Testing KZTE

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SPF
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Testing KZTE

Post by SPF »

Hi All. I'm new to the forum. I'm about to buy a 2003 KZTE D/C 4x4 with 166500 km on the clock. "Rumour" has it (confirmed by this and other forums) that the KZTE gives problems such as cracked head, diff, etc. I don't want to spend thousands a week or 2 after buying the vehicle, so I contacted Dekra-AA and want to take the vehicle for some test to them before buying - (for wat its worth). Can you advice me on what kind of tests must be done. And any other advice on the subject will be much appreciated. Thanx a lot.
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by OOOOMS »

Hi SP, welcome to the Forum :thumbup:

From what I understand the important issue is with the prev. care on the motor regular oil change will result in a healthier motor.

2003 with 166 000km seems very low........?
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by SPF »

Thanks Mark. That's a problem, I'm buying this vehicle from a dealer and theres no way that the "previous care" can be confirmed, the 166500 km is low alas the Deakra-AA tests.
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by pietpetoors »

The AA test in my opinion is worthless. I bought a car once that passed the AA test and there was so many things wrong with it that I even think they bought the road worthy certificate because there is no way it could have passed road worthy, but it passed the AA test

I agree with Mark the kilos is low which means that it was either used for a lot of town driving which would place extra stress on the gearbox and clutch of it was cared for by a proud owner who only used it once in a while to go on holiday

What is the general condition like, does it look spot less?

Does it have a service history by the Toyota agents?
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by SPF »

Pieter. It's in a good, original condition with service history till 90 000. So much so then for the AA tests.
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Family_Dog »

SP, where are you buying the vehicle from - locally? In many cases the dealer should give you the particulars of the original owner, or it might even be in the Service Book. Oranje Toyota here in Klerkies gave me all the info as well when I bought Pradog, although I still haven't ever contacted the orignal owner. I meant to - he actually requested them to ask me to do so but I was a bit slack there and there quite honestly was no need for it.


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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Thabogrobler »

Most people criticizing the KZ have never owned one. Yes, there are some that crack heads(like Isuzu, Ford, COlt, etc.) BUT not all.

Mine have just over 300km on the clock now and I have not had a moments trouble with it.

The best route to check out the vehicle is to send it to Dastek or SAC for an evaluation. IFAIR it is R450. If the car turns out to be a dud R450 is way cheaper than R12000+ for mechanical work.

Since the milage seems very low I would definitely go the Toyota service route, ie. contact Toyota with the cars VIN number to check the service history; the dealers turn back the clocks on these truck without batting an eyelid!

Good luck!
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Marty »

I have to agree with Thabo, most ppl comment about the KZTE, not owning or ever driven one.
I have owned mine since 94 000. I fitted the intercooler 3 day's later... I am standing on 250 000 km's.
Only issues I ever had was replace the battery, and the aircon pipe that I had to replace.
Once my wheel lock did not want to disengage, but that I fixed myself with only paying for marine grease, and a few hours of personal labour.
It’s a very reliable.
Just make sure the service history is up to date. Rust free, and you should be good to go…
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Niel »

Martin, took mine to SAC and had the 54 point check done including a compression test and from 50 000 to 155 000km's no problems. AA test is a wast of your money and time (imho). My KZ does not understand 120km/h or lower
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Marty »

It still believe, if it’s looked after, it will look after you.
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Niel »

Marty wrote:It still believe, if it’s looked after, it will look after you.
ditto
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by 4x4Maniac »

My KZTE had a cracked head on 232k km bought it on 160k km. After it only overheated at certain times eg. when going uphill. I still drove it for another 6 months, then when the cash was available I had it fixed. And I still won't sell it, because I just love the fact that you've got so much low end torque especialy on a 4x4 trail.
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by SPF »

F_D. From a dealer in Randburg. I'm going again on Tuesday and will find out the details of the previous owner - apparently the service booklet got lost. Who will you recommend locally to service a KZTE?
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Family_Dog »

The only guy I use is Mike Gallagher, Jemtech Motors. I have tried many of the other garages and they all start out well, but then...

I am still waiting for Allan (Hoppy) to move from that dreadful place that gets so cold, windy & wet during the winter and stinking hot in the summer and come up here, but typical of residents of that place down in the deep south, he is slow in taking my advice! ;)


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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Thabogrobler »

Lost service books is ALWAYS suspect for me...

It sound very similar to: "We gave the speedo a nip and tuck..."
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Marty »

Talking about service books, does anyone know what the process would be to get a new one?
Mine is all stamp up now.
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by SWARTLUX »

SPF wrote:F_D. From a dealer in Randburg. I'm going again on Tuesday and will find out the details of the previous owner - apparently the service booklet got lost. Who will you recommend locally to service a KZTE?
Get the VIN number and phone a toyota dealership and ask them on the service history aswell as last service km's will give you an indication on true mileage.
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SPF
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by SPF »

I inspected the KZTE and was not satisfied. Knocking sound in the engine, after about 2km testdrive, engine leaked oil, etc.

Well, if somebody can help me - I'm in the market for a 4x4 d/c KZTE.

Thanks to all of you who gave me advice - it helped.
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by Marty »

Mine was in the market for a short time – temporary insanity.
A friend of mine had his in the market for 4 days – crazy!!!
I hope you find a good one. - Just make sure re service history.
Check rust, pannels still line up and it drives well. Before you make a deposit.
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Re: Testing KZTE

Post by SPF »

Martin, dankie man, ek het 'n KZTE gekry en gaan dit Maandag haal. Bakwerk in goeie toestand, geen roesmerke. Binne ook mooi opgepas. Het 'n diensgeskiedenis, alhoewel hoe km op. Ek lees nou net Nico se post oor sy KZTE waar die head "gegaan" het en wonder of ek nie eerder petrol moet vat nie, maar op die plaas is diesl maar die beter opsie. Het ook self met die vorige eienaar gesels en ek glo dat hulle eerlik teenoor my was. Interessante vraag - Het die intercooler en chip werklik so 'n groot invloed dat dit die "head-probleem" oplos?
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