The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[begbie]

Hi all
Im a Brit living in Namibia, I had a diesel Paj since being here ('94 LWB) which has served me well, but i'm putting on 2500 miles a month which is doing nothing good for my wallet or resale price.

I've got a nice chance to import a vehicle from Japan without registration fees, and my beady eyes landed on a '97 Prado TX 3.4 (locals say the Prado diesels overheat too much in this climate) for ~£4500 (around 60,000 miles on clock).

Any advice on engines to look for, problems or why you'd prefer my Paj?

Cheers
Ben

[Google]

[alaric]

I changed my '94 LWB 2.8 diesel Pajero for a 2001 3.4 V6 LC90 (i.e. Prado) earlier this year.

Although I had been very happy with the Pajero, it was just becoming to complicated to keep it here in Greece, so I had to look at alternatives and paid 25,000 euros for the Land Cruiser.

I haven't yet found any real downsides to the LC yet. On the positive side:

1. The engine is more powerful and smoother
2. The lack of rear aircon means more space in the boot - depends on you priorites
3. The front aircon is far better and carries all the way to the rear
4. The rear (3rd row) seats are designed to be removed - 2 minutes and a couple of catches instead of 10 minutes with a spanner and screwdriver
5. The car feels more solid
6. The suspension is firmer - not quite as smooth as the Paj on small bumps but better on the bigger ones and far better for cornering
7. Fuel economy is similar
8. Alternator is higher - less chance of water damage
9. Split/fold rear seats give more load flexibility
10. Middle row seats are more comfortable for 3 adults
11. Rear seats are designed for 3 not 2 - so total capacity of 8

I think that's most of it...

Alaric.

[begbie]

thanks for the good advice