Thoughts on 200 series...from those who have or had.

[IanC]

We are tossing around ideas for the next tug and would like feedback on the Landcruiser 200 series, diesel. 

We are looking at new purchase, long term ownership (10 years) and tow 2500kg but definitely no more than 3000.

So far from friends who have/had we have received....

1. Damn it's thirsty.
2. Everytime you have to fix something you almost have to take the whole engine out.
3. It sips fuel at 15l per 100 towing my basestation.
4.  Be prepared to get rid of it before it's out of warranty.
5. If you think it was expensive to buy wait until you have to fix it.
6.  Just love my 200.

So yep kinda confused about now.

Not wanting a debate.  Just real life experience with the 200.

Feel free to pm if you wish.

Thanks  IanC

[Bird]

So yep kinda confused about now.

I don't think it will get much better here.. LMAO

[GattonFam]

I have had one for the last 2 1/2 years without issue.  They are a great car to drive on or off road with plenty of room inside for the family and luggage.  When towing you forget there is anything on the ball as they have that much power.  Yes they are a little high on the fuel usage but it's a big car with a big engine. Drive it easy and it will chew less fuel like any other car.

[muzza01]

Have one as the work car. Never looked at the fuel consumption but it is real nice to drive and oodles of power. It's the diesel v8 twin turbo.

[Fox67]

I am on my second one (first was a 2011 4.7 petrol GXL).

Great cars.

[Swogjb]

We have a 2009 model GXL turbo diesel.
Just clicked over 170,000 k.
It has been an absolutely fantastic vehicle.
The only mechanical issues have been the water pump replaced and a high pressure hydraulic power steering hose.
Without a doubt the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned.
Highly recommended 👍

[Moxley]

We are tossing around ideas for the next tug and would like feedback on the Landcruiser 200 series, diesel. 

We are looking at new purchase, long term ownership (10 years) and tow 2500kg but definitely no more than 3000.

So far from friends who have/had we have received....

1. Damn it's thirsty.
2. Everytime you have to fix something you almost have to take the whole engine out.
3. It sips fuel at 15l per 100 towing my basestation.
4.  Be prepared to get rid of it before it's out of warranty.
5. If you think it was expensive to buy wait until you have to fix it.
6.  Just love my 200.

So yep kinda confused about now.

Not wanting a debate.  Just real life experience with the 200.

Feel free to pm if you wish.

Thanks  IanC

What other vehicles do you have in mind?

Make sure you let us know which one you decide to buy.

[KeithB]

I bought a 2008 two years ago and, apart from new front discs it hasn't missed a beat at 180,000km. It's thirsty enough but that because mine is heavily modified. On your questions:

1. Damn it's thirsty. On only if you thrash it.
2. Everytime you have to fix something you almost have to take the whole engine out. The steering rack can be removed without removing the engine. My engine has stayed put.
3. It sips fuel at 15l per 100 towing my basestation. Ditto with my 1,500kg camper in a tail wind.
4.  Be prepared to get rid of it before it's out of warranty. How come so many older ones are still fetching big dollars?
5. If you think it was expensive to buy wait until you have to fix it. Just steer clear of Toyota dealers.
6.  Just love my 200. I resemble that remark.

Have towed my camper over the Simpson and around the high country and its never missed a beat. I do oil and filters every 5,000km.

[Watty2975]

 3 years into our ownership. Great car. Fuel usage not as good as we thought.
No issues (touch wood).
It's about to run out of warranty, contemplating the extended option. Our service manager advised that well maintained there are not usually too many issues.
You won't regret it!

[vbc1_75]

I bought my first 4x4 in 1980, been driving them ever since, had lots and all of them used for towing and off road. All of my land cruisers have been reliable vehicles. A couple of years ago I sold my 76 series and bought a 200. It is seriously the best yet INMHO. Unless you are going to spends serious money and buy a large American truck, the 200 series is the pick.  I use mine as a daily commuter as well, love it.

[bully]

15l per 100 km. it astounds me how everyone else can get this sort of fuel acconomy towing. If I get under 20 I am happy. Maybe it is me but you don't buy a 3ton truck with a V8 to get good fuel figures.

Anyway mine is 2010 GXL and I have not had a problem with it. I love the car and wouldn't swap it for anything else. I bought mine as a long turn vehicle as well but probably 20 years instead of 10.
Mine now is only a weekend and holiday vehicle as I have a POS hilux as a work car so I don't rack up a lot of kms on the cruiser anymore.

[LC]

We picked up ours 2 weeks before we got the reconn (had an expensive fortnight). Cant comment on the repairs etc. But simply what an awesome motor vehicle. Tows the reconn as if it wasn't there.

As for the fuel usage - who cares, it is was what it is. For me it uses less than the 120 Diesel Prado that it replaced, but I see that as irrelevant. I like the vehicle, it drives well, tows well.

Go buy one!

[GGV8Cruza]

Almost 2 years for me and 65K on the clock. Best car I have owned.

A couple of points;

Fixed price servicing is about to run out so my maintenance costs are about to go up but I can claim it on tax.

Fuel usage is good, you drive a V8 diesel and drive it hard fully loaded up, it does it better than the old patrol though.

Don't really notice the trailer on the back and not watching the temp gauge all the time

Extremely comfortable tourer which the family is very happy with

So far no problems with anything on the vehicle, regular maintenance on it and a couple of extras to ensure fuel system and the like have a bit extra protection.

GG

[krisandkev]

If you have to ask then you are not ready to buy one!  But be warned, do not take one for a test drive.....
Had ours from new in 2009 and now have 232,000 K's on it.  Tows our camper like a dream and currently towing our 3.5 t caravan and it is brilliant. But seriously, I think you are not ready to wear that big 200 series grin  .  Kevin

[Beachman]

I have to start by saying if I could afford one I would buy a 200 series in a heartbeat, and I'm not saying this to be negative.

But on the weekend we went away with a couple of families and one of the guys works for Toyota.  He was saying with the new upgraded model they are having major problems with the Diesel Particulate Filter as it's putting the car into limp mode. Apparently it's got to have something with our fuel quality.

As he said they will find a fix for the problem and it's all being fixed under warranty, but maybe do some research before handing over your money.

[Fox67]

Mine has done nearly 10,000k and I don't even think about the DPF, it is a non-issue for me. I have never seen the LED indicator in the dash above 1 bar (out of maybe 8 bars?)

I know it is being burnt because you can smell it when you get out of the car.

[McGirr]

Are you looking at a diesel or petrol model.

Mark

[krisandkev]

From what I have read the latest anti pollution crap now on diesels can be, repeat 'can be', a problem with all makes and apparently things are only going to get worse in the coming years.  But from what I watched on a review of the 2016 model it looked a fantastic 4WD.  Kevin

[noel_w]

I have driven one (in 4wd mode only) and stepping out of my Patrol into the 200 I wasn't too impressed. Can't see what all the fuss is about really. Throttle lag was huge, let's just hang on here for 10 seconds...... Hill decent mode was doing my ears in, so noisy.
Out on the open road it may be different.
Think I will stick with my troll with no where near as much of this electrical wizardry dependancy.

[chester ver2.0]

I have driven one (in 4wd mode only) and stepping out of my Patrol into the 200 I wasn't too impressed. Can't see what all the fuss is about really. Throttle lag was huge, let's just hang on here for 10 seconds...... Hill decent mode was doing my ears in, so noisy.
Out on the open road it may be different.
Think I will stick with my troll with no where near as much of this electrical wizardry dependancy.

Thats like saying you only wear woman's underwear cause all yours are in the wash......Just admit it you felt the power and got scared

[GeoffA]

I have driven one (in 4wd mode only) and stepping out of my Patrol into the 200 I wasn't too impressed. Can't see what all the fuss is about really. Throttle lag was huge, let's just hang on here for 10 seconds...... Hill decent mode was doing my ears in, so noisy.
Out on the open road it may be different.
Think I will stick with my troll with no where near as much of this electrical wizardry dependancy.

.....Emperor's New Clothes.......

You'll be burned at the stake for comments like that Noel.....

[Bird]

Someone with one who isn't totally impressed by it is very quiet...

[noel_w]

.....Emperor's New Clothes.......

You'll be burned at the stake for comments like that Noel.....

Lets also say the owner of said 200 (not a member on this forum) is not real impressed with it either. Won't admit to owning it at his 4wd club, that's the missus's car....
Would take back his Paj in a heartbeat. (if it would tow his big-ass block of flats)

[MrCruza]

I've been a diehard Pajero fan for many years. Have recently decided to buy a long term tow vehicle and just could not go past the cruiser. It outperforms the Paj in just about every department. Its quicker with less effort, quieter, roomier, more powerful, smoother to ride in, is effortless off road, almost unstoppable with it's traction control and ascent/descent control, far more range, tows my camper like it's not there..

Only place the Paj wins is handling, the 200 feels a bit barge like in comparison. (Nothing a suspension upgrade won't fix, dear    )

Yes I still have rose coloured glasses on as I've only had it about a month but every time I touch that start button and that V8 burbles into life, you just can't wipe the smile of my face..   

[Nifty1]

I don't have one, but I like them. Just be aware that it's legal load carrying ability is not huge, about 620 kg from memory. Doesn't allow for much luggage after fitting roof rack and bullbar, dropping 250 kg of ball weight on the back, and hopping in with your navigator.