From the shell-shocked battle fields of the Middle East through to the urban sprawl of inner city Sydney the term LandCruiser is synonymous with quality, reliability, and an uncanny ability to power on despite all odds. While the current iteration is every bit as refined as its European equivalents (and every bit as expensive) the earlier LandCruiser's were more, agricultural, to put it politely...
Excellent reliability an durability are the features of this vehicle, at 440,000 country km's, and vibration, it has handled it all gracefully. Fuel economy isn't like the new one's, but it's low maintenance requirements- beyond oil changes and timing belt, balance those to some degree! When we purchased our Prado we were the second owners, at 80,000km...
I had always dreamed of owning a Landcruiser. I wanted a Troop Carrier, or later model 70 series but the budget would never quite allow for it. I stumbled across a listing for a 1986 60 Series, 2H diesel, 24volt, barn doors model, with just over 200km on the clock and in mint condition. I thought to myself, hmm this could be an option. So I went for it...
I purchased brand new in 2010 and have been very happy with this vehicle, no major issues, have found it very reliable, only issue was the gear knob began to peel, Toyota would not honor this under warranty which was disappointing. I did fit a bull bar, suspension from ARB and added diesel chip and stainless steel exhaust and it the latter made a huge difference to the economy...
I needed a good SUV that handles well, fits 7 people comfortably and made a statement on the road. At the time I was thinking about the Subaru Tribeca. it had decent handling, but let me down by the cabin and cramped back seats. My cousin told about the Prado, so I went for a test drive. Immediately I was impressed by its bold looks, driving ability, and cabin space...
Oh what a feeling? It depends what you're looking for... To describe this conundrum of a vehicle, think 60s muscle car performance, and noise but with shaky topsy-turvy handling. Punching the throttle to that glorious vinyl floor gives off an intoxicating V8 turbo diesel roar, but you'll quickly learn to rapidly slow for corners! Fuel economy isn't too bad for a vehicle of this size; mine returned a respectable 11...
I've just driven a GX Prado 5 door (guys it's a 4 door, no one enters the seating compartment through the boot!) and did 4000kms over 3 weeks. It was only 22,000kms old and in good condition. The power of the 3.0L diesel is good and I was surprised at the great fuel economy...
