Land Cruiser knowledge

[IronMike]

Not really mate. 

 

I think I'm possibly making a mountain out of a mole hill here. I know that the tow vehicle is a critical part of the business, and the only part I'm not buying brand new. But I like to think I'm a good, competent, safe and capable driver who understands the importance of mechanical sympathy! I would also like to think I'm going to be able to dodge a proper turkey of a truck too. Also, my intention is not to be driving long distances for long periods of time, an hour and a half max. With that in mind I think I can be happy enough knowing I can call for back up fairly easily should anything go wrong with the truck. 

 

I think I need to get out there and see some of the vehicles I have earmarked. Might rope my old lad into going for a day riding about the North looking at stuff. Landcruiser is most favoured choice, but I'll gladly look at Shoguns and Patrols etc. Be daft not too. 

[Martin du Preez]

I had a lc4 2004. I’ve towed 4/5 tonne behind it on a tri axle trailer and it’s was a beaut. However the rear differential on the lc4 was a joke. About the size of a saucer as I found out drifting it in the snow. Rust has started to creep though underneath and it is one thirsty girl

[pie eater pete]

Not many shouts for Shoguns? Cheap as chips and great tow vehicle...if your looking at Patrols beware the older 2.8 as i was told by couple of farmer friends they blow head-gaskets..

[IronMike]

Funny you should mention Shogun as been checking them out this afternoon. Very impressed.

[pie eater pete]

1 minute ago, IronMike said:

Funny you should mention Shogun as been checking them out this afternoon. Very impressed.

To be fair cant fault mine..heavy on juice but most bigger 4x4s are..great for cruising long distance as we've took ours to France few times and when it dies there's plenty to choose from.

[IronMike]

Look at this, for 1k less than the best Landcruiser I've seen around my budget.... 

 

http://rvsports.co.uk/listings/12-12-mitsubishi-shogun-3-2-di-dc-sg3-fsh-sat-nav-sunroof-rev-cam-stunning/

[Rough Hewn]

Look at this, for 1k less than the best Landcruiser I've seen around my budget.... 
 
http://rvsports.co.uk/listings/12-12-mitsubishi-shogun-3-2-di-dc-sg3-fsh-sat-nav-sunroof-rev-cam-stunning/

15k for 3 months warranty...
[emoji848]

[IronMike]

Absolutely no warranty with LC I've been perusing. 

 

To be honest I think unless you buy a second hand motor locally, the warranty is often pointless. 

[IronMike]

And instead of haggling on price, it's easy to haggle on warranty and other extras. 

[Big J]

I drove a Shogun a few years ago and didn't like it at all. Almost the most agricultural vehicle I've ever driven.

 

I'd obviously put a shout out for a 4x4 Sprinter, and I do love mine. I will probably replace it with an Iveco 4x4 later in the year when I need to tow the full 3.5t. With the serious slopes in Devon and the clay soils, a more off road focused tow truck is probably justified. 

 

For you in Richmond, something like a Landcruiser would be a good fit. Second hand vehicles are nearly always money pits, regardless of what you get. It's luck more than anything. 

 

The one thing I would say is don't buy a Navara. They are made of swiss cheese, made for builders and not for proper work. I know many more people who've been let down by them than have been happy with them.