landcruiser 78 series td rv

Submitted: Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 18:43
ThreadID: 29621 Views:3514 Replies:6 FollowUps:4
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Hi
Have a gutless 4.2 100 series and am thinking of upgrading to new 78 td RV any comments on vehicle, from existing owners, apreciated good and bad! eg. fuel economy towing etc.
I tow a 2.5 t caravan and the old 100 is strugling a bit especially on hills etc.
Been down path of turboing existing vehicle but been advised against as it is early model and has the R151 gearbox (not considered the strongest)
Previously owned 75 series so I know ther basic downsides.
Brian wa
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Reply By: Member - Luxoluk - Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 20:45

Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 20:45
Hi Brian
all I can say is it's the best tow vehicle I've had yet...for once the tow vehicle is not steered by the van! Power wise you will not be disappointed...lots of torque from low down and very linear across the rev range. Cheers
AnswerID: 148146

Reply By: samsgoneagain - Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 20:51

Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 20:51
they go hard mate!!!
AnswerID: 148150

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 21:02

Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 21:02
Brian, you won't hear a bad word about them. Last of the true 4wds with one of the best turbo diesels going around. Mines a traytop, but the rest of it is the same as the Troopie TD.

The TD models have the H150F gearbox, so you won't have the R151F issues.
Fuel consumption is better than the 1Hz. Mine varies between 11 and 13 l/100k.

Oh, and you'll get a chrome front bumper :-))))

Hardest part is finding one - most people I know have had to order one, because the dealers run out of stock, and they are rare on the 2nd hand market.

Cheers
Phil
AnswerID: 148157

Reply By: hazo - Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 21:21

Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 21:21
Hi guys Thanks for the input, My local dealer can got me one by end of feb which would suit me anyway, just ready to head of north again! I.ve got a test drive tommorow, another yard had one, sold last week end but not delivered yet, so hes squeezing me in for test drive!
Looking forward in anticipation!!
brian
AnswerID: 148163

Follow Up By: Turbo Diesel - Friday, Jan 13, 2006 at 10:06

Friday, Jan 13, 2006 at 10:06
Brian

Don't know where you live but I would use a car brocker to get your cruiser you will save money and time. I just bought the new hilux SR5 Turbo Diesel and saved $6,0500 toyota quoated $51,000 on road but I got the Lux for $45,000 on road, the same applies for the cruisers. You spend the extra money you saved on some lockers etc. Got the TD RV Cruiser they are awesome.
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Follow Up By: hazo - Friday, Jan 13, 2006 at 22:30

Friday, Jan 13, 2006 at 22:30
Had test drive to-day and i'm sold!! loved it, got the power and torque spot on.Obviuosly not towed anything but its definately an improvement on my 100 series , not as comfy but i can handle that.
Turbo diesel, whats this car broker thing? I live in WA north of perth by about 40 k.How do i contact one?
Cheers brian wa
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Follow Up By: Turbo Diesel - Monday, Jan 16, 2006 at 09:34

Monday, Jan 16, 2006 at 09:34
Brian

Ok now you have to be careful as the dealer you went to with the test drive will be chaising your buisness, and your hard earned money. Give Ken Houston a call on 0411 790 682, Ken works for a company called Western Motor Vehicle Consultants. Make sure you mention ROSS MARINOS name as Ross is his boss and he will know where the enquiry has come from. What i would do is get a price of your dealer and a price through the broker and compare the two, dont mention anything to either person about price, in other words don't get into a dutch auction. Hope this helps let me know how you go.
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Reply By: Member - Royce- Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 23:35

Thursday, Jan 12, 2006 at 23:35
Gutless? It's all relative. What do you want? Your bus will pull all day. You are probably more worried about acceleration. Just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Use the gears and travel calmly. Less fuel, more enjoyment. "Guts" is for kids with big donks.
AnswerID: 148214

Reply By: hazo - Friday, Jan 13, 2006 at 00:28

Friday, Jan 13, 2006 at 00:28
Royce
In answer to your reply, yes totally gutless! I have had cruisers for 12 years! first a 75 series new in 1994 and a far better "tow" vehicle than my current 100 series which i have had for 6 years and to try and improve towing ability had several mods done eg, extractors,snorkel,3" exhaust and a diesel pump tune up! all to gain very little! I must also add I am not looking for acceleration in excess but just the ability to overtake in a safe way and cruise at a normal towing speed! usually around 100kl/hour.I am not one of these old farts that think towing at 80klms is the accepted norm for the over 55s! Impeding all other road users with very little thought for anyone.
We have very few "steep" hills in wa but my cruiser towing 2.5 ton struggles sometimes in second gear! So that was my point, not to become an instant hoon!
AnswerID: 148220

Follow Up By: Traveller - Friday, Jan 13, 2006 at 07:25

Friday, Jan 13, 2006 at 07:25
I know what you mean, I've had both. Believe me you'd never go back! Even in fifth, my RV ute has astonishing overtaking oomph, with or without a one ton campertrailer. I reckon the only thing missing is a sixth gear for calm quiet cruising! They're ugly old buggers but I wouldn't have anything else.

Cheers.
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