REDLINE ALLEYToyota Hilux N70 buying guide
2004 to 2015. An N70 suits a buyer who wants a simple, proven work ute and can confirm the injector seal history.
Big jobs
- 1KD-FTV injector seals and oil pickup. Leaking injector seals on the 3.0 turbo diesel let blow by gases into the oil. That forms carbon which can block the oil pickup in the sump, and the worst case is engine seizure.
- Injectors. A rattling engine on the common rail diesel is commonly put down to worn injectors, and the fix is replacing them.
Workshop jobs
- Clutch wear. Toyota utes have a history of clutch wear, usually when used for a lot of low speed driving or towing.
- Underbody and tray damage from work. Work and off road use leave crushed exhausts, torn CV boots, chassis damage and dents in the tray that let rust in under a bed liner.
Small jobs
- Tailshaft support bracket (4WD). Toyota recalled 4WD models in 2010 to check for a possible failure of the tailshaft support bracket.
- CV joint boots. Split CV joint seals are reported on 4WD models.
Questions for the seller
- When were the injector seals last done, and at what km?
- Has the oil pickup ever been checked for carbon?
- Has the tailshaft bracket recall been done?
- Has it towed heavy loads, and has the clutch been replaced?
- Can the bed liner come out so I can see the tray floor?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-01. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.