I BOUGHT HIM A 4WD?! NEW BUILD BEGINS!

*GIVEAWAY TIME*
For your chance to win an Explore Life Tee and Cap COMMENT BELOW If I made the right decision or if there's another 4WD I should have bought instead?
Open to Australian residents only.
Winner chosen 17/09/23.
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@thexplorelife
@explore_4x4
@matts_explorelife

[@PokeGaz]

Good choice, I must admit I love my bt50's though!

[@theexplorelife]

CONGRATS MATE! You've won our free Tee and Cap Giveaway. DM me on instagram at @explore_4x4 and we'll get it sent to you!

[@jayrobbo6304]

Tommy is such good value to the channel. Great energy haha. Hilux with the $70k budget is very relatable to the majority of people.

[@karzee095]

Keep it a simple tourer, something for the younger generations can see and inspire towards! I think having young Tom on here shows you can do anything if you work hard, so keep it simple and show that in the build! Well done mate and we’ll done Matty

[@grootsgracemission]

I think you did great. A little lifts, some sliders, and some skid plates you’ll be well on your way. A dust proof drawer system would be nice in the tub, with a rail mounted rack system to hold the maxtrax and rooftop tent.

[@whiskeytown3777]

I think you're spot on for the budget, I spent a bit more initially but did a simple 12v with fridge, lights, tyres, roof rack etc... Ended up around the 75k mark. I think the hilux is spot on for what you're going to use it for and build.

[@jamesprice4682]

Congrats tommy cannot go wrong with the n80 had mine for years and hasnt missed a beat! looking forward to see what you do to it and where you take it!

[@johncarter5428]

I love the episodes that Tom is in. Great choice going with the Lux, can't wait to see some big wheels and other modes.

[@jtvme4475]

Right choice mate definitely better than a nav I reckon you gotta turn it into a crazy off-road machine but still kind of recognisable/attainable to your average Aussie

[@williamslachie]

I would have went the V6 Amarok. Don't know what reliability issues you've heard. Only knock is that it doesn't have low range but the 8speed auto and extra power make up for it. But I'd like to see this built for weekend adventure spec. something that can be used for both weekend trips and stay light enough for some 4x4 fun!

[@benchavez3686]

Yes! Someone is finally doing an N80 build! FRESH new content boys!

[@roryolver1553]

Probably a bit out of the budget, but I really rate the new BT50. A build of that would have been great!

[@thewildthefree]

I went the np300 route for coils and looks myself but have seen some amazing looking N80s kicking about, flog those steel rims off tho 👊🏼. Looking forward to seeing where you throw it

[@evanmelleuish3219]

Definitely the Lux is the best choice. I think going the tourer direction on the build is the way to go and show new generations that have a vision and work your ass off, build it, love it and enjoy life. Can't wait to see what your plan is for the tub area. Yeeew

[@nicholasmcclellan5117]

So keen for this build series tommy, I currently have the exact same car I’m 18 years old too. Buying it off my old man. Such a great car for towing and working out of and probably camping as well. So looking forward to seeing and what your gonna do to it. I have the similar setup exact I have a tray and toolbox setup for work.

[@rosslangridge2105]

Love your choice Tommy, can’t wait to see where you take this build

[@russellhodgson2896]

Good choice, I have a 2021 SR Duel Cab N80, it’s super reliable and I absolutely love it. I’d seriously recommend a tray & canopy though!!! Plus a suspension upgrade with a 2inch lift as minimal mods.

[@toufic1987]

Congratulations tommy so stoked you bought the n80 i would of bought the same ute and rigged it to be a nice tourer that you can use day to day cant wait to see the build series unfold and videos...achieving alot for a young fella keep it up brother chase those dreams...🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@GeePa38]

No mention of the Colorado’s in the yard. Good work Tommy - good ep and entertaining - look forward to the build!!

[@adamwhite1977]

It’s great to see you so excited Tommy! I’m a Nissan guy myself but each to his own. I would keep it touring spec myself.

[@Matt_gracie]

I think you made the right choice. Got an n80 myself I’m setting up for touring. looking forward to watching future ep’s on the build.

[@michaelreis5398]

Love the dog sneaking up with the ball to play ! What ever you pick either way it should be a good build !

[@william6815]

Great choice n80 hilux is mint we have a fleet of them for work they now have around 350,000km no issues apart from one that did a transmission but fixed that and all good!

[@joelbrazier4261]

Reckon keep it fairly simple, especially to keep the popo happy.. there's some trick N80 about and plenty of good off the shelf parts available, specially if your trying to show people what can be done on a budget...Toyota tuff mate well done, you seem super happy and very grateful 🙏.. be good to see the build and the trips your going on, keep an eye on the updates. Defenetly would recommend a ironman bullbar for looks, price and winch capabilite.. Cheers

[@JaidynLC]

The n80 is a good buy at $35g! My 2015 np300 I brought was a construction supervisors fleet vehicle, $23g with 150tho. Stock other than at decent size colour-matched tray and tool box. still under $30g with a basic fitout full size canopy, arb bar locker and compressor, bilstein lift with full air rear. winch, 32's on steelies, stedi xpros, Explore seat organiser and dash storage (top quality), 10 inch android headunit, etc... Some used deals, repurposed or rebuilt ones and some ebay plus absolute bargains. look forward to seeing the build progress. 🤙

[@chriztinapoihipi]

So keen for you Tommy!! 😍😍 can’t wait to see what you do with the Luxy 👌🏽

[@anthonyduggan374]

You made a good decision mate can't wait to see the build and you exploring around in it 👍

[@fuzzypumper1971]

You picked the right one ,,,honestly ,,a 2 in quality lift and a snorkel ,,,your pretty much done❤

[@jaideoliver5852]

Loved the D-Max! Should be up there for the next one! Love the choice, though. Good on you, Tommy!

[@stephenbursill9304]

You got it 100% right. Great car. Go and hit the tracks mate 😊

[@Lax_On_The_Tracks]

I went with a brand new Ssangyong Musso XLV. Korean built quality, 4 link COIL REAR, Dana diffs with factory rear locker, Aisin 6 speed auto (same box as N80/Fortuner) with a 7 year warranty for $45k. As a mechanic myself I couldn't go past the value for money.

[@theexplorelife]

Would love to test one out one day. The aftermarket modifications market for them wasn’t big enough for what we were chasing this time unfortunately

[@InnerEdgeTrails]

I think the Hilux was a good choice, however it would have been hard to go past the Dmax for me. looking foward to see some basic touring mods. Keep up the great work guys. Living the dream

[@anthonygalati4611]

Great pick I would have got the same for the budget I would do 4inch lift winch bar UHF Snorkel tub rack like the pro rack type and deep cycle 12v system couple side and rear camp lights 👍

[@user-rz5jb9ex4p]

Hell yeah bro, I would have bought the same thing. You choose well 🤙can't wait to see what you do with it

[@michaelbaylis4380]

Should have gone with the Nav, love the coils in mine. Can’t beat that coil rear

[@AhhAkayeeGaming]

Yeh woulda gone N70 myself but good luck with the build. look forward to seeing the first mods! I'd swap out the factory ipad stereo with an aftermarket double din for sure (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay etc) Churr! 🤙

[@user-hc9ef6uc7m]

You made the right decision, just bought a 2018 manual sr5, beauty

[@charleineoloughlin326]

Best episode well done Tommy we would have run with the nav for the comfort but can’t wait to see the build.

[@darrenjordan841]

Nice. Here I am frothing over my 2000 100 series LC. Nice pick up mate.

[@DanielB-py1yi]

Great buy and as the driver of an N80 SR5, I'm looking forward to the upcoming videos.

[@Lifeunedited86]

The np300 has not been shown off yet properly so I think you guys should have done that instead of the common hilux which was so predictable that you were going to choose. You still have time to sell it and get a coil rear monster and build it properly . I would have chosen the hilux 2nd if I couldn't get a NP300 monster. Love you guys can't wait to see what will be different on your lux ❤

[@jeremyharris4415]

Looks great Tom very nice and clean just need a Snorkel and maybe a 2 inch lift and a rooftop tent above the tub and you will be away enjoy exploring life.

[@neddalton5792]

Love the n80 mate great choice. Enjoy the build!

[@toriesigurdsson4748]

So keen to watch this come along as I just bought a 2019 Hilux today and would like ideas on what to do to mine

[@Tourn4x4]

Matty you need to add a stoked counter to this 😂😂😂

[@theexplorelife]

😂😂

[@michaeljonesy484]

Congrats mate! Good choice though I have gone with a PX2 or PX3 Ranger that 3.2 for some grunt. Can't wait to see what you do with this thing

[@lachlansmith9839]

Got a dmax myself mate, but it was between that or an n80. Keen to see what you guys end up doing with her 👌🏼

[@jordanbonanno1028]

Love the lux. Bit hurt you didn’t go nav (I’ve got one😂). But don’t need much, I’ve got 2 inch, 33’s AT. Small dual battery system and an awning and that’s my setup and love it!! Cheap, simple and basic especially for an apprentice 😂

[@scotthepburn69]

Nice one boy’s, look forward to the changes, keep ‘‘em coming.

[@rollyb5061]

awesome Tom, i was betting on you choosing the N80, perfect choice👍

[@ethan928]

Off-road pros are about to have a few customers coming through the doors. Looks like some decent deals at that dealership

[@amandabarrass5042]

Congrats mate awesome choice, exactly what I would have gone for with that budget.

[@J.Young808]

I have a 2005 Subaru Outback XT manual with a 1” lift and Falken Wildpeak +1 tires.

[@kylethomas8011]

Love the hilux! But I’m a Dmax man!! Either options are great! Enjoy it 🎉

[@ShortsYung]

Knowing you have the Prado I couldn’t thinking of you driving away with anything else. Sick truck and so keen to see what you do with it

[@karlneilguinayen]

Perfect choice as i do have an n80 😅

[@dr3zy]

ive got a pretty stock n80, cant wait to see what you do!

[@glennpitman6161]

I have a 2012 n70 1kd auto, absolutely love it, but a 3.0l dmax with the factory locker would be hard to go past

[@pandamick]

My dude, so stoked for you. I imagine the Lux is a good choice for you. Personally, I would have rolled with the Nissan. II have a huge soft spot for Nissan and currently have a D40. If I were to upgrade, it would be either NP300 or the D-Max. Can't wait to see what happens to it.

[@rickfranke4886]

Congratz mate!

[@gavindereus3643]

Tom, keep it a practical tourer as you’ll be able to use it more, with a canopy on the back with some drawers and a small lift you’ll be set?

[@StuTheFarmer]

I dare say the lad is ‘stoked’

[@andrewthornton6137]

shes gonna be a beaut tommy, i would have gone the Dmax but it would be a tough call either way.

[@wazza8396]

Nice as 😮I’ll most likely do tray as u can use it for more things that tube be no good for off roading I would buy one if I could

[@leightonB69]

Definitely gunna be a good build I would have bought a dual cab n80 also

[@bayleybettini2175]

I would have went the np300 being coil all round alot more comfier smaller engine but bi turbo, reckon 2inch lift 33inch mud tyers you will be laughing mate, can't wait to see how for you go with the build congrats on the hilux good choice 👍

[@bangbangzz1]

Grats on the new car mate. It looks to be in really good condition. You gotta be stoked. On your walk around it sounded like youre pretty much happy with it all the way it is, so im keen to see how you spend the rest of Mattys cash. But why was Colorado not on your list of prospective options? You coulda got a low km, newer Colorado for what you spent on the Hilux. Anyways, happy for ya young fella. Awesome first Explore Life car, cant wait to see you wheeling in it

[@jordonwalker2894]

Awesome rig tommy, I think hilux was the right choice just on reliability! Especially out bush I’ve had my struggles with other big name brands, so I reckon Toyota is the way to go

[@jaedenhorner5028]

love a good luxy!! keep it up Tom love it!!

[@Jack-qk5xo]

would of gone with the n80 great choice will be an awesome build.

[@petersomani1580]

Well done, good choice

[@088ben]

You should put a TC Boxes tray on it. They are a nice looking tray and good quality and they fit the budget build as far as price goes.

[@matthewbowen138]

Congrats mate. Would have gone the D-Max myself

[@Quarry4x4]

Really looking forward to stock touring

[@moe_1886]

Toyota Tominator comin' roight up!! Can't wait to see the mods Lads!

[@chrisbeling7350]

Matti you got a problem ... this young man is good and very intertaining. Taking over . Good vid 😂

[@markroper9269]

Nice truck!

[@007Knightjp]

Good choice on the Hilux. Although I would have gone for the Navara though. Looking at it from a resale and business point of view, the Toyota is the best bet. It would have been more interesting to see something different than a Hilux, D-Max or even Navara. As much as we joke about them and mock them, I'm hearing some good things about the GWM Poer trucks. There's even an Arctic Trucks version and those guys are the ones behind the Top Gear Polar Expedition Trucks. If they see them as good platforms, I'm convinced. But not convinced enough to sell my Ram 1500.

[@rogerinlow5033]

I’m happy you, and can’t wait to see the upgrades. Wish we could buy the Hilux in the U.S.

[@benhamilton1360]

Nice content. Interested to see how it goes

[@michaelreis5398]

I'm not much on the newer 4bs with all the electronic components , more things that can go wrong but if you do it right she should look Mint and take you where you want to go 😎 could do with the shirt and hat !

[@trentmblake9459]

Perfect choice… can’t beat Toyota reliability and resale! Will also be good to see a touring tub build rather then the usual tray canopy build! Can’t wait!

[@wedgetailleather]

It’s for wheeling, I would’ve gone a Navara for the coil rear.

[@Taylored532]

If your not gonna worry about a canopy, you should have gone an Everest, they are a weapon off road they already have coils at the rear as well.

[@theexplorelife]

A bit too pricey for the model I liked plus I’ve got some epic ideas for the tray 👌

[@vkradio1656]

Yes, that's what I'm talking about, well done then tell Matt you want to be the Aussie version of Whistlin Diesel .😂😂👍👍

[@benparker226]

I would have gone the gold NP300 as that’s exactly what I have and would of loved to see you build one. Coil rear end would of been good to see you push it to the limits

[@scottknijf8470]

Would of gone the bt50 in that same era 2015, bigger engine reliability and has the factory diff lock. I own one and have given it a flogging loading it up and 4wding. Tow capacity has it too 3.5 tonne.

[@oliverjohnson3309]

Wouldn’t of chosen another car tommy, excellent choice and can’t wait to see what you do!!

[@allstargsr]

Personally would of gone bt50 or dmax. n80 hilux also have the issue of timing chain chatter and that dpf issue when is shows i can be constant battle. But happy for you mate weather the car choice

[@bradleygilbert7112]

Can’t go wrong with a Toyota! A 150 prado would have been pretty epic but not sure it would fit in the budget! Can’t wait to see it modded up Tommy! Yew 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@69pecies]

I've driven most new dual cabs through my job and I've got to say the hilux is definitely the best choice comfortable to to drive with decent room and easy to keep clean. Definitely a good platform to build up for a tour! Looking forward to seeing the build this channel got alot of good content on the way

[@theexplorelife]

Thanks mate I definitely found that they felt more solid/better build quality than some of the competitors

[@Jeep.wj.tj.australia]

Keeping the mods to thing's reachability for the average jo is what it should be about as your saying 🤷‍♂️ nothing that needs engineers stratifications would make most sense 👍🏻

[@curtturtle]

You made a great choice. I recently sold my N70 and bought an FJ Cruiser. I just can't fault toyotas.

[@bamafencer12]

Keep the Tub Tom! Nice ute!!

[@jonathonrobinson6638]

I probably would have gone with the Triton the chassis braking problems were due to overloading.

[@huhedhuhed1000]

Looks like fun!

[@Dave_Gurman]

N80 Hilux was the way to go for the price and reliability. 👍

[@dur8349]

Tommy, N70 all the way! 1) Aspiration - Snorkle. 2) Elevation - 2" lift. 3) Communication - GME UHF; Then spend whats left of the budget on Explore life merch. You're set.

[@FordCourier4wd]

Any suggestions on the 30k mark from off-road pros went past and each time there closed

[@Tongsy101]

That 70th anniversary has been sitting at that dealer since before march, I remember seeing it and laughing at the price 😂

[@grommieslivinn]

Great choise, would choose an 80 two. If I got $70,000 I would sas my n70 and win lock it