Moving to the UK Looking for a LC

[grimmcruiser]

We are possibly relocating to Wales later this year. I would like to pick up a Land Cruiser to use as the primary family traveling and exploring vehicle. We would go hiking in the Brecon Beacons and exlpore Scotland etc while there. That being said, I relalize the 99 100 series that we have now (LC Amazon?) would be a horrible choice there due to size and economy. So, what would be a good opiton, in diesel as opposed to petrol, for a UK application. I do have three children under 12 and this would have to fit them plus some amount of gear. I really don't want to go to the dark side and get Land Rover, but who knows. What do you think?

[TEPUI]

I believe the KZJ95 are available in the UK, aren't they?

In the UK they were called LAND CRUISER COLORADO, that is the equivalent of a Prado in the rest of the planet.

[grimmcruiser]

Originally Posted by TEPUI

I believe the KZJ95 are available in the UK, aren't they?

In the UK they were called LAND CRUISER COLORADO, that is the equivalent of a Prado in the rest of the planet.

Any idea on economy (Diesel) years to avoid, comfort level with three mid sized kids and some gear?

[TEPUI]

i can't give you accurate info on diesels, but reading this thread on pradopoint.com might help you with your research. Good luck!

[WarDamnEagle]

Originally Posted by grimmcruiser

We are possibly relocating to Wales later this year. I would like to pick up a Land Cruiser to use as the primary family traveling and exploring vehicle. We would go hiking in the Brecon Beacons and exlpore Scotland etc while there. That being said, I relalize the 99 100 series that we have now (LC Amazon?) would be a horrible choice there due to size and economy. So, what would be a good opiton, in diesel as opposed to petrol, for a UK application. I do have three children under 12 and this would have to fit them plus some amount of gear. I really don't want to go to the dark side and get Land Rover, but who knows. What do you think?

I've been here almost 5 years and my daily driver now is a 2007 Amazon. We love it and it gets an almost reasonable 25 mpg +/-. It is a turbocharged diesel with an automatic. With 4 children we were regretting not bringing our Yukon XL over here (you do see some) and wanted the biggest vehicle we could buy. The size hasn't been an issue except for one parking garage that I had to back out of due to height issues!

You can also get the smaller Landcruiser. I don't think it's called the Colorado anymore; it's just called the Landcruiser (with the larger being the Amazon).

Two other thoughts:

I had a Landrover; don't go there.

You are going to be shocked at the price of cars here, even used ones. The sticker on my 07 was over £50K which is $100K in US money. You might seriously consider bringing your Landcruiser with you. I don't think LHD is a total non-starter in the UK. You do see quite a few here.


If you are going used you might look at autotrader.co.uk

[grimmcruiser]

Originally Posted by WarDamnEagle

I've been here almost 5 years and my daily driver now is a 2007 Amazon. We love it and it gets an almost reasonable 25 mpg +/-. It is a turbocharged diesel with an automatic. With 4 children we were regretting not bringing our Yukon XL over here (you do see some) and wanted the biggest vehicle we could buy. The size hasn't been an issue except for one parking garage that I had to back out of due to height issues!

You can also get the smaller Landcruiser. I don't think it's called the Colorado anymore; it's just called the Landcruiser (with the larger being the Amazon).

Two other thoughts:

I had a Landrover; don't go there.

You are going to be shocked at the price of cars here, even used ones. The sticker on my 07 was over £50K which is $100K in US money. You might seriously consider bringing your Landcruiser with you. I don't think LHD is a total non-starter in the UK. You do see quite a few here.


If you are going used you might look at autotrader.co.uk

Thanks. I am assuming you are an Auburn fan given your title! Roll Tide! But, thanks for the info. My company will purchase one vehicle and I will get the other. I have been looking at prices, and they are generally shocking. I just can't see transporting a LHD vehicle getting 15MPG. I think I would rather bite the bullet, get the diesel and then sell it in four years when we go back home. I know that taxes are also based on displacement and emissions as well. That sucks also!

[WarDamnEagle]

Originally Posted by grimmcruiser

Thanks. I am assuming you are an Auburn fan given your title! Roll Tide! But, thanks for the info. My company will purchase one vehicle and I will get the other. I have been looking at prices, and they are generally shocking. I just can't see transporting a LHD vehicle getting 15MPG. I think I would rather bite the bullet, get the diesel and then sell it in four years when we go back home. I know that taxes are also based on displacement and emissions as well. That sucks also!

That's Auburn ChE graduate. Also have an MBA from Tulane but somehow "Go Green Wave" just doesn't cut it.

I didn't think about the poor mileage of the US version when I suggested you bring it over. You're right, probably better to get the upfront shock over with on the price and then at least not let it bother you every time you fill up (of course at $8/gal you'll be shocked every time you fill up anyway!).

Good luck on the move and let me know if you need any advice on other things. BTW, where in Wales? We live in Cheshire, just SE of Manchester. Nice country side; terrible weather!

One last word of advice: Don't convert to dollars when you have to purchase things in the UK. The real "value" conversion rate is 1:1 (that's £1 = $1). The sooner you think in those terms, the faster you'll regain your sanity.

[grimmcruiser]

Originally Posted by WarDamnEagle

That's Auburn ChE graduate. Also have an MBA from Tulane but somehow "Go Green Wave" just doesn't cut it.

I didn't think about the poor mileage of the US version when I suggested you bring it over. You're right, probably better to get the upfront shock over with on the price and then at least not let it bother you every time you fill up (of course at $8/gal you'll be shocked every time you fill up anyway!).

Good luck on the move and let me know if you need any advice on other things. BTW, where in Wales? We live in Cheshire, just SE of Manchester. Nice country side; terrible weather!

One last word of advice: Don't convert to dollars when you have to purchase things in the UK. The real "value" conversion rate is 1:1 (that's £1 = $1). The sooner you think in those terms, the faster you'll regain your sanity.

We will be living in the Vale of Glamorgan. I am still looking for office space either in Cardiff or Bridgend. If Cardiff, then we will likely be in Llantwit Major or Cowbridge. If Bridgend, then Ogmore by the Sea or Porthcawl.

I have learned the 1 to 1 thing already. Insanity! However, the Welsh government has an excellent program to sponsor in folks who are launching a new business or expanding and locating there. They have been most helpful so far.

By the way, if the Roll Tide thing isn't bad enough, I actually graduated from Ga Tech with a BME!

[FJ40-GARAGE]

Some used Toyota Land Cruisers in the area you moving: Here or Toyota World Cardiff

I would go for a 110 Land Rover but i dont mind the *dark side* anyway.