New Toyota Land Cruiser commercial
Discussion
I suppose it’s poor form to start a Readers Rides thread on a car I don’t yet have in my possession. But here goes anyway.
Back in January I paid a deposit on a new SWB Land Cruiser Utility commercial and am waiting patiently for delivery. The waiting list is long: I gather the demand for the Commercial version is unprecedented. Toyota were very late to the party with a van version, only launched last year on the back of the bare bones, but non-VAT qualifying four seat Utility. The demise of the Defender and, more recently, the commercial Shogun left the market wide open for a commercial 4x4 to suit farmers and business owners, and uptake is strong.
For the Utility versions, there are no options to speak of, and only a limited colour choice. I’ve gone for Dacuma Grey and it should look just like this once landed.
Years of old and multi car ownership had become a faff. I fancied a simple, one-van-fits-all solution and could think of no other vehicle that would suit my needs as well. It will be used it for work. It won’t raise an eyebrow parked on a clients drive, yet will look just fine pretty much anywhere else. It will tow well (a requirement for work), ride well on tall tyres and long travel suspension over the broken rural roads I drive on mainly, have good visibility (for reasons above) and overall should prove to be comfortable. Autocar are currently running a Utilty on long term test, and surprising levels of comfort have been noted. The engineering is simple and strong, and I’m hoping the fabled reliability will not be in doubt.
Little equipment is fitted as standard. Absolutely fine by me, I find most gadgets in high spec cars no more than distractions. But the important stuff is there: air con, keyless entry (handy with an arm full of tools), Bluetooth phone pairing and cruise will all be useful. A trade off is an absence of weight: this is very much a Land Cruiser Club Sport, and is reputedly almost a tonne lighter than a fully equipped, LWB Invincible that shares the same engine and power once all of the gubbins are stripped out. Performance and economy will benefit as a result.
I’d like to keep it a long time. It should lead a charmed life compared to other examples: I do little mileage per annum and like to keep my vehicles smart and clean.
I also happen to think it’s a veritable bargain: with a tow bar and mats ‘n flaps, it will come in at around £24k once the VAT is reclaimed.
Also a few modifications to the load area are planned to accommodate my tools, and some accessories will be fitted to add to the ease of ownership. I confess to already buying some new OEM diamond cut rims and tyres normally fitted to a Hilux, despite liking the steelies. They can always go back on Ebay. Now all we need is the truck itself!
Back in January I paid a deposit on a new SWB Land Cruiser Utility commercial and am waiting patiently for delivery. The waiting list is long: I gather the demand for the Commercial version is unprecedented. Toyota were very late to the party with a van version, only launched last year on the back of the bare bones, but non-VAT qualifying four seat Utility. The demise of the Defender and, more recently, the commercial Shogun left the market wide open for a commercial 4x4 to suit farmers and business owners, and uptake is strong.
For the Utility versions, there are no options to speak of, and only a limited colour choice. I’ve gone for Dacuma Grey and it should look just like this once landed.
Years of old and multi car ownership had become a faff. I fancied a simple, one-van-fits-all solution and could think of no other vehicle that would suit my needs as well. It will be used it for work. It won’t raise an eyebrow parked on a clients drive, yet will look just fine pretty much anywhere else. It will tow well (a requirement for work), ride well on tall tyres and long travel suspension over the broken rural roads I drive on mainly, have good visibility (for reasons above) and overall should prove to be comfortable. Autocar are currently running a Utilty on long term test, and surprising levels of comfort have been noted. The engineering is simple and strong, and I’m hoping the fabled reliability will not be in doubt.
Little equipment is fitted as standard. Absolutely fine by me, I find most gadgets in high spec cars no more than distractions. But the important stuff is there: air con, keyless entry (handy with an arm full of tools), Bluetooth phone pairing and cruise will all be useful. A trade off is an absence of weight: this is very much a Land Cruiser Club Sport, and is reputedly almost a tonne lighter than a fully equipped, LWB Invincible that shares the same engine and power once all of the gubbins are stripped out. Performance and economy will benefit as a result.
I’d like to keep it a long time. It should lead a charmed life compared to other examples: I do little mileage per annum and like to keep my vehicles smart and clean.
I also happen to think it’s a veritable bargain: with a tow bar and mats ‘n flaps, it will come in at around £24k once the VAT is reclaimed.
Also a few modifications to the load area are planned to accommodate my tools, and some accessories will be fitted to add to the ease of ownership. I confess to already buying some new OEM diamond cut rims and tyres normally fitted to a Hilux, despite liking the steelies. They can always go back on Ebay. Now all we need is the truck itself!
Edited by olly755 on Sunday 22 September 22:03
LordGrover said:
You did well at that price, on the website they start at £27k +VAT.
When are you expecting delivery
I was happy with the opening gambit of just shy of £25k ex VAT from a nearby dealership, but the salesman seemed unable to email me a formal quote/pro forma for my deposit. I gave up after three attempts of asking. When are you expecting delivery
Then, my local dealer expressed shock at the price and said they “couldn’t get near it” despite being of the same group.
In the end, a ten minute CarWow came up with an even more agreeable price with a dealer within 40 miles and a deposit was sent.
It’s expected this month (I’m not holding my breath TBH) for a 1st September registration.
Yes, two seats only. The conversion is fairly rudimentary: the rear seats are removed and a steel mesh bulkhead is fitted where the seat cushion normally sits in a 5 seater. This leaves some useful storage space behind the front seats in the foot wells. The mesh is bolted to where the grab handles usually go. The mesh has an opening “door”, secured by a magnetic catch.
A flat laminated plywood floor is fitted. I may change this for a heavier duty version with some routed in tie rings. The rear glass windows are retained and simply wrapped in vinyl, and the back window has a heavy black tint for privacy.
A flat laminated plywood floor is fitted. I may change this for a heavier duty version with some routed in tie rings. The rear glass windows are retained and simply wrapped in vinyl, and the back window has a heavy black tint for privacy.
Brads67 said:
Do you have any pictures of the load area ?
A few initial observations:
- It’s surprisingly quiet and refined, and the NVH is better than expected.
- It will be a nightmare to keep the interior clean. Lint and fluff sticks to the velour-like upholstery and the wiry carpets, and the piano black trim attracts dust like a magnet. Not ideal for a joiner.
- Some bits feel unexpectedly tinny (door “slam” quality, fuel filler cap. The metric for comparison is my LS400 so perhaps unfair). But look underneath and there are girders where you’d expect castings, and metal guards and protection where you’d expect plastic.
- You can hear the fuel sloshing around in the tank around town.
- The ride was unexpectedly choppy and harsh on the way home from collection, creating some mild anxiety. The tyre pressures were miles too high. Now reduced to correct levels, and all is well.
cheddar said:
Brilliant!
Have you read Matt Prior's long term test in Autocar?
He's done over 30000 miles in 7 months and loves it. He got 45mpg with a bit of hypermiling too.
I’ve followed Matt’s column with interest. According to Instagram his has now been returned, so am awaiting the end of term report to see what he thinks. He’s piled the miles on, unsurprisingly it’s been issue free, and the overall impression is that he’s been delighted with it.Have you read Matt Prior's long term test in Autocar?
He's done over 30000 miles in 7 months and loves it. He got 45mpg with a bit of hypermiling too.
Thanks for the kind comments.
Re the ride. As mentioned, the tyres were way over inflated (maybe just set wrong on the PDI, maybe a requirement for the "work" spec? I dunno) and is now much, much better with 2.2 bar all round, the correct settings for the normal Utility. Choppy it may have been, but now it is just fine. In fact it's probably better than one would expect for something so short with a live axle. Certainly far more agreeable than any pickup I have owned or driven, and night and day compared to something like a SWB Defender. Speed bumps and cattle grids are barely felt.
I looked long and hard at some seat protection and plumped for one of these. It's a neoprene cover that just places on top of the seat. The backing is made of "sharkskin" and once fitted doesn't move around a millimetre: it sticks to the the velour like s
t to a blanket. I really didn't fancy the hard and scratchy fitted covers that I see in so many vans, nor the waterproof ones that feel like your dad's cagoule, instead preferring the ability to just pull it off and sling it in the back when I'm dressed for the pub. It's actually really comfy to sit in too, and apparently just goes straight in the washing machine when grubby. I'll get another for the passenger seat.
I also bought 2 sets of mats from the Toyota garage, one utilitarian rubber for work, one carpet for the pub. I can see the carpet ones going in the shed never to be seen again!
Re the ride. As mentioned, the tyres were way over inflated (maybe just set wrong on the PDI, maybe a requirement for the "work" spec? I dunno) and is now much, much better with 2.2 bar all round, the correct settings for the normal Utility. Choppy it may have been, but now it is just fine. In fact it's probably better than one would expect for something so short with a live axle. Certainly far more agreeable than any pickup I have owned or driven, and night and day compared to something like a SWB Defender. Speed bumps and cattle grids are barely felt.
I looked long and hard at some seat protection and plumped for one of these. It's a neoprene cover that just places on top of the seat. The backing is made of "sharkskin" and once fitted doesn't move around a millimetre: it sticks to the the velour like s
t to a blanket. I really didn't fancy the hard and scratchy fitted covers that I see in so many vans, nor the waterproof ones that feel like your dad's cagoule, instead preferring the ability to just pull it off and sling it in the back when I'm dressed for the pub. It's actually really comfy to sit in too, and apparently just goes straight in the washing machine when grubby. I'll get another for the passenger seat.I also bought 2 sets of mats from the Toyota garage, one utilitarian rubber for work, one carpet for the pub. I can see the carpet ones going in the shed never to be seen again!
Apologies for the pic whoring, but the new car excitement has yet to wear off.
First tow today at exactly 100 miles. And first time in low range for a particularly steep hill start with the trailer loaded close to maximum- I thought I'd give the new clutch an easy time.
And I thought I'd try the new Hilux alloys I'd acquired against the car. Think I prefer the steelies.
First tow today at exactly 100 miles. And first time in low range for a particularly steep hill start with the trailer loaded close to maximum- I thought I'd give the new clutch an easy time.
And I thought I'd try the new Hilux alloys I'd acquired against the car. Think I prefer the steelies.
Steelies it is. (Incidentally the lower spec Hilux runs an identical looking steel wheel, but an inch wider with 265 tyres that matches the rest of the LC range. I wonder why narrower wheel/tyre combo was chosen?)
I’m looking at fitting the side steps. These are deleted from the Utility spec and I rather like the clean look. But my 7yo struggles to clamber up into the cab without kicking or marking some scratchy plastic trim. Plus various arms and components on the chassis are now visible, which looks fine at the moment, but really won’t once a layer of crap and surface rust coats them.
Yes, the 3 door van is a rare beast. I’ve kept a keen eye on the market since ordering: quite a few have been advertised and flipped for an obvious 10% profit. There are now precisely none for sale and a year’s wait for a new one. Looks like Porsche and Ferrari are not alone in creating a speculator market for the stripped out lightweight version.
I’m looking at fitting the side steps. These are deleted from the Utility spec and I rather like the clean look. But my 7yo struggles to clamber up into the cab without kicking or marking some scratchy plastic trim. Plus various arms and components on the chassis are now visible, which looks fine at the moment, but really won’t once a layer of crap and surface rust coats them.
Yes, the 3 door van is a rare beast. I’ve kept a keen eye on the market since ordering: quite a few have been advertised and flipped for an obvious 10% profit. There are now precisely none for sale and a year’s wait for a new one. Looks like Porsche and Ferrari are not alone in creating a speculator market for the stripped out lightweight version.
cheddar said:
Familymad said:
That's cheap! Assuming no vat to be claimed?
I’ve had a good scrabble underneath and the undercarriage does indeed looks very bare with no underseal to speak of. Apparently they are galvanised, but hey ho. So 5 litres of Bilt Hamber has been purchased, most of which will no doubt end up in my hair.
Still only done 300 miles.
Shoved it in the workshop this afternoon to get some underseal on. I’ve actively avoided driving it in the rain so far to keep the undercarriage pristine, to the general dismay of my OH. She’s right of course: the reason for buying something new and shiny was to avoid fking around crawling under cars in the first place.
It goes on pretty well with a proper compressor and gun. Axle articulation helps here: the wheels can stay on.
king around crawling under cars in the first place.It goes on pretty well with a proper compressor and gun. Axle articulation helps here: the wheels can stay on.
RetroWheels said:
If Toyota made a LWB Commercial Auto , it would be perfect:
Your ship is coming in. A Commercial in Active spec is on its way with an auto option, along with other gadgetry. Alas, the steelies are replaced with alloys.https://www.parkers.co.uk/vans-pickups/news/2019/t...
snowandrocks said:
Looking good - I must have missed the updates on this.
Out of interest - what sort of MPG are you getting? I know that's not really the point of it but mid thirties on a reasonable run would be enough for me to run one as a daily driver.
I’ve just emptied the first tankful and it’s averaged 26.7mpg, mainly local rural driving and short journeys. I’d expect a little bit more to be honest, although I’m sure it will improve.Out of interest - what sort of MPG are you getting? I know that's not really the point of it but mid thirties on a reasonable run would be enough for me to run one as a daily driver.
The engine felt incredibly tight and lethargic at first, but i’ve noticed it’s loosening up quite a bit. It’s still only on 537 miles so I’m sure there’s more to come. I would have thought mid 30’s on a run should be easily attainable.
I've been "detailing" the truck, which I believe is modern parlance for giving it a good clean. There is method in my madness: the underseal was applied in the workshop by spray gun and compressor, and left a very slight film of sticky residue on the paintwork. A wipe down with a product called Tardis soon cleared it up, followed by a good waxing with some Meguires Carnuba wax that I'd bought years ago and was so old the bottle cracked down the middle when I squeezed it. Still the product seemed fine so on it went. I've a keen eye for good paintwork having sprayed for years, and the paint finish is impressively good: nice and flat and very little orange peel. Miles better than most BMW's and the like I've seen.
I forgot to take a picture before Sunday when it was filthy and covered in cow st. Still only on 600 miles.
I forgot to take a picture before Sunday when it was filthy and covered in cow s
t. Still only on 600 miles.cabbagekitten said:
How about a 2021MY defender 90 for £25k + vat?
Go on, I’ll bite.I quite like the look of the new Defender. I do have a feeling the Commercial variant will appeal more to architects and artisan bakeries looking for a tax deductible promotion tool rather than highland farmers and vets (and indeed cabinet makers). A bit like the modern Mini Clubvan compared to the original van and pickup.
25k is fantasy of course, but I still wouldn’t buy one if they were. The key word here is “buy”. Maybe a Defender on a two year lease would be fun, and let someone else pick up the pieces when it’s out of warranty. But for long term ownership a simple, strong and well proven design, complete with reassuring 5 year warranty, has to make more sense as a working tool even if they were identically priced, which of course they or not: I believe I’d have to look under the sofa for another 17 grand to have the Defender.
Sir Bagalot said:
I'm late to the party on this one.
I think you mean Toyota UK were late to the party. Commercial versions of many cars/SUVs etc have been available ir Ireland for years due to less VAT/less Car Tax.
Yep, absolutely. I’d have owned one far sooner if the UK had followed their example, along with many others I suspect.I think you mean Toyota UK were late to the party. Commercial versions of many cars/SUVs etc have been available ir Ireland for years due to less VAT/less Car Tax.
motomk said:
olly755 said:
I’ve followed Matt’s column with interest. According to Instagram his has now been returned, so am awaiting the end of term report to see what he thinks. He’s piled the miles on, unsurprisingly it’s been issue free, and the overall impression is that he’s been delighted with it.
Bit behind down here, but I picked up a copy of What Car magazine from October 2019 (not sure if they are related to Auto-car). Inside they have a 4WD test of 10 different SUVs. Car in there looks identical to yours! Guessing it is the same car as Autocar.
Turns out I was wrong about the SWB landcruiser Prado, it was available in Australia for a little while.
Also worthy of note is that the Autocar long term test car went back with 38k miles piled on in under a year, no problems reported, still all on its original comsumables and 5mm left on the tyres. A good sign...
A few impressions at 1000 miles and almost 3 months old. (Told you I don’t go far).
Familiarity has certainly bred attraction, and I have fell for it’s minimalist charms. It’s simply brilliant. Easy to drive and operate, comfortable, painless, quiet. Refreshingly devoid of gadgets, stupid electronic handbrakes and screens, yet the few luxuries offered are welcome. The bluetooth pairs instantly with my phone and one large button switches seamlessly between Radio 2 and Spotify. Keyless entry is a genuine bonus for someone who loses keys as readily as me: the key lives permanently in my wallet. Even the lack of climate (an initial worry) is a non event: the temperature is always set to dead centre and the car comes up to temperature quickly and stays there.
It’s loosening up very nicely. It felt extremely tight and strained initially, and I confess to being a little disappointed with the performance at first, which seemed to be noticeably lacking compared to my father’s Shogun with similar output. But it now feels much, much better. Economy is improving as a result. The ride is settling down too.
As the odo was about to click onto four figures I thumped into a deep pothole concealed by standing water. No visible damage at all, but a free go on Kwik Fit’s Hunter alignment machine has been booked. I was initially convinced the alignment had been knocked out but have since decided it’s all in my mind. We’ll see.
It’s a cracking dual purpose tool. With the torrential rain of a couple of weeks ago, it switched from working tow vehicle to posh-night-out transport within the pull of a seat cover. The OH and I, suited and booted, splashed through the muddy puddles and floods like kids in wellies and hitched 2 wheels on the kerb in Prestbury village, where we discovered it sits taller than the FFRR we parked next to.
And initial efforts to keep it spotlessly clean have (of course) been in vain. I’ve decided it looks better with a layer of crap anyway.
Familiarity has certainly bred attraction, and I have fell for it’s minimalist charms. It’s simply brilliant. Easy to drive and operate, comfortable, painless, quiet. Refreshingly devoid of gadgets, stupid electronic handbrakes and screens, yet the few luxuries offered are welcome. The bluetooth pairs instantly with my phone and one large button switches seamlessly between Radio 2 and Spotify. Keyless entry is a genuine bonus for someone who loses keys as readily as me: the key lives permanently in my wallet. Even the lack of climate (an initial worry) is a non event: the temperature is always set to dead centre and the car comes up to temperature quickly and stays there.
It’s loosening up very nicely. It felt extremely tight and strained initially, and I confess to being a little disappointed with the performance at first, which seemed to be noticeably lacking compared to my father’s Shogun with similar output. But it now feels much, much better. Economy is improving as a result. The ride is settling down too.
As the odo was about to click onto four figures I thumped into a deep pothole concealed by standing water. No visible damage at all, but a free go on Kwik Fit’s Hunter alignment machine has been booked. I was initially convinced the alignment had been knocked out but have since decided it’s all in my mind. We’ll see.
It’s a cracking dual purpose tool. With the torrential rain of a couple of weeks ago, it switched from working tow vehicle to posh-night-out transport within the pull of a seat cover. The OH and I, suited and booted, splashed through the muddy puddles and floods like kids in wellies and hitched 2 wheels on the kerb in Prestbury village, where we discovered it sits taller than the FFRR we parked next to.
And initial efforts to keep it spotlessly clean have (of course) been in vain. I’ve decided it looks better with a layer of crap anyway.
Kudos to my local Kwik Fit who checked the alignment on their Hunter machine for free and pronounced that all was well.
I was intrigued to find a large LCD screen in the waiting room that mirrors the screen used by the tech so that you can follow the whole process. My cynical mind wondered if they might knock a wedge or packer in the clamp and proclaim a discrepancy, but no. Full marks, Kwik Fit.
In other news, I’ve bought another grey Toyota. They make a nice pairing parked on myMOT type 2 granular sub base gravel drive.
I was intrigued to find a large LCD screen in the waiting room that mirrors the screen used by the tech so that you can follow the whole process. My cynical mind wondered if they might knock a wedge or packer in the clamp and proclaim a discrepancy, but no. Full marks, Kwik Fit.
In other news, I’ve bought another grey Toyota. They make a nice pairing parked on my
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