"Steve Bowyer" <
[email protected]> wrote
>
> Thanks for that reply - we are probably looking at the Colorado as opposed
> to the Amazon based on size and overall economy etc (esp when towing)...
> am I right in saying that the Colorado was the "UK version" whilst the
> Prado was technically the imported version, thus, we should be looking at
> the Colorado ?
In a nutshell, yes. They use different names in different countries.
> If we were to see the right baby (but doubt we will - reasons to follow..)
> I would love to opt for an LC5 model but............
>
> as I understand it, the "newer" LC4/5 etc are available from 2003 model
> upwards (or therabouts)? In terms of spec, we're looking to the VX model
> Colorado, so we can retain leather etc, etc, etc, and we're looking to buy
> used so that somebody else can have the depreciation (!) and I'm prepared
> to spend upto say £25K as a limit. We've seen a few 52 reg Colorado
> models for c.£18-19K with 30-50K miles.
Be careful that the very latest model was available as a 2004 model from
late 2003 on IIRC. The perfectly good older model was available from its
launch some 10 years or so back. It was fitted with the less efficient 3.0
indirect injection diesel until about four years ago and that version drank
more fuel than the Amazon 4.2. So at your budget you should be looking at
examples with the newer D4D engine exclusively.
>
> I understand from the bit of reading I've done that these things are
> effectively bomb-proof, so mileage shouldn't be too much of an issue...do
> we need to look out for anything particular with these babies ?
Just the general mechanical condition and some evidence of regular oil
changes.
>
> Finally, to save me boring you all with my niaive questions, is there a
> website that I can refer to to get all my answers in one go !
Not that I know of. There are some discussion groups on the like of Yahoo
Groups but they are mainly populated by Aussies comparing roo bars and short
wave radios and, believe it or not, the relitive merit of rival hot shower
units.
The Colorado [the name has now been dropped] is indeed pretty bomb proof and
drives nicely even though it rolls a bit. It is full time four wheel drive
with live rear axle and independant McPherson strut front end. The engines
on the latest ones are more subdued than earlier versions and the latest
five speed automatic is superb.
Tows three tons with ease. My friends one tows a 16ft twin axle Ifor
Williams dropside with regular loads above two tons and my Amazon tows a 16'
triple axle livestock box with regular loads of 3.5 tons and occasionally a
bit more. Mind you, even my old ['93] Isuzu Trooper has absolutely no
problem with 3.0 tons. These kind of vehicles are built to take it. My
friends Shogun 3 door has just hit 160,000 miles and the original clutch has
only now started to slip. Both his newer Toyota and the Shogun tow an
improbable amount and are not serviced spot on while operating in probably
the most testing of hilly Welsh conditions, yet they are incredibly durable
and reliable so you have no need to worry towing only a 1.5 ton caravan. It
just will not test the towing vehicle at all.
>
> Cheers for all the help and comments - really appreciated.
>
No problem.
Huw
