Offroad-Express

Hi all. I'm after some buying advice.

Unfortunately I'm steering away from the 4x4 scene as such for a while to buy a boat and save for house deposit etc etc . I'm thinking about buying a LWB 3.1TD Bighorn as a fishing/tow vehicle to replace the Prado (beam axle 2.4 hand grenade). I've had a 93 SWB 3.1 before and it was great but went in blind to common faults. Really enjoyed the comfort and on road handling!!! Had major water/electrics related issues (alternators and starters ) with that one but this time around the closest it will be going to water is dipping the tail end in to launch a boat in fresh water.

What are the main issues with these trucks?
Is there anything in particular to pay attention to when buying?
Any particular year to stay away from?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Rhys.
P.S... Anybody want to buy a prado?

Hey Mate,

I would reccomend making sure its been serviced at the correct times and see if its had any big work done to it and try and find out what kinda life its had as well. I always try and find x company vehicle they may have high kms but the have been serviced and anything that needed doing was done.

Also have a look on clubisuzu.com they have plenty of info on there.

My bighorn has over 280kms on the clock and has a cleaner motor than our other cars and it was a company car from 65kms until 250kms.

Good Luck

common issues are the 3.1 can crack heads. but in saying that they are not a 2lt and wont do it every week normally round the 200km mark. but if you do the exhaust and intercool it (if its not already) it should be sweet. they are quite a powerful peppy engine and very strong. bit more fuel and a bit more boost. the turbos on them are not serviceable either so if the turbo whines its on its way. some last for years whinning some last for weeks before they destroy themselves.