200 Series after 5 years

[Viator]

Greetings all

My LC 200 GXL Diesel is now 5 years old and I thought I would share my experiences over that time.

I have done 120,000km in total, 70,000km pulling an off road caravan and after numerous problems, now have a vehicle that is fit for purpose....almost!

Initially, the biggest problem was oil consumption, I was burning 1L/3500km normal running and this increased to 1L/2500km pulling the van. After an oil consumption test carried by Toyota I was told that it was the brake booster pump problem and this was replaced but did not fix the problem. After 2 years!, many return visits, several letters to both the Dealer and Toyota and a further 2 Oil consumption tests Toyota finally came to the party and replaced the motor, at 50,000km!!! From that day on I have never had a problem. I must add here that the Dealer was superb and assisted me all the way and fair goes to Toyota they did come good, but I had to continually badger them.

Next problem, cracks in the chassis caused by vibrations from the factory fitted bull bar. This was a recall and the vehicle was under repair for 5 days. The entire body was lifted from the chassis and a coded welder brought in to repair cracks in the chassis where the bull bar brackets connected. Again Toyota did the right thing and I was given a car for 5 days while they fixed the problem.

Transmission "clunks" were repaired by replacing one of the drive shafts twice!!!

Dust was a big problem, a combination of the rear door seal and the Air Conditioning System being used on Auto. It kept varying between inside and outside air letting in a burst of dust when on dirt roads. The fix, replace the rear rubber and only manually use the Outside Air Setting when on dirt roads. This has not fixed the problem completely but it has improved it to a stage where it is manageable. Compared to my previous 100 Series though it was no where near as good.

Loaded up with the van on the back, the original rear suspension sagged noticeably. To fix this I have had an ARB upgrade raising the vehicle by 50mm and increasing the GVM to 3600kg. This has stiffened the system and improved the ride no end, not so soft and spongy in the corners and a far more positive ride. Also the "droop nose" visible on all 200 Series has gone and vehicle looks nice and level.

Finally, the one problem that has never been satisfactorily resolved is the inability of the vehicle to cruise in 6th gear. Toyota have carried out the computer adjustment so it cuts in at 100km/h (not 125km/h as initially set) and while this has improved the non towing scenario, when pulling the van the vehicle can only be described as gas guzzler. I travel with a mate who pulls an identical van with a Landrover Disco 4 (3L V6 TDI) and while my big V8 revs at just under 2000rpm at 95km/h in 5th gear, his smaller V6 is doing 1700rpm in 6th!!!! His average fuel consumption 15-16L/100km while mine is 18-19L/100km, same journey, same vans, same speed. When you do 20,000 km a trip like we do, the fuel costs are significantly more expensive with the Cruiser.

I must stress here that the Dealer has been fantastic and I could not have asked for more. Toyota likewise have come good, but it has been a slog.

So there you have it, while I have persevered with the vehicle, it very comfortable and a joy on long trips, and of course you have the Toyota network countrywide to assist which none of the European vehicles do. The 6th gear though does get me down and I wish Toyota were a little more helpful as I am sure there is a fix.

Cheers

[NimrodAUS]

Thanks for your feedback. I am looking at getting a 200 series

[Blackkluger]

me too, do all the early diesels have the oil issues? Also what is the fuel economy when not towing(may i ask?)

[Webbers]

My husband and I have the same model and are yet to experiance some of the problems that you have mentioned (oil consumption, dust and cruise control exception) however have a series of other 'issues' with it!

We have had our LC200 since new, it has done 95,000km, well maintained and has a full service history.The main problem has been the power steering rack which has failed. The Toyota dealership advised that this happens all the time and Toyota should come to the party and pay for half of the repair costs. We should of got this statement in blood!

On returning to the dealership they advised Toyota Australia have denied the claim; now stating that they have never seen the problem before in other models?. We contacted the 'Customer Experiance' line via phone and then via email with no response?! I have just followed up with another phone call and they advise that I need to speak to the dealership and that there is no 'Toyota Australia' or complaints department?! The dealership isn't assisting and the customer experiance line is just referring me back to the dealership...round and round in circles we go!!

Meanwhile the problem is getting worse. We are now thinking why did we buy a $100k Toyota with NO customer service assistance and parts that fail. Any suggestions?

[tempestv8]

The steering rack is known to leak for some owners - this is not entirely unknown. Since Toyota say its not an issue with other models, this implies that it is an issue with the 200 Series only.

Perhaps try ACCC as its not old enough to fail so soon.

Edited January 17, 2014 by tempestv8

[Webbers]

Thanks for the advice....we have now had it replaced (not by the local Toyota dealership as they still havn't provided a response!!) however we have now more recently experienced a series of other issues;

- Along with the power steering rack the power steering pump has also failed

- The Water pump and front bearings needed replacing

- The A/C compressor has decided that it needs replacing and the alternator has joined in and also requires replacing!!

We have taken it to 3 x different mechanics who have all stated that things start to fail around the 100,000km mark in this model.

Very disappointing and getting very expensive. Has anyone else experienced any of these issues??

[landies]

Hi Webbers

We have the same issues with our LC200. Ours has done 84 000km and the steering rack is leaking. It is interesting to hear your experiences with the Toyota dealership - are you in Darwin? We are also questioning the cost of the landcruiser against other much cheaper 4x4's, after all why spend so much money and then end up with expensive repairs at relatively low km's. Most of our mileage has been town and highway driving with a bit of easy off road stuff so we are really disappointed! We have had to replace the water pump at 80 000km. Can I ask where you had steering rack replaced and how much it cost?

Thanks

[Scooter80]

I've just clocked over 50,000km of town and reasonably tough touring in 12 mths and I have not had an issue (except 1 split CV boot). However I have only had the first service at Toyota (1,000km service) and the rest with my local 4x4 mechanic (Pro 4x4 Queenstown Adelaide) is that maybe a consideration? Is Toyota giving the best service or did I just get a good one? Having said that we use the GX models at work and they cop a hiding every day and they are in quite reasonable nick still and they are serviced at Toyota every service interval.

Overall I think sometimes we all get a "Monday" car off the production line. Good luck!

[Grunter]

We'll I thought I'd add my two bobs worth here as we'll. I have just finished a 12 month tour of Australia in my 200 series Sahara 08 model, and had not one bit of trouble with it mechanically.

I towed 3 1/2 tonnes of van behind me all the way and it never missed a beat.

Fuel consumption depended on many variables ,head wind ,cross winds, tail winds etc. But in the main I was very happy and very comfortable cruising the roads.

Driving without the van you can expect 14/100km's with the van I averaged around 19 to 22.

Off road the car was a dream and very little dust problem's as mentioned previously, even in the bull dust and on the fine sand beaches.

On the oil consumption topic you must use top grade synthetic oil specifically for diesel motors and you won't have a problem. I used 1.5 litres extra for the trip and believe it was only because it was under filled at a service.

Which brings me to another point, watch out for disreputable dealers who try and scam travellers by telling them things are wrong with the car when they are not. I proved this on three occasions by checking things out before and after service, easy to do if you if you are mechanically minded.

So once again very happy with the car, fuel useage and comfort of the cruiser so I would definitely buy another when it's due.

Grunter.

[Webbers]

Thank you all for your responses.

We eventually ended up going to Consumer Affairs and have had a win. Toyata is willing to contribute an amount towards some of the repalcement costs of parts.

We have also found a decent 4X4 mechanic at Darwin 4x4s and hopefully won't have many more issues.

You can't beat the comfort of the 200 series on and off road however could of done without the extra $10k plus on the things that have gone wrong (and the headaches dealing with Toyota Australia!!).

Cheers,

[IS DOM]

Hi all,

Looks like we are having similar problems, we have a 2008 GXL diesel so far water pump replaced, steering rack replaced, pinion seal and now the 4wd lo light comes on and beeps every second time you start it, turn it off and restart it and it resets itself, going to Toyota next week to find out the problem.

Have fitted the OME lift plus 200kg and full exhaust replacement, goes like a rocket and sounds like a V8 should.

It does get on my nerves that a car of this value has more failures and twice the price for repairs than most other 4bys.

Dom

[stephenlCruiser]

I have a 2008 LC200 TTD with 233,000kms and the engine seized because the oil pick up strainer is full of oil sludge.

Oil was blocked from being pumped into the top of engine.

The car has been serviced according to Toyota handbook.

[Scooter80]

Has Toyota mentioned anything about helping you out seeing you followed their service schedule? Or are they going to hide behind the warranty card?

[madmechanic]

Hi all, Just want all to know that I am a motor mechainic in Australia street Newtown, NSW for 30 years Now & In all my years I have never seen a steering rack go in under 55,000km ( no dirt ever). I just cant beleive it!!!!. I was going to change to power steer fluid at 60k but noticed an oil leak at the 55k service & It appears to be coming from the  seal where the steering wheel goes into it. I called sydney city toyota and the tell me its not a common problem. ( bull****) Ill keep you updated. One more thing regarding the automatic transmission & its servicing, On another occasion I ask a service technician how often they change the oil & what type of oil they used as I can see you may need some special tool to do a change & they told me that its a life oil and they have never changed it before & that this auto oil was something they didnt have in stock. i was shocked!. My transmission guy informs me it should be change every 60,000km. Ps I have also seen very small rust spots from behind the boot seal. Drop the tail gate & lift the plastic bit & pull the seal back. Let me know if anyone else sees it . Terry 0411110999

[campbeam]

3 hours ago, madmechanic said:

 I ask a service technician how often they change the oil & what type of oil they used as I can see you may need some special tool to do a change & they told me that its a life oil and they have never changed it before & that this auto oil was something they didnt have in stock. i was shocked!. My transmission guy informs me it should be change every 60,000km. 

Terry,

Believe that life oil "rubbish" and you will be in line for some expensive transmission repairs/replacement.  I have been doing internet searches on this topic [sealed Toyota transmission and servicing] over the past 12 months. Consumers think Life means forever. Life for a car manufacturer can be considered as 10 years or 160,000 kms. That applies for normal driving conditions. However, if you are towing etc, automatic transmission fluid should be changed at 70,000 km. This should be in your owners manual. High temperature is what will shorten the life of the transmission oil. Best to have an additional oil cooler fitted especially if towing or off-roading. 

[Thomas Cross]

Hi All,

I originally accessed this site researching the replacement or repair procedure for the steering rack on my LC200 GXL Cruiser as it has developed a leak at the steering column connection Just a small weep but i am going to repair it myself and am grateful for the information. It does seem that raising the engine will make the job easier

Time is not an issue for me as I am retired , i also have quite a good work shop and tool kit

My 2009 200 series is my third Toyota and i was fortunate that all were company supplied vehicles I have nothing but praise for my Toyota's. On retirement i purchased my current LC200 from the company and in the time since i have knocked up over 400,000 ks most of which towing an off road van and heavily laden with  kayaks on roof and various other toys.

The car has always been serviced regularly (including transmission fluids @ 100k intervals) the car is still running like a clock and without a doubt the best car i have owned

Past issues ; Fan belt tensioner at about 150k, Alternator  at about 300k, 4WD CPU at 370k ..... Current steering rack weeping

Tom C

I

[campbeam]

Have you considered using a power steering fluid containing a stop leak additive?

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products/power-steering-fluid