When is the klms too much!!

[micko Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close micko]

Hi guys new to this, love my prados had a 05 kzj120 gx and sold it and am buying a second hand gxl.. looking at 1 with 160k on it ,, sold mine with 50k on it and was as good as the day it left the showroom. can anyone advise me on any problems that may occur with high milage,,, if any????? hopefully not,, its a very good engine ive heard!! thanks Mick :lol:

[tileys Member Find all posts View Profile Close tileys]

Re: When is the klms too much!!

Micko,

Buying a used car is only a science if you get a very thorough check done either by yourself or someone more knowledgeable and I'm not sure if the kind of paid checks you get from third parties will do anything apart from weeding out the obvious lemons.

Don't forget that a car is basically a collection of components - each with a life span and inherant condition that adds up to the overall 'driving experience' i.e. your engine and gearbox may be good but your shocks and bushes may be on the way out, the alternator or starter might be about to cark it etc.

I've had old and new cars over the years and have always felt more comfortable with a car that has grown older with me rather than one with a relatively unknown history.

I'm only a recent owner of a Prado so I'll leave it to others more knowledgeable of their particular foibles to forewarn you of what to look for in this example.

Engine and gearbox and chassis work needed are always likely to be the more expensive things to fix but also components like air-con will be very expensive sometimes to fix so don't forget to check out these.

What has the car been used for ? - e.g. if it's pulled a 2 tonne boat to the Cape a couple of times it's likely to have worked pretty hard but on the other side - a suburban runabout that's only really done very short trips (no time to warm up properly) - is that as good a thing as it seems ? (anyone got any ideas on this ?)

Check for a full service history - if not for your peace of mind then for future resale if you ever get rid of it.

160k on a petrol model would have me looking elsewhere but the longjevity of the diesel means 160k is only really mid-life for it as long as it hasn't been neglected...but again...I'm only really talking about drivetrain...

[micko Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close micko]

Re: When is the klms too much!!

Tileys,
Thanks for the info, Have done a good check of services, original owner and dealer maintained since new.. no towing just kms to the city and back..
Good point about the other things ,,starter ect.. im a bit of a rush in kind of guy.. The 160k being half the engine life is a good sign. thanks again.!

[peteandkyles Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peteandkyles]

Re: When is the klms too much!!

The toyota diesels are very good. They are not the most economical or the most advanced technology, but they are robust. I used to get occasional oversize deliveries in northwest WA and one the of regular escort drivers had a 60 series landcruiser diesel. The car was about 15 years old, he was looking at upgrading as the his truck had clocked over... now sit down for this... 1.5 million ks and the engine was starting to use oil. He was not sure what to buy because the 100 series had just come out and there were a few gearbox issues with it.

As for the 4 cylinder version, my 2.8 hilux was 8 months old in 97 when it went for a swim in fresh water. I had water above the steering wheel and the snorkel saved the engine. Had to turn it off after about 20min fully submerged as water started getting into the oil (white smoke started bubling up from the exhaust). Got towed out, changed the battery, all oils and filters and while I had the glowplugs out turned it over to to spread the CRC through the pistons and it started. Following that we fixed the minor pannel damage, chaged oils and filters again once we got home and we still drive that car today. The only thing I never changed was the glow plug fuse, but we have never needed it. Even in -5C it starts without glowplugs.

My hilux has done 107k, with more than 50% off road. Compression is almost perfect - only just run in. It does make a difference how the car has been looked after. I change the oil every 3k-5k depending where its been, always give it a couple of minutes to warm up before driving and am gentle on the foot for the first few ks till the oil gets to operating temperature (not water , oil!). The guy with the landcruiser used to do the same.

[micko Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close micko]

Re: When is the klms too much!!

Thanks for the replys!!!!!
Bought the Grande and I must say am TOTALLY blown away buy this vehicle>>>>>

[tileys Member Find all posts View Profile Close tileys]

Re: When is the klms too much!!

That's great to hear mate. Keep an eye on the forums and keep asking questions (after searching first of course :wink: )

...and if you add bits to it then upload those photos