1992 Toyota Landcruiser review from North America

Nothing at all in the six months, 10K that I drove it.

I have always owned a Mercedes, but the tranny finally went out on my old faithful so I bought the Landcruiser to help a friend out. I am so glad that I did. It was a wonderful experience.

First, you sit so high that you can see over traffic. Nice. Getting in is alright, as I'm 5'5". But I always had to pull myself up into the back seat in order to get the baby into the middle car seat. It wasn't too much of a bother. To compensate, there is a heat vent to warm up the back passengers. The vehicle holds up to 8 people, although the back-back is more for children.

It is definitly not Mr. Speedy and has a love of gasoline. I mean, it really loves gasoline! I'm not sure what the MPG is, maybe 13-15mpg?

The vehicle is so heavy, that you can feel how heavy it is when driving. A wonderfully safe feeling.

Anyway, the Landcruiser was great. Yes, sadly, it WAS great and I did enjoy it while it lasted.

See, having owned one single Mercedes for the last 12 years, I got to know the car. When I bought the Landcruiser I didn't know it.

There is an oil pressure gauge that somehow dropped and became stuck on L. I figured it was just a bad gauge since the interior dash lights were finicky on when they wanted to work.

No bother, I kept driving it.

Well, another month and the oil gauge still was stuck on L. I kept driving it. A few more days, oil gauge still says L... see where this is going?

One day I started it. And it starts everytime. I drove for awhile until I heard some banging. I kept driving and the thing began to sound like a helicopter. Did I stop? Nooooo... I wanted to reach my destination first. The helicopter sound kept going until finally it sounded like a helicopter crashing into a cliff.

I finally pulled over. Called my uncle & husband. The checked the oil, and sure enough it was dry. They added 2 gallons, yes that is 8 quarts of oil.

Anyway, the helicopter noise faded to clunk, minor banging. BUT it started! Shock!

And it actually still runs! Amazing.

Anyhow. It costs more to fix than I paid for it, so sadly, the relationship is over and I'm going to sell it and move on. I'm sure it will run for another 10,000 with the banging, but I have small children and can't take the chance of when the engine will seize.

Wow, what a great vehicle!