I saw a mob in QLD import these with 100 to 200 thousand klm on them with the auto box and it had me wondering if they would be any good...???
My logic is they are factory 4x4 , so ya think parts would exist off the shelf...???
And the mob in question offer a 5000k mechanical warranty, fit the thing out and away you go...!!!
Any Coaster crew out there good to offer a newbie a few tips...
I basically want an AWD or selectable 4x4 just for a rainy day, no intention of MOON BUGGIE 52" wheel type of off road stuff, just peace of mind and with the knowledge ya can get to the off the black stuff places with out drama...
I dont know how good the 4x4 system is even, just looking into whats out there...
Do not be in so much of a hurry. Perhaps not everyone is looking here twice or three times a day just to see if you asked a question.
I did look into those Toyota 4x4 buses a while back. So here is what I think I found out then. But others may know more than this.
These buses are used in snowy and mountain conditions in Japan, like all their 4WD vans people movers and some other vehicles that are imported here as grey imports. They are not usually used anywhere "off road", but just for extra traction. They might come from places where the roads are salted in the winter. Practically all 4WD passenger vehicles are autos in any brand over there. Certainly Toyotas. I understand the 6 Cyl Coaster 4WD have a similar motor to the Landcruisers, and transmission and the same transfer case etc, but the low range is disabled. The front wheel drive is a selection of standard Toyota parts from their large range of vehicles. There should be no problems there except getting someone to find the parts needed if required. There are places who will do this for you in Japan for any Jap import.
A Coaster is pretty capable just as it is if you stick with roads and do not do silly things. So hard to say whether it is worth paying twice as much for a 4x4 system which you will seldom use.
Just a note on another aspect of the Coasters. The basic vehicle in 6 cyl form is close to the 4.5 Tons when fitted out. So if you get one which says you can drive it on a car licence then you should be careful of the weights to ensure it is actually legal to drive as the papers say. There are dodgey sellers who replate them to lower weights than they will actually be as you drive it.
Thanks Jaahn... "Do not be in so much of a hurry. Perhaps not everyone is looking here twice or three times a day just to see if you asked a question"
Your kiddin inchya...???
So salt and rust eh... I read Coasters like to rust even without salt as a helper...!!! "A Coaster is pretty capable just as it is " do the have an LSD to help keep things moving along then...
Most of them done heaps more KM done than what is on the speedometer Just a warning
Yea, I wondered about that side of it...!!! all startin to sound a bit " Arfur Daily Motas" (Minder TV show)... Not that one should eva doubt the word of a S.H. car yard...!!!
Just a few comments generally. I have had two Japanese import vans, a 4wd Toyota Townace and a 2wd Toyota Regius. Both bought 'second hand ' from an owner not direct from the importer. Both good vehicles, plenty of extras and speced to a high level of comfort too. I have no reason to think the mileage shown on the speedos was incorrect. I passed the Regius to my daughter recently and expect it will give perhaps 10 years more good service. Neither were rusty either even being a bit older. So-----
To the rust !! I do not think Coaster are any better or worse than most Jap vehicles. The problem IMHO is the age. If you buy a 20 year old, or older, vehicle then take it around the beaches it will show rust and will need work to protect it. You see plenty of bad Coaster around but they are from the 70s and 80s, bloody hell, there are not many cars left from then. If you get into the inside panels when you fit it out and treat it then they would last OK. I have a 2000 model Mercedes Sprinter and it needs rust fixing now so they are no better !! Made in Germany too !!
If I buy any vehicle from anywhere, and I have turned over quite a few, odd brands and sizes, then I give them the once over and look at them carefully. I have gone interstate to buy a good looking bus, in the photos, and came home without it. The details reveal everthing really. If you do not know what to look for then get someone who does or do not go there. If you want something then go for it. IMHO do not be put off by internet forum gossip that is half rubbish, half envy.
Dr Google sure does mess with your head... I must say though,in my years of vehicle ownership, plumbing vans to cars... the jap ones were the most reliable ones, a couple of V Dubb Kombis gave their all too...wish I kept the bloody things now... aint hind sight a wonderful thing...NOT...!!! $$$$...
Well the least I could and should do is have a look and go by the guts feeling, as with most news it's the doom and gloom ya hear first,"good news never made a paper sell"
Dr Google sure does mess with your head... I must say though,in my years of vehicle ownership, plumbing vans to cars... the jap ones were the most reliable ones, a couple of V Dubb Kombis gave their all too...wish I kept the bloody things now... aint hind sight a wonderful thing...NOT...!!! $$$$... Well the least I could and should do is have a look and go by the guts feeling, as with most news it's the doom and gloom ya hear first,"good news never made a paper sell" Open the mind and then perhaps the wallet...!!! vik...
Vic ,
My suggestion would be to go and look and listen to all the sellers who have the imported Toyota coasters for sale, both 2wd and 4wd. There are a few in NSW/Qld. Talk to them and ask questions. Then when you have looked a bit you will have a much better idea of what you are getting and whether the sellers are straight with you or not. Ask the silly questions. Look underneath, drive them, then go and think about it for a day or so. No need to rush, you have got plenty of time to enjoy it as you drive it around.
Earlier you asked it the 2wd had LSDs. NO but you could get one fitted if you wanted, for a price. They have a truck sized diff in them like the Dyna's, bigger than the Landcruiser diff.
When you fit them out you should load them so the weight is on the dual rear wheels to give you the traction. Some fitouts are too heavy at the front and not enough at the back where it should be. As you should load a truck.
When you look at them you should find the manufacturers ID plate and take a picture of it. That has all the information on the exact vehicle model and type, motor type, transmission, diff, body etc. Then you can google these and find exactly what it is you are getting. I have some references somewhere to sites which give this information.
