USADM LC100 owner here. 2004. 321,000 miles. Rust is the single biggest thing to watch out for when purchasing. These are higher maintenance vehicles (grease hubs and driveshafts every 5,000 miles) but if you keep on top of it then nothing ever goes wrong. Also, squeaks and rattles can be chased down and fixed.
In my country, if you use the Land Cruiser 105 you fall into three categories: 1/ You work for military/government 2/ You are a field engineer, specialize in civil engineering 3/ You're an off-road enjoyer and an ex from two categories above
I owned a 100 series turbo diesel from brand new to 250,000 km I did all services myself and it only went to the garage for a timing belt at 150,000km I put new brake pads on it just before I sold it but they didn’t really need changing … original pads … Absolutely legendary Toyota vehicles !!!
I've got a 105 Standard with the NA diesel - not my daily though - and I love it. Done over 400,000 but was very well maintained and it's the perfect tool for travelling Aus, camping and being an all round workhorse. I like the simplicity. I've always been able to beat those fuel economy numbers - wirh a rough mix of 50/50 city / highway driving I get more like 11.5 -12L/100
@@dexterrr9163I have a 100 series with 1HD-FTE engine turbo diesel.Will do 10-11l / 100 on the highway or 12-13 around town. A well maintained 105 with the NA 1HZ Engine will also get good figures will into its older life. Not a suprising figure.
Here in Uganda where I am watching from, you are considered cream of the society only after you can afford to drive one of these in the city. Great review thanx.
Working from a smash repairers point of view, we see these things come in every fortnight from buyers who have just bought it without the body & the chassis looked at. The ones we see are ones that have been neglected but the new owners paid too much for them. When you give them prices on rust repairs, they baulk but they keep forgetting that it takes time to do the job properly. Usually when it's rego time is when we see them. Any small tiny bubble of rust in the roof, around the windscreen, A pillar, tailgate, C & D pillar glass is hiding something bigger. If you have roof racks, cross bars & carriers on your roof, if you're not using them, remove them until you have need for them. 9/10 times you have these things on & you go to a level car park, you're going to hit something, especially when you have a lift kit on. Most owners when cleaning them don't bother cleaning the roof as it's too high for them. Make sure you clean the roof. The chassis: If you take it out of its street environment, make sure you clean underneath. It's common for beach sand to be inside the chassis rail. If it's got sand, expect to have salt water to have been in there as well. When repairing rust, get someone who knows what they're dealing with to repair it properly. Do not baulk at the price for repairs as it's time consuming for the repairer. Stay away from any half-assed jobs that have been done to it. Rego inspectors know what they are looking for & if they knock it back due to rust in crucial areas, don't blame the messenger. Remember, that these vehicles don't fit in a standard garage & spend most of their lives outside. When cleaning, clean everywhere, that includes underneath. Don't do a half-assed job. Toyota paint isn't the best in the world and can be thin in some places. I've seen plenty come in for rust repairs covered in bulldust & sand. I tell the owners to give them a good wash or I'll charge for a full detail on top of the rust repairs. If you're thinking of buying a cheap one that looks to good to be true, walk away. I've seen many a young bloke pay for a cheap one that's hiding expensive rust repairs.
That HDJ100R 1HD-FTE for the win... I've serviced one from 70K to close to 600K (2005 to now) Had a set of injectors recently, a few sets of intake gaskets. Looked at the valve clearances 4 times... adjusted maybe 3 of the 24 valves in that time. Engines great, car's only just starting to feel tired in it's basic driving.
Hey mate looking at buying one of these, I have a 105 but has the dreaded rust around the windscreen, and all over really. Are the 100s less prone to rust?
@@bentabram3586 no less prone to rust mate.. basically the same body panels. Maybe look at one from a different state? One that doesn't have any beaches to drive on? ;)
I bought myself a late model 100 series with the 1HD-FTE engine and 5 speed auto. I still think I paid too much. It's in excellent condition and I've cared for it like it's a sick child. But I wanted one and I was picky on what I wanted. It is a great car, however you have to accept that it is nearly 20 years old. It just doesn't have the features of new cars. The ride is very comfortable but the drive is dated. I think the transmission let's it down the most. Makes it feel old fashioned. On a recent trip mine averaged 9.5lts per 100 kays. But it doesn't like short trips. That will easily add 3 lts per 100. In summary they are a well built car. But they are getting old. You have to really want one to make it worth while. I'm an ex Toyota mechanic and I enjoy doing my own maintenance. They are far easier to work on than later stuff. But.. if you aren't using them for off roading or towing, do you even need a Landcruiser..
What would your opinion be on the following? 2024 n80 sr 2024 gx 300 series 05-09 - 120 series v6 Or an older land cruiser 80-200? I’m not fussed on petrol, prefer it over diesel. Budget can cover a new GX cruiser…. But do I need it? Planning to go round aus with a smallish van gvm under 2200kg.
bought an '03 LX470 with 470k on the clock for $17k, now up to 540k taking 5-6 people with me on multiple adventures in 2 years - service the big v8 myself every 6k - no regrets whatsover - bit pricey to daily drive like I do but hey, it's the smiles per gallon that matter to me most.
2UZ FE 2003 with the 5 gear Aisin automat. Daily Towing 3Tons through the swiss alps since 488.000 km. Thirsty yeah but reliable as an elephant. Never ever not one issue. Every 10k fresh oils, automatic oil all 60k km and serious rust prevention. Thats about it. And yeah, still the first exhaust and Katalysator. If you didn’t see it, you won’t believe it. AHC also OEM and never replaced. Every button, each function works except the fatman entry and steering wheel adjustment. Happy driver here … 😊
A few common problems. Handbrake cable always stretches, Prone to rust around front window, Prone to rust in roof rails if gutters don't have leaves cleaned out of them. There is a black plastic strip that you need to remove to clean under yearly. A/C drain blocks easily. Airbox clips break all the time, they're garbage. The injector pump usually goes around 250-300k.
@@fluchtigziege3202 yeh exactly. Love to leak oil around the rocker covers, 5th gear ratio is too short in the stock box, feel free to keep adding. But still overall pretty darn good.
I've had my GXL 1999 105 series for some years now the FTE independent front is more or less a car. The 105 is an alrounder with the best of both worlds in my opinion
I owned A 2003 GXL V8 FOR 14 years. Fantastic car and never gave me a moments trouble! I towed my caravan and even took it along the Gibb River Road! I eventually gave it to my niece when I upgraded to a 200 Series, which is also a wonderful car.
Your review on the 100 series landcruiser is spot on. I really enjoy daily driving my 99 landcruiser. It's such a comfortable ride, it's just as smoothe as my wife's 2021 GX460!
The 100 would be the one I'd want to own and live with but the 105 fascinates me, just because of the fact that they were able to plonk the 100's body on what essentially was the 80's guts. And also any vehicle that wasn't sold in the United States is automatically fascinating to me. :)
Oh my God... you got your hands on the GOAT Landcruiser! It isn't a bush basher... it's a bush steam roller! It's child, the Hilux owes so much to this car.
We had a 2004 100 series GXL with the 4.2 TD engine (the same he to get, forget the V8 petrol). Of course it wasn’t perfect, but it was comfortable, easy to maintain, and felt better to drive than the V8 diesel 200 series when they came out and we got some at work. It was great off road and felt solid as a rock. We traded it in when it had 400,000km on it and we still miss that thing.
10 years ago I bought my 2006 100 series turbo diesel.. best decision i ever made.. safe as houses P.S- If you look carefully the cup holders are adjustable with DOUBLE spacing
I'm an owner of a 05 RV 79 series a 120 series 1kz Grande and a fz 99 105 series which I've not long added to the fleet. I'm really liking the 105 with the space and comfortable seats for traveling and nice smooth way it drives I've definitely got a soft spot for cruiser's I'd say.
I skipped to the what goes wrong of course to see if the brake booster abs unit is mentioned. I sold mine after the third failure and every wrecker being sold out 10x over
You guys do a great job of these vids, they are very well researched. And yes, what you say about Landcruiser owners is true, the only peeps who are more defensive than us about their cars are landrover owners 😂
I own a 105 and a Discovery 4 and it’s a toss up between Land Rover Defender (pre-Puma models) and the 70’s series Land Cruiser owners in terms of which set is more defensive
I purchased a 100 Series 4.2 Back in 2018. It was rough, and had been abused but had very low km for its age. When I first purchased it, I was full of regret. Soon after I took to restoring it, and removed the old aftermarket bullbar, rear bar and re-sandblasting, Removed rust around the front window, the roof rails. Straightened all the panels, did a closed door respray. New gearbox with long range 5th gear, new injector pump, injectors, intake clean, g-turbo, snorkel/airbox etc(250ish awkw/950nm on kill mode) . The list goes on. I will NEVER sell the thing now, it owes me too much and it's AMAZING to drive. They're not good looking cars but they just don't miss a beat.
What an absolutely awesome review by not only the host but also the Mechanics break down of these vehicle variants. I have a soft spot for the 6cyl turbo diesel and have wanted one for years now I have my own family to cart around I’ll seriously be reconsidering the option. Cheers 🍻
Good day from the USA. I have an 07 with 65k miles. Love this truck. I purchased it new in 07 and have never regretted it. Best car. Now that she’s 17 years old I have had one issue with the AHC leaking. Looking in your doing an Iran man lift on it. I get so many complaints on her because she look so clean. She was an everyday diver. Now I have a GX 460 she only goes out once a week and we take trips on it 2 or 3 times a year.
My 2006 1HD-FTE has done 470k kms, has cost me a bit recently to fix anything/everything help to sell it (rack ends, ball joints, shocks, etc). Serviced regularly, uses next to no oil. BUT…once back, I’m finding it incredibly hard to part with. It simply just does ANYTHING, and very well!
I have a 105 where the first owner was the US Embassy here in Panama, It was in good condition but i decided to restore and eject the mighty HZ engine and swap it with the 1-HDT .... I am in love with the car. It is a beast.
From Sri Lanka Running 2002 LC 100 Series 1HDFTE - Turbo Diesel Automatic Trans. 4200 cc Doing good City 7 kmpl Outstation 10 kmpl Not bad given the power of the engine and weight of this monster
Great review guys. I had a 105 6cyl petrol that had 350,000km on it when I sold it (for the exact same price that I paid for it 3 years earlier). It was unbelievably good on high country tracks and pleasant enough on the highways. The fuel consumption was "interesting" for sure. It was starting to show it's age, and in one year I had failures of the fuel pump, radiator, aircon compressor, and power steering pump. The good news was that the parts were easy to find, reasonably priced and best of all, fairly simple to work on it myself. I do miss my 105 and can totally understand why they have such a devout following. To me it was worth going with the 6 cylinder petrol. I paid $12,500 for it and over the 3 years of ownership, only spent about $2000 on the parts I mentioned, with services generally around $400 at every 10,000k's. The thing that bugged me most was the bloody handbrake. It caused me a heap of anxiety when parking on any sort of angle, and there's no way I'd pull up near the edge of a cliff. No mechanic could make it work properly.
This is a cool comment. I have the same 105 and also find that the problems are easy enough to work on, but it’s a great car to own even though the fuel consumption is a wee bit high…
Owned a 2UZ 100 Landcruiser at the same time as my 1GR 150 Prado. It sounded nice and felt solid but the Prado was better on road, better off road, made more power, was better on fuel, more comfortable and just as reliable so I sold the Cruiser and kept the Prado
The coil spring front suspension was just far superior to the torsion bar setup in the 100 series. I like my 100 series but it's tough knowing that a Prado of the same value does cope better with corrugated and rough roads.
@frankensteinsgarage9632 Approach, ramp over and departure angles are all superior and the factory traction control works so much better than I expected.
@frankensteinsgarage9632 absolutely it had an extra 500kg towing and the way the chassis was longer, lower and heavier it was extremely well suited. The bloke who bought it uses it to tow a triple horse float
I live in the usa and own a 2002 Land Cruiser, I love it but cost to repair is crazy. If I would have known that I probably would have gotten a 4Runner but I still do love my cruiser.
Also in the US and you’re 💯 right. I’ve had a bunch of 80’s and 100’s Crazy repair cost here and god forbid they are from up north! 😬I bought a new 4Runner 7 years ago never looked back. 180,000 miles off-roaded all over the country. Modern technology and safety features, you can’t beat them!
Had a 105 NA 4.2 for years. The only reason i got rid of it was the 'Toyota tax' when it came to parts and accessories. The rust started to get it and to replace the guard, just the guard (wing), most wreckers wanted $250+ whereas a typical sedan is $60. Then the typical 1st gear issue started so i sold it and traded up to a series 2 200 GXL. I miss the manual but i do not miss the agricultural feel. It did come in handy for offroading but for roadtripping, it got old quick.
Awesome review and very honest in my opinion. I bought a petrol 105 and put a 1HD-FTE in it. This is by far the best of both worlds. It’ll cost a bit but I think it’s definitely worth it. So much so that my brother has done the same thing and my Dad has bought an engine to do the conversion also. They do however require lots of money spent on maintenance particularly if doing a lot of off-roading. I love my 105 fte and will probably never sell it.
Two completely different questions (Should you buy a 100 Series vs. should you buy a 105 Series) If you can get ahold of a 105, you should sell anything you have to get it. The 100 Series is a good, but by no means, great 4x4. It's IFS and IFS will never be as good as solid axle with coils like the 80 Series (I'm talking stock or stockish, here) The 105 is basically an 80 Series with a V8 or Diesel and as such, is probably the best 4X4 ever. And if you add differential lockers, it's unstoppable.
I'm an 80 series guy. But only because I can't afford a 100 series Sahara with 1hdfte. Btw just clocked 400,000 on the 1992 model with 3f-e. My other turbo diesel 1hdt GXL is on about 440,000. They will outlive religion.
I’ve got the baby sister to these, the 120 series Prado, it’s a capable beast and the turbo diesel is great on fuel when on a long run (costs a bit to fill up the 180 litre tanks though).
We have had our US 2007 - 100 series since 2016. We were the 2nd owners of it. We get about 14 or so MPG. We now have 210k + miles and it still runs like new. We also have little to no issues. This engine produces 275 hp and 320 lbs of torque. It is powerful! We may get a newer model in the next couple of years but it is hard considering all the pluses.
Good one, I would really love to see you do a Patrol GQ Vs 80 Series, both club's plates ready now. And got to be stock, Ideally in 80's colours and stripes with the high roof and the 7 seats!
I've got a 2009 Prado 150 with the legendary 1GRFE just clocked over 350,000kms. I average 13 litres around town and 10 on the motorway I reckon save your dollars and get a 150 or even a 120
Personally I’ve owned 6 cruisers, the only one I regret selling was the HDJ80 VX Sahara. I had a FZ105 auto north of 40L/100km was normal towing 3t,it would use around 18L empty. The only thing that dropped faster than the fuel gauge was you bank balance!
Awesome Casey! I love it when people show how much they drink😂. Some people try and tell me I have a hole in my tank🤣. I’ve got a 2000 model FZJ105R that fully fitted for off grid touring and I get about 33ltrs / 100km in town and about 27ltrs / 100km on the highway🤘
That’s some fuel mileage 😮. Have either of you done an extractor/exhaust system and if so did it make a difference. Also been told a part time 4wd kit makes a difference when towing. Cheers
@@jackthomson73hey Jack, I’ve got Pacemaker extractors and 2.5in Exhaust. It’s also fitted with a Safari snork and high flow air intake system. The truck did breathe a bit better, but any changes to the fuel economy were very minimal and only really became noticeable in tough terrain and on the beach. My truck has done just over 500k and it burns a little bit of oil, so it might be slightly tied. I think my main issue is the weight and that my truck is probably just fat and lazy😂. I like the idea of the part time 4WD and it’s definitely something I’ve been looking into. If It’s not loaded up and I’m on super flat roads in the desert, I can get it down to about 23ltrs😅🤙
@@Firebird_expedition awesome info mate thanks heaps 👍👍. We are looking at going for an fzj 105 again. Had one a while ago but only got around 3 ks per litre around town. Now all the kids are gone I want a cruiser again but the prices in diesels are just ridiculous. Even the v8 petrol are a bit up there and when you take the extra rego and insurance into account, the 4.5 litre looks a lot better. Also a lot easier to work on I reckon. We are looking at towing a fair bit and the part time kit is highly recommended because it removes all the strain on the front end. Again mate thanks heaps for your reply. Greatly appreciated 👏🙏
I have a 2004 GX-R. 130,000 KM. biggest issue is the poor mpg and the seats could be more supportive. Oh the really big issue is long drives when the 120KMP light and buzzer warning starts. Engine is barley revving at that speed. Slightly new ones are flying past. Also huge outside and tiny inside. Nice and wide. not so easy to park and parrell park in tight areas. New suite of exterior cameras would be helpful instead of the sonar beeping. No fun to drive. But easy to drive. And I like it a lot. Just wish we had a second car. But we are NGO in Amman Jordan so only 1 car for us.
I have an 04 UZJ manual 5 speed with 370K, uses no oil runs sweet as, oil change every 5000K. Brilliant bus and if I could buy one brand new right now I would. It is the only car I would happily go into debt to buy.
I have a 11/06 1HDFTE Sahara it has 317k I have replaced the alternator put a Beaudesert 3" exhaust and a part time kit in. I can't speak for every 100 series but mine is definitely worth the hype.
How does the Beaudesert exhaust sound? I cheaped out and fitted a no name 3" exhaust to my FTE. And I've never been happy. Sounds like a FZ. Kind of drones and has that annoying whistle that you normally associate with the FZ.
@@frankensteinsgarage9632 mate I'm happy with it, I got the stainless 3" and 4 1/2" dump of the turbo. It doesn't drone, you can hear the turbo spooling if the window is down, felt like it increased the power when I installed it. I have had it on for 9yrs now.
100 handles differently to a 105. Dont think it was really mentioned. A 105 is far more capable off road while the 100 is nicer on tarmac. Old cruisers are the way to go though. 1HZ amd even the 1FZ for a petrol just go forever
Excellent in-depth review here guys and you nailed all the points. I think the only versions to get is: if you have money get the 1HDFTE in the best trim level you can afford. It has the best resale value. If you can't afford that get the V8 petrol. If you want the 1HZ from the 105 it's an incredibly reliable engine and if untouched will do 800,000kms but don't bother turbocharging it as 8 out of every 10 people say you'll regret it and blow up the engine even with a modest tune. And I don't see a place for the 1FZ petrol that would be my last choice, the V8 petrol has the same consumption so just get that instead more Powerful and sounds better
Mr mechanic best scrub up on a few details, manual gearbox allocations for starters - only the 1HZ 105 received the weaker R series box. 1FZ received the same H series 5 speed box as the HDJ model
i test drove a 105 gxl, good looking, decent condition for the mileage (600k), but none of the accessories worked, one big draw was twin lockers, was i buying a car that even had locking diffs and not just a dodgy compressor?
Main reason to go diesel over petrol is increased touring range from same fuel load. First 2 years of lx470 have rear diff lock standard instead of ATRAC and feel even more opulent than top spec cruiser. For most uses my pick would be v8 manual sahara if you can find one or HZJ105 for serious offroading
I agree with the comment on aftermarket accessories… bought a 2007 grande and yeah… next day i had to pay to have it properly required… dealers pretended it didn’t exist or something haha
I like my 100 a lot. The previous owner was dumb, so I had to do quite a lot to it to get it up to standard, but it's all good now. Cheers from Arizona USA
Hey mate could you take a look at the Toyota soarer and mr2 sw20. Im thinking about getting them and I would appreciate your help. Your reviews are legendary
Preventive service wise you missed the cheapest of all, which has the potential to blow the engine. There are two Ts that connect a the heater system that deteriorate with time (and heat) and can break leading to catastrophic leak or coolant, overheating the engine. Is a 25 dollar fix literally. First thing to be done after buying one.
USADM LC100 owner here. 2004. 321,000 miles. Rust is the single biggest thing to watch out for when purchasing. These are higher maintenance vehicles (grease hubs and driveshafts every 5,000 miles) but if you keep on top of it then nothing ever goes wrong. Also, squeaks and rattles can be chased down and fixed.
In my country, if you use the Land Cruiser 105 you fall into three categories:
1/ You work for military/government
2/ You are a field engineer, specialize in civil engineering
3/ You're an off-road enjoyer and an ex from two categories above
I owned a 100 series turbo diesel from brand new to 250,000 km
I did all services myself and it only went to the garage for a timing belt at 150,000km
I put new brake pads on it just before I sold it but they didn’t really need changing … original pads …
Absolutely legendary Toyota vehicles !!!
I've got a 105 Standard with the NA diesel - not my daily though - and I love it. Done over 400,000 but was very well maintained and it's the perfect tool for travelling Aus, camping and being an all round workhorse. I like the simplicity. I've always been able to beat those fuel economy numbers - wirh a rough mix of 50/50 city / highway driving I get more like 11.5 -12L/100
Those are much more reasonable numbers. With such a hulking beast that the 100 Series is you should drive defensively anyway.
Damn how do you achieve that
@@dexterrr9163I have a 100 series with 1HD-FTE engine turbo diesel.Will do 10-11l / 100 on the highway or 12-13 around town. A well maintained 105 with the NA 1HZ Engine will also get good figures will into its older life. Not a suprising figure.
@@dexterrr9163 My 1hz turbo 80 series used to get 12.5 -13.0, until I put muddies on it. Now it's more like 15L/100km
Holly heck is that 90% down hill??
Here in Uganda where I am watching from, you are considered cream of the society only after you can afford to drive one of these in the city. Great review thanx.
Been waiting for this one for years! You guys absolutely smashed it. Really good review.
Working from a smash repairers point of view, we see these things come in every fortnight from buyers who have just bought it without the body & the chassis looked at. The ones we see are ones that have been neglected but the new owners paid too much for them. When you give them prices on rust repairs, they baulk but they keep forgetting that it takes time to do the job properly. Usually when it's rego time is when we see them. Any small tiny bubble of rust in the roof, around the windscreen, A pillar, tailgate, C & D pillar glass is hiding something bigger. If you have roof racks, cross bars & carriers on your roof, if you're not using them, remove them until you have need for them. 9/10 times you have these things on & you go to a level car park, you're going to hit something, especially when you have a lift kit on. Most owners when cleaning them don't bother cleaning the roof as it's too high for them. Make sure you clean the roof. The chassis: If you take it out of its street environment, make sure you clean underneath. It's common for beach sand to be inside the chassis rail. If it's got sand, expect to have salt water to have been in there as well.
When repairing rust, get someone who knows what they're dealing with to repair it properly. Do not baulk at the price for repairs as it's time consuming for the repairer. Stay away from any half-assed jobs that have been done to it. Rego inspectors know what they are looking for & if they knock it back due to rust in crucial areas, don't blame the messenger. Remember, that these vehicles don't fit in a standard garage & spend most of their lives outside. When cleaning, clean everywhere, that includes underneath. Don't do a half-assed job. Toyota paint isn't the best in the world and can be thin in some places. I've seen plenty come in for rust repairs covered in bulldust & sand. I tell the owners to give them a good wash or I'll charge for a full detail on top of the rust repairs. If you're thinking of buying a cheap one that looks to good to be true, walk away. I've seen many a young bloke pay for a cheap one that's hiding expensive rust repairs.
I have not seen a 100 series or older ever for sale that isnt plagued with rust.
Spot on, people do think this cars are 100% perfect, they have a lot of faults.
Thank you for the info 🙏🏻
That HDJ100R 1HD-FTE for the win... I've serviced one from 70K to close to 600K (2005 to now) Had a set of injectors recently, a few sets of intake gaskets. Looked at the valve clearances 4 times... adjusted maybe 3 of the 24 valves in that time. Engines great, car's only just starting to feel tired in it's basic driving.
No, the 2UZ-FE was the best if you listen to the mechanic! Perfect for me 😎😎
Hey mate looking at buying one of these, I have a 105 but has the dreaded rust around the windscreen, and all over really. Are the 100s less prone to rust?
Can you tune the 2uz?@@svein-haraldribland8559
@@bentabram3586 no less prone to rust mate.. basically the same body panels. Maybe look at one from a different state? One that doesn't have any beaches to drive on? ;)
sitting at 320k's with 300hp on tap and drives like a dream
I bought myself a late model 100 series with the 1HD-FTE engine and 5 speed auto. I still think I paid too much. It's in excellent condition and I've cared for it like it's a sick child. But I wanted one and I was picky on what I wanted. It is a great car, however you have to accept that it is nearly 20 years old. It just doesn't have the features of new cars. The ride is very comfortable but the drive is dated. I think the transmission let's it down the most. Makes it feel old fashioned. On a recent trip mine averaged 9.5lts per 100 kays. But it doesn't like short trips. That will easily add 3 lts per 100.
In summary they are a well built car. But they are getting old. You have to really want one to make it worth while. I'm an ex Toyota mechanic and I enjoy doing my own maintenance. They are far easier to work on than later stuff. But.. if you aren't using them for off roading or towing, do you even need a Landcruiser..
What would your opinion be on the following?
2024 n80 sr
2024 gx 300 series
05-09 - 120 series v6
Or an older land cruiser 80-200?
I’m not fussed on petrol, prefer it over diesel. Budget can cover a new GX cruiser…. But do I need it?
Planning to go round aus with a smallish van gvm under 2200kg.
Look for the ones with P plates on, festooned with garish stickers and a cheap set of mud tyres. Those are the most reliable of all.
Especially the ones that've be the born again types blessed by the salt water at mudlo rocks
bought an '03 LX470 with 470k on the clock for $17k, now up to 540k taking 5-6 people with me on multiple adventures in 2 years - service the big v8 myself every 6k - no regrets whatsover - bit pricey to daily drive like I do but hey, it's the smiles per gallon that matter to me most.
It costs an arm and a leg to fill this beast with fuel, especially with today’s prices.
Add a kidney, these beasts consume a lot.
I drive a Pajero 3.8...its just the same fuel consumption. Reliability is king!
I get 1000km range so not too bad really
@@Rraazzooollwith a 250ltr tank and driving on flat roads
@@gerhardstrydom5249 but the Mitsubishi lacks a v8. This Land Cruiser has a v8.
I got a 2003 100series V8 and tow full time . The girl goes good with no worries
U are probably the reason for fuel price increases
@ lol 😂 you’re not wrong there!
This channel needs such a bigger audience. Amazing job guys
Aww thanks!
Mate love your channel and am always amazed that it doesn't have way more subscribers. Keep going its great content!
2UZ FE 2003 with the 5 gear Aisin automat. Daily Towing 3Tons through the swiss alps since 488.000 km. Thirsty yeah but reliable as an elephant. Never ever not one issue. Every 10k fresh oils, automatic oil all 60k km and serious rust prevention. Thats about it. And yeah, still the first exhaust and Katalysator. If you didn’t see it, you won’t believe it. AHC also OEM and never replaced. Every button, each function works except the fatman entry and steering wheel adjustment. Happy driver here … 😊
Yes have 06 and they are one of the best vehicles👌💯💯💯💯
A few common problems. Handbrake cable always stretches, Prone to rust around front window, Prone to rust in roof rails if gutters don't have leaves cleaned out of them. There is a black plastic strip that you need to remove to clean under yearly. A/C drain blocks easily. Airbox clips break all the time, they're garbage. The injector pump usually goes around 250-300k.
Sadly, I agree from experience
and thats just the obvious stuff.
@@fluchtigziege3202 yeh exactly. Love to leak oil around the rocker covers, 5th gear ratio is too short in the stock box, feel free to keep adding. But still overall pretty darn good.
diffs whine more than my ex wife@@madrx2
Don’t worry about the injector pump more modern entire diesel engines have failed at 300 thousand than 100 series pumps
I've had my GXL 1999 105 series for some years now the FTE independent front is more or less a car. The 105 is an alrounder with the best of both worlds in my opinion
I owned A 2003 GXL V8 FOR 14 years. Fantastic car and never gave me a moments trouble! I towed my caravan and even took it along the Gibb River Road! I eventually gave it to my niece when I upgraded to a 200 Series, which is also a wonderful car.
Your review on the 100 series landcruiser is spot on. I really enjoy daily driving my 99 landcruiser. It's such a comfortable ride, it's just as smoothe as my wife's 2021 GX460!
The 100 would be the one I'd want to own and live with but the 105 fascinates me, just because of the fact that they were able to plonk the 100's body on what essentially was the 80's guts. And also any vehicle that wasn't sold in the United States is automatically fascinating to me. :)
Oh my God... you got your hands on the GOAT Landcruiser! It isn't a bush basher... it's a bush steam roller! It's child, the Hilux owes so much to this car.
We had a 2004 100 series GXL with the 4.2 TD engine (the same he to get, forget the V8 petrol). Of course it wasn’t perfect, but it was comfortable, easy to maintain, and felt better to drive than the V8 diesel 200 series when they came out and we got some at work. It was great off road and felt solid as a rock. We traded it in when it had 400,000km on it and we still miss that thing.
I am happy that you guys reviewed this vehicle
10 years ago I bought my 2006 100 series turbo diesel.. best decision i ever made.. safe as houses
P.S- If you look carefully the cup holders are adjustable with DOUBLE spacing
About time this legend was reviewed. Well done!
I'm an owner of a 05 RV 79 series a 120 series 1kz Grande and a fz 99 105 series which I've not long added to the fleet. I'm really liking the 105 with the space and comfortable seats for traveling and nice smooth way it drives I've definitely got a soft spot for cruiser's I'd say.
Front center console cub holders are adjustable mate, the center piece can be spread and or completely removed.
I skipped to the what goes wrong of course to see if the brake booster abs unit is mentioned. I sold mine after the third failure and every wrecker being sold out 10x over
You guys do a great job of these vids, they are very well researched. And yes, what you say about Landcruiser owners is true, the only peeps who are more defensive than us about their cars are landrover owners 😂
I own a 105 and a Discovery 4 and it’s a toss up between Land Rover Defender (pre-Puma models) and the 70’s series Land Cruiser owners in terms of which set is more defensive
I purchased a 100 Series 4.2 Back in 2018. It was rough, and had been abused but had very low km for its age. When I first purchased it, I was full of regret. Soon after I took to restoring it, and removed the old aftermarket bullbar, rear bar and re-sandblasting, Removed rust around the front window, the roof rails. Straightened all the panels, did a closed door respray. New gearbox with long range 5th gear, new injector pump, injectors, intake clean, g-turbo, snorkel/airbox etc(250ish awkw/950nm on kill mode) . The list goes on. I will NEVER sell the thing now, it owes me too much and it's AMAZING to drive. They're not good looking cars but they just don't miss a beat.
They look alright with subtle mods. Well, they look alright in their own right. For a vehicle that is designed off a brick, that is.
hahaha that's it mate. @@frankensteinsgarage9632
What an absolutely awesome review by not only the host but also the Mechanics break down of these vehicle variants. I have a soft spot for the 6cyl turbo diesel and have wanted one for years now I have my own family to cart around I’ll seriously be reconsidering the option. Cheers 🍻
Good day from the USA. I have an 07 with 65k miles. Love this truck. I purchased it new in 07 and have never regretted it. Best car. Now that she’s 17 years old I have had one issue with the AHC leaking. Looking in your doing an Iran man lift on it. I get so many complaints on her because she look so clean. She was an everyday diver. Now I have a GX 460 she only goes out once a week and we take trips on it 2 or 3 times a year.
Short answer... Nope.
The price equals the hype.
Brave man. You point out any flaws and they will come after you. Don't even think about comparing it to another brand. People will lose their minds.
My 2006 1HD-FTE has done 470k kms, has cost me a bit recently to fix anything/everything help to sell it (rack ends, ball joints, shocks, etc). Serviced regularly, uses next to no oil. BUT…once back, I’m finding it incredibly hard to part with. It simply just does ANYTHING, and very well!
I regret selling my 100 gxl...best 4wd ever. Now looking at getting another 100 over the current 4wds.
I have a 105 where the first owner was the US Embassy here in Panama, It was in good condition but i decided to restore and eject the mighty HZ engine and swap it with the 1-HDT .... I am in love with the car. It is a beast.
I have the 1HDFTE 6 cylinder diesel GXL 100 series Landcruiser. I love it
From Sri Lanka
Running 2002 LC 100 Series
1HDFTE - Turbo Diesel Automatic Trans. 4200 cc
Doing good
City 7 kmpl
Outstation 10 kmpl
Not bad given the power of the engine and weight of this monster
Great review guys. I had a 105 6cyl petrol that had 350,000km on it when I sold it (for the exact same price that I paid for it 3 years earlier). It was unbelievably good on high country tracks and pleasant enough on the highways. The fuel consumption was "interesting" for sure. It was starting to show it's age, and in one year I had failures of the fuel pump, radiator, aircon compressor, and power steering pump. The good news was that the parts were easy to find, reasonably priced and best of all, fairly simple to work on it myself. I do miss my 105 and can totally understand why they have such a devout following.
To me it was worth going with the 6 cylinder petrol. I paid $12,500 for it and over the 3 years of ownership, only spent about $2000 on the parts I mentioned, with services generally around $400 at every 10,000k's.
The thing that bugged me most was the bloody handbrake. It caused me a heap of anxiety when parking on any sort of angle, and there's no way I'd pull up near the edge of a cliff. No mechanic could make it work properly.
This is a cool comment. I have the same 105 and also find that the problems are easy enough to work on, but it’s a great car to own even though the fuel consumption is a wee bit high…
Lots of work went into this, thanks!
Cheers mate!
Owned a 2UZ 100 Landcruiser at the same time as my 1GR 150 Prado. It sounded nice and felt solid but the Prado was better on road, better off road, made more power, was better on fuel, more comfortable and just as reliable so I sold the Cruiser and kept the Prado
The coil spring front suspension was just far superior to the torsion bar setup in the 100 series. I like my 100 series but it's tough knowing that a Prado of the same value does cope better with corrugated and rough roads.
@frankensteinsgarage9632 Approach, ramp over and departure angles are all superior and the factory traction control works so much better than I expected.
@boostbogan I hadn't even thought of the other stuff. The only thing the Landcruiser has over the Prado is maybe slight edge in tow capacity I think??
@frankensteinsgarage9632 absolutely it had an extra 500kg towing and the way the chassis was longer, lower and heavier it was extremely well suited. The bloke who bought it uses it to tow a triple horse float
The 100 series LC is bigger - is the rear leg room and boot much better on the LC compared to the Prado?
This gen Land Cruiser is still my favorite. Just timeless design.
I live in the usa and own a 2002 Land Cruiser, I love it but cost to repair is crazy. If I would have known that I probably would have gotten a 4Runner but I still do love my cruiser.
Also in the US and you’re 💯 right. I’ve had a bunch of 80’s and 100’s Crazy repair cost here and god forbid they are from up north! 😬I bought a new 4Runner 7 years ago never looked back. 180,000 miles off-roaded all over the country. Modern technology and safety features, you can’t beat them!
Awesome, another great, independent factual review from these guys
FZ105 also came with the stronger gearbox, only the 1HZ had the weaker manual box.
Was going to write this... (Just jumped under my car to compare it to pictures in IH8MUD - my FZ105 gearbox matches the H151 pics)
Had a 105 NA 4.2 for years. The only reason i got rid of it was the 'Toyota tax' when it came to parts and accessories. The rust started to get it and to replace the guard, just the guard (wing), most wreckers wanted $250+ whereas a typical sedan is $60. Then the typical 1st gear issue started so i sold it and traded up to a series 2 200 GXL. I miss the manual but i do not miss the agricultural feel. It did come in handy for offroading but for roadtripping, it got old quick.
This is a REALLY thorough review, one of your very best! Thankyou :)
At the prices they are selling for, no way, but at the prices they are worth, a big yes.
Awesome review and very honest in my opinion. I bought a petrol 105 and put a 1HD-FTE in it. This is by far the best of both worlds. It’ll cost a bit but I think it’s definitely worth it. So much so that my brother has done the same thing and my Dad has bought an engine to do the conversion also.
They do however require lots of money spent on maintenance particularly if doing a lot of off-roading. I love my 105 fte and will probably never sell it.
The 2UZFE engine was based on the fantastic 1UZ, the thing is bullet proof.
Just about to turn 800,000k on our 2003 1hd fte, pulls a two ton trailer regularly for work. At age 64 if I get the million, that will probably do.
Would love a review of the Toyota 200 series.
Love your channel.
520,000 on my 04 v8 and she doesn't miss a beat. Wouldn't own anything else.
Two completely different questions (Should you buy a 100 Series vs. should you buy a 105 Series) If you can get ahold of a 105, you should sell anything you have to get it. The 100 Series is a good, but by no means, great 4x4. It's IFS and IFS will never be as good as solid axle with coils like the 80 Series (I'm talking stock or stockish, here) The 105 is basically an 80 Series with a V8 or Diesel and as such, is probably the best 4X4 ever. And if you add differential lockers, it's unstoppable.
I'm an 80 series guy. But only because I can't afford a 100 series Sahara with 1hdfte. Btw just clocked 400,000 on the 1992 model with 3f-e. My other turbo diesel 1hdt GXL is on about 440,000. They will outlive religion.
I’ve a basic 80 series, 1995 HZJ diesel, over 500k km, had it 17 years and I love it like a child ❤️🇷🇴
Love love the introduction!,,, so so true and we’ll executed about Toyota owners 👌🏻
Bought the Lexus 470 version. Fantasic for highway travel and towing.
I’ve got the baby sister to these, the 120 series Prado, it’s a capable beast and the turbo diesel is great on fuel when on a long run (costs a bit to fill up the 180 litre tanks though).
Only fill 50ltrs unless you're taking on a desert. That's 130kg less weight....
We had those at my workplace. Some of them got up to 600,000km and were still running fine with regular servicing.
Fantastic vehicle, had 3 diesel 120 series before my 100 series fte.
1:29 Both cars you showed were 105s at the beginning of the video when explaining that there is the 100 and 105 series types.
Thanks for the correction!
Please do a 90series prado
We have had our US 2007 - 100 series since 2016. We were the 2nd owners of it. We get about 14 or so MPG. We now have 210k + miles and it still runs like new. We also have little to no issues. This engine produces 275 hp and 320 lbs of torque. It is powerful! We may get a newer model in the next couple of years but it is hard considering all the pluses.
I think they look way better without all the extra stuff on them. They have a timeless beautiful design
Best generation of Landcruiser by far.
Good one, I would really love to see you do a Patrol GQ Vs 80 Series, both club's plates ready now. And got to be stock, Ideally in 80's colours and stripes with the high roof and the 7 seats!
Got my Gu on club plates 👌
Got a stock 80 almost ready for rego,like a kid with a new toy.
I've got a 2009 Prado 150 with the legendary 1GRFE just clocked over 350,000kms. I average 13 litres around town and 10 on the motorway
I reckon save your dollars and get a 150 or even a 120
Personally I’ve owned 6 cruisers, the only one I regret selling was the HDJ80 VX Sahara.
I had a FZ105 auto north of 40L/100km was normal towing 3t,it would use around 18L empty.
The only thing that dropped faster than the fuel gauge was you bank balance!
40? Holy fuck
Awesome Casey! I love it when people show how much they drink😂. Some people try and tell me I have a hole in my tank🤣. I’ve got a 2000 model FZJ105R that fully fitted for off grid touring and I get about 33ltrs / 100km in town and about 27ltrs / 100km on the highway🤘
That’s some fuel mileage 😮. Have either of you done an extractor/exhaust system and if so did it make a difference. Also been told a part time 4wd kit makes a difference when towing. Cheers
@@jackthomson73hey Jack, I’ve got Pacemaker extractors and 2.5in Exhaust. It’s also fitted with a Safari snork and high flow air intake system. The truck did breathe a bit better, but any changes to the fuel economy were very minimal and only really became noticeable in tough terrain and on the beach.
My truck has done just over 500k and it burns a little bit of oil, so it might be slightly tied. I think my main issue is the weight and that my truck is probably just fat and lazy😂. I like the idea of the part time 4WD and it’s definitely something I’ve been looking into.
If It’s not loaded up and I’m on super flat roads in the desert, I can get it down to about 23ltrs😅🤙
@@Firebird_expedition awesome info mate thanks heaps 👍👍. We are looking at going for an fzj 105 again. Had one a while ago but only got around 3 ks per litre around town. Now all the kids are gone I want a cruiser again but the prices in diesels are just ridiculous. Even the v8 petrol are a bit up there and when you take the extra rego and insurance into account, the 4.5 litre looks a lot better. Also a lot easier to work on I reckon. We are looking at towing a fair bit and the part time kit is highly recommended because it removes all the strain on the front end. Again mate thanks heaps for your reply. Greatly appreciated 👏🙏
A great car reviewed correctly.
I have a 2004 GX-R. 130,000 KM. biggest issue is the poor mpg and the seats could be more supportive. Oh the really big issue is long drives when the 120KMP light and buzzer warning starts. Engine is barley revving at that speed. Slightly new ones are flying past. Also huge outside and tiny inside. Nice and wide. not so easy to park and parrell park in tight areas. New suite of exterior cameras would be helpful instead of the sonar beeping. No fun to drive. But easy to drive. And I like it a lot. Just wish we had a second car. But we are NGO in Amman Jordan so only 1 car for us.
2.5 inch lift
33 inch bfgs
Bullbar
Stedi Spotties
2.5 inch Lukey exhaust 😊
I have an 04 UZJ manual 5 speed with 370K, uses no oil runs sweet as, oil change every 5000K. Brilliant bus and if I could buy one brand new right now I would. It is the only car I would happily go into debt to buy.
I thought cupholders were big too until I realised the you can adjust it based on the size of the cup. The centre bit has an arm that closes in.
I know my land rover discovery is less reliable but I still love it.
It constantly overtake Toyotas up hills towing my caravan with ease
I have a 11/06 1HDFTE Sahara it has 317k I have replaced the alternator put a Beaudesert 3" exhaust and a part time kit in. I can't speak for every 100 series but mine is definitely worth the hype.
How does the Beaudesert exhaust sound? I cheaped out and fitted a no name 3" exhaust to my FTE. And I've never been happy. Sounds like a FZ. Kind of drones and has that annoying whistle that you normally associate with the FZ.
@@frankensteinsgarage9632 mate I'm happy with it, I got the stainless 3" and 4 1/2" dump of the turbo. It doesn't drone, you can hear the turbo spooling if the window is down, felt like it increased the power when I installed it.
I have had it on for 9yrs now.
What fuel efficiency can be expected from the 1hdfte? Compared to a 120 series prado 1kzte? City. Or higjway driving?
100 handles differently to a 105. Dont think it was really mentioned. A 105 is far more capable off road while the 100 is nicer on tarmac.
Old cruisers are the way to go though. 1HZ amd even the 1FZ for a petrol just go forever
That bullbar brought back memories of my first job. I used to sell Old Man Emu and Dobinsons shocks too.
Excellent in-depth review here guys and you nailed all the points. I think the only versions to get is: if you have money get the 1HDFTE in the best trim level you can afford. It has the best resale value. If you can't afford that get the V8 petrol.
If you want the 1HZ from the 105 it's an incredibly reliable engine and if untouched will do 800,000kms but don't bother turbocharging it as 8 out of every 10 people say you'll regret it and blow up the engine even with a modest tune. And I don't see a place for the 1FZ petrol that would be my last choice, the V8 petrol has the same consumption so just get that instead more Powerful and sounds better
Excellent video! Thank you for sharing 😊
I want this kinda video on an 80 series! Or comparison videos! Like GQs vs 80s. Also review on GQs
2UZFE the LEGENDARY engine 👏💪 simply the GOAT 🐐
Mr mechanic best scrub up on a few details, manual gearbox allocations for starters - only the 1HZ 105 received the weaker R series box. 1FZ received the same H series 5 speed box as the HDJ model
Today I am about to buy one in Venezuela with only 113 000 miles 5.7 lts 8 cil, my dream truck
Land Cruisers are quite possibly the best thing that happened to 4X4 SUVs, and among them, 100/ 105 series takes the cake!
i test drove a 105 gxl, good looking, decent condition for the mileage (600k), but none of the accessories worked, one big draw was twin lockers, was i buying a car that even had locking diffs and not just a dodgy compressor?
Main reason to go diesel over petrol is increased touring range from same fuel load.
First 2 years of lx470 have rear diff lock standard instead of ATRAC and feel even more opulent than top spec cruiser.
For most uses my pick would be v8 manual sahara if you can find one or HZJ105 for serious offroading
I agree with the comment on aftermarket accessories… bought a 2007 grande and yeah… next day i had to pay to have it properly required… dealers pretended it didn’t exist or something haha
What about the 200 series. I would love ur opinion. I’m biased I have a 2018 200 series v8 petrol
Have you done the 80 series?
The 1fz didn't have an R box, it came factory with H151.
My pick would be 105 petrol with 1fz engine
I like my 100 a lot. The previous owner was dumb, so I had to do quite a lot to it to get it up to standard, but it's all good now.
Cheers from Arizona USA
Hey mate could you take a look at the Toyota soarer and mr2 sw20. Im thinking about getting them and I would appreciate your help. Your reviews are legendary
Look for the ones that have been to hell and back, and you know you've got yourself an unstoppable beast
R151f gearbox post 2002 is usable for towing just don’t go up hills in 5th when pulling your van
More emphasis on the 1HDFTE it's one of the greatest engines ever made.
A Toyota “handbrake” being utter crap… 😏no way!
…my Aurion handbrake couldn’t even hold back Waleed Aly’s smug wokeness!😂
Also the rubber fittings start to perish over time and exposure to sun and fuels etc
I like the 80 series
Preventive service wise you missed the cheapest of all, which has the potential to blow the engine.
There are two Ts that connect a the heater system that deteriorate with time (and heat) and can break leading to catastrophic leak or coolant, overheating the engine. Is a 25 dollar fix literally. First thing to be done after buying one.