The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[Vagabond]

Hi,

I've just bought back my "old" '97 Colorado 3.4VX from a colleague that purchased it from me around a year ago. Before that I had had the "beast" for almost 5 years and 50k miles. In the time it was out of my ownership, it has had a LPG conversion and also done 20k miles, bringing the total upto ~129k.  

I'm aware that the cambelt is now due (again) and I would like to take the opportunity to have it really spruced up and get it in tip-top mechanical condition as I intend to keep it for a good few years. Over and above the cambelt/27k "major" service, I'd like to perhaps replace (or upgrade) the shocks and springs too.

I'd like to hear your thoughts and comments on these things and would really appreciate if you could recommend any Landcruiser indy/specialists in the NW London/Middx/Herts area.

I know that Landcruisers are relatively easy cars to work on but it would still be nice to know that whomever is doing the work knows what they are talking about.

Thanks in advance.      

P.S. Found the dipstick - it was hidden under some of the LPG plumbing!

[Google]

[Johners]

Hi

Just a couple of garages I have found in Hertford the first is MRH landrover they are not very good and from personal expirance I have had alot of trouble with them and they are very expensive, they do however fit LPG and have a gas pump but I haven't needed to use that side of it.

The second Garage is Herts Tyre and Exhust and they are the Muts A guy called Dave runs it and he is very through and very resonably priced His number is 01992 503804. They are on Dicker Mill industrail estate behind Tesco's they are not a solly a 4x4 garage but they do know what they are talking about.

Hope this helps.

Rich

[Vagabond]

Thanks for that - I might give Herts Tyre and Exhaust a ring and have a chat.

Though ideally I'd like something a bit closer to Watford (where I live) or Uxbridge (where I work).  

Cheers,

[Al]

Top advice from Dave at Herts Tyre & Exhaust - 01992 503804. Their email: info@hertfordtyres.co.uk
Refreshing, especially given the bs from my local Toyota main dealer, who wanted £40.25 for a "Half-hour Diagnostics" without even plugging into my LC's diagnostic port!
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1998 LC Colorado LWB 3.4 V6 VX. Bog standard vanilla

[Al]

...and two top value THOROUGH services later at Hertford Tyre & Exhaust, I hesitate to recommend Dave because if you all go, he'll have no time for me.

But to SEE what has NOT been done by Toyota Main Dealers despite the service stamps was BOGGLING and worth it for that alone, given my limited LC DIY skills.

Makes good coffee too.

ps anyone got a replacement rear-cabin heater matrix
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1998 LC Colorado LWB 3.4 V6 VX. Bog standard vanilla

[joinerman]

I'd never ever trust a main dealer.

[Al]

Nope - the list of alleged Main Dealer services omissions is almost criminally long, starting with a rear diff having the merest damp sniff of oil in it - and testament only to the great original build quality. Shocker.
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1998 LC Colorado LWB 3.4 V6 VX. Bog standard vanilla

[Dark Dude]

Yesterday I spent a great day with Dave at Herts Tyre and Exhaust, sorting out my MOT. Apart from the lack of a kettle and proper mugs to put the brew in, his service of my LC100 was, well GREAT! Hell, he even filled all my tyres with nitrogen. It didn't stop there. From nothing he built a proper mounted wired-in rear number plate holder for my external spare wheel holder. So all in all, I'm a happy man and so will you, if you groove on down to Herts T&E.

Al, thanks for the heads up. You will be rewarded in heaven.....

John