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120 - VX vs Grande - Pro's and Cons

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  • 120 - VX vs Grande - Pro's and Cons

    Hi Guys,

    Thanks to date for helping me on my journey on buying a 120 Series.

    Other than the air bags , leathers seats, sun roof, and chiller .

    why else would one look at a grande?

    what are the Pro's and Cons' of a Grande vs a VX

    including gimmick factor vs practicality is the that much advantage having air bags?

    actual cost of fixing extra electronics/ mechanical if things fail?

  • #2
    We have a 2008 Grande and the one issue that annoys me is the basic inability to give the car an independent lift due to the TEMS air bag suspension. Whilst it drives well and I have no problem if i want to do some serious 4WDriving I'm always concerned with the clearance factor.
    Yes, the comfort factors are very nice but the difference in the price (we bought new) when I think back weren't necessarily worth the extra cost.
    As for the sunroof we don't tend to use it while driving as it is particularly noisy and distracting.
    The one thing I do love is the cooler console in the middle. Deep and cold and very useful.

    The only thing mechanically we have had to take care of is change all 4 injectors but this is the common problem with this model diesel. This cost me about $2,500.

    Don't get me wrong I love my car and it has performed beautifully and been to some great places around Australia without missing a beat.

    Hope that helps in your decision.

    Cheers

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by WZU300 View Post
      We have a 2008 Grande and the one issue that annoys me is the basic inability to give the car an independent lift due to the TEMS air bag suspension.
      This isn't really accurate. There are some options available for lifting the Grande.

      Comment


      • #4
        I chose a VX as I didn't want the hassle of the airbags, leather, KDSS of the Grande.

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by WZU300 View Post
          We have a 2008 Grande and the one issue that annoys me is the basic inability to give the car an independent lift due to the TEMS air bag suspension.
          Plenty of options for a lift, easier and cheaper than lifting a standard one TBH..

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by WZU300 View Post
            We have a 2008 Grande and the one issue that annoys me is the basic inability to give the car an independent lift due to the TEMS air bag suspension. Whilst it drives well and I have no problem if i want to do some serious 4WDriving I'm always concerned with the clearance factor.
            Yes, the comfort factors are very nice but the difference in the price (we bought new) when I think back weren't necessarily worth the extra cost.
            As for the sunroof we don't tend to use it while driving as it is particularly noisy and distracting.
            The one thing I do love is the cooler console in the middle. Deep and cold and very useful.

            The only thing mechanically we have had to take care of is change all 4 injectors but this is the common problem with this model diesel. This cost me about $2,500.

            Don't get me wrong I love my car and it has performed beautifully and been to some great places around Australia without missing a beat.

            Hope that helps in your decision.

            Cheers
            Thank you WZU300, I appreciate your insite
            regards Steve

            Comment


            • #7
              When I bought my 2005 Grande I was actually looking for a GXL, but this deal came up for a Grande from a deceased estate...and the rest is history.
              I took out the TEMS system and airbags out just over a year ago and put in a 2inch lift (Thanks to TurtleWA) and l love it!
              I don't have to worry about having to slow down and change in to 4LL, I just click a button to lock the center diff and..... I can change to low range without having to go through the motion of locking the diff....great for reversing/pulling a boat/caravan up or down a steep incline and it can be done on tarmac with having to worry about binding the diffs!!
              Love the leather electric seats, the sunroof and the 'Fake' wood inserts (hahaha)
              Would I change it....NAAH

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by tokhi View Post
                When I bought my 2005 Grande I was actually looking for a GXL, but this deal came up for a Grande from a deceased estate...and the rest is history.
                I took out the TEMS system and airbags out just over a year ago and put in a 2inch lift (Thanks to TurtleWA) and l love it!
                I don't have to worry about having to slow down and change in to 4LL, I just click a button to lock the center diff and..... I can change to low range without having to go through the motion of locking the diff....great for reversing/pulling a boat/caravan up or down a steep incline and it can be done on tarmac with having to worry about binding the diffs!!
                Love the leather electric seats, the sunroof and the 'Fake' wood inserts (hahaha)
                Would I change it....NAAH
                Yeah I felt the height control; was a bit gimickie! Im glad that its possible to swap out for real suspension, thanks for sharing your experience

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by tokhi View Post
                  When I bought my 2005 Grande I was actually looking for a GXL, but this deal came up for a Grande from a deceased estate...and the rest is history.
                  I took out the TEMS system and airbags out just over a year ago and put in a 2inch lift (Thanks to TurtleWA) and l love it!
                  I don't have to worry about having to slow down and change in to 4LL, I just click a button to lock the center diff and..... I can change to low range without having to go through the motion of locking the diff....great for reversing/pulling a boat/caravan up or down a steep incline and it can be done on tarmac with having to worry about binding the diffs!!
                  Love the leather electric seats, the sunroof and the 'Fake' wood inserts (hahaha)
                  Would I change it....NAAH
                  Tokhi, what did it cost you to replace the suspension? did you do it yourself or did you pay someone?

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Hey StevenK,

                    For the rear conversion I bought this - https://www.metaltech4x4.com/gx470-r...rsion-stage-2/
                    I bought the King springs & shocks from ebay, and did a good mate helped me fit it.
                    Possible for 1 person to do it, but an extra pair of hands is always good, and then just follow the other posts on this site, similar to
                    converting from TEMS to normal shocks.
                    I have kept the compressor in place (for rear airbags) and just cable tied the plugs that clip onto the top of the TEMS shock
                    out of the way..... just in case whoever i sell it to wants to change it back.
                    Then found the associated fuses and pulled them out so the H,N,L stays off and compressor doesn't start up.
                    Price wise it was approx $320 delivered for the Conversion kit (ex USA), $330 Kings springs front & rear, $250 for shocks front & rear.....so under 1,000. Probably best to change the tophats on the front shocks at the same time $70 for both.
                    I had quotes ranging from $2,400 - $3,800 to have it done.
                    I saved $$$$ to spend on other things.
                    Allow about 5hrs - 7hrs + beers....

                    Shame you're on the other side of the country otherwise you could have a look at mine.
                    It's similar in height and comfort to my mates GXL

                    Hope this helps.
                    Last edited by tokhi; 30-07-2017, 12:02 AM.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Hey all,

                      Interesting discussion here. What is the cost of an upgraded 2" airbag lift compared to an amts coil conversion for the rear?

                      I have driven my own custom Ironman valving on a Grande with lifted airbags and it was awesome, and I can understand the attraction of keeping the height adjustment at the flick of a switch.

                      However I also know someone who spent big bucks getting his rear Bilsteins valved to suit the Grande airbags and eliminate the jittery ride from a rear airbag/valving mismatch.

                      When does it become simpler and more economical to use amts coils for the rear and simultaneously bush proof the rear against airbag blowouts?

                      Best

                      Mark
                      2006 GXL petrol auto. ARB deluxe bar x3 HID IPF's, ARB alloy roofrack, ARB awning, BFG A/T, Safari snorkel, Piranha breathers, Pacemaker extractors, custom Ironman 45710FE 436-569mm with Dobinsons 350, custom Ironman 45682FE 383-618mm with Dobinsons 487, Firestone kevlar 60psi airbags, 30mm extended Roadsafe links, AMTS bashplate and recovery points, ABR Flyer with Powersonic AGM.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Just my 2 cents - I had my bags fail on a 2003 Grande and luckily only had to travel 200kms on bitumen back to Perth (hideous ride though) I just purchased a 2007 and it already had paperwork for one replaced rear bag , I'm currently replacing the entire suspension with amts and Whiteys shocks and struts , Just not prepared to take the chance if I'm ever remote or even just bush, Don't get me wrong i love the adjustable height option but ..........

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Mkeech, same thoughts I had... how often was I going to use the ride height adjustment, how much did I use the ride comfort settings and could I afford an airbag blowout if I in the outback on a track that see's very few cars?
                          Piece of mind answered that for me.
                          I haven't missed the TEMS/airbag set since I converted mine.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by tokhi View Post
                            Mkeech, same thoughts I had... how often was I going to use the ride height adjustment, how much did I use the ride comfort settings and could I afford an airbag blowout if I in the outback on a track that see's very few cars?
                            Piece of mind answered that for me.
                            I haven't missed the TEMS/airbag set since I converted mine.
                            Do the Vx's have the air bags too? if not am i better of just buying a VX? instead of the Grande

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              No the VXs don't have the airbags but they are harder to find than the Grandes.

                              Comment

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