Why is the 80 better than the 100 series?

Hi Sasha...

We've owned both 80 series and 100 series, and for towing Alan [Mr. Al] in his opinion says a100 series TD 5 speed auto is ideal - our previous cruiser was an 80 series petrol/gas manual - both are great vehicles, but Al has found for towing the van the 100 to be better - other's may disagree.....

cheers

Lyn

Uuummmm! because the 80 series doesn't look like one of those breadmakers!!!!!

Sasha,
We have a 100 series turbo diesel 5 speed automatic, And I have to say it is the better tow vehicle.

Regards
japmel

Not an expert on Landcruisers, Homeboy (or much else for that matter). Most seem to like the solid axle on some 80 series as being stronger than IFS, from what you are planning to do I don't think it would make much difference. Turbo diesel would be the way to go for towing though IMO.

The best towing rig on the market at present is the Ford F250 turbo diesel, intercooled. But it's a BIG bugger and not user freindly for city work.
2nd runner up would be the 100 series turbo diesel auto with aftermarket intercooler.
3rd would be the above minus the intercooler. Auto's are easier for stop start traffic and shuffling a van into tight spots.
Manuals are more economical to run AND service AND purchase, provided you do not abuse the clutch!

Sasha,

Way off the line response, but it doesn't have to be a Patrol or Cruiser. Not sure how much you are planning to spend, but for the cost of a second hand one of each you could get yourself into something else new.

I'll only give you advice on what I drive and it is an Hyundai Terracan. Mine is a petrol and I understand your preference for diesel for touring range. The new (to Australia) diesel has power and torque that is almost identical to the 3 litre Patrol (a little bit more power and a little less torque). and you can get into a new one for a bit over $40 large, including a 5 year warranty (you'd be able to sell it with 4 years warranty left). It needs the "Trek and Tow" package from the dealer for $2000 or an aftermarket suspension supplier for about $900. Rated to tow 2500 kg.

The Pajero diesel as I understand it another fine option.

Good luck and enjoy our fine country. You'll probably get to see more of it than I have.

Jim.

Sasha, am a Patrol driver but I do observe what some 100 series drivers where front independent suspension is involved who tell of cracks. I note that Big Kidz ( a member family on here ) have a picture of where cracks have been involved but there are after market kits made to try to counter the problem. The photo is their rig pic.

Then there are breakages too of the 100 series front differentials. Please don't ask how many, but there are some easy breaks and rules of what you shouldn't do with them.

Problem is with the 80 series they are second hand now and you don't know if you are getting a good one. For little offroad work a 100 may not be too bad, but one guy spend $12,000 on recovering his after a front suspension break, it has been quoted.

Some suggest other makes, but when you get to remote areas it is best to stick to the solid brands for reliability and support for getting parts. The better brands tend to have really solid drive trains when it comes to pulling a van too ( front diffs aside ).

Boils down to diesel second hand 80, new 100 or if going for a GU Patrol a 4.2 TDI for preference.

From what I've heard, its only cruisers that have done extensive offroad work that have had suspension cracks, and most of them (not all of them) have had aftermarket suspension upgrades. For simply towing around OZ with a little bit of offroad, I don't think you could go past the auto TD 100 cruiser. Simply for power and comfort.

P.S I'm a patrol owner.

Last year we were down south 1 x GU 3.0 auto 1 x 80 series diesel, we came across two 100 series V8 with IFS that handled all the tracks we were on with no problems at all.

Thank you for all your replies much appreciated.

I should add we are actually looking at this tour as a way of having a look around what will be our new home as we are selling up and migrating out to Australia for good at the end of this month.

So the vehicle we buy would be for a good while not just for the initial tour so we don't mind spending a bit of cash on something that will last us a good while and more importantly would grow into our future needs. We quite like the suggestions on here of buying one of the camper trailers for weekends away or joining up with some of you for the odd trips off road later on. Just think that buying a camper trailer now wouldn't suit our needs initially.

Thanks again for all your comments all really appreciated as there is a lot to think about. Hopefully we will finally get to meet some of you very soon.

Sasha

in my opinion' who ever says' the 80 is better than the 100 , is afraid of change lol.

The 100 is a much better vehicle when it comes to upgraded electrics , even the fuel injection system on the petrol is far better. Yes Live axle is better than IFS , but there are 100 series live axle vehicles available .

Also try contacting Mr & Ms Al on this sight . As I recal you were after a good Caravan. They from memory had one for sale that had a ton of work and accesories fitted to it .

having had both the 80 series and 100 series - ours is a 2001 model RV normally aspirated (non-turbo), you can not beat the 100 for comfort and for eating up the kms.

Toyota's still have the best build quality inside and out, = less squeaks and rattles.

I know I'm late but have a read of the latest 4wd monthly. If you want a city car go for the 100 series. If you want bushability then go for the 80. Toyota have gone soft with the new model.

100 series are too wide and heavy for series off road work For work we would use 75 series utes they are much narrower and tougher in the panels. When the bosses would come out for a look in the 100s it would always result in 000s of dollars in panel damage without even getting anywhere near where the utes go. Having said that I am talking of straight bushbashing where no sane person would take their own vehicle. Biggest difference beteen 80 and 100 is weight either will be perfect for what you want