LC 4.5 Servicing and Economy

I used to own a "95" model. 10,000km intervals for servicing. Fuel economy around the 18-20 l/100kms mark. I got 3km/litre towing a camper across the Simpson(but did it easy though). The only issue I had with mine was the motor used to bellow out heaps of oil smoke while descending a steep decline in low first. We virtually had the motor replaced under warranty while Toyota tried to figure it out(33 days without the car) to their credit they tried everything. I now possess an official letter from them stating that is was an "inherent condition" with that motor which was a polite way of saying "we give up!" and I now own a Nissan. Generally most people would not put the car in that position so would not find or have that problem. It is a great towing motor if you are prepared to put the juice in.

Cheers Dave

Howdy Mike

I currently own a 2002 GXL 100 series 4.5 auto I did just over 800 k's last weekend that is including towing 3 ton's of bearings half way and had about a quarter of fuel left in my sub tank, not to bad for a petrol with cruise set on 100k's. I service mine every 500k's but mine is still under warranty. The only problem I'am aware of is the front diff when using low range in reverse be careful with the throttle otherwise the diff may go bust.
Mine is to about come up for sale regretfully but I have to for tax reasons and has only just turned over 30,000k's.
City driving they can chew fuel only if you really stomp on it.

Rossco

Hello Mike,
I would seriously consider looking for a diesel if fuel use is of any consequence to you. I assume that you are looking at purchasing the vehicle you describe as you would know the answers if you owned it. Diesel engines are just so much better suited to 4wd vehicles if they are being used as 4wd vehicles. If you are going to use it as a shopping trolley, bus for the kids, highway cruiser then petrol is OK. Diesel comes into its own in serious off road work and towing. The major benefit is that maximum torque is produced at much lower revs (often less than half) of the petrol counterparts. Longevity, resale value, reliability (particularly in water crossings) all come into the picture.
You asked about any problems to be aware of - thirstiness! It depends on how you drive of course but even a gentle foot will suck the fuel in at an alarming rate. 18l/100 is the very best you could hope for unladen around town and just a litttle better cruising on the highway. Over 20l/100 towing - even up to 30l/100. I think one reply has already quoted 3km/l which is 33l/100. I think that was across the Simpson so it's comparable to highway towing at 100kph. The Simpson although quite a long stretch of desert is not very difficult or taxing in 4wd terms. On one crossing I had some difficulty with some of the steeper dunes and then found I wasn't in locked 4wd so it's not a huge test of man and machine!

On the servicing question, check with your local service centres, including but not only your dealers. I've found great variation in prices quoted from dealers and the most expensive quote came from a mobile type service company - I thought they'd be cheapest! Prices for a 5K oil change on a TD ranged from $95 to $195. This was only to change the oil mind you and the dealer was the cheapest!! (but still over priced I thought).