Shogun versus Landcruiser (around 2001 - 2003 models)

[its_a_twiglethotmail.com]

Has anyone got / had one of these? We are upgrading the van soon, and it is 1600kg max weight. We are wanting to upgrade the car as well to a heavier car, and wandered which one of these people have experience of.

We have devil and angel on each shoulder at the moment, one saying get the 3.5 v6 petrol as doesn't do much mileage usually through the week, and the other saying don't be daft, go diesel.

Any thoughts?

 

[RichardJ]

Hi Kate

I can only speak on the Shogun, having owned one for 8 years, I have a twin axle, easy to tow, fuel is around the 25 mph except on a long motorway trip, where the mpg dropped to under 20.

That was a windy day, we were driving into a head wind for almost 300 miles, over the last 12 months we have stayed as far as possible on the A roads and short motorway stints, getting around 25 - 30 mpg, very good we think. Oh its a 3.2 diesel we have, not the petrol.

 

[Hamer_5041128]

Kate,

Have owned 3 Shoguns. The present one is a 2004 lwb diesel 3.2 Elegance. The last one was a 2002 swb 3.2 diesel Equipe, both automatics. Brilliant tow cars, reasonably economical and comfortable on a long run.

However our friend has an automatic 2001 lwb Landcruiser which is also an excellent towccar, automatic and comfortable. Neither Shoguns or Landcruiser have given any problems.

I would say buy whichever one suits you best, is low mileage and is in good condition. Being a 4x4 i would buy from a dealer and get a warranty.

Hamer

 

[its_a_twiglethotmail.com]

Hi Kate

I can only speak on the Shogun, having owned one for 8 years, I have a twin axle, easy to tow, fuel is around the 25 mph except on a long motorway trip, where the mpg dropped to under 20.

That was a windy day, we were driving into a head wind for almost 300 miles, over the last 12 months we have stayed as far as possible on the A roads and short motorway stints, getting around 25 - 30 mpg, very good we think. Oh its a 3.2 diesel we have, not the petrol.

20 is better than we get at the moment - about 14 - 17 on a petrol Spacewagon!

 

[Mike_5041144]

Hi Kate

We are on our second Landcruiser in 5 years. First was 51 Reg Colorado turbo-diesel 3.0 D4-D 5door 4 speed Auto. 30mpg daily useage 25mpg towing 1500kg Abbey. The NEW 3.0 D4-D engine was fitted from Jan 2001 and this would be my choice. Our current 55 Reg LC3 [5 speed auto] has the same engine and is 1mpg better than the old Colorado. These 2 Landcruisers have never ever had a single fault our only expenses being servicing and fuel. Outstanding vehicles and difficult to find second hand. Toyota website will search for used cars at their dealers.

http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=homepage&screenRes=1024x768c32&Click on used cars.

 

[VIP640]

Over the years we have owned 2 Pajaro's and 3 Landcruiser's, for us the Landcruisers are more reliable and the build quality is better. Currently have the D4D and its a dream to tow and drive.

Good luck with whichever model you choose.

 

[DavidW1]

Hi Kate,

Sorry late reply just got back from an outing - can only speak on petrol Shoguns and I am on my second, I love em!

Tried diesel on a couple of troopers but back to the smooth power of a petrol V6 for me it's the silky smooth alternative to clattery, smoky, black engine oil and high service frequency.

I don't worry too much about fuel costs as big off roaders are never going to be economical - My 2000 3.5 SWB is mostly used for towing and the fuel computer is currently reading 21.5 MPG and I havn't zeroed it for ages. To me that is a very good average figure and I doubt you would better that much in an equivalent diesel and when you factor in the extra cost of derv and service costs there's nothing in it.

Reliability wise I can only speak of my own experience with two Shoguns and they are superb - if you service them correctly they never breakdown and seem to last forever.

On final consideration - whatever you chose make sure it's registered before April 1st 2001 as the road tax stays at the old rate and is not subject to the megga increase next year and the year after