Car description in blue book.

[Irishrogue]

I have just looked at the Blue Book for a Fortuner I purchased and it is registered as a Toyota Hilux? My question therefore is "Do you have a Toyota Fortuner and is it also registered as a Hilux"? Or should I question this?

[Spoonman]

I would definitely question it.

On a similar vein the insurance papers for my Ranger pickup lists it as a 7 seater Fiesta with a 2.2 diesel engine.

[IMHO]

Depending on what model Hilux it's registered at, it could mean that up to 17% of taxes haven't been paid on it. If you've already paid for the car, escalating the issue could just mean you have to pay a tax bill. If you haven't yet paid, don't.

[stevenl]

I presume you bought second hand?

[Tywais]

Perhaps this explains it.

The Toyota Fortuner, also known as the Toyota SW4, is a medium-sized SUV based on the Toyota Hilux. Originally assembled only in Thailand, but later also in Indonesia and other countries, the Fortuner is built on the Toyota Hilux pickup truck platform.

Wiki

[Irishrogue]

Thank you to everyone who replied. In answer to StevenL yes it was purchased as used but the only previous owner on the registration book is Toyota. I assumed it was registered as a Hilux simply because they share a common chassis. But still it is not a Pick Up?

IMHO I suppose even Toyota are not averse to paying less Tax but I thought that only VAT would have applied on a vehicle wholly manufactured in Thailand.

Spoonman, I am at a complete loss as to how I should respond, your dilemma is greater than mine.

Once again many thanks, I think silence on my part seems the best option.

[Tywais]

But still it is not a Pick Up?

From what I read it is a Hilux with a cab.

[IMHO]

No way is a Fortuner getting mistaken for a Hilux. The make and model info that goes into the blue book is based on data from the excise tax dept, who have full details on each and every unit sold in TH. Either someone has made a typing mistake at the DLT, or something fishy is going on.

[VocalNeal]

Are the engine and chassis numbers in the book correct?

Seems it would be easy to change the plates on a stolen Fortuner for those of a legal Hilux and BYU.

Maybe a Fortuner owner on here will look in their book for you?

[Irishrogue]

Hi All,

Once again thank you for the advice, I have since checked with both a Thai National and a Foreigner both of whom drive a Fortuner and they both reviewed their blue books and in both cases the car is registered as a HILUX. Just another example of TIT.

[IMHO]

Haven't owned a Hilux Fortuner, but have owned a Pajero Sport, and the blue book for that def. doesn't say "Triton". I have also looked at excise tax registries before, and there's no mistaking one model for another there - and that's what the DLT need to match the invoices against when first registering the car.

Can one of our Fortuner owners have a look at their blue book and confirm? OP may have just unearthed a tax avoidance scam

[Spoonman]

Can one of our Fortuner owners have a look at their blue book and confirm? OP may have just unearthed a tax avoidance scam

dual Cab Hilux would be taxed at the same rate as the tuna I would have thought.

[transam]

And the Fortuner does not use a Hilux/Vigo platform.

Can any member here with a Fortuner check their book for the OP.

[IMHO]

Can one of our Fortuner owners have a look at their blue book and confirm? OP may have just unearthed a tax avoidance scam

dual Cab Hilux would be taxed at the same rate as the tuna I would have thought.

Single cab = 3%

Double cab =12%

PPV = 20%

These are the published rates, the actual real-life rates once you also factor in interior tax (not inc VAT) are:

Single cab = 3.1%

Double cab = 13.8%

PPV = 25.6%

The difference is not insignificant.

[IMHO]

And the Fortuner does not use a Hilux/Vigo platform.

Can any member here with a Fortuner check their book for the OP.

Correct, entirely different chassis & suspension, and the only shared metal is the hood and the front doors.

[stevenl]

If engine and chassis numbers are correct I would not have it changed. If the car was bought new I would have it changed.

[transam]

And also remember that there are strict rules regarding the blue book, for instance, if you fit a canopy on a Vigo THEY must be informed.

[Tywais]

And the Fortuner does not use a Hilux/Vigo platform.

From my post above and from a variety of other web sites - "the Fortuner is built on the Toyota Hilux pickup truck platform."

[IMHO]

And the Fortuner does not use a Hilux/Vigo platform.

From my post above and from a variety of other web sites - "the Fortuner is built on the Toyota Hilux pickup truck platform."

If you want to get technical, the IMV platform is the basis for 3 different cars: the Hilux, the Fortuner and the Innova, but modified to suit each application. It is incorrect the say the Fortuner is based on the Hilux (or the Innova).