Kakadu

Toyota has switched oils to Castrol Edge fully synthetic 5W30. I also tow a van - a Roma around 2 ton loaded but never get better than 18s. I sit on 100kph where I can also in S 5. Awesome towing vehicle. Have also looked at fitting Scanguage (crazy car doesn't come with trip computer given the huge cost) - where did you mount yours? Vibration is common with bullbar. Do you have a bullbar?

Each to their own but I concur with Croco. I towed a caravan with a manual for 14 years and switched to the 200 series auto 18 months ago. No contest. Far less fatiguing for the driver, much easier to tow and the 200 series is an absolutely awesome towing vehicle. ComPletely overshadows annoying quality issues - crappy Chinese grade plastics that scratch so easily (and the plastic trim clips break easily), crappy thin carpet. Bit of a come down from my trusty old Nissan Patrol.

Should also have mentioned that I was also told not to nurse the car early in its life as this is likely to glaze up the cylinders and lead to high oil consumption. I was encouraged to push it hard and have since heard the same from diesel mechanics. But make sure always to allow the turbo to cool down before turning off the ignition, particularly after hard work - as stated in the manual (I'm sure many owners don't read the manual - its huge). I considered fitting a Bogaard Turbo Timer but now am in the habit of idling a minute or 3 after stopping, depending on how I've driven.

I had the very same misgivings before finally making the plunge. But before I did I asked Toyota for an assurance the oil burning issue was resolved. I received that assurance in an email which was good enough for me particularly as I'd use that against them if I experienced oil burning issues. I'm happy to say that after 26,000km, at least half towing a 2 ton caravan, I have no concerns. After buying my GXL, Toyota switched oils to a fully synthetic 5W30, no doubt in it's ongoing quest to find the best fix. I replaced a 14 yo petrol/ LPG GQ Patrol owned from new. Best car I ever owned and would have bought another Nissan if they had a decent diesel engine. They don't so I bought the Toyota. Disappointed with crappy quality issues - easily scratched plastics, thin carper, plastic trim clips that are prone to breaking BUT it's a fantastic towing vehicle. Incredibly safe, huge torque, limo smooth. I only hope it serves me as well as the Patrol did.

I have the Redarc 1220 dc to dc charger/isolator and the unit is located in the cabin, passenger side footwell - LHS. It's a big footwell so doesn't get in the way and of course isn't effected by heat. Another popular choice is the Redarc 1240. Difference is one has 20 amp output, the other is 40 amp. Mine works fine. Must instal dc to dc unit because 200 series has a so called 'smart alternator'.