Thursday, Sep 06, 2012 at 19:56
After much research we chose to buy a 4.5 6cyl petrol/LPG Landcruiser, our first Toyota. Our van is over 2.5t ATM so that cuts the range down, especially as we wanted an auto trans. I have been a motor mechanic since the 60s and a TAFE teacher in Automotive Engineering since the late 70s, and still have many colleagues in the trade.
In our price range there really was only the one choice, Jeep and Landrover were discounted as they had too many reliability issues for me to be bothered with. Auto Patrols didn't have the towing capacity, and Pathfinders seemed to be developing a suspect reputation. Didn't want a 4 door ute, not much left.
I chose the 6 over the V8 LC for a number of reasons. Yes they can be thirsty, and have slightly less power and torque than the 8 (but there isn't much in it) and can cost around the same price for a good one. As a motor mechanic and one of the things I value is simplicity and the ability to do my own work when things go wrong.
The 6 has only one cylinder head (and gasket) instead of 2, 6 fuel injectors instead of 8 etc etc. Less need for special
tools and more working room too. This engine has been around for a long time and was designed for the LC from the outset to take abuse if needed.
Suspension, wheel bearings etc the 105 Series (6cyl petrol) is
well proven (same as 80 Series) and simpler than in the 100 Series V8 or TD (independent front
suspension and different (weaker?) rear axle assembly).
Check out what is involved in removing the starter motor on the V8 - inlet manifold off to start with. On the 6cyl 2 wires and 2 bolts its off - no comparison!
A big plus is that the 6 has a timing timing chain instead of a belt as on the V8 (and many other models). These need to be replaced (expensive) at regular intervals.
A possible downside is that the 6 has a shaky reputation when run on LPG due to valve
seat recession and consequent burnt valves. Using a Flashlube injector system over comes this problem. I use one and have had no problems yet (230,000km). But even if you do need to have the head rebuilt you would be looking at around the $2K mark including upgrading the exhaust valve seats so the problem is fixed forever.
Compare this to cost of reconditioning a set of diesel injectors (if indeed they can be rebuilt), rebuilding an injection pump or major mechanical repairs on a diesel, or turbo replacement. None of these are uncommon. The higher servicing costs on the diesel can't be disregarded either. From my perspective, and its my opinion only, the biggest advantage of the diesel is low down torque, but for me the trade offs are too great to risk my hard earned.
We have 140l or so of petrol and an additional 70l or so of gas giving a more than acceptable range.
In 2 years the car has done nothing wrong, we have done more than 30,000km towing a 2,600kg caravan with minimal vehicle service costs. Running mostly on LPG and on long trips, oil changes can be safely extended.
Brian
AnswerID:
494374
Follow Up By: Member - Broodie H3 - Friday, Sep 07, 2012 at 11:49
Friday, Sep 07, 2012 at 11:49
Brian that is the most comprehensive statement I have ever read on this or any other
forum congratulations. I drive a ti550 pathfinder, and we are very happy with it as with all vehicles service and maintenance is paramount. but once again thanks for the statement.
Broodie H3
FollowupID:
770081
Follow Up By: madfisher - Friday, Sep 07, 2012 at 13:44
Friday, Sep 07, 2012 at 13:44
Yes
well done mate, great report,
Cheers Pete
FollowupID:
770086
Follow Up By: emosh99 - Friday, Sep 07, 2012 at 17:48
Friday, Sep 07, 2012 at 17:48
Thanks very much Brian your experience and reply has made this an easier decision.
In on my way to look at the one I posted, fingers crossed!
FollowupID:
770105
Follow Up By: madfisher - Friday, Sep 07, 2012 at 18:16
Friday, Sep 07, 2012 at 18:16
Brian we obviously think along similar lines. While everyone is obseesed with diesels, they are under such huge stresses theses days I doubt wheather any of the 4 cylinder TD will last as long as a petrol. My field of e3xpertise is Jacks and it is interesting that few of the common rail tds are making it past 250000,(Jackaroo with the 4jxi) where as I recently come accross a v6 Jack with 488000ks on the orinigal motor. Changes ones thinking some what.
Cheers Pete
FollowupID:
770108
Follow Up By: emosh99 - Monday, Sep 10, 2012 at 00:14
Monday, Sep 10, 2012 at 00:14
Ok so the model is really a 1998, not a 99 as stated.
Once again google has failed me (or maybe I'm hitting the wrong keys), but what are the differences between the 98 and onwards models? As far as I could tell, no airbags and different colour seats?
I haven't had a chance to see a 99 model in the flesh..
So the truck drove ok apart from the really no responsive steering; from around 10-2 o'clock there was nothing, as in not a delay in steering response, litterally the truck didn't steer at all. Is this the trade off with a lift + 35"s or is there a other problem?
I will most definitely get the truck inspected before purchase but just any info would be great.
Does anyone recommend a decent 4x4 workshop around the Eltham area?
The two gas tanks are located on either side of the truck near the seals, will this prevent me from installing some sort of
rock sliders? Should I be conceded about them hitting a
rock and blowing up? They appeared to have some sort of protection, unfortunately I only had a chance to inspect the truck at night time and yes it also started raining.
Thank you kindly once again for all your help
Emosh
FollowupID:
770252
Follow Up By: emosh99 - Monday, Sep 10, 2012 at 00:14
Monday, Sep 10, 2012 at 00:14
Ok so the model is really a 1998, not a 99 as stated.
Once again google has failed me (or maybe I'm hitting the wrong keys), but what are the differences between the 98 and onwards models? As far as I could tell, no airbags and different colour seats?
I haven't had a chance to see a 99 model in the flesh..
So the truck drove ok apart from the really no responsive steering; from around 10-2 o'clock there was nothing, as in not a delay in steering response, litterally the truck didn't steer at all. Is this the trade off with a lift + 35"s or is there a other problem?
I will most definitely get the truck inspected before purchase but just any info would be great.
Does anyone recommend a decent 4x4 workshop around the Eltham area?
The two gas tanks are located on either side of the truck near the seals, will this prevent me from installing some sort of
rock sliders? Should I be conceded about them hitting a
rock and blowing up? They appeared to have some sort of protection, unfortunately I only had a chance to inspect the truck at night time and yes it also started raining.
Thank you kindly once again for all your help
Emosh
FollowupID:
770253
Follow Up By: emosh99 - Monday, Sep 10, 2012 at 00:17
Monday, Sep 10, 2012 at 00:17
Sorry for the double post!
Also the owner mentioned the main petrol tank was only 40 litres.. Did I miss understand him or is that the trade off when you have twin lpg tanks?
Cheers!
FollowupID:
770254