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I took delivery of a new 2014 GX Manual about a month ago. I have previously been driving a 2002 90 series TX since new (which will be for sale ASAP) and also have a WRX as a daily drive. I thought I would start a post on first impressions of the 150, and a few comments on the upgrades I have done/will do. I will eventually start a thread in the Rig Build.
I chose a GX because I wanted 5 seats not 7, a manual, and minimal excess stuff that adds weight. There are two major things that have stood out for me in comparison with my 90 series - performance and space. The performance is a significant step up, even with a DPChip in the 90 series. The interior space is less impressive, primarily in the cargo area which is about 20cm shorter than the 90 series. It is hard to tell where that space has gone - perhaps a bit more leg room for 2nd row seats. I know the lost volume is going to annoy me for a long time.
The 6-speed manual seems like a good thing and will surely contribute to good economy. The 150 is good for about 10km/hr faster in the lower gears compared with the 90.
Modifications to the 150 are as follows, with much of the work done by TJM:
ECB Alloy Bar (black)
Toyota towbar
Lightforce driving lights
Brown Davis Bash Plates
Piranha DBS 180 (with AOC) dual battery system - chose this so I can run a solar panel
Extra power outlets in cabin and cargo area
Projecta inverter (300W) mounted to drawers (behind seats)
Airtec snorkel
TJM side steps
Diff breathers
Rhino platform rack
Icom UHF. Clic On mount works well for the handset
Supertrim neoprene seat covers
Sandgrabba mats front and rear
Drifta drawers (with table) + cargo barrier (minor mods required to complete the installation)
Kings and Koni susupension (see thread in Suspension)
Still to do
- Install my Barrett HF from the 90 series
- Compressor in engine bay (probably ARB in case I install a locker)
- Water trap on fuel system
- Upgrade interior lighting to LED
- Go 4wding!!!
Ian
I chose a GX because I wanted 5 seats not 7, a manual, and minimal excess stuff that adds weight. There are two major things that have stood out for me in comparison with my 90 series - performance and space. The performance is a significant step up, even with a DPChip in the 90 series. The interior space is less impressive, primarily in the cargo area which is about 20cm shorter than the 90 series. It is hard to tell where that space has gone - perhaps a bit more leg room for 2nd row seats. I know the lost volume is going to annoy me for a long time.
The 6-speed manual seems like a good thing and will surely contribute to good economy. The 150 is good for about 10km/hr faster in the lower gears compared with the 90.
Modifications to the 150 are as follows, with much of the work done by TJM:
ECB Alloy Bar (black)
Toyota towbar
Lightforce driving lights
Brown Davis Bash Plates
Piranha DBS 180 (with AOC) dual battery system - chose this so I can run a solar panel
Extra power outlets in cabin and cargo area
Projecta inverter (300W) mounted to drawers (behind seats)
Airtec snorkel
TJM side steps
Diff breathers
Rhino platform rack
Icom UHF. Clic On mount works well for the handset
Supertrim neoprene seat covers
Sandgrabba mats front and rear
Drifta drawers (with table) + cargo barrier (minor mods required to complete the installation)
Kings and Koni susupension (see thread in Suspension)
Still to do
- Install my Barrett HF from the 90 series
- Compressor in engine bay (probably ARB in case I install a locker)
- Water trap on fuel system
- Upgrade interior lighting to LED
- Go 4wding!!!
Ian
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