110 versus Landcruiser? views appreciated.

[MelBrit]

Hi, , I'm looking to buy a new vehicle, partly for my business as a tiler/painter, but also because I'm involved in the organisation of an alternative festival I spend a lot of time in the bush around Moulamein NSW.
Deciding on a vehicle, has been very difficult, and I have narrowed it down to two. Toyota Landcruiser Trooper Workmate and the Defender 110 stationwagon. Purchased brand new, will have to have uprated suspension etc, and some extras. It's a difficult decision, as both vehicle have some very good points, but do i go with Toyotas V8iesel, or Landys dependable, with 6 speed? I guess i am leaning towards a 110. Another criteria being it has to be Black in colour. I know coming to a Landrover forum and asking about a Toyota is like taking a red rag to a bull, but I would like some good practical advice as to why the Defender is a better vehicle? Should I expect any problems? What extra bits are worthwhile? All advice, and any comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Pete.

[scrambler]

It might be worth a quick search of old threads as this gets tackled every other month by someone or other. My only contribution is - why the uprated suspension? Defenders are rated to a true Tonne of cargo capacity. And if you do need something stiffer in the rear end, ask to get it that way ex factory.

And welcome aboard, too!

[PAT303]

Drive both,get prices for both and parts,service,fuel costs for both and the defender is miles in front,you can also get the defender in the 130 which doesn't need any mods for what you want to use it for.Don't be put off by the defender's upright driving position,if you've never driven one before it can feel different but trust me you will appreciate it as I've never met a defender driver with a sore back. Pat

[MelBrit]

It might be worth a quick search of old threads as this gets tackled every other month by someone or other. My only contribution is - why the uprated suspension? Defenders are rated to a true Tonne of cargo capacity. And if you do need something stiffer in the rear end, ask to get it that way ex factory.

And welcome aboard, too!

Thankyou for the welcome, I'll not mention what I'm driving now! hahahaha.
OK, The dealer said they can fit the uprated supension , I suppose same as the 130. I need it because I carry a lot of tiles and bags of glue, not eveyday but every so often. Other than that the other main tool is a Commercial sprayer unit, house painting. I did consider the 130, but I really only need 2 seats, my other half has his own car, Subaru, and would only be an occasional passenger, and NEVER into the bush. Obviously no children so extra seating is not an issue.
Thanks for the info, things to think about.
Pete

[philco]

They do the 130 in a single cab, you could put a tray on the cab chassis and a canopy then all your problems are solved.
somewhere to sleep when out bush. plenty of load space for work
I have a 130 and once you get used to the size of them they are easy to drive and park.

[JDNSW]

A problem I have in offering advice is lack of knowledge about the Landcruiser.

There seem to be rather mixed feelings about the V8 engine, but I have no direct experience.

A few relatively minor factors though. Landrover has flat floors with no sill - hence can be swept or hosed out.

Landrover is lighter, both empty and loaded, and has a bigger payload. This translates into better fuel economy and, everything being equal, better tyre life and generally less wear and tear.

In view of your stated use, I would have thought your better choice would be either the 110 hardtop or the 130 with a hard canopy.

Up to you, but in my view black is the very worst possible colour for a car, especially inland where your major concern is keeping cool.

John

[fraser130]

One is a Land Rover, one is just a 4wd.









This is a Landy forum!

Sorry, couldn't help myself!

[dmdigital]

We have the Land Cruiser Workmates at work and they are very ordinary. The seats are about as basic as you can get, the rear in particular. Very uncomfortable over the Defender, and that's just driving a few km's around site. Brakes aren't as good either, air-con is an optional extra as is just about everything else you get standard on the 110. Air-con and heater on the 110 work very well in the new models, totally different to the days of old.

Build quality of the Cruiser isn't as good as the 110. Put one alongside an older model and you'll see Toyota has really cheapened it. Paint quality is also way down from the past. They do have mechanical issues, but it seems to be hit or miss. In general though bits fall off them. The new Cruisers and Hilux's aren't a patch on the predecessors and yet they cost a lot more. Running costs are also higher on Toyota.

IMO Toyota are now selling on their old reputation at a highly inflated price. Frankly there's better value for money in Land Rover, Nissan or Mitsubishi.

[PAT303]

I've been driving a Chinese made long wall and I'm not joking when I say the build quality on the workmate isn't better,considering the tojo is worth $20grand more without A/C I agree there is a lot better vehicles for the money. Pat

[Leo]

Trim/ interior quality or apparant quality is one thing, but credit where credit's due - I've never come across a modern Landcruiser with broken drive shafts (in the rear, at least) etc. The drivetrain is very strong and durable.

Friend of mine has been through one rear diff and 2 driveshafts on a new Puma 110.....and he isn't alone.