Would love to buy a diesel Hilux, but may have to settle for Tacoma?

Hello everybody,
I am new at this Hilux venture. I am not new to diesel and have a 2002 7.3 powerstroke with a 6speed manual trans. I am looking for something smaller and my teenage son is in love with the Taco. He then saw Top Gear and Whistling Diesel torture one and he is all about the Hilux. After reading up on them, I would love one. But, it appears there are some serious rules. Can someone break down the rules on how to get one? I see there is a "chicken tax". It also appears the vehicle has to be "x" amount of years old. Can someone clarify. I am looking for a four door diesel Hilux. If impossible, I will be considering a new Taco 6 speed or waiting to see if they make great changes for 2024. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

25 years old for private importation of an otherwise nonconforming vehicle into the USA. Then it's quite manageable -- there are folks on here who have done it, and I know a few outside this forum. Less than that age it's REALLY tough. Unless you live in Canada, then it's 15 years old

There are plenty of guys who deal in Japan Domestic Market imports. Usually higher value vehicles like Land Cruisers or interesting campers (or low end like 650cc mini trucks). But Hiluxes do come in by that route. You'll find some by googling the topic, I'm sure.

Here's one of those JDM importers -- A guy I've met 4-wheeling in Utah.
https://landcruisersdirect.com/

There are folks who will bring in Toyotas from Latin America using the similar 25-yo exemption.

 

Thank you. I live in NY state. They are a pain in the butt. Do you get a clean title? What kind of paperwork will be involved. I would love to do this, but just starting out on how to get it done. 25 YEARS old means I am looking at mid to late 90s Hilux.
That brings me to the next question. Is it really worth it? Yes, I would love a diesel engine, but how is the Hilux compared to a modern Tacoma other than the engine? Thanks again for your help.

 

Go through a company and save yourself the headache. Guy near me just imports diesel land cruisers. Or next best option in diesel toyz in san antonio. they put the motor from a hilux into toyota pickup or 4runner of your choice

 

Aside from the diesel, which I would definitely love, how does the 95 Hilux compare to the 2022 Tacoma? Obviously there are more creature comforts in the Taco, but how about durability and reliability?

 

The 1995 2.4 diesel was troublesome. Known for overheating in cities. Many swap it out for the 3.0 I believe.

First hand I've seen one destroy a cylinderhead. Overheated doing simple driving around town and f'd the head.

 

No, unless you are wanting to make your own snuff film of a torturous death for likes.

 

Lol. I got ya. If the rest of the Tacoma is tough and reliable, I will likely overlook the lack of diesel in this case. Thanks.

 

lack of parts availability will be a potential issue. Tacoma is reliable, first gen is simple and the 3.4 is a great motor. 2nd gen 4.0 is solid. Third gen I have mixed feelings. Honestly all 3 you would be ok and happy with either

 

I have owned both and currently own and daily a drive a JDM 1992 LN107.

5th Gen Hilux come with different diesel engines, depending on where they are originally sold. Euro spec and Latin American spec Hilux's were offered with the 2.4 diesel. Japan and SE Asian spec Hilux's had the 3L (2779 cc) motor.

Both were not the greatest diesel engines, but the 3L is the one you should choose.



These old Hilux diesel engines can be problematic and expensive to own if not well maintained.

The Hilux has a much more solid and heavy feel to when driving. It's also heavier and slower than the Taco.

Sourcing parts can be a major expensive pain in the ass.