Thread: Ideal vehicle for Panama, Toyota Hilux

I figured I needed a vehicle that can take the whole family, is 4x4, economical, big enough to survive a collision, is widely used and servicing is not an isse. Well the Hilux seems to be it. It eats 7L/100km = 33.6 Mpg, had no problem climbing off road in El Valle, fast enough to get going and slow enough and common enough, not to be pulled over by the cops. One thing to beware of is that pre 2008 Hiluxes were made in Argentina and have all sorts of quality issues, 2009 on is OK to buy. These 2.5L turbo diesel engines run for 500,000 km if you change the oil regularly. I am very pleased with mine.

Maybe worth below 10,000 dollars is good as well so that the insurance is (likelier to be) valid for the party that hits you.

Good choice.

nothing wrong with that car, but dont expect the police to NOT stop you. the checkpoints pretty much stop everybody!

Did you buy new or used?? I also think it is a perfect vehicle but very hard to find used and when you can find one, it's still very pricey. The upside being that the depreciation is minimal!

I got a 2009 with 92,000 kms for $17,500. What I meant the car is a dime a dozen and not flashy that screams to the cops: "SHAKE ME DOWN".

That is a pretty good price! Everything I've seen on Encuentra 24 or Craigs List is over 20,000 with higher mileage. Great buy! I'll have to look harder...

Originally Posted by marcomac

That is a pretty good price! Everything I've seen on Encuentra 24 or Craigs List is over 20,000 with higher mileage. Great buy! I'll have to look harder...

$20k on encuentra means $15k cash