3rd Gen vs Colorado

[Apache]

So the 3rd gen is chassis-wise the same as a Landcruiser Colorado, yes?

Do any of the folk on here with experience of both know of any other mechanical / technical differences?

Matt (24/7) I'm looking at you mate.

[surfenstein]

as you have allready said andy.same chassis running gear just a different body.so any technical difficulties would be the same as a 3rd gen.just not as many toys inside as the 3rd gen.

[Apache]

Yeah, just thinking of Matt's truck. Taller load space could be useful when it comes to fitting a drawer pack... Used prices are similar.

[surfenstein]

you could always go for the prado.

[Apache]

By Colorado, I meant them too. From what small amount of research I've done so far, you seem to pay a premium to get that stupid little mirror on the passenger side wing.

[markp2]

When I was looking, LC Colorados seemed to be about 30-40% more expensive than comparable Surfs - which is why I went for the Gen 3 Surf.

[andycook]

main differences are:

the UK colorado gets a rear-difflock (Prado has LSD rear diff)

Colorado is full-time 4wd (NO 2wd option), with centre difflock and low range

3rd Gen-surf, has 2wd option, as well as 4wd, and centre difflock and lowrange

[Apache]

Thanks for that Andy. That rear difflock would be a very big plus point. Is that ALL UK ones?

I'd rather have an automatic, seems to be 50/50 split on the UK models. I take it the gearbox spec doesn't change the rest of the drivetrain spec?

[andycook]

...and the Colorado gets rear disc-brakes (not sure if 3rd gen has rear disc brakes, my old 2nd gen didnt)

[andycook]

yes - All UK models have a rear-difflock... but, you need to check it still works,
mine did when i bought it, but then failed, when i used it to get unstuck in snow and it stayed locked-on,
the accuator then fell apart when i took it off to disengage manually, some of the alu casing had rotted
i fitted a new one for about £380....

I have automatic, driveline spec is same as a manual
a great drive, and same engine as 3rd gen/2nd gen - 1KZT-E

the shorties (SWB) only come as manual's

[Apache]

Any experience of the 3.4 petrol engines? Relative running costs and reliability-wise?

[andycook]

haven't heard much about the petrol engines

and rarely any mentions of them on:

http://www.landcruiserclub.net/forum/index.php

and

http://www.tlocuk.co.uk/forums/

the sites i reside on more these days

however, pradopoint has a dedicated page for petrol users of the 90-series (colorado/prado):

http://www.pradopoint.com/viewforum.php?f=15

which has a fair number of points

[sledge]

i got both a 3rd gen surf and the wife has a prado. i'd take the 3rd gen over the prado anyday. don't get me wrong the prado is nice and all that but i find that A) the ride in the surf is smoother, B) the prado is underpowered even with the intercooler.

[andycook]

i got both a 3rd gen surf and the wife has a prado. i'd take the 3rd gen over the prado anyday. don't get me wrong the prado is nice and all that but i find that A) the ride in the surf is smoother, B) the prado is underpowered even with the intercooler.

Strange - given they have the same suspension setup and engine!
maybe they have different (non-factory) shocks/springs

[Predictable Bob]

The Colorado/Prado is likely to be more capable off road, has better brakes and more load space (If you don't have the 7 seats) BUT ...

the 3rd Gen looks a million times better !