What You Should Know Before Buying a Used Toyota Landcruiser

June 18, 2021

The all-rounder Toyota Landcruiser is not nearly the pillar of unquestionable dependability that you might imagine. Keep reading to learn how to avoid getting your fingertips burned when purchasing a preowned Toyota Landcruiser.

If you are considering buying this used off-road vehicle, there are a few things to consider before making your final decision, such as reliability, fuel consumption, and off-roading capabilities. Several other essential factors include how long the Landcruiser can last, whether it is a smart idea to purchase a Landcruiser with many miles on it, and do not forget the most typical complaints when it comes to this car. All of this is taken care of if you choose to visit Westside Auto.

Keep an eye out for rusted floor pans and inner sills, corroded coolant pipes, miles, sticky brake callipers, torn suspension airbags (on LC5 models), and damaged steering and suspension bushes in any potential purchase.

Which Toyota Landcruiser Generation Is Ideal for You?

Which Toyota generation has caught your eye as a driver? Perhaps you are interested in the 100 Series or the 200 Series. Do you know the reliability offered by these cars? It is not a secret that the Toyota Landcruiser is a well-known vehicle. As a result, if you are looking at buying a used one, you may find that there are multiple generations to select from. The initial model was sold in early 1958. The SUV, on the other hand, did not become popular until the beginning of the 1960s. In reality, it was the best-selling Toyota in the US between 1961-1965.

However, let us try not to get too caught up focusing on the Toyota Landcruiser’s past. If you are looking for a full-size, four-door SUV, Westside Auto suggests that you first start with the Landcruiser 60 Series, which was released in 1980. Sadly, finding one of these classic off-roaders in excellent shape with limited miles is challenging. Hence, if you do, make sure you do not pass up the opportunity to get your hands on this version!

The 80 Series is also not easy to come by but incorporates elements such as a six-cylinder engine and narrow A-pillars. The Landcruiser 80 Series, which debuted in 1991, kept the vehicle’s off-road capabilities while also incorporating safety features, including anti-lock brakes and front airbags, which are ideal for any driver. The great news is that a 100 Series Landcruiser, which first appeared in early 1998, is more readily available. The 200 Series, which launched in 2008, is also easy to come across. While it is easy to come across the 100 Series and 200 Series during your search, are these the best possible options?

The LC5 incorporates the Multi-Terrain Select features, which modifies automatic transmission settings and engine torque output to accommodate a variety of circumstances. All models offer an ideal array of electronic driving aids, including stability, stability, hill start assist, and hill descent controls. It may be set to sand or mud, mogul, or loose rocks, with mogul alluding to uncomfortable ruts or humps, for example. There is also a ‘crawl’ function, which allows you to choose a pace for navigating tough terrain that the wheels and car can maintain irrespective of descents, climbs, or rough outcrops.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension including three height settings is one of the many features that enable the terrain system to function, while the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System on the LC4 and LC5 cars operate to limit car roll in sharp corners, which actually results in a more favourable range of steering feel in overall driving or roading and increased reliability when it comes to stable cornering.

Finding the Ideal Used Toyota Landcruiser Model

Before we go on, Its important to note at Westside Auto Wholesale we have every Landcruiser model on the market. So if you are looking for a used Landcruiser look no further than right here. Our staff are read to assist and you can contact us today.

The engines in these cars came with either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual at first. Gearboxes were modified to five and six speeds, accordingly, in 2004.

Automatic Landcruiser speed automatic and diesel models lead the markets; however, make sure the coolant radiator, which also serves as a gearbox oil cooler, is in good working order. Both might degrade, causing gearbox fluid and the engine’s coolant to mingle. Negotiate the asking price to provide a new radiator for safety purposes.

The D-4D’s output was boosted to 170bhp in 2006.

There is also a 245bhp 4.0 petrol V6, but it has only been around for a few years and only gets 20mpg compared to the 30mpg on diesel versions.

During a period when competitors were going to monocoques, the J120 had a strong ladder-frame chassis. Front suspension is manufactured independently, but the rear axle is stiff. The range of trims varies from the renowned LC5 to the short-lived LC2. All of them are equipped with Downhill Assist Control and four-wheel drive. Many cars have a locking rear differential, but the LC3 includes a center differential. Toyota’s Hill-start Assist Reduce, which utilizes the ABS to manage wheelspin when pushing away on steep slopes, replaces the rear differential in the LC4 and LC5 models.

The LC5 offers air suspension featuring height adjustment as an option. Specialists like the LC4 due to its classic heating controls and simple suspension, as opposed to the LC5’s overly high-tech and possibly bothersome touchscreen controls. The completely equipped Invincible of 2006 lies atop the list.

Follow expert advice and perform the relevant checks and check the previous accident history and miles of the car; you might well end up with a Landcruiser worthy of Toyota’s UN reputation, no matter which version you pick, whether it is the 200 Series or LC5.

How Long Does a Toyota Landcruiser Normally Last?

The Landcruiser’s general lifespan is part of its charm. If you check through various used Landcruiser ads, you may see that there are multiple ads for Landcruiser vehicles with over 200,000 miles on the odometer, which is quite a high mileage. Those miles figures are also not coincidental and have a wide range of possibilities.

According to a few sources that examined the miles on a range of automatic and diesel vehicles, the Toyota Landcruiser is the most durable SUV on the market in terms of miles. After reviewing more than 11.8 million automobiles sold in 2020 to see which versions had the highest rate of automobiles surpassing 200,000 miles, it was discovered that 16.3 percent of Land Cruisers sold exceeded that mark.

Is it a Good Idea to Buy a Landcruiser with a High Mileage?

Is purchasing a high-mileage used Landcruiser a wise decision only because the vehicle can survive 200,000 miles or more? It truly is a case-by-case basis. According to research, not every owner of a high-mileage car takes proper care of their vehicle when the miles start increasing. On occasion, it is the polar opposite. Fortunately, this does not always occur, which is why it is ideal to have an expert or mechanic inspect the miles of the used Landcruiser you are thinking about buying before you make the tough decision.

What Are the Most Common Toyota Landcruiser Complaints You Should Take Note of?

The Toyota Landcruiser, no matter how well-known it is, is not without flaws. The most prevalent Toyota Landcruiser complaints, according to a wide range of resources, news, history, and reviews, include concerns with the vehicle’s oil usage, the engine halting suddenly, and instances of hard shifting. What about automatic or diesel model years that you should try to avoid? Due to issues, such as increased repair costs and more difficulties at lesser mileage, a few experts suggest avoiding the 2005 model year.

Factors to Consider

When looking at used Landcruiser models, whether automatic, manual, petrol, or diesel, make sure to pay extra attention to the following components:

• Engine
• Suspension
• Drivetrain and gearbox
• Interior
• Body and chassis
• Brakes

Engine 

A diesel engine is naturally squeaky, but be sure it is not a knock from incorrect fuel injector settings. If the engine rattles approximately more than an inch at idle with your foot on the brake and the engine in gear, the pneumatic engine mount bushes have likely failed. When the car reaches 100,000 miles, you should replace the timing belts.

Suspension

Make sure to examine whether the variable-height rear suspension on the highest level versions works in all three available modes. Search for rips in any of the airbags, make sure the sensors are operating, and ensure the automobile returns to the standard height over 30 mph. Maintain the steering rack bushes and rear upper control arm bushes on each of the models.

Drivetrain and Gearbox

Although the automatic is secured for life, experts recommend that the fluid be changed on a regular basis. Inspect for coolant contamination — the panel in between the gearbox oil cooler and coolant radiator could rot, contaminating the box and prompting it to fail. Additionally, prop shafts with insufficient lubrication may cause a ‘thump’ when stopped.

Interior

Inspect any touchscreen heating controls on related series to see if they operate; repairs could be feasible. Middle-row seat heater pipes might corrode underneath the car, causing coolant leakage. It is also essential to look at the seats and air conditioning of the vehicle. You want to ensure that the seats and air conditioning are in good condition, so you do not have to worry about smaller matters like this.

Body and Chassis

Rusting should be checked on the rear axle, body floor, rear chassis, and inner sills. When towing any items out of the water, keep an eye out for salt damage to the off-road vehicle. Assess whether there is grounding damage under overhangs as well.

Brakes

Examine the pistons and callipers for any signs of seizing.

Is the Used Landcruiser Worth it?

Has this narrowed down your search? The Toyota Landcruiser has a lot going for it that one should admire. So, what if you want to buy this tough used off-road vehicle? Just make sure you do sufficient research and have extensive knowledge about the history of the vehicle you are looking at. Have the car inspected by a reputable mechanic and determine whether or not it is worth the asking price. You do not have to worry about this if you come to Westside Auto to make your purchase. Simply put, you are the only one who can decide whether a used Landcruiser is a good investment for you or not.

The Toyota Landcruiser is an excellent off-road car, and its technologies are really functional once engaged, but the 4×4 choosing process is challenging. Buttons, dials, and scrolling menus are all part of a complicated network. A few are situated on the dashboard, several on the steering wheel, and still, others are at the kneecap. In sum, it can be an ergonomic disaster that may hopefully be resolved in the future.

From models such as the 100 Series to the 200 Series, with related features such as Downhill Assist Control and five-speed units, you can find one of these 4×4 cars in good condition that is tough and offers excellent reliability at Westside Auto.