given a Hi-Lux SR5 as a company car in the Pilbara back in 1991. It was tough and well finished but, Omigod, the gearing! I ran it from the Nanutarra roadhouse to Paraburdoo at 140km/h with the air con going flat-out one day, just to show my contempt for it and the company who bought it because they thought I’d like it better than my VL wagon, and it returned 18 miles per gallon. After 250 km, it was time to fill up. Nice result for a 2.2 litre manual, I thought.
Dlr1

Andrew M, the one reason the local sedan based utes handle or ride better is because they have much lower carrying capacities. The Commodore ute with IRS can’t carry half what most jap ute’s can. The Falcon cab chassis can only carry one tonne when equipped with an alloy tray. Put a heavier steel tray on and its capacity drops below 1000kg. There’s the compromise. Ride V Load Capacity. Put a set of heavier springs under a AU/BA/BF Cab chassis and an empty alloy tray on the back and they ride like a pig too. But atleast they have better seats.
Andrew M

Dlr1,
that isnt the “one” reason why.

there are plenty of reasons why the falcon and commy utes are more comfortable.

the base model falcon ute that is rated at 1 tonne does ride a hell of a lot smoother than a one tonne rated jap ute.
you can also get 1 tonne springs on the style side variant of the falcon
Dlr1

yes, i probably didn’t phrase that correctly, but the point that i was making is that the jap utes have much stiffer springs generally than the falcon, and given their lighter tare weigh (empty) they do bounce around a little more. But as i mentioned so do Falcons when you modify the rear springs to increase their carrying capacity to a similar level. Many of the Jap utes can carry 1.2 to 1.4 tonnes legally when fitted with an alloy tray, the best the ford can get unmodified is 1 tonne in similar configuration.
Andrew M

Dlr1,
mate firstly thanks for a civil discussion.

i still dont totally agree though. i went and scratched up a few figures……….
the GVM of the hilux and falcon ute are the same.

also the falcon and hilux weigh in at the same.

well technically speaking the hilux weighs in at slightly less, but A/C isnt included in the hilux’s weight as they dint fit it as standard gear whereas the falcons weight includes A/C and climate control. also the falcons kerb weight also includes a larger fuel load.

the hilux cant carry like 200-400kgs more

the true load carrying ability of the falcon is 1240kgs. an alloy tray adds 120kgs.
therefore the falcon ute can carry 1120kgs on a maximum fuel load.
so as you see unless you are a dairy cow, the falcon can carry over 1 tonne. even if you factored a steel try it would still scrape over the 1 tonne mark (but i assume only just)

by the time you factor all the extra weight gains to put it on the road, the hilux can only carry about the same.

ive driven cab chassis falcon utes and cab chassis hilux’s (and other jap utes) and the falcon will still easily out handle the jappers

it was unintentional to single out the hilux, but its the first one that came to mind.
Dlr1

Andrew M
Yes the current hilux (3/05 on) has piled on the kilos, the previous series (RZN149R) weighed in about 250 kg lighter. Kerb weights around 1200 or so depending on options.

Mitsubishi also quote payloads around 1300kg on base model tritons. Base Rodeos in similar ballpark. I do also agree that the falcon does ride better than these examples.

I do drive both BA / BF one tonners and similar Jap models on a regular basis. While it may be anecdotal I do find that the Jap utes do carry the (heavier)weights a bit better. While Ford does rate the cab chassis at one tonne the springs seem to be capable of not much more, where some of the jap utes carried similar loads without dragging their tail quite as much. I know its not exactly a scientific argument, just my observation when carrying loads of around 1 tonne.

cheers
Andrew M

Dlr1,
ive been with my mate as we put 1/2 a metre of gravel on his lux.
i’d have to look up the exact weight of the load but im guessing about 750kgs.
even the lux starts to hang down low before you reach its limits.
in my experience with utes, you wouldnt like to take either model to their 1 tonne limit too often. i reckon 750kgs is what should be the comfortable limit.
yes they can technically take 1 tonne, but you wouldnt want to do it every day whether it be a falcon ute or a japper.
if you were wanting to lug 1 tonne day in day out you would be better off with getting a lazy axle fitted or opting up for a F series or a Dyna or a Hino or an Isuzu etc.

the main difference between the 2 and load carrying is that the grunt of the falcon will actually pull the load along with a lot more ease.
the 2.7L lux motor just wont pull the actual load like a falcon will. even if it did legally carry 400kgs more, whats the point of putting a motor in it that will struggle.
the V6 is a bit better, but it still falls short of the falcons grunt and the japper V6′s absolutely chew the juice. i dont know whether its the V6′s you drive but even if you know someone who drives one im sure you’ve heard them tell you they aint good for mileage
the diesel option does improve the economy dramaticlly but the 3.0TD motor still falls a long way short of the falcons power and torque stats

the other reasons why the falcon handles better can also be put down to its foot print on the road.
the falcon has a wider track and longer wheelbase etc.
also the bigger wheels on the falcon would help too.
and then there is the much better seats etc like you have already mentioned.
Andrew M

and on the last gen Lux,
yes it was a bit lighter.
the cabin in the new gen Lux is much much better fitted out.
they now offer standard duel airbags etc which is a big step up from none. also the dash material is much better and looks a hell of a lot more solid than the old gen.
also there was some work put into sound deadening etc too.

i would rather a better cabin than an extra 100kgs legal capacity if it meant your drive was a little more comfortable.
it was a good move by toyota anyway.
i think they had a look at why people were buying the aussie grown utes.
the falcon ute dominated sales right through the AU series right up until recently. i think toyota cottoned on to that people want a vehicle that is better to drive even if it is just a work hack.

and why wouldnt they want to cater for the aussie buyers a little more?
i heard a little while ago that australia takes the biggest load of jap comercials than any other country.

perhaps also why the next Ranger platform will be designed here too
Frugal-One

$27,990 driveaway on a 03/08′CabChassis Falcon [auto, 3 seater, LPG, air, 8" tray, trip computer, tow bar etc]

Bloody things are bargain.

Very happy with mine, only early days though!

Average is 14L/100km on LPG, should get it lower as it frees up.

Cheers

F-0

PS Message to Holden Ute “Bench Seat Please!!”
Dlr1

Andrew M, i would agree with most points raised. But would probably note that hilux’s 3.0TD would probably do just as good a job shifting the heavier loads with its peak torque available from only 1400rpm. Probably better at low vehicle speeds, eg stop start traffic ect?

And F-O, am currently driving a BA ute on LPG, trip computer always averages 15L/100 but not really sure how accurate thay are. And why would you want a Holden ute with a bench seat? A matress in the tray is much more comfortable. (hahaha)
Andrew M

Dlr1,
a mate and i each tow around 1 tonne.
when we stop at the lights with him behind me, i easily take off and pull a fair margin on him.
1 set of lights i am particularly thinking of is on a half decent hill.
i kow diesels make their power and toque a little lower, but they dont climb up the tacho as quickly as the petrol motors do.
from what ive noticed the diesel doesnt start to take off untill you are in at least 2nd gear
TP

Ah AndrewM Hilux stories…. very believable… it wouldnt have anything to do with him flooring it and the Hilux taking it easy. Simple fact is, you want to tow, you look at a Diesel with low down torque. Not a LPG powered Falcon.
Andrew M

F-O
good to see you are loving the new LPG ute.
yep a dead set bargain there mate.

i too would expect you to get slightly better milage. forget fords official figures, they are wrong.
15.somethingL/100k no way.
on h’wy the LPG is capable of sub 10L/100k.

in my LPG ute i get 14.5ish/100k towing 1 tonne of gear behind me at speeds no greater than 60kmh (thanks to the 20kmh speed reduction on the back road grrrrr)
Andrew M

ah TP,
the guy who has never driven a ute nor LPG nor diesel vehicle yet claims to be an expert.

surely you would know that LPG vehicles have higher torque and reach both power and torque at much lower revs.

you are batting above your weight here pal, i suggest you move on
Wheelnut

Hilux is not the BIGGEST Selling Utility in Australia… I believe that title goes to the Ford F-350 available from VDC in Victoria.. which going from their ad in Unique Cars is about to be surpassed by the 2008 Ford Super Duty.

If Toyota want to sell the Biggest ute in Oz maybe they should omport the Tundra
Wheelnut

Matthew M – I figure if it is allowed to be registered to drive on Australian roads, then it is safe enough to drive.

Not So – I mean the new Fiat 500 is able to be registered on our roads yet we saw what can happen to them in an accident during the celebrity race at the Oz F1 GP..
Crash-Bounce-Roll
ATO-hater

checked out the TRD Hilux 4×4 supercharged.
Cost is $60,000.

This puts it over the luxury car tax threshold.
Didn’t Rudd-Labor government want to audit people who bought “luxury cars”?
Would utes fall into this category?

There are Ford and Holden utes that could reach over $60,000

I’m frustrated with Rudd-Labor government and their state collegues taxing us hard working Australians.

I would like to see Rudd do some hard yakka work in a mine, or as a labourer.

I think we need to unite against this silly tax.

Utes are getting more expensive because they are putting more safety features into them. Also, they are getting more comfortable.

Airbags, ABS etc all cost money.
So, is Rudd looking at taxing safety?

Most people who have utes need it for their work.

Does Rudd want us to drive a Mahinda with their substandard safety features.
A dead person can’t pay tax!!!