Imported Land Cruiser

monseiur

Hi Guys,
Just looking for advice on Jap. import Toyota Land Cruises from late nineties.
How do they compare with European ones as regards quality of engine etc.
I'm not worried about creature comforts in cabin etc.
Going to check one tomorrow 1999 with 170,000 on, what should I look out for, are there any common faults. Should I run a mile !!
(Have no experience of Land Cruisers)
Thanks.

M.

pete4130

Land cruisers from that era are usually fairly reliable depending on what engine is in them.

What sort of Land Cruiser are you looking to get? Is it a 70 series, 80 series?
If it is Japanese the spec will probably be pretty good but security features might be lacking.
A common engine would be the 3.0L turbo (1KZ-TE) engine which is fairly good but less refined than the D4D.

I've an old 1994 75 series Landcruiser Troopcarrier with the 4.2L 6 cylinder non turbo engine (1HZ). These engines are somewhat legendary for reliability and have been known to go for over 1,000,000km's. Mine only has about 318,000km on it. Just don't expect a lot of power from them (mine is rated at about 129bhp). They are all mechanical injection, no electronics, simple to fix. There is a factory 4.2 turbo version which pushes out about 165bhp and is a lot more drivable for towing, climbing hills etc. Avoid any non-factory turbo units.
Most 70 series are very utilitarian in their spec. No electric windows, vinyl floors, durable plastic dashboard etc as they are working cars mostly. Japanese spec will probably be much better than this though.

Being Japanese specific units it may be more difficult to source spares. I don't think the 70 or 80 series was ever sold in Ireland?

I know here in Australia, the Hilux Surf sells for less than the Hilux 4Runner even though they are basically the same vehicle bar the Surf being a Japanese import and might be harder to get parts for due to it being an import.

If you are buying an old 4WD, get the AA or a mechanic to check it out. Make sure the transfer cases are in good condition, the diffs too and the 4WD engages/disengages properly.

More info on what Landcruiser you are looking at would be helpful.

monseiur

Hi Pete,
Thanks for your comprehensive reply- I wish I had even 5% of your knowledge on these vehicles. Basically I'm looking for a 4x4 jeep type vehicle to tow a trailer max weight of load and trailer 2500 kgs. (2.5 Tons)
I just spotted this Land Cruiser for sale, it's a 3.0 ltr. commercial type (no back seats) I knew by the mirrors on the wings that it was an Jap. import. How would one know by the log book whether it's a 70 or 80 series
Has it enough torque/hp to pull the above weight on below average back country roads.
I'm not too concerned about extras like a/c, electirc windows etc. once the engine, gear box etc is ok
Thanks again.

M.

PADRAIC.M

99 3.0L is the kdj 90 model, had some issues or cracked cylinder head (check expansion bottle for low level) I have a 1998 one at home for breakdowns, pretty much bullet proof if maintained properly,

JohnBoy26

The European and jap landcruisers of that era were the same with regards quality and reliability as both were made in the same place.

Those late 90's models are very good jeeps and are better built than the newer 03 on model.

colm_mcm

The japs got the TD engine in the post 03 too.
I'm quite a fan of the old model. Most are wrecked at this stage though.

CJhaughey

The Japanese also got the intercooled 1KZ-TE which makes a noticable difference in Torque.
The Auto ones are better at motorway speeds on fuel than the manual ones.

pete4130

Just check what weight it is rated to tow. Once its good for 2.5 ton it will pull alright. Don't' expect lightning speed or amazing fuel economy when towing though.