Thread: Landcruiser vx

Any VX with over 200 000 km on the clock will likely need big ends replacing if they haven't been done already. Easy to do with the motor fitted still. A cheap insurance policy if you buy one.
Any 4wd running a smaller 4 cylinder diesel with a turbo will struggle more if you are doing a lot of towing, they all run hotter due to being put under more strain from being loaded up. A nice big 6 cylinder diesel will tow all day, albeit a bit slower than a turboed engine.
Nissan 3,2 diesel or Toyota 1KZ are relatively good motors if you are shopping around the 5K area, if looked after and driven accordingly. Fitting a pyrometer and learning how to drive to keep the EGTs down can help ensure the longevity of the engines. If auto definitely fit an auto trans oil cooler, especially with the Toyota 1KZ.
There are always plenty of things you can upgrade/modify like exhausts etc. to help tem run caller and possibly get a bit more power from them, but the biggest thing with small highly strung diesels is plenty of air and keep them cool.
I still drive an old 2.4 diesel Toyota Prado, it is slow, but I drive it accordingly and it does all I want it to do, just as long as I don't mind taking a bit longer getting there.