1998 Toyota Landcruiser Colorado GX from UK and Ireland - Comments

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?

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

As an owner of a VX version for the last 4 years, I have to say that it is the most reliable vehicle I have owned in 32 years of motoring.

The car is used offroad often as part of my business.

It has now covered 122,000 kilometers.

I drive a 79,000 mile 'Cruiser.

Breakages so far - 1 headlamp bulb.

It's mainly used for towing heavy trailers, off road a lot of the time. I wouldn't consider changing it except for a new one.

4 clutches? I suggest you ease up on your left foot.

Hmmmm...I think either you are greatly exaggerating the amount of replacement clutches, unless you have been towing houses! Either that or your dealer has been trying to shut you up by claiming they have changed the clutch that many times, when all they have done is change the cable or nothing at all - happens all the time.

I've owned Landcruisers for 10 years. They tow power boats, jetskis, go off roading, cross ploughed fields, do 100 mph down the motorway with speed in hand, carry 8 people, go on pan European ski holidays and generally get hard use. Mine don't break...They're the best 4x4 around. Must be more to your case than meets the eye...

I agree with this man. Toyota's have been proven to be utterly unreliable every time. For genuine quality and proven reliabilty, drive European, preferably BRITISH and buy a LANDROVER!!!

Land Rover all the way, that's all I have to say, I have owned an older Toyota FJ40 and it was fine.

A strange one.

I have a three-year-old 3dr GX TD and it has been utterly reliable. Still, no make or model of car escapes the gremlins - years ago, my neighbour had a two-year-old Rolls which was forever breaking down!

A friend of mine bought a new Landcruiser in 2000, after a few hundred miles (of very careful driving) he experienced problems with transmission vibration. To the best of my knowledge, the clutch was replaced and the gearbox examined. However the problem was never solved and eventually (following a long battle) he was given a new replacement. Several mechanics that examined it believed the problem to be caused by a bent input shaft, so yours is not an isolated problem!

I have owned 14 Land Cruisers in all (some were for parts), and at this time still own seven of them. The earliest being a 1959 FJ25, and the latest being a 1993 FZJ80. The only problems I have ever had is having to replace a clutch in my 1971 FJ40, and a couple of leaky power steering pumps. Four separate friends of mine have all had Land Rovers, and none of them have anything good to say about them. One of them changed to the Lexus 470, one to an FJ 40, and one to the Lexus version of the Highlander. The other is still dealing with his problems (ignitions, window motors etc.) I know there are lemons out there with any car, but with a Land Cruiser I doubt it is a problem with the vehicle, but more with the operator. Go out and buy a Jeep, then you will see what a blessing your Cruiser is.

In addition to my first report on this vehicle (the original at top), Toyota have had the vehicle in the workshops for a total of 13 weeks in 2001. The vehicle was initially repaired and returned to me after 9 weeks. This was for corrosion, transmission and faulty/loose interior panels. I can supply full Toyota GB Technical Reports for the car. Incidentally, each and every fault was confirmed by Toyota.

The cylinder head broke within 300 miles of being returned to me. (Not the head gasket, the cylinder HEAD!!) The vehicle does not get used for towing or any high speed driving. To be honest, if I have to do any journey of 50 plus miles, I use the Citroen. The Colorado is THAT bad...

Legal action and downtime cost me £12000-00 in 2000-2001 and Toyota will still not accept any responsibility.

If anyone needs further information about the reliability of this vehicle please e-mail: capn_morgan@hotmail.com

Interesting comment about the cylinder head blowing.

I have a 3 yr old 3.0VXTD, and at about 46k miles exactly the same thing happened - again not the gasket, but a cracked head - expensive. Luckily this happened on the very last day of the cars warranty and was covered - Toyota themselves however were very disinterested even when I contacted one of the main board directors - company policy??

Apart from that I think the cruiser is a good solid well built offroad tower. Of course running costs are high and spares expensive this is a large vehicle with a lot of heavy engineering and moving parts.

If you need a 4x4 buy a landcruiser, if you want anything else buy a car!

I have bought a new Land Cruiser in 1998 and have covered 74,000kms.I never had any problems with this car. Whenever I drive it I get the feel that it will go on for many years without problems. This is not only my impression, but of other Land Cruiser owners with whom I speak. This is by far the best car I have ever owned.

You can criticize fuel consumption and harsh ride on the older ones, but never reliability. Land Cruisers are utterly reliable and many older ones have done several hundred thousand km with only minor repairs and skimpy maintenance - full stop. I know because I have owned two and among my friends we have had at least 10. The story about 4 clutches - well I don't know.

Do you want to amuse yourself with endless trouble with overheating and other breakdowns or practice your swearing -then go and buy a Land Rover. I had pleanty experience in the Army and elsewhere.

But - the since of possesion often turns sand into gold.

Piet - South Africa.

I agree as well. If you want quality buy a great British Land Rover. The true "Best 4x4xFar!"

The above mentioned vehicle has now done 6000 miles with the new cylinder head. The oil consumption in the last 6000 miles was 2.5 litres.

In addition, the vehicle will be going back to the body shop for further paintwork repairs due to corrosion on the front right hand side wing under the plastic wheel arch trim.

The interior fan switch has broken and should be replaced under the extended warranty offered as a goodwill gesture by Toyota GB.

The replacement clutch will be checked due to heavy juddering when the vehicle is cold.

I'm still not convinced about Toyota reliability.

Incidentally, I did own a Land Rover, but got rid of it due to astronomical running costs. It was a 1973 109 Station Wagon. I thought that vehicle reliability had improved since those days. This was in South Africa.

Please watch this forum for further updates on the reliability of this vehicle. Any test reports, independent surveys on build quality and other damning evidence (including documentation directly from Toyota JAPAN) is being offered free to potential Colorado buyers. E-mail capn_morgan@hotmail.com for more info.