Sunday, Jul 24, 2011 at 21:45
Unbelievable off road and does it easier then the 100 series, traction control is like having diff locks and in some applications far better.
A standard 200 series would be an even match for a 100 series with diff locks in most applications, a 200 series with diff locks no contest.
The 200 series does everything so easy with little hassle.
Fuel consumption varies, when new driving from
Melbourne to
Adelaide with zero kilometers on the clock I got around 11 liters per 100, now with the roof rack, steel ARB bar and 12000 pound winch about 12 liters per 100 on long trips and about 14 liters per 100 around town, towing our camper we get about 18 liters per 100 and haven't tried it towing in a serious off road situation yet.
I am not overly happy with the fuel consumption as most traveling is done on cruise control, the trans is very indecisive hunting between 4 and 6 gear on flat roads and 3 to 5 climbing hills.
Hopefully it will get better.
Now my griped.... Sit down pull up a chair as it may take awhile.
1) I hate the trans due to shift patterns, a engine with this much torque and HP should be able to pull 5th or 6th gear up hills at around 2000 rpm not 3500 rpm like it does, some climbs out D4D Hilux would of out pulled it at 100kph with the camper on..... the trans makes the engine drop out of it's torque band to often.
2) The gear stick
gate is annoying when going from reverse to drive to reverse as when backing up especially to a trailer.
3) To many bells and ding dongs.... I think there was 64 different ones at last count LOL.
4) The keyless start is fantastic but it's annoying when your sitting in the vehicle without the engine running listening to the radio and you want to put the windows up or down or use the windscreen wipers.... you have to toggle through acc - on - off and back to acc.
5) You have to put your foot on the brake to start and stop the engine, no more reaching in and starting whilst outside the vehicle.
6) Heater temp control if set at 23 will sometimes
cook you and other times freeze you, some times you have to set it at 30 to get some heat coming out..... the temp control is very touchy and what may be comfortable one hour may be uncomfortable the next.
7)
Snorkel is very load under acceleration.
8) Mild torque steer under hard acceleration.
And I'm sure there are a few more but there are many good things about it, it is comfortable, very capable on and off road, roomy and goes
well most of the time.
They would have to be the pick of the bunch out of all new 4x4 wagons for the price and room.
I would advise to get a 500 kg Lovell GVM upgrade done before rego and you should look at the VX as it represents better value for money, the GXL is $10000 to dear for what it is..... and make sure you get KDSS.
The GXL doesn't come with the trip computer and the one in the VX is a waste of space.
We have a VX diesel.
AnswerID:
460822
Follow Up By: Bradlez - Sunday, Jul 24, 2011 at 21:53
Sunday, Jul 24, 2011 at 21:53
Thanks mate really appreciate the "positive"
feedback. Cheers
FollowupID:
734502
Follow Up By: Member - Captain (WA) - Sunday, Jul 24, 2011 at 23:11
Sunday, Jul 24, 2011 at 23:11
Hi Bradlez,
I agree with all of Olcolones positive comments, but do not share some of his negative ones ;)
I find the 6 speed gearbox
well spaced for normal use, when towing at 100 it will sit in 5th
well and 6th if not towing. The reason it drops a gear and doesn't lug a higher gear is due to EGT's (Exhaust Gas Temp). I have fitted an EGT guage and it makes a big difference if you lug a higher gear compared to going down a gear. I too used to think it should use a higher gear until I fitted the EGT guage.
I actually like the gearbox
gate for reverse, once you are used to it I find it hard to go back to a "normal" pattern.
You can get most of the buzzers turned off, but the one where the radio is on and the door is opened cannot and is very annoying!
I love the keyless start, doesn't worry me about the foot on the brake. Also, you can go from acc / ign / acc if you push the start button twice quickly, the radio will stay on and not "restart".
The
snorkel can be loud under full acceleration, but I think thats a bonus ;)
I haven't found an issue with torque steer, and thats with a Chipit chip and >800Nm of torque :)
I have fitted a ScanguageII and that gives you all the trip meters you want, much better than the factory one. I reckon the GXL is good value, I didn't want a sunroof or leather and many of the other extras were of no value to me - but each to their own as what they need. I saved about $7,500 after fitting KDSS so that went towards many extras.
The GVM upgrade is a good idea, I have the ARB OME
suspension but didn't get the plate as my vehicle was already registered - but would if it had of been available at the time.
Cheers
Captain
PS. LCOOL has heaps of info and is a good place for all things 200
FollowupID:
734516
Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Monday, Jul 25, 2011 at 07:06
Monday, Jul 25, 2011 at 07:06
I would add that I love
mine too. The V8 diesel with twin turbos has heaps of grunt. Also there is no runaway in 1st no matter how steep the
hill. It is pretty frugal on fuel till you put the foot down then it drinks heavily.
Once you get used to the Keyless entry you would never go back. It is brilliant. No need to ever take the keys out of your pocket. If desired, you can start it without putting your foot on the brake. Hold the start button for 20 seconds.
FollowupID:
734520
Follow Up By: olcoolone - Monday, Jul 25, 2011 at 09:25
Monday, Jul 25, 2011 at 09:25
20 seconds is a long time, think I will still be using my foot.
FollowupID:
734529