150 GXL 2013 Build

[bards1888 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bards1888]

I've just ordered a new 150 Series 2013 Build GXL Diesel and I'm trading in my 2007 120 series of the same spec. I loved the 120 and it has been one of the best vehicles I've ever owned.

I probably shouldn't have, but, *after* ordering I started to do some research and read a number of reviews on the 150, most were from 2010 or thereabouts. It seemed like it was a backward step from the 120 in a lot of peoples opinions e.g. problems with the auto gearbox and it not picking appropriate gears or changing at the wrong time and a few other niggles.

I was wondering if, over the production life of the vehicle there are tweaks and revisions that are made to address customer feedback and the likes ?

What I'm getting at is....would a 2013 build be an improvement over a 2010 ?

[brock05 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close brock05]

I've got a 10/12 GXL and have had no problems with the auto whatsoever. Am actually fairly mpressed with it after not being sure if I wanted auto or manual. I have however got a problem with the tail shaft clunking which started after about 3500kms, other than that am very happy with it and each mod I do it gets that bit better.

[KA_WA_11 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close KA_WA_11]

So far one of the best 4WD's I have owned, the only thing I am disappointed in is the rear suspension. I have now installed Firestone Airbags which has made a world of difference.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Bards I think there have been a few tweaks along the way so don't worry. If you do a lot of towing you should consider a separate transmission cooler and maybe a scan gauge to monitor the temperature.

I have just moved from a Dec 07 GX D4D auto to a Dec 12 GXL D4D auto. Now my GX had option pack 2 so the same tech as the 150.

Differences that I have noticed are steering is much lighter, more power assistance. Car is much quieter, far less wind and road noise. Some of that is tyres but I think the 150 is inherently much quieter. Front seats feel better but that could be 130,000 fewer k's. drivers seat height adjustable. 2nd seat leg room has increased about 100mm but the space behind the seats is reduced by the same amount. 2nd row seats lay flat and don't roll up. Seats also slide. 3rd row seats bolt into the floor and rear floor is less useable, hence my 3rd row seats are under the spare bed along with all the trim. Engine bay is less congested with the intercooler out the front. Space for the aux battery is less and an N70 needs some tweaking of the A/C line depending on which battery tray you use. Bars are closer to the bonnet because the grille is fixed which makes the car shorter but also it's harder to know where the corners are without a bar. Windscreen washers are fine and don't need an update. The 150 is lower. And there is a monitor for the reverse camera and the reverse sensors seem to work.

As far as driving is concerned I feel the engine/gearbox tune is more Eco oriented and the auto holds gears longer which I feel makes the 150 run away down hills more than the 120, that could also have a bit to do with being quieter.

Oh an one extra airbag.

Very similar. Can't comment about off road ability yet.

[Si & Rae Member Find all posts View Profile Close Si & Rae]

Bards, There will always be enhancements and tweaks through the life of a model but they may not necessarily be advertised. Don't read too much into the reviews and issues that people have as they may not be experience that everyone is having. Just remember that people are typically going to complain about an issue and post it on the internet rather than make a positive comment so unfortunately the negatives always out vote the positives. At the end of the day you are getting the most up to date model available and I really don't think that you will be disappointed overall.

FYI - In the workshop manual for the 150, there are two series noted... Aug 2009 to October 2010, then October 2010 onwards (read into this as you wish).