toyota

if you get one post Sept 2002 (manufacture date) you will get the 5 speed auto A750F, a very strong and reliable auto trans.

According to Davoe, (FollowupID: 513956 to AnswerID: 252443) raise the diff breathers and you''l be sweet.
Shane

Its gunna have independant front suspension,some of which have failed on drivers side
Shane

I've had mine since new, Nov 2004, manual T/D GXL. No problems except a failed pinion shaft bearing - no idea why it failed - I put it down to one of those 'things'.

Apart from that no problems. There was an upgrade in the auto box I think it was around 2004. The late 2004 Cruisers also upgraded the stereo to MP3 compatible also.

Still a great truck and I've had mine all through the High Country numerous times - sometimes towing the Kimberley Kamper with no worries.

Fuel consumption for me averages about 13l/100km but I'm always loaded with the drawers in the back and all the bar work (see members rig) so I'm not too fussed.

I didn't get the suspension upgraded for towing/bush work and at the same time got the lower arms welded and fixed by ATS4x4 in Geelong.

Much better than a 3.0l GU (Drove these at work) and there is no comparison - but I'm biased!

Some of the 100 Series Cruisers suffer from shudder during take off in 1st gear on the manual gearbox.

If you need to decide on gearbox, the 5 speed auto (not the 4 speed) is probably a good choice, as the torque converter will mask the lack of usable torque at off idle revs. Some manual owners have had to rev their engines to the detriment of the clutch in order to take off when towing caravans.

The other benefit of the 5 speed auto is that in low range, the shifts are less jerky compared to the 4 speeder due to the smaller rev changes, going from one gear to another.

Toyota have a recall for the IFS suspension so get that checked out.

Also, Toyota have a service schedule that includes replacement of big end bearings on these engines. You may want to use that as a negotiation piece if the mileage is high.

That's about all the known major faults that I know.

Expect good economy with the 4.2 TD motor - and useful power too!