2009 Toyota Landcruiser Reviews

Toyota largely built its enviable reputation for toughness and reliability on big, lusty four-wheel drives like the Prado. Regarded as the LandCruiser's little brother, the Prado is a big wagon that is able to cope with life in town. New It can accommodate up to seven in reasonable comfort, with some space left over

Toyota's LandCruiser is a genuine 4WD, not just a people mover dressed up to look tough, but which is nothing more than a car underneath that supposedly rugged body. Highly capable off-road, the big LandCruiser is a longtime favourite with those on the land, in the mines or wanting a hard working tow vehicle.Cruiser has seating for up to eight people, though it is best if the occupants of the rearmost, fold-down seats aren't over large. With all passenger seats in place luggage room becomes relatively restricted. Toyota LandCruiser is unashamedly a large vehicle and can be a real handful at times in tight suburban running, particularly in undercover carparks. It’s not only the size of the LandCruiser, but also its large turning circle, that can cause hassles. It has been improved over the years.But try one for yourself if you've never experienced the potential parking hassles. Despite this, quite a few are used as family wagons, thanks to the spacious cabin and big luggage area. The LandCruiser has been around for years, but really took off in the sales race with the introduction of the 80-Series in 1990. It was replaced in March 1998 by the 100-Series then the 200-Series arrived in November 2007.LandCruiser 200 is a major evolution of the 100 Series rather than a completely new model. Its styling is slightly softer than that of the 100, but its genuine 4WD capability remains under that smoother skin.The LandCruiser 70-Series workhorse and LandCruiser Prado share little in common with the 80, 100 and 200, so will be the subject of separate articles. The added refinement and comfort of the 80-Series compared with its truck-like ancestors made it easier to live with, but even the 80 is getting on in years now so be sure of its condition before handing over the folding stuff. The LandCruiser is relatively simple for the inexperienced owner to take into the bush. Naturally with all the usual provisos of preparation and driver knowledge that apply to all who drive in off-road conditions. Interestingly, the LandCruiser 100-Series reverted to part-time 4WD in its more basic models. Most engines on used LandCruisers are straight sixes, though V8s became more common in later years. The petrol unit was originally a somewhat ancient 4.0-litre six-cylinder unit that was thirsty and not particularly quick.A 4.5-litre, twin-cam, multi valve engine was installed in the topline models late in 1992 and subsequently spread to the rest of the petrol range. It’s a modern unit with tremendous torque and impressive smoothness. A petrol V8 of 4.7-litre capacity, as used in the Lexus LX470, was offered as an option in the LandCruiser 100-Series from 1998 until 2000. It's quite thirsty, but beautifully smooth and torquey.Later developments of that 4.7-litre V8 engine were used in the LandCruiser 200, with the latest being a 4.6-litre unit introduced early in 2012. A petrol V8 with 5.7 litres is also on offer in the LC200. Diesel sixes are relatively common on older 80-Series and came with displacements of 4.0 and 4.2 litres. From 1990 the 4.2 litre diesel used a single overhead camshaft and two valves per cylinder. In 1995 it received a four-valve cylinder head, though it still had a single camshaft. Much better is the 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel used in the LC200 – it's reasonably economical, smooth and provides plenty of grunt. The turbo-diesel V8s are big grunt powerplants, making them particularly suited to heavy-duty towing.Five-speed manual gearboxes are offered in some LandCruisers, but most later models use automatic transmissions, with four speeds in the 80 series. There are five forward speeds in the 100 series, and either five or six ratios in the LC200 depending on the model. The LandCruiser has plenty of underbonnet and under-vehicle space so the knowledgeable home mechanic can do a lot of their own repairs. There are Toyota dealers in all areas of Australia, thanks to the company arguably having the most widespread of all networks.Servicing and spare parts are generally reasonably priced, though some parts cost a lot more than they should. Remember that these are heavy-duty, commercially-oriented vehicles so even things like tyres can cost considerably more than they do for a passenger car. Insurance is unlikely to cause real hassles as the working nature of the vehicle means most companies have favourable experiences with the vehicle, letting them keep prices relatively low.WHAT TO LOOK FORLandCruisers that have had severe off-road use – and plenty have – will probably have underbody, door-sill and bumper corner damage. Even those which have only had gentle use away from sealed roads are likely to have scratches in the paint on the doors.Look for dust in the cabin and boot. This may be caused by windows-down driving, but could also mean leaks around the door seals. Maybe even a twisted chassis due to off-road damage and/or a crash.Be wary of the engine’s condition if it has done harsh off-road driving and/or heavy-duty towing. Engines are generally long lasting but watch for a smoking exhaust when the engine is under load that may indicate it is near the end of its life. An oil light that’s slow to go out when the engine is started is another indication of engine wear. Manual gearboxes on older models are relatively heavy, even when new. The 100 Series and 200 Series are better than the older units. Crunching during downchanges to second and first gears is usually the first sign of problems. Transfer boxes are often stiff in operation even when they are working correctly. Be wary of one that’s too tight as they can be expensive to repair.Check for signs of salty sand as it can cause real rust troubles. Look for rust in the floor, especially if the Cruiser has had a lot of beach use. Have a professional inspector follow up your initial examination as a hard used example could cost big bucks to be put back together again.CAR BUYING TIPWhile we usually think of off-road use being tough on 4WDs, life in the suburbs with a mob of rough kids beating up the back area isn’t all that easy either. 

The Toyota LandCruiser is the biggest and, in some people's minds, simply the best four-wheel drive vehicle there is. Toyota's big 'Cruiser has long been the benchmark when it comes to four-wheel drives, and while it has been challenged in recent times it remains the leader of the off-road pack.Other four-wheel drives offer more comfort, more refinement and more fruit, but few, if any, outperform it once the black top stops.The LandCruiser built its reputation for toughness way back in the 1950s when it showed what it could do working on the Snowy Mountains Scheme, and remains the car by which all others are measured when it comes to toughness.But in today's world toughness isn't enough for many owners who also want their share of creature comforts in their four-wheel drives. Toyota attempted to address those wants when it launched the 200 in 2007.MODEL WATCHThere was plenty that was new with the 200, it was bigger, stronger, more fuel efficient, roomier and more refined, but at the same time it still promised the traditional 'Cruiser off-road toughness that had made it the benchmark in the class.The LandCruiser has always stood alone with its own no-fuss tough-as-nails look, but the 200 had a softer look with a smoother shape that cut through the air with greater efficiency. It was also bigger than the 100 Series it replaced, being longer and wider, with a much roomier cabin.Inside it had three rows of seats, able to seat eight adults, with more room in each row for greater comfort. For such a big, tough wagon the 200 Series was surprisingly quiet and comfortable on the road. But it remained true to its tough roots with its old-fashioned truck-style design with a body perched atop a separate frame, although the suspension was by coil springs front and back.Toyota offered two engines in the LandCruiser, an updated 4.7-litre DOHC petrol V8 and a twin-turbo 4.5-litre diesel V8. When on full song the V8 produced 202 kW at 5400 revs and 410 Nm, while diesel produced 195 kW at 3400 revs and 650 Nm from 1600 to 2600 revs. The V8 was linked to a five-speed auto, the diesel to a six-speed auto, both with full-time four-wheel drive.There were three models in the range, beginning with the GXL entry model, the VX and the fully-equipped Sahara.IN THE SHOPGenerally the 200 Series is robust and reliable as Toyotas mostly are, but owners have complained about the problems of engaging sixth gear on diesel autos. Sixth gear wouldn't engage below the highway speed limit, which made it rather ineffective on local highways. Toyota developed a software fix and many vehicles were updated, but it's possible some owners never found out about the revision and didn't have their cars reworked. It's worth driving the vehicle on the highway at around 100 km/h to observe if sixth is being engaged or not.Being the tough off-roader it is you should expect vehicles to have been used offroad, so check for damage sustained in the bush and watch for a lack of proper maintenance.IN A CRASHMass is a big part of the LandCruiser's safety equation, and there's no doubt about its massive size, but it also boasts a host of current safety features from active electronics to an impressive array of front, side and curtain airbags.UNDER THE PUMPCarsguide reader Brian Holland's twin-turbo V8 diesel 'Cruiser has averaged 14.18 L/100 km over the 50,000 km he's done since buying it in 2008. When tested by Cars Guide the twin-turbo V8 diesel 'Cruiser averaged a little better returning 13.2 L/100 km. Toyota claimed the diesel would return 10.3 L/100 km and the petrol V8 14.5 L/100 km.OWNER'S SAYBrian Holland has done 50,000 km in his 2008 twin turbo diesel LandCruiser 200, including some "serious" offroading and the only breakage he's had in that time is a broken shock absorber. His complaints are that you can't engage sixth gear at a legal speed, but says Toyota has installed a software modification that allows him to activate it manually, it was using oil, but has improved since Toyota replaced the vacuum pump, and dust entry is a problem.He also reckons that for a car costing $80,000-plus it doesn't have enough fruit. There's no trip computer, no drivers seat height adjustment, no radio controls on steering wheel, no rear power outlet etc. But having said all of that, he says the 'Cruiser is by far and away the best four-wheel drive he has ever owned. As a keen four-wheel driver he says it is simply brilliant off road.LOOK FORBig and beefySupreme offroad capabilitySurprisingly smooth on roadSafe and secure handlingDiesel gruntRoomy cabinTown-friendly looksSixth gear engagement.THE BOTTOM LINEBigger than ever, but still the best in the bush.

Life - human and automotive - is so unpredictable. When my 75-year-old father went looking for a car to retire with, he sought reliability, durability, comfort and a long warranty.  He bought a Hyundai, thinking that with a five-year warranty it should ‘see me out’.In fact, he saw it out. The Hyundai Lantra is still ultra-reliable in the hands of a mate of mine while my now 84-year-old father has moved himself and my active mother into the latest Corolla.  I would have expected my parents to drive a Mercedes-Benz in later life as a reward for their tenacity through economic depressions and wars.In fact, they chose economy in reverence to their working-class lives and have come out with only minor financial scars from their post-retirement car purchases.  You can as well. Carsguide readers with retirement looming all want new cars. Most of them want a 4WD or something powerful to tow a caravan or boat because ‘we're not dead yet’.It doesn't have to be expensive, but if you are retired or just on the point of pulling the pin on a working career, you want the least possible hassles.  We'll start this week with 4WDs and SUVs. These are some choices. They clearly aren't all that is available and personal choice will play its role. At the very least, this should get you thinking.4WD is for the adventurer who actually wants to go off the beaten track. These have excellent towing ability, diesel engine options (the better choice), a versatile cabin with seven seats that can be removed when not wanted, good safety levels and a comprehensive feature list. On the downside, they are big, less comfortable than a sedan, require more expensive servicing and repair (especially tyre replacement) and for aged limbs can be difficult to get in and out.Toyota Prado (from $55,990)Solid, high resale (and high initial purchase), great off the road and in the latest model, comfortable on the road.Engine: 127kW/410Nm 3-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.3 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlLand Rover Discovery-4 (from $81,990)Exceptionally competent and fitted out with excellent comfort. Fourth generation aims to rid Land Rover of quality bugs.Engine: 180kW/600Nm 3-litre V6 biturbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 9.3 l/100kmSafety: 8 airbags, ESC, traction controlMitsubishi Pajero(from $49,290)Great all-rounder on and off road at an affordable price. Better cabin package than Prado.Engine: 147kW/441Nm 3.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.4 l/100kmSafety: 2 airbags, ESC, traction controlSUV: Don't want to go to the Outback but like the practicality of a tall wagon? The SUV usually has all-wheel drive but less rugged construction and no low-range gearbox. Some are even only front-wheel drive so save on purchase price and fuel consumption.Hyundai Santa Fe (from $37,990)Practical, versatile and reliable with a long five-year warranty. A good allrounder. Only available as a diesel and with all-wheel drive.Engine: 145kW/421Nm 2.1-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed manual/5-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 6.7 l/100kmSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, traction controlPeugeot 4007 (from $45,490)Culturally diverse Peugeot made by Mitsubishi (it's basically an Outlander shell) in Japan with an aggressive grille and very desirable turbo-diesel engine and optional six-speed auto.Engine: 115kW/380Nm 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 7.0 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlSubaru Outback diesel (from $40,490)Long-awaited diesel expands Subaru's out-of-town ability in a very desirable package. New style isn't the prettiest but is functional and roomy.Engine: 110kW/350Nm 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/AWDEconomy: 6.4 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction control

Unlike the magazine's 4WD Of The Year award, which only looks at vehicles that are new or significantly revised in that year, these annual accolades look at all the 4WDs on the market. In fact long-time champions dominate these awards but sometimes even long-time champs are forced to step aside. Best Value for Money

...but still seems to be a popular choice for a wide range of buyers, from hard-edged bushies to mums and dads who just need it to pop to Saturday soccer.But in a time when smaller greener cars are becoming necessary, can the world’s most popular 4WD survive?Drivetrain and chassisThe VX runs on a 4.5 litre Twin Turbo Diesel that puts out 195kW at 3400rpm and a substantial 650Nm at 1600rpm.Transferring power to the wheels is a six-speed automatic transmission, electronically controlled with flexible lock-up torque converter on fifth and sixth gear, and Artificial Intelligence shift control.Independent double wishbone front suspension — with gas dampers, coil springs and hydro-mechanical semi-active anti roll bar — combines with live axle, trailing arms a Panhard rod and gas dampers at the back.ExteriorWith its easily recognizable shape, the LandCruiser 200 combines practicality with a fairly aerodynamic body (for a 4WD) and a few other bits and bobs like a body-coloured rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels and multi-reflector fog lamps to show off its sporty side.At almost five meters long and nearly two meters wide, the LandCruiser has a kerb weight of over two and a half tones and a gross vehicle mass of 3300kg. The eight-seater has a towing capacity of 3500kgs and a 93 litre fuel tank.InteriorLeather trim – including seats, gear knob and multi-function steering wheel - is standard in the VX diesel, as is wood grain dash, doors and centre console, floor carpet and full power front bucket seats.The second row seats are rake and slide adjustable, and the three seater third row seats are side mounted and split fold.The plush dashboard houses a six-stacker CD player and dual front zone airconditioning, and there is plenty of storage including a full centre console, map and door pockets and a number of cup and bottle holders.SafetyToyota’s Safe-T-Cell has specially designed crumples zones that provide a survivable area in the cabin in the event of a crash.There is also a substantial airbag package as well as ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control and traction control.PricingThe Toyota LandCruiser 200 VX Turbo Diesel starts at $94,750.DrivingThe Cruiser is almost an iconic vehicle. It started out with in 1954 as a competitor to the legnedary workhorse - the Land Rover. The FJ40 series introduce in 1960 was a fabulous vehicle and for many years and was the backbone of the farming industry. It used to be Land Rover v Land Cruiser arguments at the local pub rather than Ford Ute vs Holden Ute. But over the years, like many of its owners it has just kept expanding and become more indulgent with the finer things of life. It is now closer to the Range Rover... sort of.If you lived in a post-apocalyptic world, this would be the vehicle for you. But if you live in the city and commute to an underground car park - do not buy one of these. If you have a 30' caravan or a trailerable full cabin cruiser and five kids - this is your ideal family car. However if you or your spouse are going to use it around the kiss-and-drop zone at your suburban school - do not buy one of these.A Cruiser is essentially a 2.6 tonne, 1.9-metres high, 1.97-metres wide, 4.95-metre long assault vehicle. Driving one is like riding a motorbike - you need to concentrate that bit more and be extra careful. Not because you could get hurt but because you might run over that motorcyclist who is trying to ensure he is not in your considerable blind spot.Performance, occupant safety and build quality can not be faulted — there is little to criticise and plenty to praise. It does everything it was designed to do extremely well.Its success in markets and demographics that should not be buying it are not it's — or Toyota’s — fault.So if you are a tradie who wants a quality workhorse with great appointments and levels of comfort, or a family who really does regularly use the 'van or boat, we wholeheartedly recommend the latest Toyota Land Cruiser. If you aren't do’nt buy one.Verdict: 8.6 or 1.4 depending on which demographic you fall into. 

The 70-Series is a seriously rough and tough vehicle that will cope with the roughest conditions in the country, but it's really out of its depth in town.  It is a big and cumbersome vehicle that needs to be driven with a large amount of common sense in traffic.  But if you want a reliable vehicle for the round-Australia dream drive that won't cost you an arm and a leg, then it's worth considering.MODEL WATCHThe 70-Series is one of the last uncivilised Landcruisers. That's not to put it down. It was simply designed to work hard.  Built on a ladder frame, the 70-Series came in a range of models in short and long wheelbases with ute, hardtop and troop carrier body styles.Back when four-wheel-drives were driven by men in hard hats, blue singlets and Blundstone boots, Toyota's Landcruiser was the king.  Underneath it had solid axles slung from leaf springs front and back. It was great for going bush, with plenty of ground clearance and good articulation, but it made for a hard ride.Toyota offered a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The 4.0-litre overhead valve six-cylinder petrol engine boasted 111kW and 284Nm, and the 4.0-litre overhead valve diesel six had 72kW and 229Nm.A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with high ratio two-wheel-drive, plus low ratio four-wheel drive able to be selected via a transfer case. The front hubs had to be locked manually.The 70-Series Landcruiser didn't have many creature comforts. The seats were trimmed in a hard-wearing cloth, the plastics were simple and basic, and the floor was covered in vinyl mats.IN THE SHOPTHE first and most important thing to understand is that the Landcruiser is often used by serious offroaders.  Though it is perhaps the toughest vehicle around, it needs proper and regular maintenance to help it survive.  It won't survive if it isn't serviced, so it's important to see a service record. If there isn't one, get a check by an acknowledged specialist.Rust is a problem. The most common places to see rust are around the windscreen and the side windows, but you might also see it around the roof where it joins the body sides.It's also important to check underneath. Running for hours on dirt roads can be like sandblasting the underbody, stripping the paint and protection right back to the bare metal, which can then rust.Caring owners will have moved things such as diff breathers higher to minimise the chances of water entry in river crossings, but even then it's almost impossible to eliminate it.The 70-Series is generally a hardy vehicle and little goes wrong with its engines, gearboxes and diffs if they're regularly serviced.  Some petrol-engined Landcruisers have been converted to LPG, but be wary of them because they add load to the cooling system.A regular problem that Dragan Vasic of All Terrain 4x4 has seen is failure of the seal on the transfer case input shaft.  Replacing the seal can be an expensive exercise, but there's a less expensive fix which is often employed and doesn't involved stripping the transfer case.Vasic recommends repacking the front axle bearings every 40,000km minimum, earlier if you're regularly driving through water, and replacing the swivel hub seals and gaskets as well.Window regulators are a common failure, but the cause is usually found in the window channels which are often pinched, making it hard to crank the glass up and down.OWNER'S VIEWNICK Bywater bought his 1985 70-Series Troop Carrier three years ago to do just that.  As a scout leader, he uses it to transport the boys and their gear as well as go on the occasional serious four-wheel-drive adventure. He knew of the 70-Series' reputation for toughness and reliability in rough and rugged conditions.A check by All Terrain 4x4 identified a few minor problems that needed attention, but it was otherwise in quite good condition.  It has clocked 327,000km and shows no sign of tiring.CRUNCH TIMESAFETY wasn't a high priority for the designers. Their brief was to design a vehicle to stand up in the harshest conditions on earth. Safety simply was not critical.  Mass and a rigid chassis are the keys to the old Landcruiser's safety performance.THE BOTTOM LINEROUGH but reliable wagon. The 70-Series is generally a hardy vehicle and little goes wrong with its engines, gearboxes and diffs if they are regularly serviced.