Overview of the Toyota Kluger
Known as the Highlander in other markets, the Kluger arrived in 2003 to fill the hole left by the discontinued Camry wagon. It was well timed, too: Ford released its Australian-built, Falcon-based Territory SUV just a year later.
The Toyota Kluger has continued to grow in size and is now a seven-seater model only. It also continues to be powered by a V6 petrol engine.
It was last updated in early 2018 with technology such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control added across the range.
TOYOTA KLUGER GENERATIONS (SINCE 2003)
2003-2007
2007-2013
2014 onwards
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption (2014 onwards)
3.5L V6: 9.1 to 9.5 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 10,000km or six months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs $180. Toyota Kluger parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO TOYOTA KLUGER
Ford Territory
Kia Sorento
Mazda CX-9
Nissan Pathfinder
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: TOYOTA KLUGER (2012 to 2017)
All-wheel-drive Klugers have had issues with front differentials that can fail early. Pinion bearings seem to be the culprit and it hasn't affected front-drive models. A whine when cruising at about 70km/h is the first symptom.
Beyond that, the main thing to check is the electrical gear on board. Power windows can become sticky in their operation. If they get bad enough, they can actually cause the window switch to have a melt-down. There was a recall for this, in fact.
Check that the sunroof works, and if it doesn't there's a complicated set of steps you can follow to reset the body computer and possibly restore the roof to working condition. The steps are set out in the owner's manual, so make sure that comes with the car and hasn't been removed and lost.
Check the Bluetooth for its ability to connect with your phone and the clarity it provides. For some reason, Toyota's Bluetooth is notoriously recalcitrant and not even dealers have a fix.
