1998 Toyota Landcruiser Colorado GX from UK and Ireland - Comments

As a committed Land-cruiser owner, I can only say that I am sorry that you have had such a poor experience. Comparing your story to others is cold comfort indeed. Personally I would rather cross the Sahara in a 20 year old cruiser than anything straight off the line at Solihull. My pal has had 4 brand new Disco's and has had heaps of expensive trouble with each and every one of them... and he keeps on buying them. Off the shelf I would acknowledge the superior ability of the Rover over the Toyota when the mud is measured in fathoms! But how often does that happen? For me, comfort and reliability every time...Toyota.

I would have to agree with the previous note. While you may have had a bad experience with your 'cruiser I wouldn't turn my back on them. Having owned a couple of Land Rovers I have now moved to 'cruisers. Why? Because I need something reliable and Land Rover unfortunately isn't it. It only takes a bit of a look at the Land Rover bulletin boards to see this. On my last trip up North (Australia) I broke down for a change. The mechanic at the station that I crawled into said that the two things they tow out of the bush more than anything are Land Rovers and Holden Jackaroos (I'm not sure of the overseas equivalent of this vehicle. The cruisers are proven down here as the best things you can get, although the Nissans are also very good. Hope this helps.

The latest saga in the ongoing Landcruiser debacle.

The vehicle has now been returned to Toyota for the following faults:

Heated rear window not operating. Caused by faulty plug.

Heated rear mirrors not operating. Caused by faulty relay.

Defective interior light switch that decides to turn itself on and off and discharge the batteries at its own convenience. (Not fun when you have parked the car at 2500m above sea level in the Alps).

It's time to start a fund raising drive in order to submit this case to the European High Courts.

Oh yes landrovers hmmmm.

Why do you think they use toyotas in iceland and the australian outback where relability is of utmost importance landrovers just can't cut it out there.

Thank you all for your interest and comments on the above vehicle.

The vehicle has been sold on and hopefully I will be able to resume a normal life.

I have purchased a replacement vehicle. A motorbike.

Cars suck!

I have had my colorado gx for 60000 miles, with no problems, it's a 5 door and well used on the farm and school runs,best 4x4 I have ever owned, h. buchanan essex.

Surely this can't be! A Landcruiser that breaks down? Never! I've heard from scores of owners who swear that they've circumnavigated the Earth 27 times on a single oil change. "300 million miles and only a blown interior light bulb", they'll say. Apparently eroded big end bearings, blown diffs, snapped wheel studs, broken camshafts and other such problems don't actually cause Landcruisers to stop.

I'm new to this bulletin board. I'm also about to test drive a 51 plate colorado from a toyota dealer today. 41,000m and £14,000. Should I be thinking about a Shogun instead...?

Four clutches? my advice buy an automatic.

I think this guy didn't even owned a Toyota Land Cruiser. He just make up story.

All I have to say is.

I own a SWB fj40 and it's been around the clock TWICE!! Its been on more northern outback trips then I can remember, it gets me to the mines and back, in one piece, and gets me out of every problem there is. With only 1 major rebuild (just to feel safe) and a few diff changes, and small things here and their over time. The cruiser is still going strong.

The stories I could tell you about this cruiser, I have pulled DISCOVERY V8's with 33inch muddies with my little diesel, the fact is the Land Rovers don't have the drive train to tackle the offroad, and their not a great 4x4, they're a city driving, vine yard owning, horse float towing, rich boy 4x4.

Cruisers will for ever be showing up competing models, they just have the knowledge on how to build solid and reliable 4x4's. If not... then Nissan Patrols. Anything before Land Rovers... HELL even a bloody LADA NIVA before Land Rovers.

The end.

I realise this is an old topic, however as a land cruiser owner for many years, I have been somewhat shocked at my 120 series engine big end failure this week. 40kmls on the clock, 10k oil and filter changes, toyota SH, a 2nd family car only used for wk end and horsebox towing and always treated well, I'm still don't believe it.

I own a SWB Land Cruiser Colorado. My father had it before me for five years, and I have owned it for four years. Only tyres have gone on this truck so far, and it goes well on bio diesel and new clean veg oil. Ace motor, sweet as a nut!!!

Previously owned a Nissan Patrol - run about 350.000 miles, oil changed about 2-3 times!! Remarkable car! Had a car accident, if it wasn't for it - wouldn't be posting here! Anyway - 3 years ago I bought a second hand Toyota Landcruiser GX Colorado. Few problems, recently, steering wheel oil leak. Been told by Toyota service (by just having a look max 30 seconds) that the rack has to be changed as they do not overhaul them. Estimated cost: about 2500 euros... my god!! Is this problem common? (mileage - 122000)

Landcruisers rule.

Mine pulled a broke down disco towing a 3.5 ton truck up a steep hill.