Launched in Australia in 1968, the Toyota Hilux is Australia’s most respected ute - the name a combination of “high” and “luxury”. This iconic model is synonymous with reliability, value, safety and strength - making it the perfect vehicle for tradies, adventurers and families alike.

The Toyota Hilux is consistently the car of choice for many Australians, and once again outsold every other model in the first half of this year (VFacts July 2022) despite ongoing stock shortages since the pandemic. Hilux sales were up over 40% in June compared to the same month last year, with sales increasing by 14% since January 1.

Reasons to drive a Toyota Hilux

When it comes to the reasons to drive a Hilux, we’ll try to keep it brief. From the city to the country, the Toyota Hilux is considered ‘unbreakable’ - there hasn’t been a single recall since 2010. The Hilux is simple yet still offers maximum value, is built on a solid ladder chassis, and boasts a braked towing capacity between 2250 and 2500kg. Depending on your layout, the tray can carry up to 1405kg, and there are a range of options available - from the working class WorkMate to the adventure-ready Rugged X version. The Hilux SR5 is the top-selling model, offering a 2.8L diesel engine with oversized 18” alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a smart entry/start system and Toyota Safety Sense intelligent technology.

The cabin is one of the most user-friendly in the business, with controls that are easy to find, understand and operate and there’s plenty of storage. The reputation of the Toyota Hilux is unmatched (according to Top Gear, it’s ‘invincible’) and rightly so after 50 years of production. Its popularity means that parts are easy-to-find and inexpensive, and the driving experience is touted to be amongst the best. Think smooth handling, nice steering and a comfortable driving position, with independent front suspension providing comfort in the cabin and a live axle setup ensuring robust stability in the back. Need we say more?

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Toyota Hilux?

In the current market, getting access to a new Hilux can be tricky - the average wait time to buy new is currently around 150 days. The baseline 2022 Toyota Hilux Workmate Manual 4x2 starts around $29,000, while a dual cab Toyota Hilux Rugged X 4x4 will set you back just under $80,000 drive away (ex. government fees and charges)*. 

Used models are more readily available, however buying a used vehicle can carry some risk. Doing your research, knowing the car’s history, getting a full mechanical check and taking the car for a test drive are all important considerations if you’re wanting to get your hands on a Hilux in the next few weeks or months.

How Much Does It Cost to Finance a Toyota Hilux

For most of us, either leasing or financing is preferred over buying the car outright. Both help to break down the overall cost that buying a new vehicle can involve. When it comes to your options, it’s all about making the choice that’s right for you, right now. 

If you’re looking to finance, you can expect to pay the price of the vehicle plus interest (usually ranging between 6% and 20%, depending on your individual circumstances. For example, that top of the range Toyota Hilux Rogue AWD priced at $83,000 today, financed over 5 years at 9.5% interest (with no ‘balloon’ or residual payment), will set you back $436 a week, or $104,580 over the course of your loan (ex. government fees and charges). See how it can add up?

With most banks and lending institutions, you’ll also need to consider added monthly, lender, broker and ‘break’ fees if you look to pay off your loan early. These can add up to thousands of dollars extra, depending on your lender and finance term.

That’s why when it comes to finance, it’s a great idea to consider all of your options. Online car loan comparison platforms like CarClarity can help you to find the finance arrangement that works best for you.

Just remember - when financing or buying a car outright, you’ll need to factor in additional running costs including insurance, registration, servicing and other maintenance costs. Depending on your vehicle and frequency of use, these will range from approximately $150 to $600 per week.

Another alternative is a vehicle lease. You won’t own the car, but the cost of use, maintenance, insurance and registration is rolled into one easy regular payment, and you’ll need less money up front to get into a new vehicle. There are many pros and cons to both leasing and finance, so take some time to consider whether these options are right for you.

How Much Does It Cost to Subscribe a Toyota Hilux?

We’ve covered the more traditional options, but the good news is that there’s one more. Here at carbar, our car subscription service allows you exclusive access to a fully-maintained and comprehensively insured Hilux for a simple weekly subscription cost, similar to a lease - one of the most flexible and easiest ways to get into a Hilux today from as little as $224 per week.

There are minimum costs, but unlike a lease, there are no minimum terms. Just give us two weeks’ notice to swap cars or stop your subscription.

A car subscription carries most of the benefits of a car lease, but with more flexibility. Because it’s chunked into affordable weekly payments, a carbar subscription offers an alternative to traditional car leasing that can fit your budget and lifestyle as it stands today - with the freedom to stop or swap with 2 weeks’ notice should anything change. 

If you love your subscription car and want to own it, we now also offer the ability to purchase your beloved subscription car when it works for you.

Unlike any other car retailers in Australia, carbar customers can now seamlessly switch their carbar subscription to a loan arrangement thanks to our latest partnership with car loan comparison platform, CarClarity.

The best part? You don’t even need to decide straight away. We know that a car is a big purchase, and personally allow our subscribers to switch to finance once they’re ready. Taking some time to try before you buy could save you a lot of money, time and hassle in the long run.

We’re adding new cars to our fleet every week, a number of vehicles in the Hilux range to choose from (and hundreds more) - whether you choose to subscribe, finance or buy. The choice is always yours.

Browse our latest selection of cars today.

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*https://www.carsales.com.au/toyota/hilux/price/2022/#pricing-disclaimer