My LC was the later engine as in the 05 plates.
Dont get me wrong, it wasn't knackered, didnt burn any oil. it just sounded crap from cold (but im really fussy with engines. and im not the only one, if you have read the 100+ page posts about noisy from cold.
It never did let me down. so wasnt like Higgys. and took me right across france and many more places. I have also listen to a brand new hilux at work and that sounds crap to me too. Im sure with a bit of time and not too much money Higgys 120 will be back to Toyota standard.
My colorado had 180k on the clock but sounded a nice engine. ok not sports car sound but it gave me confidence.
My Touareg also sounds very nice from the get go, does it fill me with confidence? No, too many electronics
thats why i carry round the diagnostic equipment with me for that moment the computer says no.
I also now have that power i wanted but could never get from the D4d. so for me Toyota do need to up the game on the engine front. But i think most of the resources are now being plowed into battery tech.
Also Keep the colorado Andy. for the 3K i sold my colorado for i should of kept it, i could of bought it along to the LC meets and had fun.