200 series vs Hilux - how easy to maintain (1 Viewer)

[culmore]

I would love to own a 200 series and I know the 200 series is reliable SUV, it is a Toyota Land Cruiser for heaven sake!!!! But the mechanics where I live are not the best... I wont say were I am.
Is it straightforward to work on.. is my question?? Compare it to a 2022 Hilux if you like.

Petrol seems to be simpler than diesel is what I have been told numerous times. Here our diesel is euro IV standard at best.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Artie]

I understand not wanting to give exact location but if you could provide some general ideas I bet there’s a few owners here that could provide you with some good shops.

As for my limited experience turning wrenches on this truck, it’s fairly straight forward as long as you’re comfortable with diagnosing and repairing a modern vehicle. If your comfortable with that then this forum is a wealth of knowledge and full of cruiser dorks who would jump at the chance to help you figure out anything from vague ticking noises to catastrophic mechanical failures.

 

[culmore]

Thanks Artie. Im in Kenya

 

[culmore]

so I would need access to a good computer.

 

[gasman4u]

@culmore I know you specifically mentioned the 200, but I know the 70 series is ubiquitous over there. I'd bet parts commonality and local mechanic familiarity is much more prevalent for a 70 series v a 200. I could be off base for what you're wanting though.

May be another apples to apples comparison given you mentioned the Hilux.

 

[TheGrrrrr]

I would love to own a 200 series and I know the 200 series is reliable SUV, it is a Toyota Land Cruiser for heaven sake!!!! But the mechanics where I live are not the best... I wont say were I am.
Is it straightforward to work on.. is my question?? Compare it to a 2022 Hilux if you like.

Petrol seems to be simpler than diesel is what I have been told numerous times. Here our diesel is euro IV standard at best.

Thanks for reading.

Maintenance on the 200 is pretty straightforward and I can't imagine it being more difficult to maintain than a late model Hilux. Operating costs overall are probably a bit higher, but maintenance shouldn't be much of a concern. In terms of repairs, I generally think every year newer the vehicle is, the harder/more specialized it is to repair (certainly for the amateur mechanic/owner). In a situation where reliability of professional mechanics or parts availability could be a concern, I think I would lean towards a platform that is very common in your area or shares major parts with other models that are common in your area. In the US, the volume of Tundras on the road help significantly with parts availability, both new and used, for 200 series owners.

 

[culmore]

Maintenance on the 200 is pretty straightforward and I can't imagine it being more difficult to maintain than a late model Hilux.

Thanks thats what I needed to hear. I will check in nairobi for a mechanic that specialises in the 200 series. I wont use the mechanics in my local area for a 200 series

 

[culmore]

@culmore I know you specifically mentioned the 200, but I know the 70 series is ubiquitous over there. I'd bet parts commonality and local mechanic familiarity is much more prevalent for a 70 series v a 200. I could be off base for what you're wanting though.

May be another apples to apples comparison given you mentioned the Hilux.

They have a lot of land cruisers and prados in Kenya, all the models really. Apart from the amazing Probox , the LC is the car out here. The 100 series is the one everyone raves about but it is hard to find someone willing to sell a good one, really why would you sell. I would like something very comfortable so I dont want to go too far back age wise, as most of the cars I have seen from the 1990s are tired inside.

 

[culmore]

@culmore I know you specifically mentioned the 200, but I know the 70 series is ubiquitous over there. I'd bet parts commonality and local mechanic familiarity is much more prevalent for a 70 series v a 200. I could be off base for what you're wanting though.

May be another apples to apples comparison given you mentioned the Hilux.

Yeah for the national parks and serious off roading the guys love the simplicity of the 70 series. But Im only occasionally in the parks (once per year). Most of my time is on the tarmac, with a little gravel.