Landcruiser 200 query

[chester ver2.0]

Guys i am pretty close to pulling the trigger on a 200 series.

Due to the costs involved it will be second hand so my query is around the year models

I know from 2015 to 2016 there was a model update involving a shape change and a few other odds and ends can someone in the brains trust detail the major differences and which model shape i should go for

I am lead to believe the 2015 does not have a DPF filter and the 2016 does ?

[paull]

Yes, the MY16 models have DPF but prior to that don't.

The MY16 models got a new front end (grill, lights, bonnet etc), new dash layout, new media unit/centre column with softer touch materials on sides of centre dash column where you naturally rest your legs, new tail lights, and I'm pretty sure they got new injectors to go with the DPF and power increase from 195kw to 200kw (torque stayed the same).

I also believe there were some remapping of the transmission as well. I have the MY16 model and have never driven an older version to compare but from what others have said on various forums the MY16 transmission locks the torque converter in 6th far quicker. Also the PWR button (essentially sharpening up the throttle) makes a big difference in the MY16's where as others have said it didn't really do much on previous models. VX & Sahara also went to 18" wheels in MY16, with bigger front brakes so 17" wheels won't fit, not even Toyota rims (I believe ROH do make a 17" rim that fits but that is the only one as far as I'm aware).
 
I think from late on in 2016 they also dropped to a single starter battery. Mine's a mid-16 build and still has 2 starter batteries but I'm sure they changed that later in the year.

For me, the only reason to go pre-16 would be if you were wanting to do a lot of big power upgrades and wanted to change the exhaust. There are some DPF back exhaust upgrades but I'm guessing they don't give the performance upgrades that a non-DPF exhaust would. I guess if you do a lot of stop/start city driving you would also be better with a pre-16 so there's no risk of clogging the DPF. Otherwise I'd say get the MY16. It's much nicer inside (in my opinion) and looks a lot more modern. I've do plenty of 1hr or more trips and I've never even noticed the DPF regen cycle on mine so the DPF is a non-issue for me. The MY16 goes better, stops better, and has a better programmed transmission (although the transmission is still a bit of a let down to be honest).

If you're specifically looking at GXL I think they changed whether or not there were any steering wheel controls a few times over the years so if that's something you want then you'd need to check whether the specific car you're looking at has them. I know the MY16 GXL's didn't, but I think the MY15 and MY17 did. Go figure!

[chester ver2.0]

Thanks Paull for the detailed response

You say they have gone back to 1 starter battery. Is there still the space on the other side to fit a second battery???

[paull]

Yes, in models where they only fitted 1 battery I don't think they changed anything else. They just left an empty hole where the second battery was. You'd need to buy a battery tray but other than that I think a second battery can just drop straight in.

[wilson79]

I have an October 2016, it has just the one starter battery and there is a space on the drivers side for a second unit.

I purchased a genuine Toyota battery tray cost 90 bucks I think, all it is though is a plastic tray and the clamp and bolts required to hold the battery in..

I have never driven an older one so i dont have anything else to compare..

[achjimmy]

Good coverage above I think anything after the “facelift” is the go (circa 2012) but get the latest for the best coin. More rumor around the replacement next year as well but with cruisers you never know which way resale goes when a replacement comes out (look at the 100 , went crazy for a while)

[KingBilly]

Isn’t the 300 due 2021/22?

KB

[paull]

When the 300 is due is anybody's guess from what I can see.
The usual 10 year cycle has been and gone, and for what it is, the 200 doesn't have any real competition, at least not in Aus. It is still selling well so there is little incentive to do much with it, at least until stricter emissions regulations come in.
Also the fact that they've just released a diesel Lexus version (which they said they would never do) and it is still based on the same drivetrain as the current 200 (clunky 6 speed auto and all) implies they're going to be sticking with it for a while. They wouldn't have gone to the expense of releasing the diesel Lexus if there was going to be big changes in the near future, or at least that's my guess.

It'll be interesting to see how much the big yank tank pickups infiltrate the market over the next few years. If/when they start making them in factory right hand drive so the Aus prices aren't inflated by $30k to cover the local conversion then that puts them squarely in the LC200 $ bracket. I believe the new RAM 1500 is already planned for RHD production, as well as maybe the Chevvy, and I'm guessing the new Ram 2500 due next year will also be. Granted they're not as town-friendly as the 200 but some of them are arguable more luxurious than the 200 with better towing ability, so I think they could start to hurt the 200 sales. Perhaps that will make Toyota sit up and take notice.

[GeoffA]

.......with better towing ability, so I think they could start to hurt the 200 sales.....

The Ram 1500 should be ignored for towing IMO, due to the useless rear axle capacity.....

 

[paull]

Yes, it's mainly the 2500's that are better for towing.

From what I can see the 1500's are bit of a waste of time. They're just like a physically bigger version of the standard 1T utes, without much/any additional power (if you're talking diesel) and generally with less payload. It's just bigger (and less convenient because of it) and a lot more expensive......though likely nicer and a lot more luxurious. They obviously make a lot more sense in the US where they don't have many 1T ute equivalents, and they have bigger car parking spaces, but they just don't seem to make much sense here........that is unless you want one with a howling V8 under the bonnet that sounds fantastic.

The 2500's on the other hand would be great......as long as don't need to get into city centre car parks. 1000Nm engines and a long wheelbase will tow most things effortlessly. Heated and cooled everything, proper factory tow packs, and comfortable enough to live out of. If they were factory RHD and priced at $120k instead of $150k then I think they'd sell lot........and probably to people who would otherwise have bought a 200.

[Fox67]

Hi Chester
My first 200 was a 2011 GXL with the 4.7 petrol, lovely motor that wasn't as thirsty as you would think. I was going to get the last of the non DPF VX's in late 2015, until I saw the new VX in the flesh and knew I would be silly getting the old shape, the interior is so much more modern. I have just run out of warranty on my car and have decided to keep it until I see what the 300 looks like in 2021 (apparently).
Paul pretty much covered the differences between the model years, although I reckon the build quality isn't as good on newer car, but I am being picky.
I don't tow anything so I would actually prefer the 5.7 petrol and 8 speed auto from the Lexus dropped in the 200.

[callmejoe]

Just a thought as you have already mentioned petrol...  if I was you I'd be checking out the  Patrol y62. 
Personally think you'll find more bang for your buck..

[Hookie]

I have to second Joe up there. If I was looking for a petrol LC200 I'd take a good look at a Y62 as well.

[avotrol]

A Y62 just makes a lot of sense for dollar value, comfort, economy, capability and towing ability.

[gronk]

A Y62 just makes a lot of sense for dollar value, comfort, economy, capability and towing ability.

Does make a lot of sense....but, a point worth mentioning for some, it is a touch bigger than the 200 series, and as such, you would have to make sure it fits in your garage !

[vern]

Does make a lot of sense....but, a point worth mentioning for some, it is a touch bigger than the 200 series, and as such, you would have to make sure it fits in your garage !

150mm longer, 30mm lower (than a gxl td), 20mm wider. Not a great deal.

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[petrolburner]

Not sure where you get 30mm lower from??? Stock Y62 has more clearance than a stock 200, stick it on 35’s with only a 2” lift it towers over a 200.

Y62 new or used is far and away better value than a 200series.

You’ll get a top spec, less km, more power, more capability and pay less. 😁😁 the 200wouldnt even get a look in for me.

[vern]

Not sure where you get 30mm lower from??? Stock Y62 has more clearance than a stock 200, stick it on 35’s with only a 2” lift it towers over a 200.

Y62 new or used is far and away better value than a 200series.

You’ll get a top spec, less km, more power, more capability and pay less. the 200wouldnt even get a look in for me.

Roof height. 1940mm vs 1970mm.

I know all about the more clearance, and how much it's a better car, that's why I bought one

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[gronk]

150mm longer, 30mm lower (than a gxl td), 20mm wider. Not a great deal.

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It is when you have a standard garage at 5.5m long  and you put a bullbar on, and you also have a side door near the front of the 4wd !!

[vern]

It is when you have a standard garage at 5.5m long  and you put a bullbar on, and you also have a side door near the front of the 4wd !!

Yes I understand that, I can't leave anything in front of the car or the roller door won't  shut

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[JusyApples]

Not sure where you get 30mm lower from??? Stock Y62 has more clearance than a stock 200, stick it on 35’s with only a 2” lift it towers over a 200.

Y62 new or used is far and away better value than a 200series.

You’ll get a top spec, less km, more power, more capability and pay less. 😁😁 the 200wouldnt even get a look in for me.

But they are damn ugly

[Hookie]

But they are damn ugly

They do start out that way, rolling out of the factory. Same can be said of the 200. But by the time you bolt on all your bits they can look every bit as tough as any other rig out there.

[chester ver2.0]

I steered away from the patrol as i was under the impression due to the hydraulic, kinetic or whatever it is suspension there is not much you can do replacement / modification wise for offorading activities. Am i incorrect??

[callmejoe]

I'd say your been lead down the WRONG garden path ......
I'm yet to hear of a Hydraulic system failing, a lift is readily  available,  and a simple process. The flex achieved from this suspension system is actually quite impressive.  You can also fit heavier rear springs with air bag insert for towing.
Accessories wise all the bits and peices are there just not a huge selection of providers. Price wise i dont think it'll cost much more the settings up a 200 with "quality" parts if not the same..

[Bird]

But they are damn ugly

So are most new cars...
design team plans for wagons


WTF happened to the once Mighty Vitara??? Saw this hideous thing in town last week near the shrine.... Wannabe Jeep much?