Info please...buying L/Cruiser 100 series..

Most important thing to do is check the Vehicle Security Register in your state in order to ascertain the validity of the vehicle. Is it a rebuild (after accident damage), is it stolen etc. The VSR will be able to provide you with a certificate of validation at least that way if any of the above should come to past, then you would have a claim against MRD

Can you reveal why you would want to swap?

Otherwise it wouldn't make sense to acquire the other vehicle, as it will use more fuel, cost more to service, and doesn't have a service history. Odds on, there is a major bill waiting for you there.

There must be a reason why the other owner would want to swap, and there must be a reason why you want to get out of the Mitsubishi. :)

biggest con is going to be the power. These things wont keep even the slowest traffic in sight. If you need to do alot of city driving in it then you better be sure you want it.
Make sure it is not an ex miner as that could explain the lack of service book. Last sight I was on even the cheif geos wagon did some stints underground when vehicles were short

Sue:

I hate to be a harbinger of doom but... if someone is willing to swap their 4WD for your 4WD, and you are clearly a novice, I suspect they will get the better deal?

Mike Harding

G'day,
I have recently (last year)traded my '94 Paj in on a '02 Landcruiser.

If it all checks out, you won't regret the trade, apart from a lack of racehorses, compared to the Paj. The poverty pack are fairly slow off the mark, but that can be improved on with the addition of a turbo.

Trying to get any sort of service history out of Toyota could be difficult, unless it is a local vehicle. At 140,000KM it is only just run in. The engine, if maintained properly, should be good for at least one revolution of a 6 figure odometer. (try getting that from your Paj)

Mine gives me roughly 13L per 100KM, and the standard tank will get me from Rockhampton to Bris with the rear full of camping gear and 4 people.

On the highway it takes a bit to wind up to pass anything, so just be aware of that, but I would never go back to a petrol engine again.

My .02

Hi there Sue if you like send me the number plate, chassis no, and if possible the engine no, More importantly the chassis no. I have a few contacts in toyota still where I use to work and might be able to find some info for you as all toyota dealerships are linked. If not serviced by toyota then wont be able to help you, BUT if it has had any warranty work done during the warranty period then might be able to get some history on it for you with any thing repaired. Email is stephenkelly@optusnet.com.au. Steve M

Sue

Can only speak for me - but I LOVE my 1HZ - magnificent vehicle! Who cares that it's a tortoise? [Well maybe the guy behind me does!!] However, once it winds up it'll hold the speed limit all day, no matter what the load. And it's never let me down in difficult terrain. 200000 km and still drives like new.

Basic servicing is breeze - all components easy to get to.

Best of luck with your decision.

Spliney

Sue,
Further to the other replies... I have the base model Toyota, 1HZ 4.2, which I bought from the auctions down here in Melbourne. I saved about $10k on buying it from a stealer and it came with a winch, bullbar, dual batteries, cargo barrier, towbar and 45k km on clock. The books said it was a vehicle belonging to DSE who I rang to follow up on its 'life' and service history etc.....then bought the vehicle.

I went through the Nissan Patrol v Toyota thing and whilst both vehicles have their foibles, I felt that the Toyota would be easier to get parts for in the remotest locations. There are literally thousands of Toyotas in the outback/Western Deserts, both locals with 75/78 series utes (many similar parts) and a "Fritz in Britz" about every 10 mins. Those who live in the most remote places such as the Gunbarrel Hwy (Carnigie Station) have quite a few Toyota utes and funnily enough a 1HZ base/poverty pack wagon.

As for the power issue, they are a little slow...(my old '92 model 4 cyl Disco would leave it for dead), but I have been driving 4WD's for 20 years and by now am used to it. If I was going to be doing a lot of towing of a heavy van I would definately consider either the Patrol 4.2 Turbo or whacking a turbo on the Toyota. From my research on Turboing the 1 HZ....it can be done and many have had no longevity issues but some have. The quality of installation is important and to do it well is not cheap.

In terms of driving it around the city, I try to avoid it and take the wife's Mazda when possible, but I don't find it too bad, but I couldn't give a rats @rse about the impatient hoon behind...they will still be at the lights when you catch them! I find it a very comfortable vehicle to drive (I have the GXL bucket seats fitted and a console) and fairly quiet, until the speed gets up to 100kph...she starts to sing a little then.

Fuel economy is quite reasonable and will vary between 10.5l/100km unladen at about 95kph to 12.5l/100km laden with a heap of camping gear. I'm about to tow this month so am not sure of the figures with a heavy van....yet.

With vehicles, it's horses for courses and what suits me will not suit everyone as priorities are different. Good luck in your decision.

Cheers,

Mark