Faults:

Cracked cylinder head at 46,000 m.

Warped disks replaced at 50,000m.

General Comments:

Although suffering problems with a cracked cylinder head (something that should not happen on a car that's supposedly indestructible) which was repaired under warranty, I was disappointed by Toyota's (both dealer and UK headoffice) lack of interest in investigating the cause of the problem and discussing recompense for providing an alternative vehicle whilst mine was in the garage.

This was a disappointing response, even after approaching one of Toyota UK's main board directors. I'd be happy to post the names of the UK board here for anyone who's interested.

Having said all that, the landcruiser is a solid, generally well-built vehicle for anyone needing a solid utility vehicle with the ability to carry around 8 people. It has the pulling power to tow just about anything anywhere and believe me I've tried!

The engine delivers the right combination of torque and power for the kind of utility uses that my landcruiser is generally put to (Landrover Discovery drivers take note, the Disco diesel is extremely underpowered for serious work!)

The interior is generally well put-together, although could do with a bit of updating, and provides a good level of comfort (VX).

Running costs are high and spares expensive, although anyone looking to purchase must bear in mind that this is a serious bit of machinery, with some heavy engineering and a lot of heavy duty moving parts! If you buy one, make sure you need one, or you'll complain about the cost.

Faults:

Shock absorber at 40,000 miles.

Discs and brake pads at 51,000 miles, discs expensive at over £500!

New brake pipes, servo and master cylinder at 54,000 miles. Car off the road for 10 days and counting as the dealer cannot get the system to bleed and get a firm pedal. Toyota cannot suggest a solution other than try another servo! Problem, there is no part in U.K. and therefore a further 10 day wait for part, if that works from Belgium. Meanwhile I have to spend £1,250 to hire a vehicle to tow my caravan on my annual holiday. A servo costs £499 not including labor!

General Comments:

A good accelerator for its size and weight and an excellent tow car.

I only hope that I can continue to afford to run it given the expensive parts.

Dealer is disappointing, doesn't stock parts hence my car being off the road for three weeks!

Faults:

Vehicle has had broken selector forks within 5,000 miles.

Clutch replaced 4 times.

Flywheel replaced twice.

Also, been in the bodyshop for corrosion on 3 occasions, now going in for a 4th time.

How do I get compensation or a replacement for this vehicle that Toyota themselves cannot sort out?

General Comments:

Don't be misled by Toyota's claims of reliability.

Faults:

Headlamp main beam relay fails about every 30,000 miles (first 100,000 miles under extended Toyota warranty). Next failure will be my cost. About £40 for the relay. It's easy to replace!

Switch to driver's electric window became harder to operate. Replaced under warranty at about 90,000 miles.

UJ in rear driveshaft replaced at about 40,000 miles.

Front discs replaced. Rear discs will be replaced at the next service.

General Comments:

The most reliable car I've owned so far.

Even the batteries (there's two for 24V starting) are original (7.5 years old and 113,000 miles!).

Faults:

Turbo - warning light came on at 81,000 miles, traced in 10 minutes to a loose connector. Factory fitted alarm goes off when ever it feels like it.

General Comments:

This is a serious 4 x 4 (not like some I could mention !!), yet it drives very well on the road. You sometimes forget that you are towing things (like a 1200kg boat) because it makes little difference to speed or acceleration.