4x2 MT Pickups below 1.1M: Hilux E vs. NP300 EL Caliber

**lowslowbenz** · October 10th, 2016 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by mousemouse

Hehe I'm not too keen on getting a 4x4 since the vehicle will be in the city 99% of the time I'm sure. For the Strada, is the GLX a completely different vehicle from the GL? or did they just add some accessories? Price gap seems to be huge between the two

Yes the price difference is a big leap. I think it is safe to assume that comparing the 4x2 GL over the 4x2 GLX, the difference would be all cosmetic, you know, better sound system, foglights, chrome accents ... etc.

IIRC, the 4x2 GLX at 983k is the cheapest "decent" pickup out there.

**vinj** · October 10th, 2016 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by mousemouse

thanks for the feedback vinj! Any chance you have photos of your Hilux? Did you replace the stock rims and add the bumper and stepper?

I added the rims, an OEM rear bumper, and a step board.

**mousemouse** · October 10th, 2016 04:18 PM

thanks lowslowbenz! i need to visit a dealer to look at the strada too. The sub 1m Hilux I saw in the dealer was lower and looked like it was a company fleet car for hauling not so heavy stuff.

Originally Posted by lowslowbenz

Yes the price difference is a big leap. I think it is safe to assume that comparing the 4x2 GL over the 4x2 GLX, the difference would be all cosmetic, you know, better sound system, foglights, chrome accents ... etc.

IIRC, the 4x2 GLX at 983k is the cheapest "decent" pickup out there.

**mousemouse** · October 10th, 2016 04:22 PM

thanks for the photo vinj! your hilux looks nice and clean. So now I guess the pickup trucks I'm looking are all priced competitively. At almost 1.1M, I can get the Hilux, NP300 and Strada 4x2 manual versions with basic features. I will take time to look at these and decide.

Originally Posted by vinj

I added the rims, an OEM rear bumper, and a step board.

**vinj** · October 10th, 2016 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by mousemouse

thanks for the photo vinj! your hilux looks nice and clean. So now I guess the pickup trucks I'm looking are all priced competitively. At almost 1.1M, I can get the Hilux, NP300 and Strada 4x2 manual versions with basic features. I will take time to look at these and decide.

Test drive, and compare the estimated periodic maintenance fees for each. That will be a big help in making your decision.

I used a Camry for my trip north last weekend and when i got into the Hilux on Monday morning, the ride just bit me hard.

**Jakespeed800** · December 26th, 2016 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by vinj

Test drive, and compare the estimated periodic maintenance fees for each. That will be a big help in making your decision.

I used a Camry for my trip north last weekend and when i got into the Hilux on Monday morning, the ride just bit me hard.

Vinj, your hilux looks like the MT G or the 2.8 4x4 and i love it! May i know how much did you spend for the upgrade? Thanks

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**jut703** · December 27th, 2016 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by Jakespeed800

Vinj, your hilux looks like the MT G or the 2.8 4x4 and i love it! May i know how much did you spend for the upgrade? Thanks

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Wait til you see it now with the fender flares. 😍

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**vinj** · December 27th, 2016 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by Jakespeed800

Vinj, your hilux looks like the MT G or the 2.8 4x4 and i love it! May i know how much did you spend for the upgrade? Thanks

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For the rims if you really look around you can get a good set for 50K more or less. I spent around 48K on mine (new rims and new Achilles tyres, and i traded in the stock steelies). You can find new Hilux G rims and tyres for around 35K. If you want the Aussie look, the OEM 18s from a Fortuner together with tyres will set one back around 45K.

OEM bumpers cost around 8K and an OEM stepboard is around 6K IIRC.

Originally Posted by jut703

Wait til you see it now with the fender flares. 😍

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Hehehehe...

With the flares though, the temptation to go for a 2-inch lift and use 275/55R20 tyres increases as well.

**Jakespeed800** · December 27th, 2016 08:23 PM

QUOTE from vinj For the rims if you really look around you can get a good set for 50K more or less. I spent around 48K on mine (new rims and new Achilles tyres, and i traded in the stock steelies). You can find new Hilux G rims and tyres for around 35K. If you want the Aussie look, the OEM 18s from a Fortuner together with tyres will set one back around 45K.

OEM bumpers cost around 8K and an OEM stepboard is around 6K IIRC.

thanks for sharing. that was a very wise decision when you chose the E over the G and that is from the wisdom of a car enthusiast! very seldom can you see that nowadays.

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**vinj** · December 28th, 2016 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Jakespeed800

thanks for sharing. that was a very wise decision when you chose the E over the G and that is from the wisdom of a car enthusiast! very seldom can you see that nowadays.

It really depends on the buyer. In my case, and with some guys i know as well, I get along fine with the basics of a decent interior (need not be leather... but driving position is a factor i consider), standard power amenities, a decent radio, and the usual safety features of ABS and airbags. This is why my usual new car purchases are the the mid level variants since the other add-ons i like are usually things that I prefer to add on my own. If i wanted an A/T, i'd have to still get the G variant though.