Wulfkind

That is correct. Apparently it can run for 160,000 kms without ever requiring a top up or change. Provided that it is not abused, there should be no reason why they wouldn't be able to stand up to that claim. With respect to the transmission flare, I don't think that it creates any issues while driving which is why Toyota may not be so fussed as to fixing it. It doesn't make the shifts any rougher and probably does not put any extra strain on the gearbox. Guys, I took my SX6 into Lander Toyota today with a long list of complaints, Among them was the vehicle pulling to the left (which, they claim to have found the problem and are repairing today) and also the problem described here which is the Transmission flare when cold... I had a lengthy discussion with the service manager there in regards to it and received the impression he already knew about the problem. He rang me at 12pm today to let me know that they have 'rectified' the problem with a software update. The problem has been rather chronic this last week and a half so I'll definitely have to test it to know for sure.

I am very interested, i am staying in Brisbane. Cheers Mate. Interested in the mesh grill mate, Sydney

Had the warning light come up in my Aurion today... I'd just started it and it came on with the ignition. I shut down the engine and restarted and it hasn't come back since. Is this something I should be seriously worried about? I imagine the alarm would constantly be coming on if there was a serious issue?

Just scraped the edge of mine again on a gutter... mind wasn't on the job sadly... Cars going to the smash repairer tomorrow to fix the damage I took when I got hit in the rear so I'll get it fixed then. By the way, first time around this cost me $280 for a respray, just so you guys know.

What fuel you use: 91-95 RON How many Km's you get to a tank: 730 What your Avg 100km/L is: 6.71 What sort of driving is this based on: Highway These are my average figures for my recent trip to QLD, I refilled with around a quarter tank left (49 litres went in per fuel up there abouts) - No this is not what the display in the car shows, these are actual usage figures. What fuel you use: 91 RON How many Km's you get to a tank: 550 What your Avg 100km/L is: 10 What sort of driving is this based on: Normal day to day driving, I make short trips to work of around 6km between home and work... I tend to get a little heavy footed at times. usually fuel up when the light comes on.

Dang, I left QLD too early. :P

oreoon, reminds me of oreo biscuit.. :D Yeah, thats what we call the car "the Oreo" just lazy I guess. :)

As mentioned, they are the same as awds - You'll have about the same maintenance costs of CV joints, front diff seals etc over the lifetime of the vehicle - I owned an 80 series landcruiser for several years and never really had any extra maintenance over your standard part time 4wd

Paint me keen and tickle me pink when I get them - Count me in for a Sydney buy.

What shocks, tyres etc are you running? many factors add to the ride quality.

There is currently a set on eBay for $400 without tires. I've seen a set on there before with tires with a starting bid of $500 and I don't think those sold. They don't seem so popular. Figured as much, think I'll just keep the set I got to swap out for rego if its ever needed.

Mine won't shift down to 1st if the revs are above 2k in 2nd. :(

Sports mode works well when you want to give it some, if you use it right, it works beautifully, just have to plan ahead.

Any particular reason why you're not after a full timer? When the center diff lock is off in a fulltime 4wd its no different to an awd vehicle. The early 90's prados came in a part time setup, as did the low end 80 series' (DX, I believe). There are always conversions you can do too. You could easily put in a part time conversion for around $1k with a marks setup, though you'll probably pay a bit more in labour. I can point you in the direction of a 4wd specific forum if you're interested, they'd be able to help you a bit more. PM me if you want the details.

Whats the going rate on the 17" Sportivo rims these days anyhow? I've got a full set sitting in the shed that I should probably offload at some point.

not written off but the wheel, suspension components, quarterpannel and driveline on oneside were pretty badly bent....not good Thanks for the kind responses guys. I've decided that I will make the trip to QLD damage and all and sort out the repairs when I get back. I ended up opting to go for my own repairer (who is around the corner from me, rather than across the city) in order to get the repairs done. He's taken real good care of the car in the past (He resprayed my front bumper for me and fixed a couple of dents) so I'd rather go with someone I trust, even if it takes a little longer. I'll get some pics of the car tonight and post them up - I'm fairly sure the damage will survive the trip but I'd love to get some feedback from you guys just to be sure.

Sorry to whinge guys, but I need to vent. So, I was planning a trip to QLD on friday night for a week. Taking the missus up to go to her best friends wedding. All week I've had this bad feeling about driving during the week (Not because I don't want to go, really looking forward to it actually) It has been the same feeling of dread I've had just hours before every car accident I've ever been involved in, its wierd, like a feeling that I /should not/ be driving. Unfortunately I simply cannot not drive. I have to get to work somehow. Anyhow to cut to the story, I was coming home from work, went to pick my mother up so I could pick up the lawn mower she laybyed for me (I moved in to a new place 4 months ago and thought it was about time to do the lawns) got all that done and left the shopping center unharmed. As I was waiting in traffic I heard a loud bang, took me a few minutes to realise but I had been hit up the rear by a Ford Telstar. The guy was fairly cooperative but wouldn't move his car out of traffic, so we quickly exchanged details and I went home. The back of the Aurion is pretty badly scuffed up and the bumper is completely buckled and most of the clips/mount points have broken off. Now, this isn't the most horrible thing ever, I am comprehensively insured with Shannons (This is the annoying part)... I called up to make a claim (the first I've ever made with them) and was told it would take upto 2 days for the assessor to contact me to arrange to see the car! I'm leaving for QLD on friday (doubtfully now) and don't even know if they will even assess the car before then. It is completely, 100% drivable but apparently they cannot gaurentee they will repair the car without excess unless they atleast see it within the next two days. The really annoying thing is that their assessment centre is in chatswood (I had not known this when I insured my Patrol with them) so I will be without my car for some period of time. I have my choice of repairer, but it will take atleast 3 days from the time of the quote for the assessor to inspect it! Anyway... GRR... Overall just really peeved that my baby is hurt.

As far as I am aware, they were. Best bet is to check for the transfer lever and/or center diff lock engagement switch. But I'll say that I'm not aware of any Prado's that were not fulltime 4wds

My guess is you're probably running the 1HZ (Naturally aspirated) - We rolled over 600,000 in the 80 series (with the same engine) before we sold it, original engine, never reconditioned and still going strong. If its taken care of in any shape or form, these engines are good for 1,000,000+km. They're super tough, super strong engines.

As a side question, I'm looking at swapping out mufflers in the tivo with the cash so graciously granted to me by K Rudd - I'm a little hesitant at this stage as I'm not sure how it will affect noise/legality. Has anyone got any sound clips of a post muffler upgrade vehicle? Also - does any one know of a reputable mob that can get this upgrade done for me in Sydney?

Well if the screeching is on a normal road surface, it can possibly be an alignment issue. Depends on the extent of the screeching. It never hurts to get a wheel alignment check-up though. I would suggest to tell your service department to make sure they DON'T do an alignment, and then find another suspension mob to check it out for you. I'm not sure of who to suggest in your area, but if you were in Queensland, I would highly recommend Fulcrum Suspension. Had this problem with my stock tyres up til my last service - Not sure if they do an alignment at service time (All that was mentioned was rotation and balance) but whatever they did fixed it good...

You're right, I don't agree. :D

Its under warranty, I havn't asked, but I assume they won't replace something that is completely missing...

Don't know about Aurion drivers being better! I've almost been run off the road by a couple. Explaination for there being none at the wreckers is that being such a high valued vehicle (still $20k+ for the ATX) the insurance companies will fix them rather than write them off. As opposed to a $2000 commodore, which will be cheaper to write off than fix.

I was poking around ebay and ran into one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-07-Toy...rts_Accessories Now, I don't buy into the ebay performance mods much (much like the hyclone or the fuel saving devices!) but this one had me thinking and wondering if something like this does have any kind of benefit or if its just snake oil?