Talk to me about 2009+ Land Cruisers

[seiben]

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?

[seiben]

Thanks Walter, that's really helpful. Sounds like a decent bet then - I'm not bothered about it being a bit agricultural, it'll likely be a big improvement over the Jeep anyway.

Presumably they don't rust like other 80s/90s Toyotas?!

[seiben]

Lovely. Thanks again - really useful

[seiben]

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.

[seiben]

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

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.

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]

Oops, I didn't mean to start a RR-bashing thread

FWIW, I do really like Rangies - a friend of mine has a TDv8 of a similar vintage and it's a wonderful thing - fair bit quicker, too. I already have an aging, highly-strung V8 to feed and water though, so the LC fits my needs perfectly.

ST565NP said:

OP, can you do a readers's car thread? That would be very interesting !

I've been meaning to! Not exactly driving anywhere at the moment, though, which means something of a lack of anecdotes and photos. I'll get round to it at some point though

PushedDover said:

OP, how rude and thirsty is it on the whole / average ?

Again, my driving patterns aren't really normal at the moment. But over the 1500-odd miles I've done in it so far, I'd say very approximately:

Long distance cruise: low 30s
Every day driving: high 20s
Towing: mid 20s

Trip computer is currently saying an average of 28mpg, all things considered. About what I expected really - and quite noticeably better than a mate's Shogun 3.2 DiD.