‘Tesla’ screen aftermarket. I fitted that. Power button increases power map setting. 2nd for pulling away in 2nd. Cambelt done at 240k by me! Power heater is a viscous heater that heats the coolant up quicker. Suspension was 1000x better with the active height but it is to expensive to repair
@@jameswallace7709 lol 😂 the old sat navs were terrible , I rem the car phones 📞 back in the 80s they never worked properly lol 😂 so can imagine how crap an early sat nag was
Thanks for the correction. I should add I came into these tests properly cold, having only organised them the night before (due to another shoot cancelling). Huge thanks to James for letting me drive his Toyotas, and setting up the Aixam.
Never apologise for a 4x4 being dirty Ian, it gives people hope that these behemoths are used in their intended role. The most off-roading many see is a kerb.
"If you want to go into the bush, take a Land Rover. If you want to get out of the bush, take a Land Cruiser." another great video has always Ian and miss hubnut and hublets and hubmutts 👍
Hi, good to see one tested in the old country, I have one of the Lexus LX470, the petrol V8, you mentioned. The wood in that one is actually done by Yamaha, piano type stuff, not that I'm into wood much, could do without it, but, it's well done. The suspension is still standard with AHC and 3 different height settings and 4 damping settings as well, works well. Its got all the usual Lexus stuff of course. Setup for outback trips. Yes it's a heavy lump and one can feel it but once used to it it becomes second nature, they are not a zippy little thing! 2.5 ton empty is enough! Mine has done nearly 500k km's and feels like new. It's in Australia so rust is no problem. Fuel? Yes heavy, but it pays of in reliability. I also have 62 series, same fuel just as reliable if not better but nowhere near as comfy, it's a truck in the true sense of the word, it's taken me everywhere, it's like a trusty old dog, love it.
We had the 4.7 V8 on LPG. It would manage 8 or 9mpg around town or about 20 on a run. The cheapness of LPG made the cost about the same as 30mpg roughly. We only sold it because of the galloping rust
My absolute dream 4x4. Guy in the village I grew up in has run one since 1985 and currently has a 15 plate one, he does own one of the largest quarries in Derbyshire so he gets them off road!!
Anorak Time,.. Your Amazon was above our Sahara (Aust) and has a lot of Lexus LX470 features, ie rear diff lock , hideous wood, heated seats, memory seats etc. That big screen is after market, not factory. The 1HDTFTE is an amazing engine. I'm 13 years into my V8 4.5 Twin Turbo Diesel 200 Series Sahara. it's simply too good to replace with 180,000km in 13 years of Outback touring.
In case someone hasn't already commented, there was also, concurrent with the 100, a 105 series with the 100 body, but retaining the solid front axle of the 80-series - for those who still wanted the "real thing" Plenty of both types here in South Australia. I own a 1994 80-series "RV" 4.5 petrol, manual. Very nice vehicle.
That giant touchscreen terrifies me. Imagine the damage you could do when diverting your eyes from the road in order to operate the radio or heater or whatever through the screen. The result I expect would be carnage. Nice vehicle though. I do love an old school Land Cruiser.
A very popular modification to brand new unregistered 100s in Ireland was to cut out the boot floor and lower the floor by about a foot by fitting a heavy steel box in its place. they had to reroute the exhaust around this box. By doing this, they increased the capacity of the load area, making it big enough to qualify as a crewcab van, this would save approx €30k in registration taxes and allow the buyer to claim approx €20k in VAT back as well. Annual tax was €333 instead of €1800 as well. All part of Irelands bizzare motoring taxes.
Up there with the best 4x4’s of all time. The 100 was well equipped. The 80 was still a formidable machine. Looking 20 years on I still see my dads old 80 series on the road after he sold it. Might be familiar sight to you ian as it’s still used for Rees Sound Carmarthen. My dad later had an earlier version of the model you tested here. Same colour blue on grey. Only did about 10k from new before it had to shifting on due to circumstances. Quite sure I spotted it the other day.
How can any sane person think a Range Rover is in any way comparable with a Land Cruiser is beyond me. The Land Cruiser wins in every department except the look at me I drive a Ranger Rover because I’m better than anyone else.
I believe there is a phrase that says if you want to go in to the outback you take a Land Rover, but if you want to come back take a Landcruiser. Maybe not as luxurious and classy as a Land Rover but a much better reputation
Also. There's only one Amazon, Volvo made them from 56-70! They definitely aren't the most refined vehicle, but in Australia they are loved by caravaners and retirees, the patrol seems to be preferred by the off roader types in general, probably because of the Toyota tax. We did the the 100 series Lexus lx470, and then 200 series lx570 and now the 300 series has a Diesel option and hybrid v8 with four seat interior for the lx600. They
Many weeks ago in my neighbourhood was parking the same car, but branded as a Lexus. It came from Ukraine and had a V8-petrol engine. Because I had parked my small transport trailer in my garage for two nights, I had to park my 2017 Kia Sorento outside on the road. Even the Sorento is definitely not a small car, it looked funny small when I parked it behind that Luxus. Very great cars those Landcruisers. I like them a lot. Very interesting road test like always from hubnut. Greetings from Germany.
Superb vehicle! Ultimate reliability! I like the 70's style ones! Later ones really over equipped Couldn't even afford to fill the tank now! There 's a reason these are used in the outback and not Land/Range Rovers!
Yes there is a reason, it's called economics! Having the pound set too high in relation to the yen means anyone exporting manufactured products from the UK has to cheap out on quality! The financial "crisis" of 2008 changed this balance for ever, now exporters can be competitive in overseas markets.
My inlaws had one of these in maroon with cream leather 😋 I remember the noise well. The self levelling suspension was a pain, It could usually be found squatting on one corner! They traded up to the new model with the v8 diesel, that thing moves like a hot hatch and sounds hilarious, the engineering going on to get it to behave as it does must be mind-blowing🤯
Brilliant vehicles, mine used to get called up upon to tow everything from caravans/burger vans/trailered cars to various events up and down the country, and done so effortlessly
I looked at some of these when replacing my Collie 95 series, but there are so many poorly described minters which prove as soon as you slide underneath to be munters. Luckily a well cared for rust free 120 came up one morning and i grabbed it before anyone else could, 7 years later it's never given me any trouble apart from the alternator died one day, £126 refurb and took me a couple of hours to fit. Its rust and neglect that kills Landcruisers of any model, keep them treated and serviced and they really will last your whole motoring life if you want.
In comparison to a Range Rover, I suppose it depends why you're buying it for. If you want a capable, reliable vehicle that will tow comfortably, get across most terrain and get you home you buy the Land Cruiser. If you want an unreliable showpiece with nicer leather and wood that will look better parked outside a gin bar then buy the RR. You'd probably be able to have a drink too as it's highly likely you'd be getting a taxi home anyway when the RR doesn't start. Has anyone stopped to think why a similar age/mileage Land Cruiser is 3 to 4 times more expensive to buy that a Range Rover?
Come to Ireland and you will see landcruisers literally everywhere. Absolutely love them. 13 years driving the 2006 one here and still not sick of it. Much prefer it to my 2019 Kuga 👍
Drove a few of the 100 series diesel Saharas when I worked for a Toyota dealer. If I had the money I would absolutely buy the nicest one I could and hold on to it. Lovely cars.
I got to drive one of those (Landcruiser VX) on a "drive it" day. I was mighty impressed. The best thing was the air ride. I find it most unfortunate that people often remove those systems. They are not complex and can often be rebuilt with second hand parts on the kitchen table if money is the issue.
Its hydraulic all round on the 100 series, 120 and 150 series (Prado size) have rear air suspension. Pleiades in Sawtry is the place to go for the hydrualic suspension, they utilise slightly modified Citroen spheres if i recall correctly.
Nice LC, the 100 series is definitely worthy. We didn’t get the diesel here in the USA which is strange/unfortunate but it think I will stick with my HDJ81 1-HDT equipped 80 series. Great video.
i really like this car, impressed with the interior and i like the wood dash and that screen in the middle is really something i like the smooth gear change. All in all a nice car in my opnion.
If it's only had the speedo unit replaced at this mileage that's a testament to Toyota quality. If it was a similar age Range Rover just about everything electronic would have broken long ago.
Used to drive the 4.7 liter v8 version almost 20 years ago. It made some nice noises and shifted quiet well for a large vehicle. Bit too thirsty for the UK though.
They're excellent - the 1HD-FTE is beloved in Aus as one of Toyota's best diesels. Modern enough & powerful enough while maintaining the simplicity and reliability that is lacking on more recent generation diesel 4x4s. As such, these can still fetch ridiculous money considering their age.
I agree.. Compared to a Range Rover this lacks the feeling of highend. ..but you can use it to ferry people who's Range Rover are at the shop because it's broken for the fifth time this year back and forth, which is a bonus. ..and: Compared to the Surf: The Surf annoyed me with far too many revs from a not great sounding engine. This hits the spot. A lovely mostly low reving 6 cylinder turbo diesel. Yes please :)
I’ve got one of those, bought new in late 1998. The 4.2 turbo intercooler automatic. It has been off the road for nearly five years now with a good body, chassis and major drivetrain. Unfortunately the ridiculous brake servo is electronic power boosted and that failed requiring a part worth £3500 when it failed. It also needs the hydraulically assisted suspension changed for pure mechanical for which I have the parts. Unfortunately it failed at around its 20th birthday and 200,000 miles and although it had been very reliable up to that point, I could see myself pouring money into a black hole if I started to spend. Mine is a bit older than the one featured so has a four speed automatic and a different centre console to which I added a double-DIN touchscreen sat nav infotainment unit.
@@lewlewis6511 I still have it. Do you have a name for this company? Although the Cruiser is in generally good condition, being idle for four or five years means that lots of stuff, such as brake discs ad calibers, the suspension and so on may make the project unviable. At the time the motor failed, I could find nothing but new parts, and advice that I should change the master cylinders at the same time, costing over £5000 in all.
@@hedydd2 Dashed helpful of them. robson and francis rewinds for your brake accumulator motor, several lc owners have had their motors refurbed by those chaps. Pleiades are at Sawtry, they're experts on suspension hydraulics. landcruiser club then put a dot then a net is an excellent landcruiser forum i'm a member of. hopefully this one goes through.
Mine is like new underneath due to being cleaned and thoroughly Waxoyl’d several times in its life. Only the rear axle casing seems to have suffered with a coating of rust underneath the waxoyl despite my best effort. A friends three years newer [2002] Colorado had to have a replacement salvage rear axle about a decade ago due to being rusted beyond repair.
I nearly had an identical Amazon to this one, but ended up with a late Colorado. Its superb. I dont get to use it much as its parked up at our Farm in France, where I havnt been much since Covid in 2020. Cant wait to pick it up in a few months and get a fresh MOT on it and bring it up here to the North East. 3.0 D4D auto is a peach and Iv had variations in our Hilux and Fortuner in Thailand and Hiace...easiest Cambelt and water pump job in the world
The power heater is the best gadget in it. The HiAce that I drove for over 10 years had one. It went from baltic to toasty in no time on a winters morning…!
A South African friend drove my 87 Land Rover County with 3.5 V8 petrol engine. When he gave it back he apologetically told me that back home his Land Cruiser had a bumper sticker reading "Land Rover Support Vehicle".
A neighbour had an Amazon from nearly new, a nearly new Range Rover being the wrong image for him. Very impressive vehicle and he ran for many years until about 4 years ago when he got sick of spending £1000 every 6 months fixing the air suspension. Now has a Series 3 or 4 Disco.
Whilst posting sarcastic comments did you notice the one reviewed has had it's toyota-world-superpower-in-reliability-charts suspension replaced with steel springs...?
The Amazon 100 series does not have air suspension. It has hydraulically assisted tortion bar independent front with coils at the back on a live axle. This system uses nitrogen accumulators as shock absorbers and an electrically driven oil pump in the engine bay. Like all N accumulators they have a finite life and are probably mega-bucks to replace, which is why it is cheaper to convert the vehicle to the standard poverty-pack spec using standard coil springs and shock absorbers.
@@hedydd2You're completely right. Hydropneumatic system. You can actually get hold of really good accumulators fairly cheap. A few shops in the UK can make them at a fraction Toyota charges. Usually Citroen suspension experts do them. The main issues in the UK are 1. Rusted lines 2. Lack of maintainence. The fluid needs flushed every once in a while and the torsion bar needs cranked a bit.
@@thesaint8400 No pneumatic involved. It is hydro-mechanical with no air system. Accumulators are available from Kramp, Sparex and possibly Vapormatic, all of which have a variety of new accumulators with different capacities and pressures. I’ve not tried these as my LC has a failed electronic brake servo and master cylinders, needs new accumulators, rams at each corner, batteries, brake calipers and discs, all of which add up to nearly £10,000. Not viable on a 25 year old 200,000 mile vehicle however good the body, chassis, engine and gearboxes are. It has turned into a bottomless money pit.
Shame at the end. My Sequoia which I just sold had the rear air suspension. The common thoughts in the forums was to replace it with shocks due to the hassle. I replaced my air bags, just a few hours and the car was transformed. I drove it long distances and it was a superb mile muncher. 2 weeks later and I miss it...
These are beasts, Toyota build quality and reliability means if you take care of it it'll look showroom fresh with many hundreds of thousands of miles.
I've got the 4.7 v8, it's an amazing vehicle - all about low down torque despite being petrol and it tows like nothing else (the 4.2 diesel is amazing for towing of course - I had one before - but the difference isn't as big as you might think and I get that v8 noise to go with it! LPG means that it doesn't cost any more to fuel.) Can totally see why the owner has fitted the Tesla style screen as the original nav screen has dated terribly and isn't much use to be honest. Also the AHC suspension is modelled on Citroen systems and is supremely comfortable as well as perfect for towing. I always think it's a shame that people replace it with coils as much like Citroens it's not as complex as people think.
The issue with that suspension system is that the payload is drastically low. Four or five big adults will take it over its cargo limit. I towed a lot with mine and with four beasts in a 14ft box, which takes it up to 3.5 tons, the suspension would invariably sink to its low position, being overloaded by the towball vertical load. My current Ranger 2.2 automatic pickup actually tows better than it [allowing for it being 2wd on road] with just as much performance and just high low fuel consumption of around 17mpg on mixed load towing [the trailer weighs 1.2 tons tare].
@@hedydd2 oh ok, havent found that at all - tows a 2 ton caravan with 5 people and lots of luggage at normal height. I am prepared for it to go wrong but would like to keep it maintained if I can - my previous diesel 100 on coil springs didn't ride half so well
@@andrewcole-ch6cx 4x160kg occupants plus 300kgs is enough to throw the suspension from normal to low ride modes. I suspect that 300kg alone at the very back, on the two ball, will do it. That is quite a common weight for heavy duty 3.5 ton trailers containing cattle that move around inside. If they all face the rear the weight moves forward of centre considerably. The box weights 1200kgs and add four approximately 600kg beasts and you are tickling the maximum legal towing capacity for UK roads.
The Amazon was a similar price to Mid Range Rovers and nothing like so tasteful. When it was over 5 years old it all still worked, as it did when it was 10 years old and more…
Hello Ian, the sponsorship bit was really quiet mate! You might be able to edit the volume of that piece through youtube itself. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Not sure if you had a sound recording issue or something but given the choice I much prefer silence/indicator tick to that Jean-Michel Jarre music for the ending bit
they hold strong money for a reason! those interior plastics are hideous to be sure but i bet they can cope better in tropical climates then the likes of a range rovers trim. i would love one but doubt i could afford to feed it with the mileage i do.
Best land cruiser for me was the 70 series, unfortunately was not available in the UK and Europe I think (could be something to do with emissions). Each time I've gone to Zambia (Africa) there seems to be no tougher vehicle in the world, feel like you could go any where with out fear.
The 70 series was available in Europe, i had a 1985 SWB 70 when i lived in Norway and the 70 and 73 are pretty common. Here in Spain there are a lot of 70, 73 and 76's, but i think that the newer 70 series don't meet the Euro 6 standard and are no longer sold from Toyota.
@@FryNOR thanks, my friend in Zambia has just bought a brand new one from South Africa and I think Toyota still supply the UN with them. My knowledge wasn't very good with how they were supplied in Europe perhaps it was more just Britain that didn't have them.
My first LC was a 70 series, a '93 model, they only offered the 3.0 litre turboDiesel for the the last couple of years before 90 series (collie) came in. Engine only rated at 123bhp, but it would pull almost max torque from as little as 800rpm and you had to really try hard to stall it, i miss it but it saved my lovely wife's life in the accident that wrote it off, brick outhouse build quality.
Andrew St Pierre Whites fav car , love watching his overlanding adventures on RUclips , he actually had a chat with me over FB once , really nice man and has time for his fans same as you Ian , remember even if you one day become a wolrd famous motoring host dont end up like Clarkson lol his ego i cant stand.
There's a reason these older Land Cruisers are worth WAY more than similar age Range Rovers. My boss had the diesel and it was a beautiful beast. The RCSA button is to turn off the Roll Sensing Curtain Airbags. That stereo is aftermarket by the way.
In the UK we only had the 1HD-FTE and the V8 in the 100 series, both with catalytic convertors. Even at launch in 1998 the old wheezing HZ engine would not meet emission standards. We were initially offered a manual transmission and mechanical suspension but that didn’t last long. Never had the wagon rear door or the live front axle carried over from the 80 series offered in the UK.
When this was introduced it was more economical than the indirect injection 3.0 Colorado/Prado. It has 200hp and 400Nm of torque and averages about 24 mpg on a good day. This was very good in its day but consider that something like a 2.0 litre Volvo D5 today has slightly more power and 25% higher torque at equally low revs and you can see that times have moved on. Especially as the Volvo [and my Sorento] weigh as much as a classic Range Rover and yet average 38 mpg and are far faster and quieter and better handling. Not in the same class of vehicle for towing and serious off-roading of course. Thank goodness my earlier build Amazon has a far classier wood-free interior. The Japanese and Germans just don’t know how to do wood properly.
Always felt these were designed for more demanding places than the UK. Here in the UK there're very few spots where the vehicle's attributes were tested or even needed compared to Africa, South America, Middle East, Asia, Australia etc. For example we never have to drive for long distances on unpaved roads or have to cope with real risks to life if the vehicle breaks down. Here you're never more than a few miles from a Gastropub or a McDs or other "civilisation". Hence I think the more style driven SUVs, ones with posher badges and those built and used as "high riding executive cars" tended to outsell the Land Cruiser here.
I totalled up 1000000km in 60, 80 and 100 series. I presently have a 105 with the same drive train. I am addicted. I can also fit two recumbent trikes in the back! 🇦🇺👍🤣🙂😊🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘
This was my preference when looking for a tow car but they do hold their value well hence why I plumped for a Touareg V6 TDI - comparable year was 3k cheaper for the VW! Still have an itch for a late 80 series at some point... Great review, enjoyed that!
Been driving LC100 and LC200 Armoured versions for years. Early 200 plagued with electrical problems.... Bad connectors I found mostly. Still it's a great beast but better comfort than the stalwart LC70 series when clattering around in some countries.
In Australia we've also had Lexus platforms here too mate & I think in New Zealand aswell. 🇳🇿 enjoy your vehicle travelling. From William " Mount Gambier " South Australia 🇦🇺 😀 👍
I think you skipped mentioning the BJ40 Land Cruisers. They're still very popular with the hipster-y off-road crowd in my corner of the world. Even a rusty wreck can fetch a pretty sum
My dad has a couple of 80 series you would be welcome to try in Cumbria as well as a certain st205 Celica that featured on car throttle. They are manual 24v diesels too.
My Dad wanted one of these but because of the huge cost of them it was too much money to buy. He did though go for a equally reliable Mitsubishi Shogun after having two disastrous Land Rover Discovery TD5's
As the saying goes "if you want to go into the wild, get a Range Rover. If you want to get back again too, get a Land Cruiser".
Год назад+3
Dear Reader, Call me mad, but I'm not really charmed by any sort of powerplay. And at times I get the impression that some people with this sort of car, don't really need them, but make a statement to other road users. Go away, this is my space, I'm dangerous and big. Like Audi's and BMW's tend to pop up in your rearview mirror (I'm fast, and you're not, so aside, now!), this sort of car's can make an unpleasant appearance from the viewpoint of 'people driving daily, normal cars. I hope this isn't double Dutch for those who read this. Michel F. van den Brun The Netherlands
I did want an amazon but they demand a high price! No disrespect as I love this car, however perhaps you need to test a TDV8 L322. something over 600nm and 270bhp blows the toyota out of the park!
Is that wood definitely fake? It's the Toyota/Lexus fashion to finish it so it looks like plastic... Tough sturdy vehicle (barring a propensity to rust if not looked after) and reliability is pretty much bullet proof. As the old saying goes, "If you want to go off road, get a Land Rover. If you want to come back, get a Land Cruiser"
I bought a brand new Landcruiser Prado 4.0L V6 in top level trim back in 2005 and it was bulletproof. Reliable and comfortable and never let me down once. I subsequently bought a brand new LC200 Landcruiser Amazon 4.7L V8 in 2008 and it was an absolute dog. The stereo set on fire twice, the windscreen wipers failed, the brakes failed intermittently, and the transmission would lock up when stopped still, eventually causing the vehicle to be towed away from a very busy roundabout. The 4WD selector switch snapped off within the first week of ownership then again 6 weeks later. Eventually, the dealer took the vehicle back and gave me a full refund acknowledging that the LC200 was a seriously flawed vehicle. They also informed me that Landcruiser sales had fallen drastically as a result.
My friend and I were seriously considering a 200 series each at one point and were in the car and about to start off for an appointment at the dealer when they phoned to cancel with all kinds of excuses. We were a bit peeved and he bought a Mercedes GL [now called GLS I think] and I bought an Audi Q7. Looks like we had a narrow escape. I agree that while 100 series were very popular and sold well throughout their life, the 200 series bombed in the UK and was eventually withdrawn from sale. I never understood why.
@@hedydd2 I bought my LC200 in Dubai where the Landcruiser was advertised as the 'Pride of the Land'. It was one of the biggest markets for the Toyota Landcruiser and collapsed when the LC200 was launched. The Police, the Military, the Desert Adventure companies all shifted away to Chevrolet, Mitsubishi and the like. It was a mammoth disaster for Toyota and one which they never recovered from. Same happened in Australia.
‘Tesla’ screen aftermarket. I fitted that. Power button increases power map setting. 2nd for pulling away in 2nd. Cambelt done at 240k by me! Power heater is a viscous heater that heats the coolant up quicker. Suspension was 1000x better with the active height but it is to expensive to repair
Yeah must be as in the 90s i dont think that tech existed lol
@@Cayres9 no. When I bought it it had a useless touch screen satnav system
@@jameswallace7709 lol 😂 the old sat navs were terrible , I rem the car phones 📞 back in the 80s they never worked properly lol 😂 so can imagine how crap an early sat nag was
Thanks for the correction. I should add I came into these tests properly cold, having only organised them the night before (due to another shoot cancelling). Huge thanks to James for letting me drive his Toyotas, and setting up the Aixam.
@@HubNut no worries. Not meant as a correction at all just a disclaimer! Id have given you a more comprehensive handover had I not been at work sorry!
'doesnt have the sense of drama of a range rover' no this means itll start every morning and not break
Never apologise for a 4x4 being dirty Ian, it gives people hope that these behemoths are used in their intended role. The most off-roading many see is a kerb.
"If you want to go into the bush, take a Land Rover. If you want to get out of the bush, take a Land Cruiser."
another great video has always Ian and miss hubnut and hublets and hubmutts 👍
Hi, good to see one tested in the old country, I have one of the Lexus LX470, the petrol V8, you mentioned. The wood in that one is actually done by Yamaha, piano type stuff, not that I'm into wood much, could do without it, but, it's well done. The suspension is still standard with AHC and 3 different height settings and 4 damping settings as well, works well. Its got all the usual Lexus stuff of course. Setup for outback trips. Yes it's a heavy lump and one can feel it but once used to it it becomes second nature, they are not a zippy little thing! 2.5 ton empty is enough! Mine has done nearly 500k km's and feels like new. It's in Australia so rust is no problem. Fuel? Yes heavy, but it pays of in reliability. I also have 62 series, same fuel just as reliable if not better but nowhere near as comfy, it's a truck in the true sense of the word, it's taken me everywhere, it's like a trusty old dog, love it.
We had the 4.7 V8 on LPG. It would manage 8 or 9mpg around town or about 20 on a run. The cheapness of LPG made the cost about the same as 30mpg roughly. We only sold it because of the galloping rust
My absolute dream 4x4. Guy in the village I grew up in has run one since 1985 and currently has a 15 plate one, he does own one of the largest quarries in Derbyshire so he gets them off road!!
Anorak Time,.. Your Amazon was above our Sahara (Aust) and has a lot of Lexus LX470 features, ie rear diff lock , hideous wood, heated seats, memory seats etc. That big screen is after market, not factory. The 1HDTFTE is an amazing engine. I'm 13 years into my V8 4.5 Twin Turbo Diesel 200 Series Sahara. it's simply too good to replace with 180,000km in 13 years of Outback touring.
In case someone hasn't already commented, there was also, concurrent with the 100, a 105 series with the 100 body, but retaining the solid front axle of the 80-series - for those who still wanted the "real thing" Plenty of both types here in South Australia. I own a 1994 80-series "RV" 4.5 petrol, manual. Very nice vehicle.
That giant touchscreen terrifies me. Imagine the damage you could do when diverting your eyes from the road in order to operate the radio or heater or whatever through the screen. The result I expect would be carnage. Nice vehicle though. I do love an old school Land Cruiser.
A very popular modification to brand new unregistered 100s in Ireland was to cut out the boot floor and lower the floor by about a foot by fitting a heavy steel box in its place. they had to reroute the exhaust around this box. By doing this, they increased the capacity of the load area, making it big enough to qualify as a crewcab van, this would save approx €30k in registration taxes and allow the buyer to claim approx €20k in VAT back as well. Annual tax was €333 instead of €1800 as well. All part of Irelands bizzare motoring taxes.
Amazing!
No need to apologize about it being dirty, the dirt gives it more authenticity.
Up there with the best 4x4’s of all time. The 100 was well equipped. The 80 was still a formidable machine. Looking 20 years on I still see my dads old 80 series on the road after he sold it. Might be familiar sight to you ian as it’s still used for Rees Sound Carmarthen. My dad later had an earlier version of the model you tested here. Same colour blue on grey. Only did about 10k from new before it had to shifting on due to circumstances. Quite sure I spotted it the other day.
I had a 1994 Landcruiser 80 series. I now have a 2010 Lexus badged 200 series. Awesome cars!
That big diesel engine and automatic gearbox combination is stunning!
Remember what was said. If you want to into the outback take a Land Rover, If you want to get back again, take a Landcruiser!
Remember these back in the day, mega realible rugged and a 4x4 you could use unlike so some of the Modern Range Rovers or Land Rovers.
How can any sane person think a Range Rover is in any way comparable with a Land Cruiser is beyond me. The Land Cruiser wins in every department except the look at me I drive a Ranger Rover because I’m better than anyone else.
An incredible machine and still commands strong money, definitely up there with the Range Rover classic.
That wood trim is so fake it’s cool 😂 and the overall combination of cream and grey interior takes me right back to my Dad’s 2006 Corolla. Lovely.
I believe there is a phrase that says if you want to go in to the outback you take a Land Rover, but if you want to come back take a Landcruiser. Maybe not as luxurious and classy as a Land Rover but a much better reputation
Twin doors on the back are the fleet models on the 80s, 100s and even on 200s!
That screen is aftermarket. Interesting.
Also. There's only one Amazon, Volvo made them from 56-70!
They definitely aren't the most refined vehicle, but in Australia they are loved by caravaners and retirees, the patrol seems to be preferred by the off roader types in general, probably because of the Toyota tax. We did the the 100 series Lexus lx470, and then 200 series lx570 and now the 300 series has a Diesel option and hybrid v8 with four seat interior for the lx600. They
Many weeks ago in my neighbourhood was parking the same car, but branded as a Lexus. It came from Ukraine and had a V8-petrol engine. Because I had parked my small transport trailer in my garage for two nights, I had to park my 2017 Kia Sorento outside on the road. Even the Sorento is definitely not a small car, it looked funny small when I parked it behind that Luxus. Very great cars those Landcruisers. I like them a lot. Very interesting road test like always from hubnut.
Greetings from Germany.
I love Ian's car reviews. Great entertainment and information.
Superb vehicle! Ultimate reliability! I like the 70's style ones! Later ones really over equipped Couldn't even afford to fill the tank now! There 's a reason these are used in the outback and not Land/Range Rovers!
Yes there is a reason, it's called economics! Having the pound set too high in relation to the yen means anyone exporting manufactured products from the UK has to cheap out on quality! The financial "crisis" of 2008 changed this balance for ever, now exporters can be competitive in overseas markets.
My inlaws had one of these in maroon with cream leather 😋 I remember the noise well. The self levelling suspension was a pain, It could usually be found squatting on one corner! They traded up to the new model with the v8 diesel, that thing moves like a hot hatch and sounds hilarious, the engineering going on to get it to behave as it does must be mind-blowing🤯
That’s a really lovely motor. I keep looking at them as a long term stable mate for my Prado. Something timeless and classless about a 100
I really enjoy your test drives Ian!
But at the closing scene your woosh and the noise of the vehicle is much more preferable to that music
Brilliant vehicles, mine used to get called up upon to tow everything from caravans/burger vans/trailered cars to various events up and down the country, and done so effortlessly
I looked at some of these when replacing my Collie 95 series, but there are so many poorly described minters which prove as soon as you slide underneath to be munters.
Luckily a well cared for rust free 120 came up one morning and i grabbed it before anyone else could, 7 years later it's never given me any trouble apart from the alternator died one day, £126 refurb and took me a couple of hours to fit.
Its rust and neglect that kills Landcruisers of any model, keep them treated and serviced and they really will last your whole motoring life if you want.
In comparison to a Range Rover, I suppose it depends why you're buying it for. If you want a capable, reliable vehicle that will tow comfortably, get across most terrain and get you home you buy the Land Cruiser.
If you want an unreliable showpiece with nicer leather and wood that will look better parked outside a gin bar then buy the RR. You'd probably be able to have a drink too as it's highly likely you'd be getting a taxi home anyway when the RR doesn't start.
Has anyone stopped to think why a similar age/mileage Land Cruiser is 3 to 4 times more expensive to buy that a Range Rover?
Exactly, the 80 series Amazon is the best jeeps that has ever been made. I'd love to have one and I'm constantly on the lookout for one.
Come to Ireland and you will see landcruisers literally everywhere. Absolutely love them. 13 years driving the 2006 one here and still not sick of it. Much prefer it to my 2019 Kuga 👍
Drove a few of the 100 series diesel Saharas when I worked for a Toyota dealer. If I had the money I would absolutely buy the nicest one I could and hold on to it. Lovely cars.
I got to drive one of those (Landcruiser VX) on a "drive it" day. I was mighty impressed. The best thing was the air ride.
I find it most unfortunate that people often remove those systems. They are not complex and can often be rebuilt with second hand parts on the kitchen table if money is the issue.
Interesting. Is it possible (within a budget) to rebuild the system even with rusted pipes?
@@thesaint8400 I would think yes if you did the work yourself. But It could turn into a mini restoration . No if you have to get it done
Its hydraulic all round on the 100 series, 120 and 150 series (Prado size) have rear air suspension.
Pleiades in Sawtry is the place to go for the hydrualic suspension, they utilise slightly modified Citroen spheres if i recall correctly.
Nice LC, the 100 series is definitely worthy. We didn’t get the diesel here in the USA which is strange/unfortunate but it think I will stick with my HDJ81 1-HDT equipped 80 series. Great video.
Those trucks are practically indestructible. They will provide years of trouble free driving.
Perfect for the family, the Welsh lanes, and towing 👍
i really like this car, impressed with the interior and i like the wood dash and that screen in the middle is really something i like the smooth gear change. All in all a nice car in my opnion.
Turns out the screen is aftermarket. My error.
compared to the other Toyota you recently test driven, this is like a luxury jacked up variant!
If it's only had the speedo unit replaced at this mileage that's a testament to Toyota quality. If it was a similar age Range Rover just about everything electronic would have broken long ago.
Used to drive the 4.7 liter v8 version almost 20 years ago. It made some nice noises and shifted quiet well for a large vehicle. Bit too thirsty for the UK though.
Absolutely bang on, 5/6/8/10 cylinder diesels sound the nuts...try adding a 5 pot Volvo TDI or D5 to your fleet Mr HubNut, they are superb cars.
Arent they vw 5 cylinders ( transporters)?
@@volt8684 the 850s were the VAG 5 pots branded TDI, changed to Volvo's own D5 from Ford ownership (99 onwards).
They're excellent - the 1HD-FTE is beloved in Aus as one of Toyota's best diesels. Modern enough & powerful enough while maintaining the simplicity and reliability that is lacking on more recent generation diesel 4x4s. As such, these can still fetch ridiculous money considering their age.
Always liked LC, but perhaps the thing I like the most about them is the sound of the turbodiesel engines
I agree.. Compared to a Range Rover this lacks the feeling of highend. ..but you can use it to ferry people who's Range Rover are at the shop because it's broken for the fifth time this year back and forth, which is a bonus. ..and: Compared to the Surf: The Surf annoyed me with far too many revs from a not great sounding engine. This hits the spot. A lovely mostly low reving 6 cylinder turbo diesel. Yes please :)
I’ve got one of those, bought new in late 1998. The 4.2 turbo intercooler automatic. It has been off the road for nearly five years now with a good body, chassis and major drivetrain. Unfortunately the ridiculous brake servo is electronic power boosted and that failed requiring a part worth £3500 when it failed. It also needs the hydraulically assisted suspension changed for pure mechanical for which I have the parts. Unfortunately it failed at around its 20th birthday and 200,000 miles and although it had been very reliable up to that point, I could see myself pouring money into a black hole if I started to spend. Mine is a bit older than the one featured so has a four speed automatic and a different centre console to which I added a double-DIN touchscreen sat nav infotainment unit.
If you still have the vehicle there's a company in London who will refurb/rewind the brake accumulator motor which is what usualky fails on these.
@@lewlewis6511 I still have it. Do you have a name for this company? Although the Cruiser is in generally good condition, being idle for four or five years means that lots of stuff, such as brake discs ad calibers, the suspension and so on may make the project unviable. At the time the motor failed, I could find nothing but new parts, and advice that I should change the master cylinders at the same time, costing over £5000 in all.
@@hedydd2I've just replied to you, but its not appearing now, if it hasn't arrived at your end let me know and i'll repost.
@@lewlewis6511 RUclips tends to delete messages with web addresses, so I’m afraid it hasn’t appeared
@@hedydd2 Dashed helpful of them.
robson and francis rewinds for your brake accumulator motor, several lc owners have had their motors refurbed by those chaps.
Pleiades are at Sawtry, they're experts on suspension hydraulics.
landcruiser club then put a dot then a net is an excellent landcruiser forum i'm a member of.
hopefully this one goes through.
My lovely dad used to have an LC100 4.5 GX-R, its "cool box" has almost same effect like £1700 Miele. It can make Kinder choco as hard as baguette.
What a beast! Built like tanks but can rot horrendously underneath so check thoroughly & treat with something if you buy one!
Mine is like new underneath due to being cleaned and thoroughly Waxoyl’d several times in its life. Only the rear axle casing seems to have suffered with a coating of rust underneath the waxoyl despite my best effort. A friends three years newer [2002] Colorado had to have a replacement salvage rear axle about a decade ago due to being rusted beyond repair.
I nearly had an identical Amazon to this one, but ended up with a late Colorado. Its superb. I dont get to use it much as its parked up at our Farm in France, where I havnt been much since Covid in 2020. Cant wait to pick it up in a few months and get a fresh MOT on it and bring it up here to the North East. 3.0 D4D auto is a peach and Iv had variations in our Hilux and Fortuner in Thailand and Hiace...easiest Cambelt and water pump job in the world
Proper build quality in these and the hilux surf
The power heater is the best gadget in it. The HiAce that I drove for over 10 years had one. It went from baltic to toasty in no time on a winters morning…!
The viscous heater on these is not quite that efficient.
If I wasn't a Land Rover person, I'd have a landcruiser
A South African friend drove my 87 Land Rover County with 3.5 V8 petrol engine. When he gave it back he apologetically told me that back home his Land Cruiser had a bumper sticker reading "Land Rover Support Vehicle".
....To be completely honest... I'm not sure I could get past the truly hideous plastic wood. You're a braver man than me HubNut!! 😂🤣
A neighbour had an Amazon from nearly new, a nearly new Range Rover being the wrong image for him. Very impressive vehicle and he ran for many years until about 4 years ago when he got sick of spending £1000 every 6 months fixing the air suspension. Now has a Series 3 or 4 Disco.
Whilst posting sarcastic comments did you notice the one reviewed has had it's toyota-world-superpower-in-reliability-charts suspension replaced with steel springs...?
The Amazon 100 series does not have air suspension. It has hydraulically assisted tortion bar independent front with coils at the back on a live axle. This system uses nitrogen accumulators as shock absorbers and an electrically driven oil pump in the engine bay. Like all N accumulators they have a finite life and are probably mega-bucks to replace, which is why it is cheaper to convert the vehicle to the standard poverty-pack spec using standard coil springs and shock absorbers.
@@hedydd2You're completely right. Hydropneumatic system.
You can actually get hold of really good accumulators fairly cheap. A few shops in the UK can make them at a fraction Toyota charges. Usually Citroen suspension experts do them.
The main issues in the UK are 1. Rusted lines 2. Lack of maintainence. The fluid needs flushed every once in a while and the torsion bar needs cranked a bit.
@@thesaint8400 No pneumatic involved. It is hydro-mechanical with no air system. Accumulators are available from Kramp, Sparex and possibly Vapormatic, all of which have a variety of new accumulators with different capacities and pressures. I’ve not tried these as my LC has a failed electronic brake servo and master cylinders, needs new accumulators, rams at each corner, batteries, brake calipers and discs, all of which add up to nearly £10,000. Not viable on a 25 year old 200,000 mile vehicle however good the body, chassis, engine and gearboxes are. It has turned into a bottomless money pit.
Lovely vehicle, a very lucky owner. I love the sound 👍
Shame at the end. My Sequoia which I just sold had the rear air suspension. The common thoughts in the forums was to replace it with shocks due to the hassle. I replaced my air bags, just a few hours and the car was transformed. I drove it long distances and it was a superb mile muncher. 2 weeks later and I miss it...
These are beasts, Toyota build quality and reliability means if you take care of it it'll look showroom fresh with many hundreds of thousands of miles.
I've got the 4.7 v8, it's an amazing vehicle - all about low down torque despite being petrol and it tows like nothing else (the 4.2 diesel is amazing for towing of course - I had one before - but the difference isn't as big as you might think and I get that v8 noise to go with it! LPG means that it doesn't cost any more to fuel.) Can totally see why the owner has fitted the Tesla style screen as the original nav screen has dated terribly and isn't much use to be honest. Also the AHC suspension is modelled on Citroen systems and is supremely comfortable as well as perfect for towing. I always think it's a shame that people replace it with coils as much like Citroens it's not as complex as people think.
The issue with that suspension system is that the payload is drastically low. Four or five big adults will take it over its cargo limit. I towed a lot with mine and with four beasts in a 14ft box, which takes it up to 3.5 tons, the suspension would invariably sink to its low position, being overloaded by the towball vertical load. My current Ranger 2.2 automatic pickup actually tows better than it [allowing for it being 2wd on road] with just as much performance and just high low fuel consumption of around 17mpg on mixed load towing [the trailer weighs 1.2 tons tare].
@@hedydd2 oh ok, havent found that at all - tows a 2 ton caravan with 5 people and lots of luggage at normal height. I am prepared for it to go wrong but would like to keep it maintained if I can - my previous diesel 100 on coil springs didn't ride half so well
@@andrewcole-ch6cx
4x160kg occupants plus 300kgs is enough to throw the suspension from normal to low ride modes. I suspect that 300kg alone at the very back, on the two ball, will do it. That is quite a common weight for heavy duty 3.5 ton trailers containing cattle that move around inside. If they all face the rear the weight moves forward of centre considerably. The box weights 1200kgs and add four approximately 600kg beasts and you are tickling the maximum legal towing capacity for UK roads.
Ah ok - that's a huge nose weight - that'd do it! 😂
@@andrewcole-ch6cx If the AHC does go wrong try Pleiades at Sawtry, they look after Citroens hydraulics and can fix LCs too.
I travelled in a very used example of a Lexus version on the Bolivian Salt Flats. Gold badges!
The Amazon was a similar price to Mid Range Rovers and nothing like so tasteful. When it was over 5 years old it all still worked, as it did when it was 10 years old and more…
Toyota Amazon available now with next day delivery in a box twice the size of it.
Hello Ian, the sponsorship bit was really quiet mate! You might be able to edit the volume of that piece through youtube itself. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Ah thanks. New mic, so I'm having to get used to new levels. Seemed ok my end weirdly.
@HubNut that's okay, sorry to bring up an issue. Good luck with it. Lovely car by the way! And another great video so thank you.
Not gonna lie, I much prefer it over the ad read often being louder!
Not sure if you had a sound recording issue or something but given the choice I much prefer silence/indicator tick to that Jean-Michel Jarre music for the ending bit
they hold strong money for a reason! those interior plastics are hideous to be sure but i bet they can cope better in tropical climates then the likes of a range rovers trim. i would love one but doubt i could afford to feed it with the mileage i do.
Best land cruiser for me was the 70 series, unfortunately was not available in the UK and Europe I think (could be something to do with emissions). Each time I've gone to Zambia (Africa) there seems to be no tougher vehicle in the world, feel like you could go any where with out fear.
The 70 series was available in Europe, i had a 1985 SWB 70 when i lived in Norway and the 70 and 73 are pretty common. Here in Spain there are a lot of 70, 73 and 76's, but i think that the newer 70 series don't meet the Euro 6 standard and are no longer sold from Toyota.
@@FryNOR thanks, my friend in Zambia has just bought a brand new one from South Africa and I think Toyota still supply the UN with them. My knowledge wasn't very good with how they were supplied in Europe perhaps it was more just Britain that didn't have them.
@@michelod.i.y.5202 they were building them in the Caetano factory in Portugal for the African market until fairly recently.
@@mcmcolm get me one please 😁
My first LC was a 70 series, a '93 model, they only offered the 3.0 litre turboDiesel for the the last couple of years before 90 series (collie) came in.
Engine only rated at 123bhp, but it would pull almost max torque from as little as 800rpm and you had to really try hard to stall it, i miss it but it saved my lovely wife's life in the accident that wrote it off, brick outhouse build quality.
Andrew St Pierre Whites fav car , love watching his overlanding adventures on RUclips , he actually had a chat with me over FB once , really nice man and has time for his fans same as you Ian , remember even if you one day become a wolrd famous motoring host dont end up like Clarkson lol his ego i cant stand.
This beast must be the perfect towing vehicle. Thanks for the road test! 🇯🇵🤗🇯🇵
There's a reason these older Land Cruisers are worth WAY more than similar age Range Rovers. My boss had the diesel and it was a beautiful beast.
The RCSA button is to turn off the Roll Sensing Curtain Airbags.
That stereo is aftermarket by the way.
These came in the following model variants for the Australian market:
RV - HZJ105 - 1HZ 4164cc 12 valve single overhead cam naturally aspirated in-line 6 with indirect injection
GXL - UZJ105/HDJ105 - 2UZ-FE 4664cc dual overhead cam 32 valve naturally aspirated V8 standard, 1HD-FTE 4164cc 24 valve dual overhead cam in-line 6 cylinder Intercooled turbocharged diesel with electronic controlled direct injection optional
GXV - HDJ105 - 1HD-FTE 4164cc 24 valve dual overhead cam in-line 6 cylinder Intercooled turbocharged diesel with electronic controlled direct injection only
Early 100 series also had the 4.5 litre petrol six that was carried over from the 80 series.
The 105 is the more rugged model with the solid front axle, this softer 100 was available in trims such as Sahara with V8 option
105 is basically an 80 series platform with a 100 series body on top.
In the UK we only had the 1HD-FTE and the V8 in the 100 series, both with catalytic convertors. Even at launch in 1998 the old wheezing HZ engine would not meet emission standards. We were initially offered a manual transmission and mechanical suspension but that didn’t last long. Never had the wagon rear door or the live front axle carried over from the 80 series offered in the UK.
When this was introduced it was more economical than the indirect injection 3.0 Colorado/Prado. It has 200hp and 400Nm of torque and averages about 24 mpg on a good day. This was very good in its day but consider that something like a 2.0 litre Volvo D5 today has slightly more power and 25% higher torque at equally low revs and you can see that times have moved on. Especially as the Volvo [and my Sorento] weigh as much as a classic Range Rover and yet average 38 mpg and are far faster and quieter and better handling. Not in the same class of vehicle for towing and serious off-roading of course.
Thank goodness my earlier build Amazon has a far classier wood-free interior. The Japanese and Germans just don’t know how to do wood properly.
Always felt these were designed for more demanding places than the UK. Here in the UK there're very few spots where the vehicle's attributes were tested or even needed compared to Africa, South America, Middle East, Asia, Australia etc. For example we never have to drive for long distances on unpaved roads or have to cope with real risks to life if the vehicle breaks down. Here you're never more than a few miles from a Gastropub or a McDs or other "civilisation". Hence I think the more style driven SUVs, ones with posher badges and those built and used as "high riding executive cars" tended to outsell the Land Cruiser here.
I think you hit the nail on the head there
I totalled up 1000000km in 60, 80 and 100 series. I presently have a 105 with the same drive train. I am addicted. I can also fit two recumbent trikes in the back! 🇦🇺👍🤣🙂😊🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘
Great video. What is that music at the end Ian, I've heard it on your videos before and really love it.
Proper luxurious Land Cruiser, to the more utilitarian Prado series
This was my preference when looking for a tow car but they do hold their value well hence why I plumped for a Touareg V6 TDI - comparable year was 3k cheaper for the VW! Still have an itch for a late 80 series at some point... Great review, enjoyed that!
Mini HubNut drools over V10 Touaregs. He's disappointed every time he sees a V6! High standards.
Been driving LC100 and LC200 Armoured versions for years. Early 200 plagued with electrical problems.... Bad connectors I found mostly. Still it's a great beast but better comfort than the stalwart LC70 series when clattering around in some countries.
JDM models were Toyota only, no Lexus badge available. I remember those in 00's - the ultimate gangster's car.
Absolutely brilliant video Ian ❤️ 👍 lovely reliability of toyota brilliant
Frickin love the look of the 80 series and the Nissan Patrol of that era.
In Australia we've also had Lexus platforms here too mate & I think in New Zealand aswell. 🇳🇿 enjoy your vehicle travelling. From William " Mount Gambier " South Australia 🇦🇺 😀 👍
2002 Toyota Landcruiser Amazon . Amazing.
I think you skipped mentioning the BJ40 Land Cruisers. They're still very popular with the hipster-y off-road crowd in my corner of the world. Even a rusty wreck can fetch a pretty sum
Yeah, didn't want to complicate matters by delving into the separate more-truckish Land Cruisers.
Congratulatios on 100k subs! 👍
My dad has a couple of 80 series you would be welcome to try in Cumbria as well as a certain st205 Celica that featured on car throttle. They are manual 24v diesels too.
Only a V8 for both Toyota and Lexus versions in the US.
The Land Cruiser went upmarket to compete with Land Rover/Range Rover.
My Dad wanted one of these but because of the huge cost of them it was too much money to buy. He did though go for a equally reliable Mitsubishi Shogun after having two disastrous Land Rover Discovery TD5's
Missed the FJ/BJ40 models, apart from that great video as always
Capri n Jag were recently on Twin Cam. 👍🏻
That big screen is aftermarket although it does look standard and it fits very well 👌
2023 and a low km example still fetching at least $40,000 - $55,000 here in Oz
As the saying goes "if you want to go into the wild, get a Range Rover. If you want to get back again too, get a Land Cruiser".
Dear Reader,
Call me mad, but I'm not really charmed by any sort of powerplay. And at times I get the impression that some people with this sort of car, don't really need them, but make a statement to other road users. Go away, this is my space, I'm dangerous and big.
Like Audi's and BMW's tend to pop up in your rearview mirror (I'm fast, and you're not, so aside, now!), this sort of car's can make an unpleasant appearance from the viewpoint of 'people driving daily, normal cars.
I hope this isn't double Dutch for those who read this.
Michel F. van den Brun
The Netherlands
Woah, that sounds lovely
I did want an amazon but they demand a high price! No disrespect as I love this car, however perhaps you need to test a TDV8 L322. something over 600nm and 270bhp blows the toyota out of the park!
Is that wood definitely fake? It's the Toyota/Lexus fashion to finish it so it looks like plastic... Tough sturdy vehicle (barring a propensity to rust if not looked after) and reliability is pretty much bullet proof. As the old saying goes, "If you want to go off road, get a Land Rover. If you want to come back, get a Land Cruiser"
This would've been a cooler landcruiser if that crappy telsa touchscreen wasn't retrofitted into that dash
I bought a brand new Landcruiser Prado 4.0L V6 in top level trim back in 2005 and it was bulletproof. Reliable and comfortable and never let me down once. I subsequently bought a brand new LC200 Landcruiser Amazon 4.7L V8 in 2008 and it was an absolute dog. The stereo set on fire twice, the windscreen wipers failed, the brakes failed intermittently, and the transmission would lock up when stopped still, eventually causing the vehicle to be towed away from a very busy roundabout. The 4WD selector switch snapped off within the first week of ownership then again 6 weeks later. Eventually, the dealer took the vehicle back and gave me a full refund acknowledging that the LC200 was a seriously flawed vehicle. They also informed me that Landcruiser sales had fallen drastically as a result.
My friend and I were seriously considering a 200 series each at one point and were in the car and about to start off for an appointment at the dealer when they phoned to cancel with all kinds of excuses. We were a bit peeved and he bought a Mercedes GL [now called GLS I think] and I bought an Audi Q7. Looks like we had a narrow escape. I agree that while 100 series were very popular and sold well throughout their life, the 200 series bombed in the UK and was eventually withdrawn from sale. I never understood why.
@@hedydd2 I bought my LC200 in Dubai where the Landcruiser was advertised as the 'Pride of the Land'. It was one of the biggest markets for the Toyota Landcruiser and collapsed when the LC200 was launched. The Police, the Military, the Desert Adventure companies all shifted away to Chevrolet, Mitsubishi and the like. It was a mammoth disaster for Toyota and one which they never recovered from. Same happened in Australia.
@@chrisfrob
I certainly did not know that the 200 sales collapsed outside Europe. I thought it was just a UK thing.
@@hedydd2 Absolute disaster for Toyota.......a case of de-enginneering the product for profit (going to a Chinese casebook)
Unlike Land Rovers it’s reliable.