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90 Series 3.4 ltr petrol - Rust/head gaskets/parts availabty


 
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Carnut
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Joined: 03 Nov 2018
Posts: 6
Location: The Netherlands

PostPosted: Sat Nov 03, 2018 19:16    Post subject: 90 Series 3.4 ltr petrol - Rust/head gaskets/parts availabty Reply with quote

Good evening all,

I am considering to buy a 4x4 vehicle for recreational purposes (greenlaning, mainly during holidays), and the 90 series 3.4 litre petrol is at the top of my list. In this forum and elsewhere I have already found a lot of useful information, but I'm still learning. At this point I am trying to find answers to the following questions:

1) the 5VZ-FE engine has been known to blow its head gaskets; does this follow from problems with the cooling system or is it a weak point in itself? On one of the forums I checked there was poll on this issue, and most of the head gasket problems occurred on early cars manufactured in 1996 or 1997. Does anybody have information on improvements which Toyota made to this engine, and at what point in time these improvements were made?

2) I read about rust occurring at the top of the windscreen and around the sunroof, and apparently the sunroof electrics usually fail at some point. Would you advise against buying a car with a sunroof for these reasons? It seems to me that rust in the roof panel would be very costly to repair. It would be interesting to have more information on how often rust around the sunroof occurs.

3) in The Netherlands - where I live - and in the surrounding countries nice examples of the 90 series are few and far between, which is why buying one in Japan could be an attractive option. As far as you are aware, could this lead to problems in terms of parts availability, i.e are there many differences between Japanese and European versions? I wrote to Toyota Japan about this, and they advise against importing a Japanese spec car. But then again, they may have ulterior motives for saying that  Crying or Very sad  

4) how good is parts availability in general, i.e. for European spec cars?


Many thanks in advance for your replies !


Regards,
Frans
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modvrs
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Joined: 03 Oct 2013
Posts: 294
Location: Southampton

PostPosted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 12:44    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've owned a 1997 Colorado 95 series 5VZ-FE for five years and speak from my experience. I guess the first thing to say is that the youngest available version of this car is at least 15 years old and problems can be expected depending on its use and maintenance history. Mileages over 150,000 are common.

I've read about head gasket failures and seen Youtube videos on replacement, but it seems a fairly rare event and is usually on very high mileage cars as far as I can see, not sure it's an inherent weakness. The 3.4 V6 is a very robust engine capable of high mileage if maintained properly; mine is over 190,000 miles and drives like new having had 10,000 mile oil changes since new. The only changes I'm aware of for the 3.4 are a move to OBD2 ECUs on later models; earlier models have a diagnostic socket (non-OBD) in the engine bay.

I had rust at the top of the windscreen when I bought it but this was due to a poorly fitted replacement windscreen where the fitter must have scraped through the paint. I had the area resprayed for £180 and no rust has come through in five years although I expect it will. I have no rust around the sunroof and haven't read many complaints about it. Mine still works smoothly which was an unexpected bonus. It's one less thing to go wrong if you avoid it I guess.

I've found parts availability in the UK to be fantastic. There are specialist suppliers for routine maintenance items (Roughtrax, Millner Offroad and others). Toyota dealers have a surprising amount of parts considering my car is 21 years old but they are expensive. OEM parts can be obtained from Amayama and Partsouq at roughly half price after postage and import duties. Don't think there is a problem with Japanese spec cars although some parts are different (limited slip rear differential vs electronic locker for example).

I can't advise on greenlaning suitability as I've never done it. I'm sure the 95 series is perfectly capable and can be modified easily; parts will be expensive if you break it compared to something like an old Land Rover although they tend to break more and balance it out.

Good luck if you decide to go ahead.
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1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado 3.4VX
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Carnut
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Joined: 03 Nov 2018
Posts: 6
Location: The Netherlands

PostPosted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 16:43    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks a lot modvrs for your reply, great to get first hand information.

Your hint on OEM parts is very useful thumbup  I understand that Amayama specialises in parts for cars manufactured for the Japanese domestic market, which should help in case Toyota refuses to provide JDM-specific parts.

Thanks again.

What is your experience concerning rust resistance in general for the LC Colorado? I currently own a 2004 Prius II which seems fine if on its 4 wheels, but if you look underneath there is quite a bit of surface rust at least, and not just on suspension parts.
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modvrs
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Joined: 03 Oct 2013
Posts: 294
Location: Southampton

PostPosted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 17:25    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've got rust in what I think are the usual places. The chassis from the transfer box to the rear of the car is rusty and I've had to add a couple of patches towards the very back end. The inner sills have needed patching in a couple of places and the fuel filler pipe had pretty much rusted through. Nothing too serious and repairs were an easy DIY task (as long as you have access to a welder).

I'd recommend a thorough inspection of the underside on any model from areas where salt is used on the roads or indeed any used for launching boats in the sea.

I think one advantage of cars from Japan is they tend to arrive relatively rust free.
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Carnut
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Location: The Netherlands

PostPosted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 19:58    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks again for your information, appreciate it.
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Carnut
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Joined: 03 Nov 2018
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Location: The Netherlands

PostPosted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 19:18    Post subject: Reply with quote

... more opinions on the 1996-2002 LC Colorado are most welcome, of course ...
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