Posts: 1,455
Threads: 148
Joined: Mar 2010
We have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma 2 wheel drive, automatic, standard cab. We shipped it to Hilo form Seattle via Matson at a cost of about $1100 in 2011. It is the perfect vehicle for us. I can haul full sized 8' x 4' plywood, 8-10' 2x4's, etc, etc. I think I could sell a dozen of these here in no time at all. Mine was bought new, and came here pre-dented (thanks to my son), and fit right in. I get strangers walking up to me to ask if it's for sale. None has taken my tailgate. I think 2004 was the last year for the small sized Tacomas. I don't need 4 wheel drive, and I think it just adds unneded complexity and extra maintenance. We have a Toyota dealer in Hilo.
But, if you are going to move somewhere where the roads are REALLY bad, or that floods often,maybe 4 wheel would be desirable.
I ride motorcycles, scooters, even bicycles quite often, as I much prefer 90 mpg to 24-25 mpg.
Jon in Keaau/HPP
Jon in Keaau/HPP
Posts: 7,798
Threads: 695
Joined: Jun 2011
3 years on island. Have owned 5 vehicles. One met an early demise during a collision. My personal favorite from the Fab 5 is a 1995 Dodge Dakota pickup that I paid $1720.00 for. Asking price on Craigslist was $1800. No idea why the seller talked me down. Plenty of clearance. No 4WD but have never needed it. Uglier than sin. If "pretty" is important to you, maybe you'll be happier on the other side of the island, but buying vehicles here is complicated. Dealer lots want WAY too much and private deals have dangers. Most people aren't aware that Hawaii vehicles can have back taxes. This isn't the mainland where if the previous owner(s) never paid for a registration(s), the new owner gets a "get of jail" free card. Here you will have to pay for the sins of past owners. Always check that before you buy. Also double check the title. I've walked away from private vehicle sales after discovering that their "clear title" was neither.
Posts: 493
Threads: 82
Joined: Mar 2013
Was told Kia Rio are popular for people with mobility issues. Small, but easier than a minivan to get in and out of. No need for 4WD in HPP
Posts: 14,144
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
parts are paved, parts aren't, so that is where our concern about 4WD came in
The lack of pavement comes in many styles and flavors; in many cases, "unpaved" means "graded with gravel", in others (notably Hawaiian Acres) it means "someone created the road with a D9 a few decades ago and left it at that".
4WD is rarely necessary simply due to the lack of dirt; there's usually traction to be had on a pahoehoe "road"...
Posts: 3,188
Threads: 216
Joined: Sep 2007
Once one has driven all wheel drive on wet roads - you will never go back to 2 wheel drive. Its like being glued to the roadway.
Posts: 1,455
Threads: 148
Joined: Mar 2010
Good point about the back taxes. We also have an annual inspection.
Jon in Keaau/HPP
Jon in Keaau/HPP
Posts: 4,332
Threads: 100
Joined: Mar 2014
Most people aren't aware that Hawaii vehicles can have back taxes. This isn't the mainland where if the previous owner(s) never paid for a registration(s), the new owner gets a "get of jail" free card. Here you will have to pay for the sins of past owners. Always check that before you buy. Also double check the title. I've walked away from private vehicle sales after discovering that their "clear title" was neither.
- - - - - - - - -
Very valid points. Check the VIN in several locations - vehicles are stolen often here and get VIN's swapped onto other vehicles all the time. People list them as "farm vehicles" - actually they are probably stolen and that is why they have been unregistered for years.
Never buy a used vehicle here without first checking with DMV office - you can really get burned on the back taxes. This also means, do not ever rush to buy a vehicle on a weekend. If the seller refuses to let you wait a day or gets nervous about your checking of the VIN/title, RUN AWAY.
Posts: 531
Threads: 10
Joined: Apr 2014
Hawaiian acres driving is the worst , many car repair bills , I have a Honda , ford ranger , and chevy tracker. all have taken a beating. bought 2 FJ Cruisers and I think it is one of the best vehicles for rough roads . should have bought them sooner . we drive to hilo everyday.
Posts: 119
Threads: 6
Joined: Dec 2013
2002 Toyota Tacoma 4 cylinder, 4x4 manual transmission, 4 inch lift (3 woulda been fine).
All four of those 4s are beautiful here.
But still, I'll also agree that "the best vehicle is an extra vehicle."
A shout-out to HA brothers and sisters: Upper OLE roads aren't pretty.
Some of us like it that way.
Posts: 3,188
Threads: 216
Joined: Sep 2007
add to that ball joints "a" arm bushings and tie rod ends .....lube to grease the fuel door hinge (they rust and the fuel door breaks off) ....the joys of living in the rain forest.
if toyota ....you will want some a/c relays as well ....dearer than hens teeth ....
