Landcruiser 200 series - uncomfortable seats

Submitted: Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:18
ThreadID: 130111 Views:9687 Replies:14 FollowUps:35
This Thread has been Archived
I have just had a test drive of a new Landcruiser GXL , and found the seats really hard and uncomfortable. Any suggestions on how to overcome this problem?
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: The Explorer - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:28

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:28
Take your wallet out of your back pocket :)

Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message
Moderator

AnswerID: 589719

Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 08:48

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 08:48
Lol, good pun about either a) the size of the wallet to be purchasing a 200, or b) take it out to purchase good after market seating . . . or maybe a little of both :)
0
FollowupID: 857673

Reply By: Gronk - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:34

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:34
Must be different to my GXL....only complaint I've got is a bit cramped for legroom ( I'm 6'5" )

Take it for a 4hr drive......hard seats can be the most comfortable at times ..
AnswerID: 589720

Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:35

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:35
Yep, test drive a VX.

Better seats and you will get the Optitronic display.

By the way, an update model is due in October but internet goss is tipping it will have a DPF.

The non-DPF models, ie any model prior to this update, will be preferable.

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 589721

Follow Up By: Geepeem - Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 07:27

Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 07:27
Yes details of the update model have been released for its launch in October. Same engine but now meets Euro 5 emission standards by using a DPF and new injectors. Power has increased to 200kw but peak torque remains at 650 Nm. Fuel efficiency has increased from 10.3 to 9.5 litres/100km. There are other safety and technology upgrades in the VX and Sahara models. The bug-eye headlights are gone….looks more streamlined and appealing IMHO.
0
FollowupID: 857707

Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 10:18

Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 10:18
Any appeal is cancelled out by the presence of a DPF.

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 857711

Follow Up By: Geepeem - Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 11:14

Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 11:14
Well the best tow rig available in Australia is the Silverado and they have a DPF so they can't be all that bad.
1
FollowupID: 857712

Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 16:16

Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 16:16
I know former Silverado owners who would disagree with you. They are not the "best" just because you bought one.

DPFs need particular maintenance and are very, very expensive to replace if you stuff them up. Avoid them at all costs.
I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 857714

Follow Up By: Gronk - Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 20:13

Saturday, Aug 29, 2015 at 20:13
The F650 is the best tow rig in Australia.....if a pi**ing contest is needed..

A DPF is a pain and adblue would be my choice if I could afford any of these new 4wds..

But, uncomfortable or not, a 200 series would be hard to go past for comfort !!
0
FollowupID: 857717

Follow Up By: Geepeem - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 06:59

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 06:59
Well I should have explained myself a little better seeing some people choose to be rude and personal. When I say Silverado I am actually referring to any of the 3 big USA trucks…..Chev, Dodge Ram or F250. I could live happily with anyone of these or their derivatives. These IMHO are the best tow rigs available in Australia for safety and other reasons (e.g. not been overloaded or towing beyond limits etc).

But the point I was making is that all these vehicles have DPF now. It seems the way the modern CRD is going. Some (incl Silverado) have DPF and use AdBlue. If DPF is so problematic why is the industry going in that direction (and please don't say its to meet emission standards).

I agree with Gronk the 200 series is incredibly comfortable to drive. I am not sure if the Kinetic suspension helps or not in this regard. When I had a GXL it was an option on that model, not sure if its standard or not now but if I ever was going back to a 200 series I would get one with the Kinetic suspension (KDSS).
0
FollowupID: 857723

Follow Up By: Slow one - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 08:10

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 08:10
Have a look HERE

This is what happens with a DPF and it is a problem I am afraid with both light and heavy vehicle engines.
0
FollowupID: 857724

Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 10:34

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 10:34
Our shopping trolley is a turbo diesel Kia Soul. I knew, in the back of my head, that it had a DPF but I didn't realize their role, and their pitfalls, until I educated myself about them.

The trigger was that the engine was remaining dirty black, whereas, when it was new the oil kept its honey colour.

As the article linked in the previous post from Slow one states, the worst thing you can do with a DPF is short, stop start runs. Like going to the shops and back (!).

So now I take it for a 20 minute run up and down the freeway once every fortnight and now that it's out of warranty, I do the oil changes myself and make sure I use low ash oil suitable for DPFs.

Geepeem, making sweeping statements like yours invites a swift response; it wasn't rude or personal, just well deserved.
I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 857735

Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 10:36

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 10:36
Second para should read: engine oil.

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 857736

Follow Up By: garrycol - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 10:59

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 10:59
How has this line of discussion got anything to do with the subject of this thread which is 200 series seat comfort and options.

Please go and have you pi#$ing contest elsewhere
1
FollowupID: 857738

Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 13:28

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 13:28
garrycol,

The OP is test driving. He's about to make a buying decision.

It's important that he knows other info and issues.

I could have had this discussion with you and Geepeem by Member Message, but only one of us has coughed up the readies for Membership.

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 857742

Follow Up By: garrycol - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 14:17

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 14:17
So having "mine is bigger than yours" type discussions about tow vehicles is helping the OP decide about seats in 200 series. I dont think so.
1
FollowupID: 857743

Follow Up By: DiscoTourer - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 18:22

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 18:22
7 years and 280k in my Touareg with DPF....not a single issue at all.

No point complaining about it.

Brett....
0
FollowupID: 857750

Follow Up By: Slow one - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:18

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:18
From wikipedia on DPF.

DPF description and servicing
0
FollowupID: 857751

Follow Up By: Echucan Bob - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:55

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:55
I suspect removal of the DPF will be the second thing most people do after blanking the EGR.
0
FollowupID: 857756

Follow Up By: Geepeem - Monday, Aug 31, 2015 at 08:48

Monday, Aug 31, 2015 at 08:48
Thanks Slow one for the link. You are the first to add some substance to the discussions rather than broad meaningless statements like "any appeal is cancelled out by the presence of a DPF". Why is it cancelled out???? This forum is supposed to be a place for sharing information (facts). You set the bar for making the first sweeping statement Gonebush! That statement added nothing to anyone's knowledge.

We have had a diesel Audi as our town car for over 10 years (early 2005 model). It has done 95% of its kms on short trips. It has a DPF. We have never had any problems with the DPF. I believe you need to service and use the car according to manufacturer' specs…..use a low ash oil (less than 0.99%), use low sulphur fuel, avoid idling vehicle for extended times, avoid short trips, regularly go for high speed freeway trips. If you comply with these conditions I believe the DPF will not be an issue and would not prevent me from buying the new 200series.

I will not be making any further comment on this post.
0
FollowupID: 857779

Reply By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:37

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:37
I dorve one for periods up the CSR a year or so back - seats were fine, however I was swapping my 40 series for a drive in the 200 ....... so it may be an unfair comparison.....
AnswerID: 589722

Reply By: axle - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:47

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 18:47
Buy a D4 landrover Discovery instead!...;)))


.Axle.
AnswerID: 589725

Follow Up By: Member - ACD 1 - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 19:15

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 19:15
Then you'll know what uncomfortable really feels like .....;)))))))

Cheers

Anthony
1
FollowupID: 857647

Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 19:48

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 19:48
And seats are optional in Landrovers! ;)) Michael
Patrol 4.2TDi 2003

Retired 2016 and now Out and About!

Somewhere you want to explore ? There is no time like the present.

Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 857648

Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 05:47

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 05:47
Yes Axel, you are correct.

Walking is good for the back.
0
FollowupID: 857665

Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 06:50

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 06:50
The seats in a D4 Discovery are super comfortable, those earlier comments must be referring to Defender seats maybe? Anyway, walking is bad advice if you are remote... if the car fails to proceed you should stay with it, just lie back in those comfortable recliners with the excellent sound system playing soothing music. If you are in the Toyota then sit on a rock next to it....
2
FollowupID: 857667

Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 07:35

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 07:35
LOL good comeback Michael.

Perhaps everyone could share the same rock, since the Toyota is uncomfortable and the Land Rover's electrics are probably the failure, so no reclining seat, no music.

Of course the owner of the new Patrol wouldn't even make it to the rock. Ran out of fuel hundreds of km back.



1
FollowupID: 857668

Follow Up By: DiscoTourer - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 18:20

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 18:20
Obviously some of you have chosen not to sit in Disco D4. I had a 200 for a week before choosing the D4 (and I really wanted to like the 200).

Seats are a world ahead it comfort full stop.

Just did the CSR. We had my good mates 200 GXL along. He did not know how to drive her over the dunes, so I spent some time inside the 200 (better than using the maxtrax every dune). Once we worked out to turn the CDL on and traction control off, he was all good. Problem was he brother did not want to get back into the cruiser....and he is a diehard 100 series owner.

Too little leg room, and seats that are simply not designed to eat up the miles.

Sahara seat much better but still legroom poor.

Brett....
0
FollowupID: 857749

Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:47

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:47
Perhaps that is right Brett.

But I can tell you that my mate who has a Disco 4 flew to Cairns to drive back to Melbourne with me, he said he would trade cars in a heartbeat. he could not believe the power, or the long distance comfort. Mine isn't a GXL admittedly though.
0
FollowupID: 857755

Reply By: cookie1 - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 19:51

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 19:51
I have the 20GX and put Sheepskin covers on them, more to protect the seats but have not felt uncomfortable after 50,000km on some pretty remote tracks

cheers
AnswerID: 589729

Follow Up By: cookie1 - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 19:51

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 19:51
Oh for an edit button

"200 GX"
1
FollowupID: 857649

Follow Up By: Member - jb2211 - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 20:07

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 20:07
Thanks for that- might be the best solution.
0
FollowupID: 857654

Follow Up By: Member - reggy 2 (VIC) - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 10:55

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 10:55
DITTO to that I have the same set up as COOKIE 1 and model just came home after 14,500 ks no aches or pains.
Not a problem of any sort towing a 21ft van averaging 18.5 k/100 it is a GREAT vehicle.
Cheers
0
FollowupID: 857682

Reply By: Member - backtracks - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 20:00

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 20:00
Classic comment Greg !
AnswerID: 589730

Reply By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 20:52

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 20:52
Struggle to see what is going to satisfy you. We reckon ours is very comfortable
Life is a journey, it is not how we fall down, it is how we get up.
VKS 1341

Member
My Profile  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 589734

Follow Up By: Member - jb2211 - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 21:16

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 21:16
Yes, I have a back problem, and the seats gave me a lot of pain within a very short time, so will have to keep looking.
0
FollowupID: 857656

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 22:33

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 at 22:33
Ours is the Altitude (GXL with extras) and came with electric leather seats. Umpteen adjustments, so it's pretty hard to not be comfortable. Did some long stints on a recent trip and no complaints.
AnswerID: 589735

Follow Up By: Member - Robert1660 - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 09:50

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 09:50
I likewise have the 2011 Altitude model. I have found that unless the seats are carefully adjusted they can be quite uncomfortable. The key adjustment for me is the one that raises/lowers the horizontal seat angle. If the adjustment is such that the front of the seat is high it is uncomfortable. In general I would rate the Toyota seats as "good" provided you get the adjustment correct. I have spoken to people who have replaced their 200 Series seats with Ricaro's and are very impressed with the resulting improvement.
Robert
Robert
Landcruiser 200 VX Diesel + 19ft Bushtracker

Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 857675

Reply By: Rangiephil - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 08:29

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 08:29
It always surprises me that seats in modern cars can have umpteen adjustments, but in general are much less comfortable than Recaro seats many of which have no adjustment other than backrest angle.

I have replaced the seats in both my most recent 4wd with Recaros and have never regretted it.
I initially replaced the seats in my Range Rover Classic as my wife had slipped a couple of discs, and could not sit for long periods in the stock seats which had several adjustments, and she was then comfortable for up to 700Km stints with the Recaros.
Regards Philip A
AnswerID: 589737

Follow Up By: Gronk - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 09:42

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 09:42
Does Recaro do side airbag seats ??

If they don't, then their business is going to slowly fade away..
0
FollowupID: 857674

Follow Up By: Member - bje38 - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 10:15

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 10:15
Yes they do
http://www.idealseat.com.au/html/03_ergonomics/ergo_es.html
0
FollowupID: 857679

Follow Up By: Member - jb2211 - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 20:33

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 20:33
Thank you for that suggestion- sounds like Recaros might be the way to go if if all else fails!
0
FollowupID: 857758

Reply By: CSeaJay - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 16:34

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 16:34
I replaced my driver's seat with a Recaro
Each to their own but for me the 200 seat just did not work. Started getting a pain in the legs and other places I do not wish to mention. Blood did not flow where it should I reckon.
Don't get me wrong, I do not have a problem (that I know of) and spend up to 8 hours in a seat normally without any problem. But not me in my 200
Replaced with a Recaro. Exy, but all my pains have gone.
And yes it is compliant as it has a side airbag, and comes with compliance plate.

Cheers
AnswerID: 589757

Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 19:11

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 19:11
Mate, you have to be careful. A few years ago I got blood clots from long driving stints in one of my cars, totally out of the blue but very dangerous. Cheers.
0
FollowupID: 857698

Follow Up By: Member - jb2211 - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 20:36

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 20:36
Yes, very similar problems to mine . Thank you for your advice & suggestions .
0
FollowupID: 857760

Reply By: RobAck - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 18:01

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 18:01
Whilst replacing seats is possible to still be legal you will need certification from an engineer to retain insurance . Yes you don't have to but!

Recaro with side airbag will be around $2-3k fitted on one side. Excellent seats for sure but when you add that up my suggestion is try the VX. Or as others have suggested for for a D4 not only are the seats superb, we have owned Toyota's for the last 15 years so we do know the difference. But the self levelling air suspension makes it a superb tourer and towing vehicle. As well as an excellent off roader and before anyone takes a crack ours has done the Simpson, Flinders Ranges and most of the SA and NT Outback towing an Ultimate with no issues

ROb
AnswerID: 589758

Reply By: D-MaxerWA - Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 21:46

Friday, Aug 28, 2015 at 21:46
Get an Isuzu. I have problems with seats and back. The first thing I tested when making my latest purchase was to sit in the drivers seat. The D-Max won hands down, nothing else came close. When in Coober Peedy 8 weeks ago, the D-Max was the most popular vehicle in the CP. Haven't sat in a Mux but would imagine the seats would be the same.
D-MaxerWA

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 589764

Follow Up By: Winner W - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:33

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:33
If you want a decent tow vehicle with a brilliant driver seat and position get a Wildtrak Ranger PX....
0
FollowupID: 857752

Reply By: Echucan Bob - Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:48

Sunday, Aug 30, 2015 at 19:48
Seats are a very personal thing. The leather seats in my BMW X5 are infinitely adjustable but I find my 12 year old Disco better for long trips. At first you think they are quite firm, but after a while you don't notice that. After a long trip in the BM you get out feeling stiff and sore. Maybe its the 35 section tyres on 20" wheels.
AnswerID: 589801

Sponsored Links