Need some help please

[Jaimie Webb Zammit]

Hi my partner and I are looking to buy a hilux just wondering if there are any major problems with the 99 model twin cab 4x4 diesel and if this is a good deal we have viewed the car and all that the post says has been done but it seems to be blowing a bit of smoke. The car has been rebuilt and sat there for a few months and has not yet been run in properly. Just looking for some advice please 

[Manxman]

Warning:  This is a modest powered vehicle, capable of lugging and hard if slow work.   If its your first diesel, there will be some big differences in the way it HAS to be driven.     The motor performance is not easily improved, you will have to be largely content with what you get.   Test drive one-(hire) before you buy.    Motor should NOT have great blowby, though it apparently needs bedding in-a slow process.    Change motor oil every 5000km, 7500 and filter if hi useage.    I made a post a way back about buying older hiluxes-look it up.    Keep in touch, we can help with most of your problems.    NB the Nissan is a bigger and more powerful vehicle, BUT it lacks the universality of the hilux, the commoness of parts and maintenance skills.    This is a good model, being one of the last of the mechanical injection ones.  There are advantages in that of reliability and slower, more predictable failures and easier repair skills.    EFI has a terrible reputation in outback Oz for sudden, expensive, difficult repairs, long distance towing and lack of skills/tools to fix.   If your life depends on it, KISS so it's fixable on site.      Anything rare or complex is at a disadvantage.    It is built to a price, and improvement is possible with money, time and tools.    It's a workhorse, not a show pony, and whilst not fast or quick, should be very reliable.   NB the 5L motor is at the end of development with this series, suffering from a poorly cooled iron head, which can warp or crack if pushed too hard.    A new 3.0l motor was necessarily built to take a turbo.    Make sure it's NOT from a flooded area, as if it's been drowned it will have too many problems.  Check door drains to see they aren't blocked/too heavy with mud etc.   

Edited January 28, 2016 by Manxman

[Manxman]

Smoke: unburnt fuel/oil.   Couyld be many things.   could just need bedding in, or could have bad rings/pistons/valve seals.  Owner could have richened the pump to get more power.    You really need to know what was done to engine.   Your haven't mentioned mileage, so I'll guess 250-300000km.    Price seems high, even for rebuilt motor.    They cost abt $4k to do up well, less if DIY but people cut corners if they can-not always ends well.     The other repairs have a value, and then the body generally.   Utes are in demand, and go for a premium, even if trash.    Lots of thieves about-be careful.