New Car Day

[Hutton]

Hi Everyone. Whilst I have been a member of the Forum for quite some time it was as a 100 series owner. The big 100 and I parted company last year when I purchased a rather nice Corolla TS GR Sport. However, the 4x4 itch would not go away and today I took possession of a 2005 120 series LC3. I am looking forward to being a part of the 120 section of the forum. Here’s my new baby:-

 

[AndyCook]

Very nice, shame the 100 has gone, wants the 120 like underneath?
Fighting the rust on my 2013 Hilux

 

[Hutton]

Very nice, shame the 100 has gone, wants the 120 like underneath?
Fighting the rust on my 2013 Hilux

The 100 continued to give me grief after the initial repair to the air suspension. It just didn’t seem to want to work and I just lost patience I suppose. The 120 has spent most of its life in the south of England and so hasn’t been subject to the dreaded tinworm and is pretty solid. I now have to decide do I get the underside treated or leave it and just give it a good clean after the winter.

 

[karl2000]

Maybe give it a good jetwash and lanoguard it for this year. Then you can decide if you want to continue with that or do something different!

 

[Hutton]

Maybe give it a good jetwash and lanoguard it for this year. Then you can decide if you want to continue with that or do something different!

Thanks Karl. That is great advice.

 

[toolsplus]

Nice colour mate,I've just Lanoguarded mine for the next 150,000 miles.
How does the 120 drive compared to your 100?

 

[Hutton]

Nice colour mate,I've just Lanoguarded mine for the next 150,000 miles.
How does the 120 drive compared to your 100?

It actually feels remarakably similar. Power to weight ratio feels just fine and the cornering is also familiar. I’m a happy bunny!

 

[toolsplus]

So you're used to driving a slow boat...
What was wrong with the 100's suspension?
At least your LC3 has normal shocks and springs!

 

[Hutton]

So you're used to driving a slow boat...
What was wrong with the 100's suspension?
At least your LC3 has normal shocks and springs!

Sensors, corrosion, etc. I just lost patience. Normal shocks and springs are most welcome.

 

[AndyCook]

Yes well worth using lanoguard, and re applying it annually

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

Hi Hutton, we've got a 55 plate 120 and had it for about 5 years. It's an LC4 but I wouldn't have minded an LC3 with the cloth which I quite like but they just weren't about when we were looking.
We've done about 40K in five years but it's now knocking 11K a year as Maria uses it as a commuter. I had the injectors done at about 145K and apart from a front wheel bearing its been pretty reliable used every day. Not great on fuel, maybe 25-6 but thats the same as my Hilux with the same engine. When we were looking it took 10 attempts to get a good one.
Great colour by the way.

 

[Hutton]

Hi Hutton, we've got a 55 plate 120 and had it for about 5 years. It's an LC4 but I wouldn't have minded an LC3 with the cloth which I quite like but they just weren't about when we were looking.
We've done about 40K in five years but it's now knocking 11K a year as Maria uses it as a commuter. I had the injectors done at about 145K and apart from a front wheel bearing its been pretty reliable used every day. Not great on fuel, maybe 25-6 but thats the same as my Hilux with the same engine. When we were looking it took 10 attempts to get a good one.
Great colour by the way.

Many thanks for your post Andy. It’s great to know how reliable your 120 has been. I must admit I was looking for an LC3 but would have been happy with the ‘right’ vehicle. One of the attractions was the LC3 has a full Toyota service history since new. I also like the colour which was a bonus.

 

[LandcruisingFarmer]

My 55 plate 120 is one of the best cars I’ve had. Had it since 2013 and it’s now on 246,000 miles. Hell of a lot of that at approx 80mph, and been very reliable barring a couple of things other than regular oil/filter changes. Did the injector seats at 175,000 as they hadn’t been done and the 6 speed manual needed new synchros on second so that got done at 198,000. Very underrated off and on road in my opinion. It’s now in a shed with rotten sills and boot floor so I should have had it sealed years ago. But I can’t quite bring myself to get rid of it, so when the 80 is back together, it’s next. Need to get well over 300,000 miles before it dies.