2007 Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series
November 8, 2007 by George Skentzos
Toyota Australia has released the latest generation of the LandCruiser wagon – the new 200 Series, the vehicle that helped Toyota establish its foothold in the world automotive markets.
The new 200 Series has a stronger body, improved suspension, more powerful V8 engines that use less fuel, and new technology that makes it more capable in all conditions.
The LandCruiser 200 is available in three grades – GXL, VX and Sahara – with two engine choices, both of them V8s.
The first is a new 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel which lifts power to 195kW and a useful 650Nm – fuel consumption remains relatively low at a comfortable 10.3 litres per100km combined cycle.
Accompanying the diesel is a Euro IV-compliant petrol 4.7-litre V8 engine producing 202kW and 410Nm with fuel consumption at a cringe-worthy 14.5 litre/100km combined cycle.
The updated petrol V8 is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission while the diesel engine is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission, both featuring a sequential shift that allows the driver to select gears manually.
An all-new chassis structure offers superior strength and rigidity by maintaining a separate frame and body, with an integrated tow bar capable of hauling up to 3500kg.
The 200 Series is 60mm longer and 30mm wider, contributing to the increased interior space, however the adoption of a shorter-format V8 means the bonnet length has been reduced for improved visibility.
An Australian-invented Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) combines two previously contradictory benefits – longer wheel articulation for the most challenging off-road driving and the roll control needed for confident on-road driving.
Another innovation is the world’s first Crawl Control system exclusive to petrol models. It automatically controls the engine and brakes to maintain very low speeds – in forward or reverse – with minimal spinning or locking of the wheels.
Multi-terrain ABS provides the correct brake strategy on dirt, gravel, sand and bitumen whilst Hill-Start Assist Control minimises vehicle roll-back when starting on steep hills or climbing slippery surfaces.
Diesel models will also feature Downhill Assist Control, which controls speed on steep off-road descents.
Vehicle Stability Control and Active Traction Control are now standard across the range with the option for up to 10 airbags.
Also, for the first time for LandCruiser owners, the 200 series will feature a dash-mounted tyre-pressure monitoring system which displays the temperature and pressure of all five tyres (including the spare).
The rugged exterior is matched by interior comfort, where up to eight occupants are catered for with four-zone air conditioning, leather trim as standard on the VX and Sahara and full electric seat adjustment.
An optional fully integrated touch-screen system features a satellite navigation system with DVD mapping, and audio unit that has a six-in-dash CD/DVD player with MP3 capability, and a nine-speaker AM/FM audio unit with Bluetooth functionality.
Smart Entry and Start Smart are standard across the range which allows the driver to enter, exit and start the vehicle without using the ignition key or transmitter button.
The entry-level GXL petrol model begins at $69,990 with a $10,000 premium for the diesel. The Sahara turbo-diesel tops the range at $104,990.
| Petrol | Turbo-diesel | |
| GXL | $69,990 | $79,990 |
| VX | $79,990 | $89,990 |
| Sahara | $94,990 | $104,990 |
Print it: 
Further to my last, type in ‘toyota 2008 landcruiser tsb’ in google. Go to page 2 and look towards the bottom for ih8mud forums.
hahaha I want to know how the hell is grease going to fix a drive line clunk? Its due to too much backlash . Nice try Toyota!
Amongst several TSB’s for the 200 series, there is also a one refering to the ‘Smartkey’system. Not sure what that one is about.
Being of lesser means than some I read with interest the comments on 200 series, I still own an update 80 series on gas! however through work have driven all the commercial series of cruisers since the HJ45’s through 79’s and 100’s,and a fair smattering of the competition.I will stick with the cruisers, next a low mileage 105 standard diesel, having said that I converted my 80 series petrol to LPG in 2001 something Toyota discourages and at 300,00 KLm on the clock have just returned from Victoria River via Katherine back to Kyogle 6900k without using a drop of oil or coolant, a fair bit of fuel admittedly, 4.4km/l gas 5.7 on PULP) but no dust leaks, great air cond in 38 degree heat, my point, I do think that models get better in the production run and also that it is still hard to beat the petrol 80’s auto’s for sheer reliability and build quality. The equivilent year Patrols and Landrovers were dust traps by comparison. This LC drives dirt everyday (on farm)and tows, regular good quality oil changes, only repairs since new 1 starter motor clutch drive recently,4 universals, 1 wheel stud, replace radiator and waterpump as precaution at 280k.
Yep I’ll be buying another L/C but it’ll be a second hand ex gov carefully pawed over before purchase.
Having owned a 200VX TD for 2 months I came to this site after searching for ‘resonance’ or vibration in the steering wheel. It’s driving me to distraction to the point of selling the vehicle. Dealer can’t notice it…..
Apart from that, I have the clunk. Greased but it has reappeared. Haven’t tested the dust sealing yet.
If the steering wheel resonance was cured, it would be a great vehicle.
Luv these notes & anecdotes. My humble 1994 Nissan diesel from WA Blue Ragged last year. Tows 2500kg Van, albeit slow uphill.Still going strong. Nissan let its true believers down tho. Waltzed into dealer expecting to see its answer to the 200 series.Some answer, eh. But ten grand extra for a diesel elsewhere.?? Perhaps the credit crunch will see a lowering of prices & sell more. Perhaps not.
Have just driven two petrol GXL’s from dealers in western Sydney. The first one with a build date of 02/08 had the vibration mentioned in earlier posts. Even my partner, who is not tuned to the sensitivies of cars, noticed it. The salesman wouldn’t comment but I suspected he knew there were problems. The second one had a build date of 09/08 and it didn’t seem to be there. However, the problem was that the dealers would only let me take them on a very short test drive through the suburbs at about 80km/h top speed. These tend to mask problems which might be more obvious when driven on a highway. When asked if I could do a freeway run, the answer was a flat no. When you try and hide something, it then often becomes very apparent.
Purchased L/C 200 GXL Turbo Diesel in May after having Patrols & am honestly disappointed. Had fuel pump & injector replaced in July, been in to have “clunking” fixed in November & now warning lights are indicating a malfunction with brakes or 4WD system. It hasn’t even done 5000kms. Has anyone else had this last issue?
My VX 200 series Diesel has travelled 46000 klms, 30000 of that towimg between 1 & 2 tonne. It is still using oil but slowing. All country travelling. Great car except for tailshaft regreasing which has now been fixed by replacing tailshaft. Piranha Dual battery system was the first fitted and works fine. First trip into outback resulted in the sun roof breaking away from body. It now has 2 scews through the side of the sun roof until the whole roof lining is removed and then welded. No dust problems, cover the floor well. Great off road car other than that.KDSS is a gem as is the stability contol. Try slide it on the dirt and see what happens. Trp computer is totally useless. When it says you have no fuel it still has at least 10-15 litres leftwhich relates to at least 100klm. It reads 2ltrs more than actual.Towing actual 13-16 and unladen 9.5-12.No steering vibration. My 100 series never had a spanner to it but this is a better car that goes like a rocket. Unfortunately Toyota have been very slack in trying to fix problems.
Hi Does anyone know where I can get side protection strips put on I did see one 200 with them on and it had LC200 on the strip
U could probably buy a used Yaris with what Toyota dealer wants for them.LOL.
Cav try a Auto sign writer,they usually make their own strips and signage for cars and put them on ! Truth be know a Toyota dealer will out source one to do it anyway pay them $60 an hour and charge you $100 ………not kidding!
The other form of paint protection is OziCozi which is a clear adhesive film [made by 3M] which is specially cut to fit various parts of your var that are likely to get stone chips etc such as Leading Edge of the Bonnet Headlights Bumper and lower part of the doors.
Perth Graphics Centre in Malaga, WA supplies the Venture Shield, which is basically what OziCozi is, anyway. They’ve got all the kits for all the new cars.
Hi all,
Hi all, I notice several references to vibration or resonance through the steering wheel. I have this also and am asking what progress others have had with Toyota on this issue.
Mines a diesel vx (with the steering wheel resonance… driving me silly)
Further to the “clunk” in the drive train.
I explained to the dealer that the clunk persists despite 3 greasing attempts to solve it.
They have agreed to order and fit a modified tail shaft.
Cheers
John
We bought a 200 series GXL before they even arrived in Australia as we owned both an 80 (diesel) and 100 (Diesel) series. We were really looking forward to having our first turbo engine also. We started with 12-13L/100k and are now getting 15-18L/100k and we currently have done nearly 50′000. It is interesting to note the issues people are having that I have read so this will be raised at the next service along with the manner to rectify. We are also having the oil usage issue with Toyota have indicated they are aware of the problem but will not list it as a common problem for a recall. We are using 2.5L 6′000 k from a service and the oil alarm light comes on. Our Toyota Dealer (Butlers, Toowoomba) advise Toyota are aware of this but treat each vehicle individually. They have to service the vehicle and then every 1′000k they will inspect it and they do this for a total of 3′000k. If they detect the oil usage apparently there is a sensor that is faulty allowing oil vapours back into the engine which is burnt hence the excessive oil usage. With regards running in and towing, right from day dot our car was driving as a family car and towing a 4 horse float with 4 large horses in and has never been babied so the engine revs and loading levels have been changed constantly. I was getting 17L/100k towing the same float with the 100 series and it wasn’t turbo. regarding the lack of power outlets we had a redarc isolator switch put in by our local sparkie separating both batteries but it has the ability to press a button and join them together if the start up battery is flat and the 2nd battery has 2 runs of 6mm wire to the back left corner with 2 power outlets adn this set up has been greaton trips to the desert running fridges. Overall we are happy with the comfort and adn power the car has but the small problems we have never experienced before have put a bit of a damper on our overall perception of the car.
Re steering wheel vibration LC 200 petrol V8: My petrol V8 has a build date of 01/08.It has always had a slight harmonic type of vibration felt through the steering wheel whilst accelerating.It’s not wheel balance & vanishes if not accelerating.I drove a similar demo petrol v8 at the dealership it had the same vibration.Last april the regional service manager & the dealer ass. service manager drove both vehicles & acknowledged the vibration but had no suggestions. A year later the dealer Service manager still knows nothing of this problem. I rang around 10 sydney dealers …same story. Any suggestions welcome.
Geoff
I have a Sahara diesel purchased Dec 08 and am going mad with the vibration coming through the steering wheel.This is ocurring at 1800 rpm and again at 2500 rpm and primarily when the torque of the engine is being used..ie when acelerating through traffic,cruising up hills.It would be a great vehicle but at the moment I am considering selling it as Toyota acknowledge the problem but respond with “they all do that”This is not the response you would expect from Toyota, No 1 car company in the world.Has anyone heard of a solution before I put the FOR SALE sign out?
Paul,
Hi Geoff & all those with the steering vibration problem.This week I spoke to Toyota Customer service After I left them a E mail. They appear to to know nothing of this problem,which I find difficult to believe .I am still awaiting a call back after they speak to a landcruiser Ghuru in Toyota.Such a shame an otherwise great vehicle.I too feel inclined to sell the vehicle. Maybe we need a group approach to Toyota…they keep telling me customers aren’t complaining?????????maybe its just going into the too hard basket. I am rapidly losing faith in them.anybody has any ideas let me know.
Paul
I went to Toyota again the other day and before I could ask for a trade in price they said that state office had requested a report on my vehicle..so maybe something is going to happen after all which would be characteristic of the traditional great service from Toyota.I will keep you informed.
I have new series 200 with a bad vibration in the drive train. It sends a vibration and droning noise through floor and steering wheel at 200rpm. really bad when towing eg, car under load – and creates car sickness for passengers. Toyota acknowledge the issue and have it reported in every state BUT say they do not have a fix ! So we have to just live with it ! Great car BUT this would stop me from buying one – mine is now on market after only three months.
Further to my above – I have reported my problem to Consumer affairs who have investigated . They say Toyota confirms issue BUT no fix at this stage. BUYER BEWARE APPARENTLY because it does not affect the operation of the vehicle – I gues until someone falls asleep due to fatigue on open road. NO WAY you could tow any distance with this vibration and “droning”!!
MY gearbox clunk was fixed after three grease ups – they put in new shaft !
GUYS – EVEN THE SERVICE MANAGER AT TOYOTA IN MELVILLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS !!! SO THEY CANNOT DENY IT IS A PROBLEM. I AM GOING TO LEAVE A LEAFLET ON EVERY WINDSCREEN OF EVERY 200 SERIES I SEE. Amazing how concerned Toyota was with customer service questionaires etc until there is a problem now i dont hear from them !
David,
There IS a fix. It’s called robust engineering and design, then apply that without the beancounters saying “but profits will drop”.
The engineering design has been compromised by Toyota’s endless search for volume and profits.
David ring up customer service at Toyota and tell them what your going to do if they havent got a fix for the car. Clearly from reading the other posts on this thread Toyota have a problem .Go to the Toyota forum ,Im sure they have one,ask the guys over there what they think.
Keep ringing customer service till you get some action,they will get sick of you calling trust me . Send the head of Toyota who ever that maybe a letter also,he wont get to read it but if you persist and others join your cause you will win!
Have you had it on a dyno to see if what is happening when its operating ? Does it happen under load or certain revs………..If they know what it is they can fix it.Does the vibe go away when you put your foot on the clutch ?
Is it with all of these models, or just select few?
Only asking since people usually go online to complain about issues, and it can be perceived as a mass problem, whereas in fact the other 98% of people who’s cars may not have these problems stay silent, since there’s nothing such to complain about.
Seems to be several on this thread complaining about about the same problem in the 200 ……………..
Only several. I’m on various car forums, and from experience, problems with tend to get a lot of exposure, since people are more willing to write about something that bothers them, than if there was no problem. Hence why technical car dedicated forums are out there, to help out with problems for example. The handful or several people who do say something, are not necesserily the majority, if you know what I mean. They speak out, becasue there is a problem. Hence it may give you an impression that ALL these cars have the same problem, whereas in fact it can be quite far from the truth. If that makes sense?
Having read most of the “posts” to date several 200TD owners are having the same problem as me, namely high oil consumption, 6th gear not engaging below the legal speed limit of 110km/h and dust coming in on dirt roads.
We have recently returned from a trip around the country pulling a caravan (1.7 tonne) and over this period I recorded an oil consumption of about 1l/2500km. This was reported to dealers in Darwin and Cairns at 10,000 and 20,000km who assured me that this was “normal” and would improve when the vehicle had done 20,000km. I also wrote to Toyota and got a totally non relevant and ambiguous response. Well, the consumption has not improved, and on return to Perth I took the vehicle to the dealer I purchased it from and was told that Toyotya are aware of the problem and I was asked to do a 3,000km test whereby the dealer filled the oil and recorded the level on the dipstick and after 3,000km the vehicle was taken back and refilled. I have now been vebally advised by the dealer the consumption was 750ml. During the test there was no van on the back and the vehicle travelled 1800km around town and 1200km “on the road”. My figure of 1l/1000km was pulling the van. I have also been vebally advised that “this is within the range” and they are not going to do anything about it. In regard to the 6th gear problem, I have also been told that they are aware of this and are still “looking into it” and there is no fix yet. They have replaced the rear door seal for the dust, but to date I have not had the opportunity to test this. I was wondering if anyone else has had any similar experiences and what their response from Toyota has been. Needless to say I am extremely disappointed in Toyota’s response and attitude and even more upset that the dealer is likewise totally unsupportive.
The down side of all of this was that the friends we travelled with were driving a Land Rover Discovery 3 and needless to say, not a problem, no oil consumed, no dust pouring in, way better fuel consumption. All in all a far more reliable vehicle. After driving Land Cruisers for the last 12 years, both professionally and privately, I never thought I would have any regrets getting the new Cruiser. Sadly I do now
Wheels, have you taken the Cruiser into another independent 4×4 service workshop and asked the question of the oil burning,they may have heard of the problem before and know the solution .
Stop Press!!
No sooner had I posted my problems with my 200TD than I was contacted by my Toyota dealer who told me that there was a fix for the oil consumption problem and pending receipt of the relevant parts the vehicle would be repaired. Watch this space!!!
Really……………..Ill be interested to find out what it is ,pending receipt of the relevant parts. What does that mean ? Hope its not off the road to long ,hit them up for a loaner !
Re the resonance felt through the steering wheel, I spat the dummy at the dealer and all of a sudden they find that this is a global problem and that Toyota Japan are fully aware of it. Dealer said to expect ‘revised’ parts to be sent out and fitted… possibly engine mounts but he wasn’t sure. More detail later. Asked that I sit and wait until problem determination has run its full course in Japan.
Well, looks like it will be another successful accomplishment of fixing any problems by Toyota. Well done!
:)
Just a shame it wasn’t noticed during prototype testing, Dan.
Well, obviously toyota’s on a constant look for improvement, even beyond prototype testing :)
Paul,
A message to Tank, I have contacted most of the Sydney Toyota dealers & of course my original selling dealers re the steering wheel vibration & all deny any knowledge of the problem or a possible solution.The engine mount possibility sounds very promising.I would like to ring the dealer you spoke to as I am running into a brick wall with all my enquiries.Could you pass on the name of the dealer/person you are dealing with.This person could save me disposing of(at a large financial loss ) an otherwise excellent vehicle.
Many thanks
Paul
Dan your deluded if you think Toyota has helped these guys.
Read further back at all the cases of problems involved with these EXPENSIVE VEHICLES!
This story on Auto Blog today.
Toyota grilled over possible truck recall coverup
by Chris Shunk on Mar 12th, 2009 at 10:30AM
Levi Stewart lost his life after the steering relay rod on his 1991 Toyota pickup snapped, causing the truck to roll. Officials labeled the accident alcohol-related due to the fact the teenager had a blood-alcohol level of .03 (legal limit for adults in his state over the age of 21 is .08), but that was before anyone involved with the investigation knew of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall. The relay rod, which connects the steering wheel to the front tires, had been under recall since 2005, but neither the truck owner or the previous owner had been notified of the defect.
Lawyers for the Stewart family are accusing Toyota of both delaying and improperly distributing the recall notice, which affected 1 million trucks and SUVs. The lawyers contend they have evidence that Toyota has known about the problem since as early as 1996, yet the recall didn’t begin until 2005. Toyota actually started the recall in Japan a year earlier, and Toyota waited a full year before starting the recall action in the U.S. The reason Toyota has stated for the delay was that driving conditions were different in Japan, and that there were no incidents reported in the U.S. Japanese media told NBC that it knew of 80 incidents in Japan”"
My money is on Toyota know exactly whats wrong with these 200 Series Cruisers but are hiding from yet another recall! What gets me is there are so many different problems.
Toyota virtually have no other option but to improve given that in a number of markets they have been or are about to be surpassed in terms of sales; reliability build quality etc by a number of cars that a number of Toyota fans wouldn’t even have considered to be a threat..
Mind you some of them [on this site] still don’t despite the fact that Toyota’s sales are gradually declining whilst their rivals [particularly those from Korea] are increasing..
Toyota are trying too hard to be everything to everyone competing in every market sector in every country and as a result their reputation is suffering
It’s called Complacency.
Hi Paul,
Castle Hill Toyota plus join http://www.lcool.org/forum and have a look around.
Good Site Tank,
I have just signed up.
Wheelnut, a bit rich for you to preach to No.1 toyota “Toyota virtually have no other option but to improve” given the state of your Beloved Holden, and GM!!
Are they still around? Do they even have the fiance/Time to improve?!
Wheelnut understands that for GM and Holden improvement isn’t even an option! Never was, never will haha.
From Paul,
Thanks Tank,what a coincidence I also purchased my LC200 (petrol V8)from Castle Hill Toyota(in Feb 08).I spoke to the service manager Max Endicot about a month ago & he appeared to know nothing about the sreering wheel vibes in my model.Did you get the admission from Max or Garret(Max’s deputy).I intend to visit Max in person soon to discuss the vibration…….Thanks again for the info ,if you hear any more let me know .I will do likewise.
Regards Paul.
Hi Paul,
I fell off my chair laughing ! (at the coincidence)… I got it all straight from Garret.
Go have a look at http://www.lcool.org/forum where this issue is gathering a head of steam. Interesting that you have the issue in a petrol. They told me it only affected Diesels.
Everyone on Holidays ?…….
Hi puchased my VX LC200 T/D in June 2008 & recently received recall notice regarding chassis cracks — apparently when fitted with a genuine Toyota bull bar the chassis is prone to cracking. Guess what cracks were found & Toyota dealer has removed Bull bar with no suitable repairs advised at this stage, Toyota dealer (Sci Fleet) suggested to send vehicle to panel beaters & have chassis welded, to simply weld is ridiculous when you consider the chassis is high tensile steel & requires special heat treatment before welding & afterwards cooling down must be in a controlled enviroment. the vehicle has not travelled 20,000 kms & 99% of these were on bitumen roads! — Very dissapointed with both Toyota & their dealer (Sci Fleet Toyota)— Have been waiting for a response from Toyota for 3 weeks without success.
WOW……………………How come it hasnt been advertised through the media.