What I like and don't like with the vdj200 and LC in general (1 Viewer)

[slicky rick]

A brother here asked what my opinions were on the vdj's lc so I've decided to post a new thread... Maybe others can chime in. I have a 2018 vx. Let's just classify it as likes and don't likes and regarding the LC in general

Likes
- I feel the engine is a tough unit. Though I haven't had a lot of time with it...
- easy to dismantle the interior and do diy. Everything is held on by clips
- good ac
- iv seen the suspension stuff and those things underneath and everything looks really tough and big! Feels it could handle a lot of torture.
- for the size and power the fuel consumption is decent.
- engine feels torquey

Don't like
- transmission does not seem to make full use of the engine's torque.. I feel it would be a better driving experience if the transmission shifted earlier and allowed the engine's torque be utilized more to move forward...as it is, rpms move it forward, If you get what i mean.
- there is a high frequency vibration I can feel in the steering wheel, pedals and flooring. Though passengers don't notice it, it is really bothersome. I've brought it with the local Toyota dealership and will update if there's a solution.
- the suspension is too soft. Initially I liked it but the more I drive it the more I feel I want the suspension to be more controlled.
- third row seats do not fold flat on the floor and so takes up trunk real estate.
- since the third row seats fold into the sides, when they are up the second row seatbacks cannot recline
-the 60% second row seat feels not bolted down properly... It shakes. It seems to cause a thud every now and then...
- it is easy to mistakenly activate the passenger folding seat backs when working on the front dash... It has happened to me a number of times.

 

[Romer]

The vibration is likely tire balancing

Soft suspension is for the luxury drivers. The OME suspension is stiffer and provides better handling in my opinion

I removed the 3rd row seats as I dont use them. I put ARB storage drawers in their place

I dont have a thud issue with the 3rd row seat

Wow, the 2018 has an electronic fold button? I don't see the point of that. If you don't like it you could remove the switch and use the switch spot for something else

 

[slicky rick]

Vibration is the high frequency resonance vibration quite a number of LC owners have experienced. Vibration is felt even at idling. Thud is front the 60% second row seat and the power folding I refer to is the passenger front seats with electric control. I've accidentally hit the seatbacks fold switch which caused the seat back to recline all the way while fixing something in the underdash..

 

[Chocolate]

Some of that vibration (especially the vibration at idle) is inherent to the diesel engine, which will always be rougher than a comparable gasoline V8.

 

[Chocolate]

Absolutely. I worked for BMW for a while and they offer the 3 series in 4 cylinder gasoline and diesel models. I've driven both.

The diesels are way rougher at idle and on the road.

With regards to NVH, the 200 is much better than the 150. Drive a GX and LX/LC back to back and you can tell the difference.

 

[Haggis]

My only complaint is the pathetic cup holder, some things never change for Toyota.

 

[Chocolate]

Why does the 200 have a worse stock front bumper than the 100?

 

[Workhorse]

Gentlemen,

The question posed was about the VDJ200 specifically. I asked the question in another thread about 200 diesel specifics.See here: Do our diesel LC 200's have active engine supports? How do they work?

The point of the post was to get more diesel 200 owners on the board to post their thoughts about the VDJ engine and drive train, its advantages and drawbacks and to engage them here. And of course, to post photographs and video.

I always like learning about the Landcruiser platform from all over the world. We never seem to see nor hear much about VDJ200's so I thought I would ask for more .

 

[TonyP]

Speaking with the Aussies, the 1VD isn't really all that great. Tons of power but DPF issues, injector problems, and other various issues in the newer diesel motors. They'd prefer the 5.7.

 

[GordJ]

My only complaint is the pathetic cup holder, some things never change for Toyota.

C’mon, you probably hate the “system” for tipping the second row seats. I have never been able to tip them without being knocked on the seat back constantly. Without a doubt the worst “system” I have experienced.

 

[Markuson]

C’mon, you probably hate the “system” for tipping the second row seats. I have never been able to tip them without being knocked on the seat back constantly. Without a doubt the worst “system” I have experienced.

True. Once you put in a set of drawers, though, you never tip them up again...because simply folding them down (not up) forms a continuous floor.

Or better still...yank the second row out.

 

[Haggis]

Yep...forgot about that jacked up method. I rarely tip them up but when I do, four letter words fly.

 

[HRTROB]

Speaking with the Aussies, the 1VD isn't really all that great. Tons of power but DPF issues, injector problems, and other various issues in the newer diesel motors. They'd prefer the 5.7.

If he is from the Philippines like I think he is, then he doesn't have DPF

 

[slicky rick]

Hi tony. Could you share your knowledge regarding the dpf issues, injector and other various issues you have heard of? Thanks bro.

 

[slicky rick]

If my Lc does not have that dpf and the ECU has been programmed for it... I will be very happy... One less issue to worry about.

 

[Climbingnut]

I drive a 2017 GX-R sourced from Toyota Gibraltar, and it is probably different from most of yours, primarily in that I ordered mine with a manual gearbox. None of the auto's came with with the traction control features, so I opted for the ability to push start my cruiser in the event of a dead battery or starter motor when in the bush.

Having come from a 1HD-FT powered 80 series, I find that the VDJ doesn't have as much low end torque, especially when climbing mountain passes and towing. My 80 would nearly jump off the ground when the skinny pedal went down regardless of what I where I was driving or what I was towing. That said, my VDJ still has loads of torque, and loves to travel fast. The manual gearbox is far smoother than the manual gearbox in my 80, and it seems to handle the engine power/torque quite well.

I like the 3rd row seats, as I have 3 young kids and am always carrying extra passengers. I do wish they folded into the floor though. But that would change the vehicle too much. They'd have to ditch the rear live axle in favor of IRS, and would probably have to relocate some chassis cross members or go to unibody altogether.

Suspension is a bit soft. I've nailed the OEM skid plate multiple times bounding across the desert. Then again, my 8 month prego wife said she preferred the ride of the factory 200 VDJ better than my well kitted out 80 series with 2" suspension lift when she wasn't pregnant.

Interior, comfortable without being over the top. The GX/GX-R should come with rear speakers. It's stupid. Furthermore, my manual gearbox VDJ-200 DOES NOT HAVE cruise control!!! Seriously, when I fought wildfire, I drove a 4 door F-550 with a manual gearbox and it had cruise control.

I have no idea what DPF is, but I'm betting that most of the issues that would plague first world 200's, aren't on my model.

@slicky rick and @Workhorse, thanks for starting a VDJ thread.

 

[HRTROB]

I drive a 2017 GX-R sourced from Toyota Gibraltar, and it is probably different from most of yours, primarily in that I ordered mine with a manual gearbox. None of the auto's came with with the traction control features, so I opted for the ability to push start my cruiser in the event of a dead battery or starter motor when in the bush.

Having come from a 1HD-FT powered 80 series, I find that the VDJ doesn't have as much low end torque, especially when climbing mountain passes and towing. My 80 would nearly jump off the ground when the skinny pedal went down regardless of what I where I was driving or what I was towing. That said, my VDJ still has loads of torque, and loves to travel fast. The manual gearbox is far smoother than the manual gearbox in my 80, and it seems to handle the engine power/torque quite well.

I like the 3rd row seats, as I have 3 young kids and am always carrying extra passengers. I do wish they folded into the floor though. But that would change the vehicle too much. They'd have to ditch the rear live axle in favor of IRS, and would probably have to relocate some chassis cross members or go to unibody altogether.

Suspension is a bit soft. I've nailed the OEM skid plate multiple times bounding across the desert. Then again, my 8 month prego wife said she preferred the ride of the factory 200 VDJ better than my well kitted out 80 series with 2" suspension lift when she wasn't pregnant.

Interior, comfortable without being over the top. The GX/GX-R should come with rear speakers. It's stupid. Furthermore, my manual gearbox VDJ-200 DOES NOT HAVE cruise control!!! Seriously, when I fought wildfire, I drove a 4 door F-550 with a manual gearbox and it had cruise control.

I have no idea what DPF is, but I'm betting that most of the issues that would plague first world 200's, aren't on my model.

@slicky rick and @Workhorse, thanks for starting a VDJ thread.

I think the lack of torque you are feeling is because the manual VDJ200's are detuned to only 420Nm since the gearbox cannot handle the 650Nm of torque. For comparison, Toyota's new 2.8L 1GD-FTV in the Hilux, Fortuner and Prado makes 450Nm when mated to the automatic, 420Nm when mated to the manual.

I have a manual 1HDT 80 series as well and for me it is very slow compared to my automatic VDJ200.

The smoothness of the manual gearbox is probably because it is new. The manual gearbox fitted to the 1VD 76/79 and 200 is the same H151 fitted to the turbodiesel 80 series

 

[slicky rick]

I think Toyota opted for longetivity more than driveability on our auto trans vdj's.. thats why the transmission shifts late on the Rev range... Which brings me to another dislike....I dislike that the left transmission slot is not like a manual but simply a limit to the top gear the transmission can shift into... My 2009 suv does a better job, when I move the lever to the left side the transmission becomes a manual and pushing up causes an upshift and pulling down a downshift...I could only imagine how much fun that would be with our vdj's

 

[Tapage]

Take a look .. here ( no affiliation )

LandCruiser 200 - Torque Converter Lockup - Project 200

and about the 1VD-FTV it as many other motors from Mr. T have great capabilities while unleash from the stock settings .. just didn't expect it to do it in stock form.

 

[Workhorse]

What is the fuel consumption in the VDJ200 if driven with mild manners (city/mixed/highway driving) as well as if driven like it was stolen (city/mixed/highway driving)? Not the window sticker estimate from Toyota, actual real world numbers.

I know in my limited 200 gasser driving experience (2008 with lift, 315's and bumpers, etc.) I have been nothing but completely deflated and disappointed with fuel mileage. Pathetic doesn't start to describe it. I suppose I am spoiled having an HDFT (with lift, 315's and bumpers etc.) and that I get 21+MPG consistently though. I honestly couldn't remember getting 12-14MPG it's been so long ago.

The 200 series is a very nice truck, just my gasser fuel mileage impressions. Please don't respond with the cliche line of "It's a Landcruiser, I don't drive it to get good mileage!" Diesel versions almost always outperform their gasser counterparts.

I'm interested in the VDJ200 fuel consumption. It would be something to see numbers side by side.