Cheap Radiator

[2000 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close 2000]

Has anyone bought a cheap radiator off ebay in recent years for a V6 petrol?

I have been buying timing belt kits, etc. that are quite cheap and my mechanic was happy with the quality, so I'm kind of thinking it's worth the risk and if they're no good I'll spend more money next time. I can get one for about $170 which is appears to be the same construction, plastic tanks, aluminium core.

My last non factory radiator was $600 in about 2006 and has done 120000kms and has now cracked. For $170 I'd rather just buy a new one.

[raydes Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close raydes]

radiator

Radiators usually crack / split because of too much internal pressure ,ie head gasket ,blocked galleries ,water pump, thermostat stuck ect. They should last much more than 120,000 ks.

[2000 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close 2000]

Good point. Had the timing belt and water pump etc. done 10000km ago so I better get the mechanic to check why this happened.

Thanks

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

I stick to Toyo as it's genuine and between $400-500.
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...or-replacement

[fido666 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close fido666]

I put an aftermarket one in my 95 Series when the original developed leaks at around the 95,000km mark. It was around $300 as opposed to the Toyota genuine one at around $700 fitted. It did have a plastic top rather than a metal one but still had the aluminium core. Water pump and timing belt was done at the same time as both the radiator and water pump were leaking.

[2000 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close 2000]

Thanks for your help, I'll risk a cheapie and get the mechanic to test the system once it's in.

[scottkz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close scottkz]

I put a eBay one in my diesel auto
Was a fenix brand they got a pretty good rep on the internet
Was 197 delivered

[gee Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close gee]

I bought one off ebay at $220 delivered. There were cheaper ones but this was a Natrad or Adrad brand, can't remember which. Drove 12000 ks through 5 states with a full loaded 1kz prado and camper trailer and never had a problem. Only issue I had was when I installed it the factory radiator cap didn't fit so I bought one for $9 from Repco.

[bonesyo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bonesyo]

i installed a very cheap aftermarket one (with trade discount) about 30000 kms ago, but did timing belt,water pump and full cooling system flush. No issues yet, touch wood.