1985 Toyota Landcruiser HJ-60 G Pack review from Australia and New Zealand

After I rolled my old FJ-40, I found this HJ-60 for $8,500. However, the previous owner neglected to change the oil, so I'm now faced with a $5000 for a new motor and $2500 for a change over transmission. Still, not the cars fault.

Glow plugs went one day, put new belts on, and radiator hoses all round. I put an oil cleaner though it which was a mistake - front case, and rear main seals are now leaking!!

I'm biased. I reckon that the 2H diesel is the ducks guts of reliability. Sure, my one is dead, but I've heard stories from the Land Cruiser Club that are amazing. With a reputaion based on 25 years of development, the 60 series was always going to be tough.

I used to be a mechanic by trade, and having looked under different types of 4x4's, the sixty is still the toughest out there. With large diffs, basic springs and a motor that weighs 330Kg, it's tough!!!

However, it is sluggish on the highway, but ticks over at 2200 revs at 100Km. The ride was improved with a suspension upgrade, and the few times I've managed to get off road I was impressed. When the highway ends and low range is engaged, it eats petrols alive. No need to thrash it up hill, as it will walk up at about 1800 revs. That compared to a Hilux at nearly 5000!!

The cabin is basic, and in 1980's brown. No electrics here!! Power steering is standard, and I've even got aircon!!

It's really a 40 series frame with a plush body and an old pushrod motor, but it's tough... really tough. It was built to be used and abused - just ask the mining companies.

So overall it's "BUILT TOYOTA DIESEL TOUGH!!"