I own a Toyota Hilux Invincible 2010 Model, few things first, you won’t be able to find a 2010 model invincible under 47Lac and 2012 Model under 55Lac. Invincible is imported from UK and is manufactured in South Africa. Anyway, if you are able to find one, then that may require you to do spend more on it.
Invincible is built on a different frame as compared to Thi and Local Vigo and that makes it more sold and comfortable. I drove a family from an off-road farm house to main road as family arrived to this very farm on a local brand new Toyota Fortuner. Passengers told me that they are impressed as suspension is far better then Fortuner and unlike local Hilux which they have driven and were unimpressed. They said, it’s a completely different vehicle and they can feel it.
Anyway, downside to invincible is, 2010-2011 model is EURO 4 whereas 2012 and above models are EURO 5. EURO 4 and EURO 5 stuff is very good for environment as vehicle releases far less pollutants, but downside is, when it goes bad, I have seen local mechanics standing clueless. As, Exhaust is rerouted through catalyst converter and partially back through d4d intake which causes a buildup of carbon inside and can block intake manifold, ERG valves, throttle body and ERG cooler. So, just after buying, you may have to go for removal of attached accessories for cleanup of everything till intake manifold. Further, copper washer on injectors fails with time and may cause blowby which if goes undetected can deprive engine of oil and kill the 1kd completely. This happens all the time and is true for all 1kd engines irrelative of EURO standard. Simple precaution is, have the injectors removed after every 1lac kilometers and have the washers replaced with new one.
In end, 1kd engine which is properly tuned or free from these defects is fun to drive. It’s a SUV which drives like a powerful car, its fun and you just get addicted to driving it. Almost every kid loves this vehicle because of open space behind where they insist on sitting inspire of fact that its dangerous. Back seats are not as comfortable, driving seat and passenger seats are for kings. Fuel milage inside city is 8km/liter with reasonably good foot, on highways its 10km/l with little hard foot and if you drive like an asshole, then you can also experience 6km/l of fuel consumption inside city and roughly 8-9km/liter on highways.
this vehicle is hard to find in market so you may have to struggle. If you really made your mind up for invincible then know that it’s a good option only if you can find it in a reasonable price and able to pick a good piece. Don’t rush, wait and see every option.
In End, why do you want invincible, if comfort is what you want then go for Prado, Invincible offers best comfort in Hilux but not comparable to Prado. I wanted a 1kd engine not 1kz, I had an option of Prado with 1kd engine, Toyota Surf 2005 with 1kd engine. What made me choose invincible was as I wanted an open back, I thought hard and finally decided, I would rather go for a multipurpose vehicle with an ability to be a Loader vehicle as well and it can serve many purposes for me in future as well. For comfort and family, I have a car as well. Honestly, I feel, I made the right decision whereas family feels that Prado was a better option where I disagree.
