Want an SUV camper? One of your first priorities might be looking for a Toyota Land Cruiser for sale. Known to many as the king of offroad SUVs, this is a vehicle that should serve you the best in overlanding. To help you buy one, the following is a brief Land Cruiser buying guide for overlanding:
It is better to divide the Toyota Land Cruiser buying advice into the following categories:
The powertrain includes everything that makes a Land Cruiser move. This includes its engine and transmission. For this, you should always look for a service history from the previous owner. Other than that, you need to inspect the vehicle for any sort of leakages or unusual noises.
If you’re buying a Land Cruiser that has been used in the countryside or as an off-roader, be aware. Try to look for one that has always been washed (valeted would be a bonus) after off-tarmac usage. Rust can destroy a vehicle from the inside out. So, make sure to look out for any signs of corrosion.
The suspension is a key part of any car, especially one about to be used for overlanding. You need to inspect all of the bushes. If the vehicle comes with variable-height suspension, ensure that it works on all of its settings. Lastly, observe the underside, especially the overhangs, for any damage from impacts.
Taking a vehicle for a spin can tell you a lot about it. Driving around in the Land Cruiser that you’re about to buy can give you a good idea about how well-kept it is. Try to drive it on smooth and bumpy terrains and observe for any noises or impacts.
Despite its rugged nature, the Land Cruiser (especially the LC100 to 300) should be quite refined on the inside. While the upholstery can be fixed up, ensure that there’s no rust in the sills and on the floor. If there’s a touchscreen, make sure that all the controls for the temperature work perfectly.
It wouldn’t be a Toyota Land Cruiser buyers guide without discussing its best models.
If you search on the interwebs, most will tell you that it is the Land Cruiser 80 Series (manufactured in the 90s). It is praised for being a reliable, tough-as-nails offroader, but while also being comfortable. It is also easier to maintain due to fewer electronics. Its diesel engine has also been lauded.
Despite being tough vehicles, LCs are not free from issues. Commonly reported problems include roughness in the transmission while shifting and high oil consumption. Prados tend to suffer from fuel injector problems.
While identifying the best year land cruiser for overlanding is important, doing the same for the worst one is even more so. There are some LC model years that you should try to avoid altogether. According to Motor Audit, these include the 2000, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2013, and the 2015-17 models.
Want the best Land Cruiser for overlanding? The following are the types of Land Cruisers that you can find in the used SUV market:
Yes, it is. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a Land Cruiser overland vehicle or if you want one as a daily driver. This is arguably the best vehicle if you want a powerful, sturdy, comfy, and luxurious SUV. It only lags behind in the fuel consumption department, but every other aspect of it overshadows this one.
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