Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 19:53
Russ,
Glad you guys are going to be OK. I moved to a new 200series about 6 months ago.
Worth looking at what I know:
Comparing VDJ200 to the HDJ100:
- Motor - 200series is a big lazy V8 that rumbles around town but comes to life on the highway - its great when you put your foot down and use some of the 650Nm torque. HDJ100 is no slouch but I think the 200 is ahead on this one.
- Fuel consumption: Although the claimed figures are slightly lower with the 200, many owners are finding it can use a bit more fuel than the HDJ100 when towing and heavily modified or heavily laden. So far my VDJ200 is using slightly less fuel than my HDJ79 used.
- Auto transmission. Many 200 owners think the 6 speed auto is a bit lazy and fails to use the grunt of the V8 motor
well enough. I agree with them.
-
Suspension: HDJ100 had the infamous cracked front arm problem when treated rough - toyota seemed to get on top of this eventually. 200series has a more reliable setup with strut front end. But the 200series came out with optional KDSS on the GXL and standard KDSS on VX and Sahara. KDSS is a hydraulic modicication of the sway bars which improved articulation when offroading and improves cornering and reduced roll on-road. It adds a little complexity - it has to be relevelled when
suspension changes are done, but not a big deal. As they say on LCOOL "Those with KDSS say it's fantastic, those without it don't know what they are missing" - I don't have KDSS and must say I'm happy with the vehicle so I guess I don't know what I'm missing! Airbags are common mods to the rear springs of teh 200 to level things when towing.
- Servicing is a lot cheaper on the 200 - there's no timing belt to change, no wheel bearings to grease, no valve clearances to
check, only 9.3L oil at a change (vs 11.5) and fuel filters and oil filters are half the price. Toyota fixed price servicing is set at $210 a service - a bargain!
- Safety - the 200series is now 5 star ancap because of all the airbags etc - but curtain airbags need a different cargo barrier - some cargo barrier manufacturers ignore this.
- Annoying electronics - the 200series is famous for beeping at you as soon as you do anything wrong - stupid warning chimes when the door is open in your driveway at
home etc - most people work it out eventually - just takes time to get your head around.
- Keyless entry and push button start with the 200 - this really grows on you - no need to remove keys from your pocket
- Teething problems - the 200 had its fair share of these and if you're buying a pre 2010 model - I think Toyota had addressed most of these issues which is why I bought a new one. Oil consumption was just a nuisance - motors still went fine. Newer motors use no oil since piston ring design was changed in 2009. Previous motors were hit and miss - some bad, some good. the starter motor problems were due to inadequate water drainage from the V of the motor - its been addressed; power steering problems appear uncommon and may be due to mud in the front mounted power steering fluid cooler; alternators hang lowish but
mine has lots of protection - even with the ARB bullbar; low charging voltage - easily addressed if you use a DC-DC charger as your 2nd battery isolator; new airfilter box - a flat one on the 200series - a few reports of dusted motors - fixed with a
snorkel and normal servicing of the aircleaner; also the air filter can easily be installed upside down, causing it to suck unfiltered air; injector issues - its all gone quiet lately so I'm guessing things have got better;
- Common rail 200series motor needs nice clean water-free fuel - same as every other CR diesel on the market. Additional filter is a common fitment but you need to look after yourself - don't buy diesel from small crappy outlets and do the common simple things to prevent bad fuel and water. HDJ100 is more resiliant in this respect.
- Brakes - the 200series brakes are the best I've even had on a Landcruiser
Thats enough for now!
Cheers
Phil
AnswerID:
512120
Follow Up By: Member - Prickle (SA) - Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 21:08
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 21:08
Thanks Phil, appreciate your input. Will keep it in mind and may be in touch down the track.
FollowupID:
790434
Follow Up By: CSeaJay - Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 10:18
Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 10:18
Russ
I believe Phil has provided a very good unbiased summary. Also explained the KDSS as per your question to me earlier. Good luck with your choice - exiting times.
CJ
FollowupID:
790462
Follow Up By: Member - Prickle (SA) - Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 17:18
Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 17:18
Thanks CSeaJay.
FollowupID:
790479