The Hilux has been participating in motorsport events such as the Dakar Rally. It has performed well every time. The popular image of Hilux is that a reliable and indestructible car. But the true strength of the Hilux (which has been a bestseller for decades) is the excellent quality control and reliability among owners.

When someone buys a truck for work or play, they are never disappointed by the engine performance. Even in the case of used Toyota engines for sale, Hilux’s engines are on a high pedestal.

1984-1998 SFA Toyota Hilux

With Toyota's reputation for building the world's best 4×4 LDV, the Hilux is available in 4 variants. It has a 2.2 petrol (4-year engine), 2.4 petrol (22R engine), 2.4 diesel (2-liter engine), and 2.8 diesel engine (3-liter engine). It’s reliable, robust, and unstoppable off-road.

The 2.2 petrol seems to be the most popular among SFA owners. The 2.4 petrol engine is more powerful but at the cost of higher fuel consumption. Some of the SFA owners say the extra power doesn't justify the extra fuel economy. Others say they love his 2.4 and aren't willing to trade it for a 2.2.

As a common man, you can expect 7-8 km/l on the 2.2 and 5-6.5 km/l on the 2.4. Many owners are now running some EFI conversions on their 4Y and 22R engines. They are reporting significant increases in torque, power, and fuel efficiency. 

This makes the 'regular' SAF Hilux even more usable on country roads, in the city, and even in the bush. It further enhances its already legendary reputation.

1998-1999 IFS Hilux

These models were available with a 2.7i petrol (3RZ engine) and a regular 3.0-liter diesel (5-liter engine).

The 3.0 Turbo Diesel (KZ-TE) was added in 2001 or 2002. Initially, they tried to convert the Alpine Turbo to a regular 3.0 diesel. But it was a disaster and one of those models you shouldn't buy. 

These models offered more features and a comfortable ride. Overall, they are better than their predecessors. All thanks to the Independent Front Suspension (IFS). There is always a big discussion on all 4x4 forums about the offroad performance of SFA and IFS.

If you’re into serious off-roading or 4×4 racing, definitely the SFA is the best option. It performs way better than the IFS system in extreme off-road conditions.

But if you're more interested in overland or normal rough terrain, IFS works just as well. On all the 4×4 trails, IFS Hiluxes can get you to 99% of the places SFA can go. Differential lock affects off-road performance. An IFS Hilux with a diff lock is better than an SFA Hilux without a diff lock.

So, if you're a regular family man looking for adventure and fun family moments, perhaps you don't need SFA. Instead, you can enjoy the comfort and luxury of the IFS Hilux. The 2.7i engine is one resilient engine. It can do over 500,000 km. Also, it seems not uncommon for these vehicles to reach 700,000 km without engine work. The 2.7 engine is more powerful than its predecessor. It's also very parsimonious (even though 4×4 can be called 'parsimonious').

If you drive like a normal person, you can expect 7 to -8.5 km/l on public roads. It also cruises comfortably at 130 km/h and still has enough power for him to cover the 7.5 km/l range. Driving at over 140 km/h fuel consumption can be seen to drop to 6 km/l.

Below are some of the low mileages used engines for sale you can consider in your Toyota Helix.

• The 3.0 KZ-TE turbodiesel is a powerful engine that makes driving fun. Plenty of power for long climbs and fuel consumption of around 8 km/l. 
• Regular His 3.0 Diesel is the family's dependable workhorse. It's not as fast and powerful as the KZ-TE, but it's much better than the older diesel types SFA 2.4 and 2.8.

These models offer the perfect balance of comfort, reliability, and off-road capability. You can use 99% of the places SFA goes, but more convenient. They are still stiff and sturdy. But not as soft as the newer models.

The New Model of Hilux (Post 2005) 

The most convenient and economical option is the newer models. The 3.0 D4-D, in particular, strikes a fine balance between powerful and economical engines.

Its off-road maneuverability is like previous IFS models. They are soft and not as sturdy as the older models. The attribute soft refers to the body, including the bed, rather than the entire vehicle.

If you need a 4×4 to work, we recommend choosing one of the earlier models. But if you want to drive in comfort or if you only need to carry camping gear and luggage, the new model is available.

Lifecycle of Toyota Engines for Hilux

Toyota Hilux rocks some of the most remarkable engine options. But they are not invincible to the destruction of time. Eventually, your Hilux will need external help to keep going. So, if you are in a position of losing your Hilux because of engine troubles, consider getting a used Japanese Toyota engine for your truck.

You can find high-quality used engines by searching “Toyota used engines near me.” 

All you need to do is pick one that’s most compatible with your ride. There are plenty of sellers online and offline, but one that offers a long-term warranty is a clear choice.

So, if you suspect your Toyota Hilux engine to be at the end of its lifecycle, get a used Toyota engine for it and give it another go at life.

Conclusion

Toyota Hilux is a benchmark for reliability and strength in the market. With the Hilux line-up, Toyota has managed to enhance its reputation of making the strongest and most worthy cars. A huge contribution is, of course, the Hilux engines that last as long as 700,000 miles, in some cases.

While the engine models and features have upgraded over the years, one thing remains the same. You can still access used Toyota engines anywhere in the USA and Canada if you encounter a problem. Buying a used engine pulls you out of a slump without losing money.