bought hilux - now need advice.. please

[NeverSayNever]

having had advice on here about which 4x4 to go for - (my trailer is derated to 2 tonnes )- i decided on a hilux.

i searched the length and breadth of the country for one, but the used ones that were for sale are either very new, as in 6 months old, so too expensive, or too old. I was repeatedly told that they are like hens teeth :

eventually found one 3years old, but down in Teeside, at a toyota garage. They sent me lots of photos and I agreed to buy it, given it is through the national Approved Used Toyota scheme. I have a years full toyota warranty and 30day no quibble exchange.

now - here is my dilemma. it is a good 6 hour drive away. I have 2 options;

get the train down there by myself and then have to drive a new vehicle 6 hours home on roads im not confident with.

or, they have offered to deliver it for £200 using a transport company, but it will be driven up to me.

Ive said ok to the delivery - but this now means me doing a bank transfer of the money before Ive seen it in the flesh so to speak.

hummmmmmmmmmmmmmm, what do i do??

 

[Tinypony]

I would go and pay on collection. Taking a tame mechanic with me (luckily I have one at home!). But if you can't get that option then you might as well have it delivered because I can't see a benefit in picking it up yourself. Unless you can have a listen, look under the bonnet and pick up any problems it has. Does the warranty mean it can be taken to any Toyota dealer if there are problems?

 

[NeverSayNever]

thank you -

yes ive checked, the warranty means i can take it any toyota garage and there is one near me.

im just scared they drive it up here and soething happens on the way! but then , something could happen with me driving it up...

 

[Pedantic]

Dont know how good Toyota 30 day no quibble gaurantee is, Pentagon Network Q totally renaged on theirs with me over a £10500.00 Frontera, couldn't find a repalcement and wouldn't give me my money back, 9 weeks of trouble and stress.

I would go myself before parting with any money, it's amazing how when once they have your money how quickly they lose interest in sorting problems out.

 

[Cluny]

Can you ask a very nice friend to drive you down there at all? Then if you decide not to buy it you can drive back together (and share the driving), or if you do decide to buy it then they can drive along behind you just in case you have any problems.

 

[Tinypony]

I know what you could do! Don't the AA provide a service where you can pay for them to check over a vehicle before you buy it? Don't know how much it costs.
I must admit I'd be a bit wary buying at that distance without the input of a mechanic.

 

[NeverSayNever]

fraid not - there is noone i can get to go down with me im really not confident driving on the motorways etc down south (being in rural scotland, lol)

 

[whitewood]

If it any consolation I also have a Toyota Hilux and you couldn't get a more driver friendly truck.

I would go and pick it up, and just take it very slowly on the way home.

Ask the garage to go on a little test drive so you can familiarise yourself where everything is and indeed the vehicle is running as it should

I love driving mine and I would revel in a long journey. However, if you decide to have it delivered, do the same. take it for a test drive and give it good once over before agreeing to sign for the delivery - note everything down on the delivery note - or - you could have it delivered to your nearest friendly garage and get them to do a check before you sign?

Very exciting, you will be very pleased with it I am sure, better than most, although I must admit it doesn't go places my old Disco used to!!

 

[Cluny]

Ah, in that case OP I would agree with Whitewood, I went from driving my little Golf to driving the OH's new Hilux and found it not too bad at all. The Hilux doesn't drive like a big truck, the controls etc are layed out really well and the clutch isn't heavy at all.

I'd go up and collect it, take time when driving back, don't put too much pressure on yourself and you may well end up rather enjoying it!

 

[sea_view]

You can send the AA for a small cost to go have a thorough examination of it.

 

[Festive_Felicitations]

I can vouch that Hiluxes are very easy to drive and indestructable!! And if it has a decent service record up to now Ie no history of major breakdowns you should be ok. But like the others i wouldn't pay with out seeing it or getting an independent person to look over it.

Indestructable is the best word to describe them I think! not only based on Top Gear, but they are used as farm utes alot here and in NZ and the stuff they get driven up/down/over/through is impressive! And they just keep going**!
may be minus a bit of paint.

** NB deers antlers should not be driven over as hiluxes are not antler proof.

 

[Maesfen]

Can you not use A roads then? It'll be a bit slower but better while you acclimatise yourself to the vehicle. They're very easy to drive BTW but be aware of their turning circle, it's a bit large! I'd certainly go down to collect it.