Talk to me about 2009+ Land Cruisers
Discussion
A bit of background:
I currently have a 2003 Grand Cherokee, bought for next to bugger-all a couple of years ago as a tow-car, winter hack and general tip-related dogsbody. Against all expectations it has ended up doing the bulk of my mileage, as it's just so damn convenient and dependable. This trend is set to continue as we are expecting twins (!) early next year, so it's likely that the 'third car' 4x4 is going to become used frequently for family duties as well.
Looking around at options and I keep coming back to Land Cruisers, specifically the J150 shape from 2009- on. What's curious is I can't find barely anything out about them! Buyers guides are non-existent, the UK forum is dead, YouTube is devoid of "My Land Cruiser broke!!!1!!11!" clickbait. Can I really assume that this is because they actually live up to their reputation and don't break?!
More to the point, does anyone here actually have one of these and can shed some light on what they're like to own and what to look out for?
I currently have a 2003 Grand Cherokee, bought for next to bugger-all a couple of years ago as a tow-car, winter hack and general tip-related dogsbody. Against all expectations it has ended up doing the bulk of my mileage, as it's just so damn convenient and dependable. This trend is set to continue as we are expecting twins (!) early next year, so it's likely that the 'third car' 4x4 is going to become used frequently for family duties as well.
Looking around at options and I keep coming back to Land Cruisers, specifically the J150 shape from 2009- on. What's curious is I can't find barely anything out about them! Buyers guides are non-existent, the UK forum is dead, YouTube is devoid of "My Land Cruiser broke!!!1!!11!" clickbait. Can I really assume that this is because they actually live up to their reputation and don't break?!
More to the point, does anyone here actually have one of these and can shed some light on what they're like to own and what to look out for?
I had the slightly earlier 120 series, the engine and gearbox is pretty much the same, interior on the 150 is a bit newer and nicer.
Early 120 series had issues with the injectors but Toyota got to the bottom of that pretty quickly and most 120 series are unaffected yet alone the 150s.
To answer your question, pretty much, no they don’t break and are very capable, look for signs of abuse and damage as you would on any car, change the oil every year and do the cam belt when it’s due and it’s very unlikely to give you any trouble.
The 3 litre 4 pot diesel isn’t going to win any races and it’s not quite as smooth as a V6 or V8 diesel you’ll find in some other cars but it’s not really tractor like either, certainly works well enough in the car it’s in, they hold their money extremely well for good reason.
Early 120 series had issues with the injectors but Toyota got to the bottom of that pretty quickly and most 120 series are unaffected yet alone the 150s.
To answer your question, pretty much, no they don’t break and are very capable, look for signs of abuse and damage as you would on any car, change the oil every year and do the cam belt when it’s due and it’s very unlikely to give you any trouble.
The 3 litre 4 pot diesel isn’t going to win any races and it’s not quite as smooth as a V6 or V8 diesel you’ll find in some other cars but it’s not really tractor like either, certainly works well enough in the car it’s in, they hold their money extremely well for good reason.
Mine was an earlier one(2005) and wasn’t rusty, I’ve not seen or heard of a rusty 150 series personally but it doesn’t mean they’re immune, have a good look underneath it, maybe under seal it to be safe but no I’d not say it’s a major concern.
Also I’m not sure if it’s the same as on the 120 series bit of so try and go for an LC4 over an LC5, the latter has rear air suspension, not that it’s particularly unreliable but it’s one less thing to worry about.
The engine isn’t that agricultural it’s perfectly smooth for normal driving, can get a bit coarse sounding if you’re flooring it all the time but it’s not really that sort of car.
Also I’m not sure if it’s the same as on the 120 series bit of so try and go for an LC4 over an LC5, the latter has rear air suspension, not that it’s particularly unreliable but it’s one less thing to worry about.
The engine isn’t that agricultural it’s perfectly smooth for normal driving, can get a bit coarse sounding if you’re flooring it all the time but it’s not really that sort of car.
Edited by Walter Sobchak on Wednesday 16th September 23:00
I did briefly have a 120 and did some reading before I bought it - yes they can rust - around sills IIRC and the chassis itself can rot too.
I'd guess the 150 is exactly the same underneath.
Injector problem must have been sorted on the later cars surely and if you're looking at 120s try for a later one as they have a 5 speed autobox instead of the earlier 4 speed.
Air suspension on the posher models car cause trouble.
I had a 90 which I loved then got the 120 which lasted about a week, it was like driving a cement mixer full of bricks with that 3 litre direct injection diesel.
If I was looking again the 4 litre petrol looks very tempting...
I'd guess the 150 is exactly the same underneath.
Injector problem must have been sorted on the later cars surely and if you're looking at 120s try for a later one as they have a 5 speed autobox instead of the earlier 4 speed.
Air suspension on the posher models car cause trouble.
I had a 90 which I loved then got the 120 which lasted about a week, it was like driving a cement mixer full of bricks with that 3 litre direct injection diesel.
If I was looking again the 4 litre petrol looks very tempting...
Thank you all for your helpful advice. I did a buy 
2010 LC5. 65k miles, one owner from new. I'm a big fan.
For anyone else looking, I'd suggest joining the recently-minted UK 150 Owners Facebook page for some useful info. And lots of pics of LCs towing stuff.
2010 LC5. 65k miles, one owner from new. I'm a big fan.
For anyone else looking, I'd suggest joining the recently-minted UK 150 Owners Facebook page for some useful info. And lots of pics of LCs towing stuff.
seiben said:
Thank you all for your helpful advice. I did a buy
2010 LC5. 65k miles, one owner from new. I'm a big fan.
For anyone else looking, I'd suggest joining the recently-minted UK 150 Owners Facebook page for some useful info. And lots of pics of LCs towing stuff.
That looks a really nice car, glad you’re enjoying it and low mileage too, how much was it if you don’t mind me asking?.2010 LC5. 65k miles, one owner from new. I'm a big fan.
For anyone else looking, I'd suggest joining the recently-minted UK 150 Owners Facebook page for some useful info. And lots of pics of LCs towing stuff.
I’d really love another Landcruiser but recently bought an early TDV8 Range Rover, I know they’re not nearly as reliable but for what it cost me it couldn’t be ignored.
seiben said:
Thank you all for your helpful advice. I did a buy
2010 LC5. 65k miles, one owner from new. I'm a big fan.
For anyone else looking, I'd suggest joining the recently-minted UK 150 Owners Facebook page for some useful info. And lots of pics of LCs towing stuff.
G'day - That's a Prado mate, not a Land Cruiser! 2010 LC5. 65k miles, one owner from new. I'm a big fan.
For anyone else looking, I'd suggest joining the recently-minted UK 150 Owners Facebook page for some useful info. And lots of pics of LCs towing stuff.
If you're looking for info online, search for Australian Toyota Prado forums.
Walter Sobchak said:
That looks a really nice car, glad you’re enjoying it and low mileage too, how much was it if you don’t mind me asking?.
I’d really love another Landcruiser but recently bought an early TDV8 Range Rover, I know they’re not nearly as reliable but for what it cost me it couldn’t be ignored.
Sorry Walter, missed this reply! I did quite fancy a RR, but just wasn't brave enough to sink that much money into one. The LC was the right side of £20k, but only just I’d really love another Landcruiser but recently bought an early TDV8 Range Rover, I know they’re not nearly as reliable but for what it cost me it couldn’t be ignored.
Fortunately it's been good as gold, and a very nice thing to own.
200bhp said:
G'day - That's a Prado mate, not a Land Cruiser!
If you're looking for info online, search for Australian Toyota Prado forums.
Good day. If you're looking for info online, search for Australian Toyota Prado forums.
That's probably why I wasn't finding much
No Prado badges here!Tows beautifully. Air suspension and adaptive headlights are very useful.
Stereo's awesome
seiben said:
Good day.
That's probably why I wasn't finding much No Prado badges here!
Tows beautifully. Air suspension and adaptive headlights are very useful.
Stereo's awesome
I think you did the right thing!, a £20k Landcruiser will still be worth a good proportion of what you paid for it if you sell in a few years time whereas a £20k Rangie will be worth about £2.50!.That's probably why I wasn't finding much
No Prado badges here!Tows beautifully. Air suspension and adaptive headlights are very useful.
Stereo's awesome
Looks really nice in that colour too, glad you’re enjoying it.
200bhp said:
G'day - That's a Prado mate, not a Land Cruiser!
If you're looking for info online, search for Australian Toyota Prado forums.
The U.K. importer knows better !!!If you're looking for info online, search for Australian Toyota Prado forums.
What they love to do is re invent
Model codes and names
So the 80 series and then 100 became
Amazons ,The Prado was called a Colorado
Hilux stayed but we got names in instead of
Models ,so SR became active and the SR5 invincible
They even renamed one of the most well known
Car names ever from Corolla to Auris ,
They also get the model specs wrong !
We have only just got the 2.8 engine in the Hilux
After telling everyone they should be happy with the 2.4
And there are no plans to make it available in the U.K.
Ford and VW really cleaned up as a result ..
Walter Sobchak said:
seiben said:
I think you did the right thing!, a £20k Landcruiser will still be worth a good proportion of what you paid for it if you sell in a few years time whereas a £20k Rangie will be worth about £2.50!.
Looks really nice in that colour too, glad you’re enjoying it.
You will also have spent 20k on maintenance during this period...whereas the Landcruiser just needs oil, filters and beltsLooks really nice in that colour too, glad you’re enjoying it.
I had a series 80, 4.2td, best car ever imo
I’d love an 80 Series they’re getting very rare and expensive these days though!.
You’re certainly right about maintenance on Rangies, I bought an early TDV8 a few months ago, mainly because it was a very,very good price and have since had to spend £1400 on it, partly wear and tear stuff and partly preventative maintenance.
Still very much worth it for what I paid and it is nicer to drive than the 120 series Landcruiser I had a while back but I’m under no illusions the LC is the better car!.
I like both cars a lot but if I were spending £20k it would be on the Toyota without a second thought.
You’re certainly right about maintenance on Rangies, I bought an early TDV8 a few months ago, mainly because it was a very,very good price and have since had to spend £1400 on it, partly wear and tear stuff and partly preventative maintenance.
Still very much worth it for what I paid and it is nicer to drive than the 120 series Landcruiser I had a while back but I’m under no illusions the LC is the better car!.
I like both cars a lot but if I were spending £20k it would be on the Toyota without a second thought.
808 Estate said:
andy43 said:
I had a 90 which I loved then got the 120 which lasted about a week, it was like driving a cement mixer full of bricks with that 3 litre direct injection diesel. .
You preferred the older engine on the 90 series? Was it a lot better than the newer offering?Now got an 80 4.5 petrol and it's luurvely. Mpg not a topic I am prepared to discuss!
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