Hi from Sydney Australia

[Sandman]

Hi all. Eagerly waiting for 18th May.

My Prado has served me well over the last 18 years but it's time for an upgrade.
Looking at the Trailmaster, but haven't decided whether to option up now or do it later and avoid 33% luxury tax.
I'll  do the sums when I have all the figures. Either way I can't wait to hit the outback with one!!

 

[Stu_Barnes]

18 years is a good run for any vehicle. Welcome to the forum Sandman. Let’s hope the Grenadier lasts as long!

 

[bemax]

When I drove the prototype they told me that the goal was a lifetime of 40 - 45 years. Half of that will hopefully be more than likely

 

[Sandman]

If I can get 15 - 20 years travelling to the 4 corners Australia, without much trouble, I'll be a happy man!?

 

[Stu_Barnes]

Years ago I was in oz talking to some engineers that worked the mines.  They told me the lifespan for a land cruiser in their environment was 3-5 years. Then they were scrapped. So I guess it all comes down to environment. Anyway I’ll be glad to get 20 out of mine. 

 

[Sealaker]

Amen!!

 

[DaveB]

Years ago I was in oz talking to some engineers that worked the mines.  They told me the lifespan for a land cruiser in their environment was 3-5 years. Then they were scrapped. So I guess it all comes down to environment. Anyway I’ll be glad to get 20 out of mine. 

I think in most mines they would be happy to get 2-3 years. 
I was talking to a Toyota sales guy in Perth and he got an order for 700 Toyotas over 3 years. Full mine spec which is about $100K per vehicle.
By the time the last ones are delivered the first ones will be scrapped

 

[Stu_Barnes]

I think in most mines they would be happy to get 2-3 years. 
I was talking to a Toyota sales guy in Perth and he got an order for 700 Toyotas over 3 years. Full mine spec which is about $100K per vehicle.
By the time the last ones are delivered the first ones will be scrapped

Totally, the mechanics said that by year 3 onwards the poor Yotas were basically spare parts on wheels before being finally scrapped after sufficient canibalisation.

 

[grenadierboy]

Imagine all those old cruisers sitting around in WA - old parts must be bloody cheap!

 

[DaveB]

[QUOTE username=Mark Evans  grenadierboy userid=8954799 postid=1332656215]Imagine all those old cruisers sitting around in WA - old parts must be bloody cheap![/QUOTE]
I drove onto one site a few years ago and there were about 30 in various stages of wreck sitting in the yard. 
It was a case of anyone could take what they needed from them 

 

[Sandman]

I think in most mines they would be happy to get 2-3 years. 
I was talking to a Toyota sales guy in Perth and he got an order for 700 Toyotas over 3 years. Full mine spec which is about $100K per vehicle.
By the time the last ones are delivered the first ones will be scrapped

WOW, I didn't realise such a high turnover. 700 over 3 years, that's crazy. 
Is that because of the constant use or the corrosive environment 

 

[DaveB]

They are potentially used 24 hours a day 7 days a week on gravel/dirt roads and are constantly in a dusty hot environment
The users also don't care about them and so they get well and truly abused. 
They do get good maintenance however. 
With all the added gear on them they are overloaded and only some companies upgrade the suspension. 
Rust isn't a problem on most as they are inland in a desert, except the ones at the LNG plants and the shiploaders/ports

 

[DaveB]

          

 

[Sandman]

They have had a short and hard life!! ?

 

[emax]

They are just considered consumables. :-/