Joel originally started his 4x4 life with a single-cab N70 Hilux, which he duly modified and enjoyed for more than six years before reverting it to stock and trading in on a rally-inspired 2014 WRX hatch. Combining the ability to conduct spirited driving and all-wheel drive proved the little hatchback a winner in Joel’s eyes: “It was probably the best car I ever have had, but you just couldn’t do much in it.”
Missing the beach and bush driving had Joel scanning the classifieds only six months later for another Hilux. “It had to be exactly what I was looking for, but this time it had to be auto, and maybe a TRD if I could find one,” he explained.
The aim being to build an off-road rig in a pre-runner style capable of maintaining high speeds across the rutted and frequently washed out Kalgoorlie dirt roads which Joel calls home. A short time later Joel spotted this untouched 2014 Tidal Blue SR example sitting in a car yard. So the Rex was swapped over and Joel was back in a Hilux again.
This story is from the May 2021 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
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This story is from the May 2021 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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