1998 Toyota Landcruiser 4wd 5.7 Litre Gasoline from North America

Summary:

The best vehicle I have ever owned!

Faults:

I had to replace the battery at 82,000 miles.

The tail lights burn out every 6 months.

The engine heat shield rattles.

My driver side lumbar support doesn't work.

General Comments:

This is an amazing vehicle. I have a family of six children and we have taken this vehicle cross country. It drives like a sedan on the highway and I have yet to meet a 4x4 mountain road -even that is dirt or gravel that the Land Cruiser will not tackle easily. I have confidence when I drive in heavy rain and poor driving conditions. The quality of the construction is noteworthy. I just had the timing belt replaced and this truck truly drives as well as a brand new one. My advice is to find a used Land Cruiser with moderate mileage - you will spare yourself the high sticker price and have a vehicle that is as good as new.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2004

8th Apr 2005, 07:20

I have a 1999 Landcruiser and concur. I have had to replace the tail light bulbs and fix the heat sheild. I fixed the heat sheild by tightening a hose clamp around it. That solved the rattle problem for about $1.

The cables that hold up the tailgate collect water and will tear at some point. Mine rusted and tore at 95,000 miles. Because the cables are covered in plastic, you can't see the rust. Not a huge problem, but something to think about before you stand on the tailgate of a used Cruiser.

Otherwise, a fabulous machine. I bought mine used and will drive it forever.

16th Mar 2009, 22:10

I've had a '98 for 5 years and have never changed a bulb.

Be careful of the tailgate cables as mine both broke the first time I sat on it. If you don't catch it, the tailgate will drop down and dent itself on the rear bumper.

When you get the new replacement cables, be sure to cut slits in the plastic cable covers so the water can drain out and not cause the new one to rust again.

I solved my rattling heat shield with one of those black springy paper clamps from office supply at work. Cost $0.

1998 Toyota Landcruiser 4.7 liter, 8 cylinder, 32 valve, double overhead c from North America

Summary:

A true premium SUV at a premium price.

Faults:

Changed disk brake rotors at 80,000 miles.

Changed battery at 81000 miles.

A loose heat shield making a rattling noise.

General Comments:

The Land Cruiser feels like a luxurious tank. The full-time four wheel drive anchors the truck to the road and the double wish bone suspension handles more like a large sport sedan than a truck. You will experience the usual SUV tippy feeling when cornering and turning sharply, but the four wheel drive helps counter this feeling. Acceleration and braking are excellent for such a large SUV.

I have taken the Land Cruiser off roading through beach sand dunes (tires deflated to 18psi) and rock beds, through rivers and up 50 degree dirt road inclines with normal radial street tires. Not once did this vehicle hesitate or fail. During these treks, the SUV was loaded with camping equipment, food for a week and carrying four people. It was through these outings the the Land Cruiser really lived up to its name.

The comfort of the interior is afforded by full leather, broad base seats and large easy to use instrument controls. The suspension and large tires are a little soft feeling for my taste, but it does a great job absorbing city street pot holes and rocky dirt roads. The sound absorption of the interior and seven speaker standard stereo finish off a feeling luxurious comfort and safety.

Here is the US, the Land Cuiser is a low production vehicle that Toyota has taken in a direction of total quality and turn key luxury to compete with the Land Rover and Mercedes SUV models. So it has become very expensive to buy, maintain and upgrade. The gas mileage is poor to OK depending on how you drive. The after market parts are very limited if they are available in the US at all. So customizing is very expensive and limited. Other than those few issues, it's an amazing vehicle that should last a long time and take you where every you want to go.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th December, 2002

20th May 2004, 04:00

I hear what you are saying about the car being not all that common so parts are expensive and limited, but just to let you know I'm from Australia and it is the most sold 4WD in the country with any amount of "add ons" you want available. Also Toyota is the most sold brand of car in the world, and most of there sales are in your country, so a lack of parts is outrageous! You should ask your dealer about genuine add ons as we have a huge amount in Australia.

21st Nov 2009, 01:11

You can't have taken it up 50 degree slopes, the most steep incline is 47 degrees, and is a record for the 2010 Range Rover.