Of these four cars, which one should I buy?
Hello Paul, help me compare the following cars; Land Cruiser Prado SX diesel 30 versus Harrier 2.2 petrol and Toyota carina vs toyota caribu. Thanks
The Toyota Landcruiser Prado 3.0 litre diesel is a full blown Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) while the Toyota Harrier 2.2 litre petrol is a medium SUV. This makes the Prado bigger, heavier, with greater engine power, more spacious (passengers and luggage) and ideally more comfortable.
However, the smaller Harrier provides better road drive ability and handling due to its lower and more aero dynamic profile. Harrier is easier to park in town and the overall engine maintenance is cheaper than the Prado’s turbo diesel motor, when they age. Fuel economy of the bigger Prado engine is better because diesel fuel provides more kilo metres per litre of fuel.
The Prado is more suited for heavy duty off road activity and a big family excursion to the rural setting while the Harrier is better for the daily urban driving and occasional dash on the highway for limited outdoor adventure.
The choice is yours if you are more adventurous and have a bigger budget for the Prado or you want a more modest terrain capability and budget.
The Toyota Carina is a sedan saloon while the Carib is a small full-time 4WD estate vehicle. Carina provides more roomy seating space while the Carib has more ample storage space.
The Carib seating and cargo layout is functional and suited for a small family long distance road trip and outdoor life style. The 4WD will come in handy on slippery terrain while giving it an appeal for motorists who love flexible driving on urban and rural road networks.
The Carina sits better on the road when driving fast because of better coefficiency of drag and centre of gravity, Carib’s narrower wheel base means you should not drive it too fast through the bend.
They are both easy cars to maintain with reasonable fuel economy. Carib also offers the efficient small 1.5 litre engine as an option.
Paul, I am also a mechanic.
I read your article in the Daily Monitor giving a recommendation to replace an old thermostat with a new one. I would like to know what could be the problem if I don’t replace the thermostat.
Engine thermostats are designed to help an engine reach the operating temperature promptly. The thermostat is a heat operated spring valve which is designed to let coolant flow into the engine at temperatures between 85 - 95 degrees Celsius depending on the car generation.
The thermostat is designed to help the engine attain the normal operating temperature which allows it run efficiently providing good performance, optimum fuel economy and acceptable emissions.
Eliminating the thermostat makes the engine run inefficiently with high revolutions as the computor gets cool engine temperature signals.
The thermostat also helps to regulate engine temperature by keeping coolant fluid in the radiator long enough to cool down before allowing it to flow when the engine temperature exceeds the normal operating temperature.
This could explain why an engine without a thermostat may tend to run at higher than normal temperature.
Eliminating the thermostat will lead to the engine running inefficiently, with poor emissions and gradual damage.
Ask the mechanic / By Paul Kaganzi (0772316145)
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