4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser
BUYING A USED FAMILYSIZED 4X4
BY JONATHAN CROUCH The Market
Manufacturers of compact 4x4s often like to perpetuate something of a fib. Their advertising often features happy families enjoying lifestyle activities but in truth if you need to haul the family and their accompanying paraphernalia, you need something a bit bigger than a Toyota RAV4 or a Land Rover Freelander. Break out the tape measure and you’ll discover the interiors of these cars are sometimes smaller than your average Focus-sized family hatchback. Therefore you need something with a little more in the way of girth, presence and, consequently, running costs.
Of course there are Family-sized 4x4s that will fit the bill in this respect – and you don’t have to go into Luxury Range Rover or Mercedes M-class territory to find them. The names are pretty familiar too: Land Rover’s Discovery, Nissan’s Patrol and Toyota’s Land Cruiser to mention just a few. Assuming you go for the five-door long wheelbase versions, most offer many of the benefits of a large MPV, with up to seven seats and lots of storage space. But there’s a price to pay if you’re buying new, with well over £25,000 needed to secure a decent specification with the engine you really want.
Which is why the used approach ought to make so much sense, particularly as many of these cars have been around on the UK market in one form or another for more years than their makers care to remember. Of course, this means that the potential for buying a ropey example is that much greater, particularly since 4x4s of this kind tend to have been developed for more serious off road use.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that if, like many 4×4 customers, you’re buying your car to tow something substantial like a caravan or a horsebox, you have to start your search here. No matter what the dealer might tell you, there’s no point in trying to pretend that something smaller like a Freelander or a Toyota RAV4 will do the job day-in, day-out without long term problems. Go that route and you’re just storing up trouble for yourself.
As ever, there’s a huge choice of cars to consider, so it pays to do some homework beforehand and decide which part of this sector you’re going to choose to concentrate your search.
Cheap & Cheerful
If funds are limited, then there are plenty of ways to go, with older examples of models which have been around in this sector of the market for some time. The better built later Land Rover Discovery models are well worth a look as is the relatively rare Ford Explorer. The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport offers an interesting alternative. Otherwise you could always opt for the evergreen Isuzu Trooper or higher mileage Shogun models. If you’re not bothered about the lifestyle implications and simply want something large that’s going to be reasonably reliable, then this is where to shop. Be honest with what you need the car for. There’s little benefit in buying a tank-like leviathan that can scale a mountain face if all you want is a 4×4 that looks smart and can occasionally tow a trailer. Affordable Mid-Rangers
Now we’re talking about some capable contenders. If you’ve got upwards of £5,000 to spend, the default choice for many will still be the Land Rover Discovery, this time in Series II guise. For those who appreciate something a little different, the newer shape Jeep Cherokee is well worth a look, especially in CRD diesel form and the later Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is an undervalued car. Toyota’s Land Cruiser Colorado is built to last the course as is the late shape Nissan Patrol, one of the biggest 4x4s you could hope to find. If you need something a little more sophisticated, you could even take a dip into the bottom end of the luxury 4×4 market in the shape of a Lexus RX300, now more affordable than you might think. Desirable But Potentially Pricey
The king of this particular domain is without doubt the Land Rover Discovery 3. With prices now dipping under £20,000 for the first used examples, it’s well worth taking a look if you’ve had a look at what you can get for your money with a new 4×4 and just need more metalwork. Objectively there’s very little wrong with the Disco 3 but if the styling or the image don’t agree with you, the Toyota Land Cruiser makes a very capable Plan B. Even more reliable and with a better diesel engine than early Discovery 3s, the Land Cruiser will go on forever.
Late shape Nissan Patrols are worth looking for if you need something very rugged and Kia’s Sorento is also well worth a look if you’re planning on buying something nearly new but don’t want to break the bank. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has fallen off the bottom of the luxury 4×4 market to a certain extent and 3.0-litre CRD models, especially in Predator trim, make fantastic used purchases.
What To Look For
More cars in this category will have been subjected to some kind of off road use – though the frequency will still be very small. Check body panels, particularly at the lower levels, for they will be expensive to replace. Get a careful inspection done of the underside too: an AA or RAC check is always worth doing on a car of this kind. It could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Mind you, far more likely is that the car in question will have been used – or over-used – for heavy towing purposes. As usual, uneven steering will give the game away if the buyer has been less than honest. Insist on a lengthy test drive.
Bear in mind when you’re deciding whether to go petrol or diesel that the petrol option will nearly always be very expensive to run. Your seller won’t over-emphasise this point but you need to consider it very carefully. You’re looking at the difference between averaging 18-20mpg or close to 30mpg – and that could make a huge difference to the family budget. It’s for this reason that many more diesel than petrol models of this kind are sold. And it’s also why when a seller does have a petrol vehicle to unload, they’ll pull every trick in the book to try and do it.
Nearly all cars like these will have been subjected to much more concerted heavy family use, so check carefully for broken bits of interior trim (which can be expensive to replace) and unpleasant-looking stains on the seat fabric or roof lining that the previous owner has unsuccessfully tried to disguise.
About the Author
Author Jonathan Crouch. Anybody thinking how can I sell my car for cash should visit the UK’s cash for cars comparison site www.dealerbid.co.uk
Deep river crossing, Toyota Land Cruiser, Club 4×4 PANAMA
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Véhicule 4×4: Toyota Land Cruiser, Fiat Panda, Cadillac Escalade, Peugeot 3008, Lada Niva, Audi Q5, Lexus Rx, Jeep, Nissan Terrano Ii (French Edition) $14.14 Les achats comprennent une adhésion à l’essai gratuite au club de livres de l’éditeur, dans lequel vous pouvez choisir parmi plus d’un million d’ouvrages, sans frais. Le livre consiste d’articles Wikipedia sur : Toyota Land Cruiser, Fiat Panda, Cadillac Escalade, Peugeot 3008, Lada Niva, Audi Q5, Lexus Rx, Jeep, Nissan Terrano Ii, Ford F-Series, Infiniti Qx, Chevrolet Silverado, Saturn Vu… |
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Toyota Maintenence Procedures 1979 1/2 Models: Celica Supra. Pickup 4X4, Land Cruiser (2F), Land Cruiser (B), for U.S. and Canada Full-sheet soft-cover booklet, 11 X 8.5 inches, approx 160 pages. Cover is orange, half-tone orange, black, white. Toyot issue number 98228. Text on front cover and spine: TOYOTA Maintenance Procedures 1979 1/2 Models. Celica Supra 4M E Engine Pickup 4X4 2OR Engine Land Cruiser 2F Engine Land Cruiser B Engine For U.S. and Canada Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd. Printed in Japan. Printed on hi… |
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2005 Toyota Land Cruiser Repair Manuals (UZJ100 Series, 2 Volume Set) This is the Official Repair Manual that the dealers and shops use. This is the finest manual available. It is very detailed with good diagrams, photos and exploded views. This is a must for anyone who insists on Genuine OEM quality parts. Topics Include: Maintenance, Preparation, Service Specifications, Diagnostics, Engine Mechanical, Emission Control, Fuel Injection, Cooling, Lubrication, Ignitio… |
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Toyota Land Cruiser 1988-1997 $13.52 Toyota Land Cruiser 1988-1997 |
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Manik 4X4 924050SP $239.93 Manik 4X4 924050SP 924050SP Grill Guard: 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser; Grill Gaurd; stainless steel |
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Toyota FJ Cruiser $22.48 Toyota’s legendary FJ40, the rugged off-road two-door Landcruiser introduced in 1960, sold more than one million models in its lifetime—and is still in service in the roughest parts of the world, nearly a quarter of a century after the last one rolled off the assembly line. As Toyota prepares to roll out its new version of this classic, this book offers a close-up, behind-the-scenes look at the development and production of the new FJ Cruiser, a retro 4×4 that combines its famous predecessor’s unparalleled style with solid off-road capabilities and all the convenience and comfort that today’s technology offers. With interviews from the designers, engineers, and executives involved in making the FJ Cruiser, as well as more than 150 photos of the new vehicle and details on the 4×4’s specifications, this book puts readers into the driver’s seat of Toyota’s next classic Cruiser. |
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Toyota Fj Cruiser $20.3 Toyota”s legendary FJ40, the rugged off-road two-door Landcruiser introduced in 1960, sold more than one million models in its lifetime–and is still in service in the roughest parts of the world, nearly a quarter of a century after the last one rolled off the assembly line. As Toyota prepares to roll out its new version of this classic, this book offers a close-up, behind-the-scenes look at the development and production of the new FJ Cruiser, a retro 4×4 that combines its famous predecessor”s unparalleled style with solid off-road capabilities and all the convenience and comfort that today”s technology offers. With interviews from the designers, engineers, and executives involved in making the FJ Cruiser, as well as more than 150 photos of the new vehicle and details on the 4×4”s specifications, this book puts readers into the driver”s seat of Toyota”s next classic Cruiser. |
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Toyota Land Cruiser Haynes Repair Manual (1968-1982) $17.95 Complete coverage for your 1968 thru 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser Series FJ40, FJ43, FJ45 or FJ55:? Routine Maintenance? Tune-up procedures? Engine repair? Cooling and heating? Air Conditioning? Fuel and exhaust? Emissions control? Ignition? Brakes? Suspension and steering? Electrical systems? Wiring diagrams |
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Toyota Land Cruiser Haynes Repair Manual (1980-1996) $17.95 Complete coverage for your 1980 thru 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Series FJ60, 62, 80 and FZJ80: Routine Maintenance Tune-up procedures Engine repair Cooling and heating Air Conditioning Fuel and exhaust Emissions control Ignition Brakes Suspension and steering Electrical systems Wiring diagrams |
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Deluxe SUV Covers for 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser $84.99 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser car covers car cover made from 3-layer, water-repellent, UV-treated fabric. Superior Breathability. Protects against dirt, dust, pollution and UV rays. Fits snug and secure. Grommets for lock. 5-year warranty. Includes storage bag. |
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Standard SUV Covers for 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser $49.99 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser car covers car cover the Standard Cover provides basic protection from the elements. Popular for indoor/outdoor use. made from breathable fabric with scratch-free fibers. Reinforced seams. Fits snug and secure. Grommets for lock. 2-year warranty. Includes storage bag. |
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Toyota Land Cruiser, 1968-1982 $16.46 Haynes disassembles every subject vehicle and documents every step with thorough instructions and clear photos. Haynes repair manuals are used by the pros, but written for the do-it-yourselfer. |
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CL III 98 + Land Cruiser $266.94 CL III 98 + Land Cruiser Receiver Hitches 98 05 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER Hidden Hitch has a great line up of Class III, IV, V Receivers! |
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Premier SUV Covers for 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser $97.99 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser car covers car cover made from high-tech DuPont Tyvek. Protects vehicle and keeps it clean. White color keeps vehicle cool. Lightweight fabric blocks dust, dirt and pollutants. Fits snug and secure. Grommets for lock. 5-year warranty. Made in USA. Includes storage bag. |
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Toyota Truck and Land Cruiser Owner’s Bible $34.95 A Hands-on Guide To Getting The Most From Your Toyota. The Toyota Truck & Land Cruiser Owner’s Bible? is the authoritative companion book for your Toyota truck, whether it’s a heavy hauling pickup, rugged off-road FJ40, or a new Land Cruiser that’s never left pavement. Author, veteran truck mechanic and off-road expert Moses Ludel has written the only comprehensive source of information for Toyota Trucks and Land Cruisers-a history, buyer’s guide, service manual, and high-performance tuning book all in one! Discover every aspect of Toyota trucks, from their origins in 1958 to the latest technological advances. You’ll learn tips for buying the right new or used truck, and which accessories make sense for your needs. Step-by-step procedures with hundreds of photos cover basic maintenance and more complicated work, like tune-ups, valve adjustments, brake jobs and installing aftermarket suspension/lift kits. Get the hot set-up for your truck, whether you want low-end torque or high-RPM power. Moses gives specific tuning recommendations for engines from the early inline-6s to the advanced 4.5L 24-valve DJ engine. He shares expert insights into the best high performance components and the latest technology from Toyota Racing Development. You’ll also find suspension and chassis modifications, and the best tire and wheel combinations. Dimensions: Soft cover, 8 3/8 in. x 11 in., 378 pages, 794 photos and illustrations |
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Hoppy 43405 TOYOTA Land Cruiser, ’91-98; LEXUS LX450, ’96-98 $59.82 Hoppy 43405 TOYOTA Land Cruiser, ’91-98; LEXUS LX450, ’96-98 Hoppy 43405 TOYOTA Land Cruiser, ’91-98; LEXUS LX450, ’96-98 Features: • Plug-In Simple!® Wiring Kit: No cutting, No splicing- Saves time • Uses a standard taillight converter • Utilizes OEM connectors- enhanced fit and weatherproofing • Corrosion resistant terminals • Includes dust cover, ny-ties, ground screw, and grease packet |
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Toyota Land Cruiser Gold Portfolio 1956-1987 $22.33 The first Land Cruiser appeared at about the same time as the Land-Rover. Styling changes occurred in 1952 with the modern range designated F25s and F28s. The FJ43 appeared in the mid-1960s, the 40 and 45 Series in Australia in 1967/8. The FJ55 was introduced in 1969, the 43 series continued to be made in Japan and the 40 and 45 Series had improvements made throughout the 1970s. Production of the FJ55 ceased in 1980 to be followed by the Series 60. This was only available with an in-line, six-cylinder engine of 3980cc. A generous five-seater, and good load carrier, there were few changes made to it after production commenced. This is a book of contemporary road & comparison tests, new model introductions, technical & specification data, driving impressions, of road tests, long-term reports, buying second hand. Models covered include: – FWD Pick-up, Station Wagon, LX, De Luxe, Diesel. |
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Toyota $22.48 Covers all models of Pick-Up, Tacoma, T100, Land Cruiser, 4Runner, 2 and 4 wheel drive. |
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Haynes 92056 Toyota Land Cruiser Haynes Repair Manual covering Land Cruiser Series FJ60, 62, 80 and FZJ80 from 1980 thru 1996 $16.78 Haynes 92056 Toyota Land Cruiser Haynes Repair Manual covering Land Cruiser Series FJ60, 62, 80 and FZJ80 from 1980 thru 1996 With a Haynes manual, you can do it yourself…from simple maintenance to basic repairs. Haynes writes every book based on a complete teardown of the vehicle. We learn the best ways to do a job and that makes it quicker, easier and cheaper for you. Our books have clear instructions and hundreds of photographs that show each step. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can save big with Haynes! .Step-by-step procedures .Easy-to-follow photos .Complete troubleshooting section .Valuable short cuts .Color spark plug diagnosis Haynes 92056 Toyota Land Cruiser Haynes Repair Manual covering Land Cruiser Series FJ60, 62, 80 and FZJ80 from 1980 thru 1996 Features: • Complete coverage for your 1980 thru 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Series FJ60, 62, 80 and FZJ80: • Routine Maintenance • Tune-up procedures • Engine repair • Cooling and heating • Air Conditioning • Fuel and exhaust • Emissions control • Ignition • Brakes • Suspension and steering • Electrical systems • Wiring diagrams |
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Haynes 92055 Toyota Land Cruiser Haynes Repair Manual covering Toyota Land Cruiser Series FJ40, FJ43, FJ45 and FJ55 from 1968 thru 1982 $16.78 Haynes 92055 Toyota Land Cruiser Haynes Repair Manual covering Toyota Land Cruiser Series FJ40, FJ43, FJ45 and FJ55 from 1968 thru 1982 With a Haynes manual, you can do it yourself…from simple maintenance to basic repairs. Haynes writes every book based on a complete teardown of the vehicle. We learn the best ways to do a job and that makes it quicker, easier and cheaper for you. Our books have clear instructions and hundreds of photographs that show each step. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can save big with Haynes! .Step-by-step procedures .Easy-to-follow photos .Complete troubleshooting section .Valuable short cuts .Color spark plug diagnosis Haynes 92055 Toyota Land Cruiser Haynes Repair Manual covering Toyota Land Cruiser Series FJ40, FJ43, FJ45 and FJ55 from 1968 thru 1982 Features: • Complete coverage for your 1968 thru 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser Series FJ40, FJ43, FJ45 or FJ55: • Routine Maintenance • Tune-up procedures • Engine repair • Cooling and heating • Air Conditioning • Fuel and exhaust • Emissions control • Ignition • Brakes • Suspension and steering • Electrical systems • Wiring diagrams |
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98-05 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER Putco Head Lamp Overlays & Rings 403201 $125.74 Toyota Land Cruiser Enhances the look of the Head Lamps. Installs easily with pre-applied Red 3M™ Tape, simple peel and stick. No cutting or drilling required. Made of an Automotive Grade ABS Chrome. Long lasting material designed to withstand the rigors of the elements. Matches OEM Chrome perfectly. Add our new Chrome Door Handles, Mirror Covers and Tail Light covers to complete the look. Priced Right!! No other product on the market like it. |
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98-05 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER Putco Tail Light Covers 403802 $125.74 Toyota Land Cruiser (Double Light) Dramatically enhances the look of the Tail Light. Applications to fit the most popular vehicles. Made of an Automotive Grade ABS Chrome. Installs easily with pre-applied Red 3M™ Tape, simple peel and stick. No cutting or drilling required. Long lasting material designed to withstand the rigors of the elements. Matches OEM Chrome perfectly. Add our Chrome Door Handles, Mirrors, and Head Lamp covers to complete the look. Priced Right!! No other product on the market like it. |
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