2hand Land Cruiser or new Hi-lux double cab

[thebigblue]

Would you get a used 2002 189.000 km. 4,2 TD LE aut. 5d or spend a few extra € on a new Hi-lux double cab, the later a cheaper alternative that a LC due to the Danish tax system. LC 50 % tax and Hi-Lux 30 % only.

Car will be doing Morocco and Iceland for a starter. I know it´s a personal preference, but I would still love you opinion, thx.

[zolo]

Would the Hi-lux be a D4D?

Id lean towards the Hi-lux myself. The size of that truck is just right IMO, and with the D4D its a great truck.

But you are asking in the LC section...So I'm sure there will be many to say TD LC.

[redthies]

I love my LC, but if someone told me I could have a 189,000km LC, or a new 3.0D4D Hilux for LESS money, I think I would look very hard at the Hilux. You could put the money you save over the LC into equipping your shiny new Hilux! Welcome to Expo, and remember... we LOVE pictures of Toyotas and things from far away places!

[AZchris]

I would go double-cab Hilux. I would have gone for a double cab Tacoma if I could have afforded it.

[Schattenjager]

Solo adventures or taking a friend / family along? Rough trails or fire roads?

I've had a built 05 Tacoma and two Cruisers (80's) Tacoma was a great truck for daily getting around. Cruiser is good for that plus uber awesome in the wilds.

[Matto]

BigBlue,

How much space do you need? A 'Cruiser is going to offer significantly more internal volume compared to a Hilux. Towing or not? the 4.2L TD engine in the cruiser (which I'm guessing would be the 1HD-FTE) is a great engine if you need the power.

Given the prices and the condition of the two vehicles you're looking at, without knowing anything about what you want to do I'd say Hilux. Spend some money on the usual suspects (new suspension, tyres, canopy for the back, etc) and you'll have a good vehicle.

Assuming Denmark has had 'luxes for a while, your third option would be to buy a good condition second hand one, and spend the $$$s you've saved on modifications. For the price of the new, standard Hilux you could get a good truck and completely fit it out to your requirements.

Good luck!
Matto

[thebigblue]

Thanks all.

No towing, just two persons, as due to the Danish car taxes the 2-row seat will be removed in both the LC and the HiLux. It will do sand dunes (Morocco) and mountain tracks with rock and stone (Marocco, Corsica and Iceland).

While I´m at it, what are the difference of the 80- and the 100-series, some seems to prefer the older 80-series ?

Thx

[redthies]

The 80 is a solid front axle, coil sprung straight six cylinder engine. The 100 series is a independent front suspension with torsion bars, and usually a V8 engine. There are strengths and weakness' to both. A lot of people prefer a solid front axle of the 80. In North America, we only saw 80s with the 4.5 petrol engine, while you can access diesels. While these are both great options (and very durable), I think I would still go with a 3.0 D4D Hilux if I was in your situation.

[Schattenjager]

Unless you use a topper and add some weight to the back - the SUV will fair a little better in sand. I have the rear seats out of my Cruiser to make plenty of room for the pup and gear which proves to be most enjoyable on long trips. Occasionally the Tacoma felt cramped. Having owned both and being in a very similar circumstance, I chose to get the 80 over a much newer 05 Tacoma (USA Hilux) I already had built.

Either way, you can't help but pick a winner - good 'problem' to have!

[thebigblue]

Yes the local LC 80-series are 4.2l diesel engines, the 100-series are 4.2 or 3.0l diesels, I have only seen one petrol V8. The Hi-Lux´s are 2.5 or 3.0l. diesels.
I suspect I will be going on some trip by myself, and it would be nice to be able to sleep in the car, and skip the roof top tent, so this points towards the LC.
I´ll give this some thoughts. On the Western Shara trip in February a 80-seires will participate, a good chance to get some closer insights.

Okay, just learned there´s a 105 having solid front axle, might be an option over a 80-series then...