rnf2 wrote:
>
> "Rob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> >
> > David Griffith wrote:
> > >
> > > I am looking at changing our car, the vehicles I am looking at are the
> > > Shogun or the Colorado, we tow a caravan and all the associated junk, we
> are
> > > looking at diesel's and around the 1998/99 model year.
> > >
> > > Any tips either way?
> > >
> > > TIA
> > >
> > > --
> > > Remove Nospam to reply
> >
> > I've got a '99 Colorado. That's a LC 90 or 95 or Prado, for the benefit
> > of certain kiwi posters just to demonstrate that model names change
> > around the world (and some models aren't available in all countries).
> > Regularly tow 2.5 tons although I wouldn't want to drive round Europe
> > like that! But have driven round Europe with about 1.5 tons dragging
> > behind. I've been very impressed, but I've never had a Shogun (that's a
> > Pajero for overseas viewers ;-) ) to compare it with. A lot more
> > comfortable than my Defender though!
>
> Prado (hardback) and Pajero here. tho there is a LC90 that uses the Prado
> chassis with a flat deck and factory snokel as well as other serious factory
> offroad mods.
Sadly I think Toyota are limited by import quotas and only bring in Land
Cruisers from the more 'luxury' end of their range so we miss out on all
the good utility stuff. We only get the HiLux and Toyota would really
like to sell you a twin cab with all the toys rather than something to
replace your Defender.
>
> I'd still get an Isuzu in preferance to the Shogun/Pajero. If they're the
> same as the NZ Pajero they have IFS, same as the Bighorn, but the bighorn
> actually performs better offroad, and has better onroad handling with the
> Lotus package.
We seem to get very few Isuzus about. Dealer / spares support is sparse
relative to Toyota and even Mitsi. You can pick up some cheapy Vauxhall
badged Troopers (not sure if that's the same as your Bighorn), but I'm
not aware of any Lotus tweaks. They didn't shout about them if they're
available. Troopers have a reputation for handling like a barge on the
road, so I assume not. They're certainly much more basic inside than UK
spec Land Cruisers and Shogun / Pajeros. But then theyre cheaper so
they've found a little niche for a big, low spec 4x4.
>
> With mitsi diesels, watch for cracked heads, I think 98/99 is late enough
> the fixed the prob, but 96 and previous years 2.5 diesel engines got a very
> bad rep here and in the US for cracking their heads.
>
> rhys
)
