LC200 Series - Buying Used, Any Tips? Known issues resolved?

Hi Zane.

Have you tried the LCOOL forum - all those Q's have been extensively dealt with. But, in short (I have the 2008 VX model):

1. I had this problem but the Toyota mechanics sorted this in about 15 minutes with a standard fix. Hasn't used a drop since;

2. I didn't have this problem - refer to LCOOL;

3. Correct. But you have to remember to do the gear change.

For me, the main issue with the 200 is the GVM problem. If you are going to option up with heavy kit, you will immediately run into probs with the GVM and the vehicle will sit too low.

You'll need an expensive GVM upgrade incl the lift kit. Even then, you'll only get about another 250kilos carrying capacity. This isn't a problem if all you intend it for is towing which it will do extremely well.

Cheers.

Good morning Zane,

The two above comments about the Landcruiser website are excellent as there are many more things than the problems you mentioned.

I have come from a 100 to a 200 and now I have a F250, so you know where I am coming from. I would rather stay with toyota than ford but this could not be helped.

My personal opinion is that I would stay with the 2005 / 2006, 100 TD 4.2 for many reasons.

Cost being the first, much nicer vehicle to tow with, less technology dramas, proven track history as the end of line of production, simpler.

The 100 has a more solid truck feel than a 200. The 200 is much more like a car and we had to spend a good deal of money to get it ready to tow 3.5 ton. Air bags, shocks and springs.

I an getting old as well because I think it is an ugly vehicle. The 100 has better lines.

Zane, this is just my opinion and you should get the one you like the best, good luck.

Hi Zane

I am not clued up on which Toyota is which, but there was a post on here a few weeks ago about the cost of the 100,000 klm sevice on a V8 Toyota diesel, $15,000. Not sure if it was the model you are thinking of buying, but maybe worth investigating. Aparently required a set of injectors (not servieable, must be replaced) at $1000 each, plus whatever else needs to be done at the 100,000 mark.

Hope I am not leading you astray, but worth mentioning for you to check out for yourself.

Cheers, Dave

Jane,
Have a friend with LC V8 TD ute. He loves the power for towing and load carrying but has a significant problem with the oil consumption. He bought it from Windsor Toyota and has had it back many times but they have not solved the problem. It is currently on a weekly oil monitoring program to determine how much it is using as Toyota via this dealer, have not formally admitted there is a problem.

It does seem that driving them hard from new works best but that is anecdotal. Seems to be a possible glazing problem.

With the wagon the load carrying capacity is a major issue. I have a policy of never buying a new model and wait until they have been on the road for several years. Seems now there a good and bad stories like most.

I have decided to stick with my 100 until I really have to change and that is looking less likely as I age faster than the vehicle.

Stick with the proven vehicle. Most people find that the LC100 TD is a great tow vehcile - I certainly do.

cheers

Problems with my 200 series

(1) When towing it uses one litre of engine oil every 18,000k. Toyota do not have a fix

(2) Clunk in the tail shaft. Toyota are going to replace the tail shaft again.

(3) 6th gear is not a problem after the software upgrade.

(4) Problems with the steering rack. I think the motor has to come out.

(5) After about 20,000k of towing the tow bar receiver pin holes ware.Toyota do not have a fix.

Toyota customer service is crap.

If you get a load of bad fuel be ready for the $20,000 repair bill.

Hi Zane,

A good idea as other have said is to check out LCOOL.org and see the 200 section. There is so much rumour about the 200 (and any vehicle for that matter) that its not funny. I have done 50K kms on my 200 and reckon its the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have had a GU Patrol, and 80 series and a few other smaller 4WD's and there is simpy no comparison, off-road or on.

Yes, it is a big vehicle, but that means more room for the family on a long trip - but it does mean more scrapes on the tighter tracks :( Off-road its fantastic, it has MORE wheel travel stock than a modified Patrol with a 2" lift (on the KDSS models). It come standard with traction control, IMHO they are 80% as good as f&r diff locks. In fact it is so good I haven't bothered with lockers on this vehicle (yet!). I have fitted TJM sidesteps, even with a 2" lift they were copping a hammering, but otherwise the same as a 100 series as far as clearance goes.

Towing. Did I mention the twin turbo V8? People rave about the 100 series TD and how good that was for towing, it has stock some 420Nm of torque. The 200 has stock 650Nm, greater than 50% more. You can imagine just how good that is. Now, people then say, add a chip to the 100 and its great, gives around 550 - 600Nm (depending on the chip) and is nearly as good as a 200. Well, a chipped 200 has over 800Nm and thats when you are thankful for the front diff out of the Tundra (Toyota equivalent of a F100 in the USA). Bottom line is, there are very few vehicles built that can come close to how well a 200 tows. It takes the saying "I didn't know it was behind me" to a whole new level.

For your specific questions;
- the oil has been an issue on a few vehicles, mostly on those driven very gently. But originally it was relatively common until Toyota bought out the the vaccum pump mod. My oil consumption was normally OK, but when towing it got as high as 1L per 5,000kms. After the mod it is less than 1L per 10,000kms - doesn't need topping up between services, but I do keep an eye on it. This usage seems on par with all modern CRD turbo vehicles - check the LCOOL section for detailed discussions on this.

- my tailshaft has been replace under warranty (have the new design one) and I haven't had the issue back in ~30K. But others on LCOOL have had it return. The clunk is no worse than what the 100 series had, but on a vehicle thats is so much quieter and smoother it is more noticeable. The clunk is simply that, when taking off there is a very small amount of freeplay and you can more feel it than hear it. While mine was replaced under warranty (and as such should still be covered after the warranty has expired) I personally wasn't too concenred about it at all.

- 6th gear was originally set to only be useful above 120km/hr. I had my ECU flashed and now it engages as early as 95km/hr. Nothing was ever "wrong" with 6th gear, just that it didn't come in early enough for our Aussie speed limits.

I have not had any other issues, but have had the ones you mentioned. They were relatively common but fully resolved by Toyota IMHO. There has also been the odd issue with a leaking steering rack, originally the engine required removal but they now have a new method where the engine mounts are loosened and the engine tilted insitu, gives enough clearance for steering rack removal. There has also been several vehicles have total fuel pump and injector failure, but this has always been traced to faulty fuel. The Toyota warranty doesn't cover this, but your vehicle insurance should (check this - any CRD has this issue so make sure your vehicle insurance covers it).

Anyway, I have had many 4WD's and the 200 is head and shoulders above the rest. Yes, you probably couldn't fix it on the side of the road, but there is more chance that a 20 year old 80 will break down than a new 200 IMHO. The 200 has been out for 3 years now and the toothsayers are still trying to find its archilles heel. It does have the odd quirk, but still has the legendary Toyota reliability (and price!)

Cheers

Captain