1999 toyota hilux problems

The 1999 Toyota Hilux is tough as old boots, but not immortal.

Here’s what tends to nag this generation in Australia:

• Cooling neglect causing overheating; on turbo-diesel 1KZ-TE models, cracked cylinder heads aren’t unheard of, plus tired radiators and weak viscous fans.
• 5L diesel hard cold starts from lazy glow plugs or a dodgy relay; a puff of morning smoke is common.
• Front-end wear: upper/lower ball joints, idler arm and tie-rod ends leading to steering wander.
• Leaf-spring sag and cracked bushes; rear shocks that gave up somewhere near Birdsville.
• Driveline niggles: split CV boots on 4WDs; front diff and hub seals weeping.
• Gearbox/transfer grumbles: notchy 5th-gear synchro and the occasional differential whine.
• Oil leaks from rocker cover and rear main; red dust artfully hides them.
• Rust in chassis rails, tray seams and floorpans, especially after beach work.

Most of it’s age and neglect, not bad genes; a clean service history and a cooling system that actually cools go a long way. Parts are plentiful and affordable on Tradingpost, and a proper pre-purchase inspection will save you from inheriting someone else’s outback rattles.