Toyota Landcruiser 100 series

I have a 2000 model 100 series standard model and found that it tows anything without too much trouble, that is until you hit a hill or a slight incline. As a result of this I am now in the process of having and aftermarket turbo fitted to it at a cost of over $3000.

I would say that if you were going to tow a van that size you would have to go for the turbo option.

If i were you I would seriously consider the DX 4.2 factory turbo patrol as these have numerous standard features such as the turbo, central locking, wide wheel pack(Factory Option), drivers standard airbag and other minor features and you can usually pick them up for the same price or less than a Cruiser.

I am more than happy with my cruiser except for the cost of fitting all the extras the patrol has as standard. Turbo $3000, Central locking $500, wide wheels $1000 etc.

Go to the auctions and you will pick up either of the 2 vehicles for around $4000 cheaper than a dealer.

Buy it Biggy, you wont regret it. The standard cruiser with live axles and free wheeling hubs are excellent off road and are superb towing vehicles.With the aftermarket turbo on mine, fully loaded 4 adults on board and towing a large off road trailer with all the gear, just back from a 15,000 klm trip delivered an average of 13.4 lt per 100 k. and didnt miss a beat.They are smoother, quieter and suffer less problems than Nissans, and retain their value much better when you want to sell it. so go for it.

I had an 80 series standard diesel that tows an off road van (~1.6T). The 1HZ motor is the same as the 100 series, except the 80 had less weight to cart around. Due to its lack of power towing I fitted extractors and a 2 1/2" exhaust and still struggled on any sort of hill.

However, as a 4WD it is one of the best vehicles ever made. Mine had 33" BFG's, front locker, winch, snorkel, 2" lift etc... and would go virtually anywhere. The 100 series is essentially the same and will give years of reliable service.

But... I have recently sold the 80 and purchased a new GU 3.0 TD Nissan. The towing ability of the 3.0TD has to be driven to be believed. One cannot even begin to compare it to the 1HZ with extractors to a 3.0TD. A test hill of mine had the 80 series dropping from 70 in 4th gear to 60 up a steady incline. The Nissan was also at 70 but I changed up to 5th gear and was accelerating (slowly) past the 90 limit before easing off. The general ease of towing with the GU makes for SO much more relaxed driving that I wished I had changed years ago.

I am absolutly wrapped with it and am glad I did not listen to the knockers of the GU 3.0TD. There is plenty of bad press about the 3.0TD, but after you listen and talk to real owners of 3.0 GU's, you will find that all the problem engines are the early 3.0's (which did have issues) and ex-govt/mining/police vehicles that have been used and abused. I have only come across one original owner from new who had a problem, and the Nissan warranty looked after him. I also have spoken to heaps of 3.0TD owners who are also wrapped in their vehicle.

You will hear a lot of the Nissan/Toyota rivalry and I think thats a good thing. But there is also TOO MUCH uninformed comment about someones mates brothers uncles toyota/nissan that had a problem with the widgit. Make sure you speak to the actual owners, as everything else is hearsay.

Also, do the research yourself. I drove the Toyota 100 series 4.2 TD and the Nissan 3.0TD back to back and there is not much in it. Sure, the Toyota has a slight advantage, but one would not notice it unless driven back to back!!! Given the $20,000 price difference, that paid for all the extras plus a hefty slice of $$$ left over. I looked at buying a standard 100 series and fitting a turbo, but Toyota told me it would voisd the warranty, not just the motor but also the gearbox, diff axles etc... There is NO way I am buying a new vehicle and not getting a warranty. I did consider a 2nd hand 100 series and getting a turbo, but as I get fleet discount, it was cheaper to buy a brand new 3.0TD than a 60,000km 100 series and add a turbo. Plus i now have a 3 year warranty.

If you are going to tow a 24ft van around Oz, I would NOT do it in a standard 1HZ motor. It will make towing a real chore. Sure, its been done many a time, but you want to be able to drive easily, not worry about every incline along the way.

Good luck on your quest

Mark

Hi Biggy, I bet your confused now, Mark missed the point I think, you are talking about buying a second hand vechile an't you,and in that case I would'nt touch a 3lt Patrol, I had one from new mid 2002 it lasted 10mths before major engine problems, sure Nissen looked after me, but I never trusted the vechile again out bush,( always in the back of your mind) sold it 4mths later.If you can't afford a turbo just plod along take your time,

Good on you Mark.
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I have the same truck as you, and love it as much as you love yours.

Josh 3.0 GU IV.
32,000klm, and lovin it.