200 GXL series

Hi Charlie

200 series are a pretty good vehicle but like so much of this stuff it may or may not be the right vehicle for your use and defining your usage is so important to making the best choice.

I recently choose a new petrol patrol over the 200 series because the Patrol fitted my particular requirements better.

If I my requirements were for a long range capable tourer then I would have happily choosen the 200 series.

Cars like the 200 series are probably more reliable than ever but in owning one you have to accept that their is less you can fix on them , and less you can modify on them - even bigger wheels are becoming a problem.

So my advice is to seriously spell out your requirements and budget first and go from there.

I've been accussed previously of troll posting when I dared to tell the problems my son has had with his 200 series since he bought it 3 years ago.
Apart from the galloping oil consumption which appears to be denied by most of the one eyed amongst us, he's had no end of problems with the auto transmission.
After nearly 4 months off the road last year which necessitated Toyota providing him with a hire vehicle (Pajero from their used car yard - cost between departments nearly 3.5K per month) they have after yet another lengthy investigation and admitted it has a problem.
All they've got to do now is make their minds up as to what they intend doing about it!
He's not holding his breathe while they do that as going on past performance so far, a decisions gonna be a long time coming.
AlanTH.

As well as the contributions here, suggest you look over the 200's section at LCOOL here - a wealth of information and experience there from many owners.

I agree with Ross. Every model has its lemons. And yes, any problems can be compounded by the attitude of the manufacture or the dealer. And that is with any product, not just vehicles.
And the same with any product, you will hear more about problems then good stories. People love to spread bad news. (Mind you I am the same, if I have had a problem with a product I will tell others. I won’t go off subject by telling you about my Lightforce Genesis lights and the attitude of Lightforce!) But I do feel for Allan’s son also.
It is a big decision of what to buy because the 200 is not a cheap vehicle. Having said that we have not had any regrets with our purchase. We have done 105,000 in ours now and feel the initial cost was worth every cent. The vehicle still drives and fells like new. On long distances the 200 just eats up the miles. The 200 is just a dream on rough roads as well as off road.

I have been unlucky (Lemon)


Replaced vacuum pump
Replaced seat belt
Replaced pistons rings and big end bearings
Tow Bar pin holes elongated
Knock in the front end
Dust problems
Replaced two rear shocks (oil leak)
Replaced two tail shafts
Replaced or repaired 16 injectors
Replaced or repaired 2 injector pumps
Replaced fuel lines twice
Replaced 2 common rails
Replaced fuel cooler
Power steering hose

The 200 series has been off the road for repairs a total of 6 months.
_________________

Charlie

I can only say to go for it.
I purchased a 60th Anniversary LC 200 TTD last January and have now travelled just over 41000km, with over 28000km of that towing a van of approximately 2.7 tonnes around Australia. I have serviced this vehicle based on fuel consumption of 1300 litres used (as the vehicle has been reasonably heavily loaded most of the time)
During this time I have had to add just 1 litre of oil between services (and that was prior to the first service, on the initial 'run in' period)
I would suggest that you spend the extra and get one fitted with the KDSS suspension system, as this system reduces body roll considerably on highway but allows full wheel articulation when off road in 'wheel lift' situations.
I have achieved an average (whole of life)fuel consumption of 17.49 L/100km with a best figure of just 10.66 L/100km running car only from Broome to Cape Levique and return. Around town in the low 12's.
This vehicle has, to date, not produced any signs of defects or problems.

Have fun and happy motoring
Regards
Athol