The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[chris_debian]

Hi all, first post!

After a couple of classic Land Rovers, I am currently driving a 300Tdi Auto Discovery. You all know the score regarding reliability, rusting, etc, and for this reason, I am dipping my toe in the non-Land Rover 4x4 world, specifically the Land Cruiser. Essentially, I just need some info to start my investigation, perhaps you can help.

The main reason I am looking beyond my third Land Rover, is rust and reliability, especially cold starting (in fact normal starting, too! Yes it's been to the garage several times, without a worthwhile conclusion). From a size perspective, the Discovery suits my other half and I well, with occasionally an additional two passengers. The main occupants are us and the dog (in the boot space), and we have no need of fold down seats in the boot.

My criteria for a replacement vehicle is something of a similar size to the Disco, or perhaps slightly smaller, but I like the size and ride height. The vehicle HAS to be an auto, due to my other half's back problem. The vehicle does not want to be 'posh', because it is used as an everyday vehicle and dog transporter. My criteria is that I must be able to get in and drive the vehicle with wellies/ walking boots on, without worrying about the interior; saying that, I have no requirement for the (dis) comfort levels of a Defender. I'd really like the vehicle to be relatively modern (2000+).

I bought a diesel Disco for reliability and cold starting, neither of which transpired, with my previous 40 year old petrol Landy being more reliable, although thirsty (17mpg). My natural leaning is to get another diesel, but petrol 'isn't off the table'.

So questions:

Can anyone help me identify a model that would be worth looking at, and I'll try to work out the different spec levels (I don't want a full leather interior, but would like a heated windscreen, if poss)

Are there particular model years that have high UK road tax prices?

When travelling home to North Yorkshire, will a (auto) TLC go up and down the hills without thinking about it?

Can TLC be subtly modified, like Landies (raised air intake perhaps), for wading?

Do all models have Hi/ Lo range, and something that will help cope with snow/ ice?

Can the stock stereo/ CD autochanger be removed and replaced, or are they an integral part of the dash, like many modern vehicles?

Do people normally Waxoyle the underneath, or is this already taken care of by Toyota?

Is there a good magazine I can buy in the UK, so I can get a feel for the TLC following, a bit like I can with Land Rover specific magazines.

To finish, I'm not made of money, and will be looking to replace my vehicle in 12 months+

Any help/ advice gratefully received.

Thanks all, for not getting too irritated by my newbie questions (think of me as a future TLC convert). Trawling the internet may help me, but in the Landy world, I always found vehicle specific forums to be the best place for info.

Cheers,

Chris.

[Google]

[HairyWookie]

Hello and welcome to the forum “Future Owner…”

[chris_debian]

Hi, just a quick thank you,  as I have just got back to internet access. I'll respond properly, soon.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Chris.

[chris_debian]

HairyWookie

Many thanks for your reply, and apologies for taking so long to get back; just got a lot going on.

Good to hear about the reliable sounding engine starting, that is a BIG plus, in my decision making.

With regard to towing, i'm on my third Landy, and I've never towed anything in 8 years; having a tow bar would be an advantage, in case it was needed, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker.

I was looking at a budget of up to £8K, but that would take a long time to save, and £6K would be much preferred. With regard to MPG, my Disco currently does between 25 and 30, and given that vehicles are meant to be improving all the time, 'd prefer to be looking at 30+, ideally.

[uk_vette]

May I suggest a LC3
These are known as the120 series.
3.0L. D4-d
I guess 90% of them are auto, and for good reason.
You can get a 2005 for 7000
They are more advanced than the earlier Colorado, they replaced.
The next size up are the 100 series, nice but just really big.
The 4.2 is a great engine, but a little thirsty, as you would expect from a 6 cylinder.

[chris_debian]

Many thanks, sounds good; I'll have a look specifically at that model.

Cheers,

Chris.

[chris_debian]

Now i'm confused. Did the Prado replace the Colorado? Wikipedia seems to suggest this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Land_Cruiser_Prado

Can anyone confirm? This may help when I'm searching Autotrader, etc.

Cheers,

Chris.

[andy]

The Colorado is the UK version, anything that is badged Prado is an import to the UK.
_________________
It's Not a Bl**dy Jeep it's a Landcruiser
150 series Invincible X
100 Series VX Limited
Mercedes Sprinter 311 Luton
1993 VX80 4.2td SOLD
1996 Hilux Surf SSR-G Intercooler Sold
1994 Hilux Surf SSR-V Sold

[chris_debian]

Thank you

Chris

[andy]

If your looking for diff locked rear go for the Colorado, very rare for a Prado to have one fitted.
_________________
It's Not a Bl**dy Jeep it's a Landcruiser
150 series Invincible X
100 Series VX Limited
Mercedes Sprinter 311 Luton
1993 VX80 4.2td SOLD
1996 Hilux Surf SSR-G Intercooler Sold
1994 Hilux Surf SSR-V Sold

[chris_debian]

Thank you, good advice.

Chris.

[chris_debian]

Looking at a photo f a Colorado engine compartment, it looks like it has two batteries. Is this standard? Why did Land Rover never do this. Can they be charged 'as one', or done individually?

Great idea, Toyota!

Chris.

[joinerman]

It's standard, & no they need to be charged individually, it's a 24volt starting system, once started everything is then 12 volt
Why didn't l/rover do it ? who knows

[chris_debian]

[andy]