30th Anniversary 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 - A G Wagon For The Less Vain

[@davidbewick9208]

I was in Africa a while ago and on the Serengeti it is Land cruisers all the way. I asked why they didn't use Landrovers and the answer I got was "The land rover will get you there but the Land cruiser will get you home"

[@herrfister1477]

Incredible if true

[@leostreat3573]

And in comfort, landrovers are so bloody uncomfortable.

[@wesleyselkridge2197]

Same when I went to Kenya in 2009. Visited Tsavo East and tour was in a Landcruiser. Faultless. Simply the most reliable 4x4 you can buy. There's a reason the UN use them in developing nations.

[@bertplank8011]

This is an old saying.

[@davidbewick9208]

@@bertplank8011 But it still applies

[@DeanCoetzee]

1) To quote Jeremy Clarkson on the Land Cruiser: "The car that virtually killed of Land Rover in Africa..." 2) Diesel Land Cruiser's won the last 9 editions of the Dakar Rally in Class T2 for production series cross - country cars 3) In South Africa the Land Cruiser is affectionately known as the "Master of Africa" Enough said

[@AbrahamArthemius]

Don't forget the Hilux Dakar T1+ (the one driven by Nasser Al-Attiyah) is also powered by an engine coming straight from the new Land Cruiser 300 series (V6 Bi-Turbo), they then tuned it and it has won Dakar twice in a row now (they just recently won this year's edition as well)

[@peterj5751]

In Australia they are very popular with the mines and farmers but have a cult following as a rugged touring vehicle for covering remote areas. For the latter market, they are often very modified with widened rear axles to fix the odd track mismatch, interior refits , big suspension lifts and large fully contained steal or alloy rear canopies. Almost none are standard and many will spend as much as the new purchase price again for modifications. Basically they are seen as a blank canvas. Personally, I do a lot of remote touring and off-road work but I purchased the 200 series wagon (which you may not get in the UK) and I think it makes a much better platform with much less modification. However, at the moment in Australia there is a 2 year waiting list for a new 70 series Landcruiser and they have stopped taking orders to stop the list getting longer.

[@michaelyounes29]

Great insight from down under. Thanks from Bristol England!

[@dansome3563]

That's when u know the suv is too good when the manufacturer stop taking orders

[@peterj5751]

@@dansome3563 in remote Australia, reliability is everything. Toyota’s 4WD offerings may not be the last word in tech but the reliability reputation is well earned.

[@db_bad]

More of these in the city now than in the bush and no complaints. They look amazing. I daily drive mine and love the rawness.

[@dariodelolmogarrido4045]

I see them gleeming in penrith carpark mostly lol

[@sonamor1]

I share the positive comments made by some below and agree with all comments made by Peter J. I am a geologist, that has used and owned Toyota 4x4's (for both business and pleasure, for many years, across outback Australia and in the Middle East). It's hard to convey just how robust the 70 Series is (and for that matter any Landcruiser model), when compared with other so called four-wheel drive vehicles. It's fair to say that anywhere remote operations are carried out, in the gold or oil and gas industries, you will almost always find a Toyota fleet, hard at work. I've personally done thousands of km in harsh environments, and never once suffered any kind of mechanical failure, that left me stranded, when using a Toyota LC. Toyota prioritize robustness and reliability across all components. In Outback Australia, you will often find Landcruiser's with three-quarters of a million kms on the clock., still in daily use. I have been stranded, in places far from main roads, but it was never in a Toyota LC.

[@trueseeker262]

I saw these in South Africa, saw them everywhere. Reason is minimum electronics, and even if you fill it up not with the most pure fuel. It still works. End of world machine.

[@ronyjameson8798]

Im from South Africa and these things are everywhere especially the pick up model. All the farmers and mine workers love this car. Most of these cars have done ridiculous kilometers we are talking over 600k easily. And every mechanic knows how to work on these in and out. They still sell them new here cost around 800k Rands (SA Currency). Its a cult hero.

[@SavedbyHim]

Yes totally overpriced, it's ridiculous

[@gph42]

Yes all land cruiser products are very popular in Australia. And l can assure you the air con vent you were talking about keeps the family jewels at correct temperature. Tremendous. Thanks.

[@AStick3Pedals]

Women complained about chapped lips

[@davekennedy6315]

@@AStick3Pedals hahaha!

[@davidarter6271]

James, I have owned the various wagon series of Landcruiser for twenty years. A couple of years after the 200 series was released I was in Darwin with my 100 series for the winter. During a service I asked the service manager how he felt about the 200 series, was it reliable, etc etc. His response was: “Far too early to tell, mate. We haven’t had one in that’s done half a million kilometres on it yet”. Enough Said

[@dethak]

One of the 200s at my work is on it's third engine at only 960,000 km. Pretty disappointing...

[@TSERJI]

@@dethak disappointing? that's pretty impressive

[@hexgraphica]

I love a brief but meaningful history lesson of any automotive thing. I hope many will agree with me

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks! Took longer to edit that five minute bit than a whole other video

[@ahemgee9542]

These are fantastic 4x4S. Super able and reliable,- why the UN use them all over the World. Wish we could get them here. Proper Unpretentious SUV.

[@GT380man]

The UN as an organization is unbelievably corrupt.

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi Jay, a few years ago I did seasonal work for an offroad adventures company. We used Defenders and Disco's, the customers were almost always in one version or another of Toyota Land Cruiser. They were FANTASTIC offroad. One guy even came in an FJ which looks like a Tonka toy with road tyres. Our vehicles led and struggled through some fairly challenging section of deep mud, the FJ guy just drove through; traction control working like a charm. Most of the others were in 80s or 90's models of different versions of the 70 HD truck. 4 ltr diesel and even 4ltr turbo diesel. These trucks could pull out a tree !!! A few years later I was in North Africa and all we saw were Land Cruisers, plus the occasional Shogan and One series 109 Landy. Nuff said ?

[@taffinator9585]

You forgot to mention the patrol

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

@@taffinator9585 the old 'hand grenade'?

[@Dave-in-France]

@@taffinator9585 Because I have no experience of it.

[@taffinator9585]

@@anthonybaiocchi3028 only until 2003 🤣🤣🤣 , but they more than made up for it with the axles and gearbox

[@taffinator9585]

@@Dave-in-France that because you dont see many outside of austrailia and UAE

[@jayofmay]

Yes!!! A 70 series land cruiser. Love it. The rich farmers go to vehicle in Zambia(Africa). Popular with every single company in the country. The Hilux as well

[@edwardobernardino4347]

The 70 series LandCruiser is the top dog down in Australia mate 🇦🇺 all the serious 4x4 drivers want a 70 series LandCruiser. Most have crazy mods and they are worth a shit tin now since Covid. Love the content ❤️ I learnt to drive in an 80 series LandCruiser

[@oweneather1435]

Another Australian response. This country, I understand, is either the largest or second largest Landcruiser market for Toyota. Right now, the family has a Prado with 180 000 km and 22 years. It resists every determined attempt by my wife to kill it. Only parts replaced are a timing belt, brake discs, starter motor and radiator, all at the end of their life. We once, without prep., did a lap of New South Wales, a state half as big again as Texas. This was a six day, 2400 kilometre dash, out to the desert at Broken Hill (with a 200km side-trip to a remote national park), downt to the lush Riverina on the Victorian border, return along the Hay Plain through Cooma back to Sudney. Except to change a gibber stone slahed tyre in the national park, not a hiccup - comfortable ride, a/c indefatigable, and a sweet v6 engine never missing a beat. Past Dubbo going to BH, only Toyota's to be seen, along with road trains. The saying here," Want to get to the Outback, take a Land Rover. Want to come back, take a Land Cruiser". Prados with stratospheric trip meter readings, 3 - 500,000, are considered just run in and brring good second hand prices. A Mercedes PR stunt for G Wagons took three along the Canning Stock Route - 1000 km plus and about 900 sand dunes over 18 - 22 days - and the were destroyed. Land Cruisers do it with monotonous regularity. Don't even start with a Defender.

[@danielhill9080]

This was a great piece on the LandCruiser, you checked every box an enthusiast would want to hear, from "agricultural" to "workmanlike". Drove a '96 75 series Troopy for 15 years, in remote Central Australia and the city, loved every minute of it. For ultimate reliability, many locals still cherish the six cylinder 1HD-T motor in the 80 & 100 series Cruisers from the 90's, with special ceramic coated piston heads. The 4.5L diesel V8 is standard now in Australia, but comes under-tuned from factory, presumably for reliability or emissions control, feels a tad sluggish, unresponsive. A basic tune by replacing the chip and adding a straight-through exhaust yields a significant power/response increase while actually reducing fuel consumption, reveals an absolute torque monster. LandCruiser is all about evolution, as opposed to revolution, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". The body on box frame chassis, pressed steel panels, rugged plastic interior that you can wash out with a hose, all harken back to a previous era, when things were made to last. With religious devotion to servicing, my father's '85 75 series petrol Troopy did a million k's over 20 years in the Western Desert (Kintore/Walungurru), Pintupi country, navigating the roughest, washed-out, deeply corrugated and pot-holed dirt tracks imaginable, hadn't seen a grader for decades. Thanks for the great content, cheers

[@almostinanambo]

I grew up with my uncles 70 series from the 80s troop carrier in NSW. It’s still running perfectly well although it’s been semi retired to his rural property. It’s brilliant doing propper off roading and can basically just using it like a tractor. The highway and city driving does leave a little to be desired these days but definitely not what it was designed for

[@Bahraini_Carguy]

5:45 minor correction but the 4 litre 1GR V6 have already been fitted on Gulf/Middle Eastern market J70s for several years by that point, like around very late 2000s as it replaced the discontinued 1FZ straight 6. Petrol models are typically far more popular over here in the GCC than diesels for several reasons.

[@m.ahussain4005]

These are very popular in the UAE, despite the people being millionaires here, they would always choose land cruiser over a land rover.

[@aaryeshg.6526]

This and the Y61 Patrol Super Safari.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

because they value reliability and not being stranded in the desert

[@insayn7995]

The same goes for the rest of the Gulf countries too.

[@graemejohnson9025]

Every Jeep that went to the uae fell apart...

[@AntoniusTyas]

The 30th Anniversary Bundera is so well-loved here in Indonesia, one parallel importer that I knew rather well is stocking a gazillion of these. Really stood out in between GT3s and Pistas and STOs.

[@adrianonast3599]

Here in Oz they have stopped taking orders due to not being able to fulfil them. Very popular.

[@db_bad]

This is my daily driver in the colour too. The V8 sound is addictive. However a real money pit with the modifications I’m constantly putting into it.

[@cameronwood1994]

We have a 2007 long-wheelbase pick-up version with the 4.2 litre normally aspirated diesel for when we visit Kenya, model type HZJ79. It's a shame we never got them here in the UK, but I do have my old 1980 Land Rover to pootle about in!

[@briteize136]

During my holidays in the Canary Islands last summer, me and the family went on an off road excursion. With 8 people in a similar V6 diesel version the LC we went up and through rugged uphill landscapes. The car didn't flinch and took the abuse effortlessly. During one of the stops I curiously chatted with the driver. Only to find out It had finished the whole trip with 2WD in high gearing. It now has my eternal respect...

[@mohammadsattar5488]

Don't forget the UN that have a ton of these Toyotas all in white but heavily modified to accommodate the different markets like an ambulance or for military use

[@fmr555]

They are massively popular in South Africa as well. If you are a farmer you have to have a Cruiser Many get converted into game viewing vehicles as well. I have spent many hours behind the wheel of a 70 series pickup converted to a game viewer, 4.0l V6 as well. Fuel consumption at 20km/h on rough dirt tracks is terrible. You are right lack of steering feedback is great when off roading, rocks and holes don't get fed back thru the wheel.

[@adzy166]

I did the same sound proofing exercise on my Land Cruiser Prado. Makes a huge difference to cabin comfort. Purrs along at highway speeds.

[@marcusandginareacts5197]

Very popular cars here in Aus

[@Mr-pn2eh]

Ridiculously popular

[@aw3215]

Hi James, super refreshing to watch a review from the UK where a 70 Series is a curiosity. Thanks for it, and it is the first time I've watched your channel; love it. I have owned LandCruisers for over 30 years and have clocked up over 300,000km travelling through some of the remotest outback areas of the Australian continent. My first 'Cruiser was a 1HZ 80 series "poverty pack", a bog standard unit with that legendary unbreakable 4.2l straight six diesel mill that was killed off in Australia in 2006 because of tighter emission laws (though this motor is still available in some markets including Africa and Asia as is the excellently durable 1GR-FE 4.0l V6 you drove). I currently drive a 2020 VDJ 78 series Troopy, with the very agreeable (and relatively economical) 4.5l V8 turbo diesel. I've kept things pretty much stock though I've had a suspension upgrade and rear axle track correction through an ol'school company is south-west Sydney whose engineering skill and attention to the specific uses of a each vehicle have made the world of difference to ride and handling. Driving the V8 Troopy never fails to put a smile on the dial; hand on my heart, wouldn't go bush in anything but a LandCruiser. You might be interested to see that due to high demand and delays in production, it is not even possible to place an order for a 70 Series here in Australia, pushing the second hand market to eye-wateringly unprecedented highs! Here's a link to Toyota Australia's 70 Series page that spells it out www.toyota.com.au/landcruiser-70?gclid=Cj0KCQiA5NSdBhDfARIsALzs2EC3cl9O7KkeYgS1vFwdjgMWGy2qkEvme4Rw7iwp9U22kLggR7iGYeMaAhO5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@kennethngilazi3488]

Hi ..from Zimbabwe...these are the real deal,.the basically go anywhere , rarely break down(if they do, easy to fix)will take you to where you want to go and get you back safely...It's a no fuss workhorse that does what it needs to do without any drama or issues

[@alanrobinson7866]

I daily drive a 100 series, I think called the Amazon in the UK. It's wider, with hydropneumatic height adjustable suspension and a 4.7 petrol V8. It's probably the Toyota version on the Range Rover, leather and wood interior etc. It's 24 years old with 300k km and is still going strong.

[@jsbagriculture2273]

As you’ve pointed out the Defender was a success in the image it gave, hence the current popularity. We had one for its intended purpose a Farm pickup and it was excellent at just that, no fancy features, just a vehicle that could go through 12” ruts with a cattle trailer on the back. We had a hilux in the early 90’s that just was nowhere near as capable, I can only assume it is the weighting of the vehicles but the defender always kept on moving. Following that an N Reg defender, tried a hilux again, but ended up being the car to nip to the shops in forcing the purchase of another new defender which did what it said on the tin. Since then it’s been more defenders up until a Disco 4 in 2015. Those defenders have had awful lives covered in cow and sheep muck their entire life’s, never cleaned or pampered just abused from day one. Don’t get me wrong odd bits have broken but nothing you wouldn’t expect and they always got you home, always delivered the milk when the roads were too awful for anything else. I will add I’m not a fan boy of the defender it was uncomfortable, cramped and rattly but absolutely the perfect pickup for a farmer. Maybe it’s time you tried a disco as they’re in a league of their own (particularly in this class of rugged/luxury 4x4 sector).

[@DjDolHaus86]

I think the disco is the true sweet spot for compromise between capability and comfort, not as rural as the defender but more capable than the range rover.

[@baronvonjo1929]

How did they lasybso long? Land Rovers are always at the bottom of every reliability survey I ever see. Like literally the bottom 2. Competing with Jag.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

In Australia this is used an agricultural or tradesman vehicle or for serious off-roading not sure why someone would modify the suspension like you said unless they wanted to be a poser/pretentious there was plenty of other cars for them to do that. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewfrancis3591]

I'm a serial Land Rover offender. An Aus mate said "If you want to go to the outback get a Land Rover. If you want to come back get a Land Cruiser". Can't disagree.

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

@@andrewfrancis3591very common saying here. Some late model ones are asking more than $200k on the second hand market, that’s how sought after they are.

[@andrewfrancis3591]

@@brainsmatterpodcast I'm not surprised. I've followed a few through the Jap auctions. They are always too expensive, after you factor shipping to the UK and taxes.

[@Low760]

@@brainsmatterpodcast advertised at.

[@djblc2201]

Hi from Australia. Far North Queensland actually. My mother has a ‘93 Troop Carrier (Troopy) she will be 90 this year she’s about 5 feet tall and won’t part with it. I’ve tried to get her a small auto hatch or something but she refuses. It’s an ex cattle station work vehicle now set up for camping. 4.2 diesel with about 400,000 km on the clock. I drive it as much as I can when I visit I feel like a trucker. Fun fact : on the insurance policy it’s classed as a ‘Panel Van’ ! Thanks for the videos 😊

[@RadekPogoda]

I bought a 20-year-old one for my 30th birthday and loved it for the 6 years of ownership. It was a weak 2.4, nearly-non-turbo Diesel, but it gave me a lot of smiles - primarily off-road.

[@megapangolin1093]

Oil filter on top of the engine?! Bonkers! That means it is quick and easy to replace. Surely car manufacturers will never get anywhere with that idea. Well Done JayEmm great video.

[@petesmitt]

huh? my Mazda has the oil filter underneath next to the drain plug; makes sense...

[@megapangolin1093]

@@petesmitt I would prefer to stand up and take it off the top of the engine, the less time under the car the better, imo.

[@floristschorn1159]

G’day mate just watched your first video and enjoyed it. Let me know if you can ever make it to Australia! I have a 75 series Troopcarrier converted into a camping vehicle with a 4.2L Diesel engine and pop top roof you’re welcome to review. Also have a car dealership that sells cars to travel in. We do a fair few landcruisers and have lots more information. Cheers

[@murrieteacher]

In Australia we have a saying, “if you want to drive to the Australian Outback , take a Landrover, if you want to drive back, take a Toyota.” The 80 series is the most popular in Australia and the V8 diesel the engine choice, but the 6 cylinder Petrol has its place too. And the colour must be white. Nothing compares to the reliability and after sales support given by Toyota. Landrover on the other hand will fight you on any claim, even a bloody screw holding the door trim. The ‘Cruiser is the only vehicle for towing, the only vehicle for unsealed roads (there are a lot of them) getting through creek crossings or driving on some of our beaches. Jay, if you ever come to Australia, come in our winter. Even Aussies melt in our summers.

[@Low760]

This myth is why people keep buying Toyotas. The sales support.

[@murrieteacher]

@@Low760 I would be interested in your experience. My family has used the Cruiser for forty odd years. There are five families and each family is now on their third vehicle. We have had no problems with support. None of the families have had major problems with our cruisers. We are concerned about the new 300. And with an eighteen month wait for delivery and a very disappointing current attitude for sales we fear there has been a change in customer relations.

[@546268]

When Maurice Wilks designed and built the first Landrover in 1948 post war austerity meant he had to raid Rover's car parts bin to do so. When Mr Toyota designed and built the first Landcruiser, they were a bus and truck builder, so raided their bus and truck parts bin. That difference in design ethos has followed both vehicles pretty much through their lives. My 60 series Landcruiser has an engine and drive train that was fitted to buses and lorries. everything is massive. Everything is over engineered. I've owned many landrovers over the years and in terms of build quality and durability Toyota have a level Landrover could only dream of. If you want to go on an expedition, take a landrover. If you want to come back again, take a landcruiser!

[@leinad32111]

Hi. Live in Australia and work in the 4wd industry. These are everywhere here. We get the 76, 78, and 79 single and duel cab. They are viewed as platform to build your dream offroader or tourer/ overlander. There are so many places that do aftermarket gear for these from additional cup holders, electric towing mirrors, auto conversions, rear coil conversions and rear track corrections, to 6x6 conversions and chassis extensions. From 2007 they all have a 5 speed manual and 1vdftv v8 turbo diesel that goes good once you spend some money to unleash the horsepower.

[@Unclemiffato100]

What a beautiful Land Cruiser!

[@Tanzman78]

My Dad purchased a 70 in 1989, he sold it to a friend in 1999, 2023 and it’s still going strong…… I’m an Aussie now in the UK, I’d give anything to own one here.

[@eze8970]

Thanks J, good to see a big rectangular bouncy box with chunky tyres on the channel again! 🙏🙏

[@conordoyle3156]

i have an LJ70. They were actually very popular in Ireland. Mine is an Irish passanger one which is EXTREAMLY rare. The best version imo of the 70 is with the 3ltr kz engine.......now that is a joy to drive

[@enyskept]

This is my Holy Grail Land Cruiser and it’s frustrating that the US didn’t get this trim…I currently own a 2009 LC200 and I love it…

[@clarktjl1]

You really didn’t have to go into all that research James. But you did, that is what separates you from most regular ‘KZbinrs / journalists’. Keep being awesome! This video is super interesting.

[@Tinovodanovic]

The 70 Series Land Cruiser is one of my dream vehicles!

[@Nord_Mann]

You’re on a roll here James! Love the series❤

[@Syulang-nt4kj]

Australian checking in.... we love them. The waiting list is as long as the Nile river, and the cost is absurd, but where I live (regional NSW) they are absolutely ubiquitous.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Theres basically 2 Merc G wagons. Those with a solid front axle, and the newer ones.

[@jordythebassist]

If you want a vehicle that is both dependable and has customer service that will help you in the middle of nowhere in outback Australia - then a Toyota Landcruiser is not just the best choice, it's the ONLY choice you have. Subaru aren't bad but Toyota wins in the support department by many outback kilometres (not miles here). Forget Land Rover, Ford, Jeep, GM etc. The 79 series and the 200 Sahara series are the two most popular models here in Australia, the 79 is probably most popular with pig hunters and anyone who lives north of Brisbane. The 200 is more popular down south, especially with boat owners. But I've seen some idiot in a video send his 200 Sahara into a raging river with water up to his windows and it still made it out the other side. Incredibly capable car, but the ad for that will be something like 'One owner, never been taken off road'

[@Carsaddiction]

Still love the shape of the LJ70 ... wish they still made a SWB version as I think you can only get the 5 door version.

[@damilolaakanni]

There's a short wheelbase version in Australia.

[@perolito83]

You should try the short wheelbase model with the oldschool 4.5l inline 6, they are a blast to drive. The model code is FZJ71

[@jameslane4486]

Here in Kenya every service/safari/government vehicle is a 70 series, they are the most dependable thing for sure. Unfortunately I have an old defender, although I've found it to be as mechanically reliable as the land cruisers, you're right about all the trim and fittings of the defender, they all just fall to bits. My boot door is currently held shut with a strap through the back window and the indicator stalk fell off last week 😂 But my car was 1/4 of the price of a 70 series and is just as capable out in the bush so I don't mind!

[@cj09beira]

Lived in mozambique for a decade, and Land Cruisers there are really common, they are used in everything ambulance work (troopy), troop carrier for the military (79 pick up), and most common are the single cab pick ups.

[@mamigagi]

Thank you for explaining the land cruiser models! I agree, so confusing!

[@plebie]

As an Aussie the 70s series is the go-to off-road tourer/overlander and work car. And as a Aussie we would love for you to come over. cars you should check out in aus 1.vt Commodore 2. Au falcon XR6 3. Daihatsu rocky or feroza 4. Isuzu dmax 5. Holden Colorado Love your work

[@andrewhurstcars]

Popular in markets where officially sold, but a flawed car without a whole host of upgrades - around which an entire industry has sprung up in Australia. Most important being the rear axle track width correction, where a replacement wider axle can be fitted. Not much good for off-roading having the rear wheels in a narrower path than the front. In Australia these are routinely used as just a starting point, with people fitting new: bull bars, lights, engine maps, snorkels, wheels, off road tyres, seats, centre consoles, diff locks, noise insulation, rear axle correction, GVM upgrade, springs, dampers, canopy & tray for the 79, extended fuel tanks. You can even get portal axles.

[@SuperiorNo1]

Best Car Channel Ever 😈

[@jameslast3192]

In New Zealand as well as Australia, these are seen as a status symbol, a last forever, ever reliable, do it all dream waggon.

[@adambloomer8637]

There's an old saying down here James. If you want go outback buy a landrover, if you want to come back buy a landcruiser.

[@SteveDull]

LR Disco 3 has a vent under the steering column too. Keeps your chappie happy whatever the temp outside!

[@pictlandpickers1171]

Or try the new mitsubishi Shogun sport. Feels like it would go anywhere but you can manage 34mpg on a run. Similar size as this but you can pick up low mileage ones for 25k. It has center and rear diffs. But the best offroader is a 90 defender 300tdi or 200tdi if you really need to do hardcore offroading.

[@global_nomad.]

was spotting these in La Palma , Canaries, today and thinking about them - then this pops up....having visited, lived and worked in various countries in Africa over the last 30 years, the landcruiser was always king...

[@acalthu]

The Prado isn't a relative of the Hilux, the Hilux Surf and Fortuner are relatives of the Hilux. The 70 series Prado was a softer 70 series with more luxuries and a smaller engine. We own a 2017 VDJ76, having previously owned an LJ77 i.e. Land Cruiser II, the precursor to the Prado, with a 2.8 litre NA engine.

[@Tomielawrence]

I ordered my 76 before COVID. It took 18months to arrive and had increased in value by 40%.

[@YuichiTamaki]

Finally a Brit that speaks the truth! Thank you a lot!

[@antonhuman8446]

King of any outback! Sheer brilliance!

[@colinhoward74]

Just a small footnote , the double cab was not thought of or concieved by Toyota Japan or even its country of origin , Toyota South Africa , there were 2 companies that did a custom conversion , using the rear doors of the 76 and the 76 rear bench seat , only when Japan had an engineer coming over to South Africa one year did he see a few of these rare beasts in rural areas , he stopped one of the owners , asked if he could look at it and gave it a thorough roadside inspection , took photographs and left , he took it to both the engineering dept and marketing dept , who innitially laughed at him , when he said that there were a few he had seen in South Africa and the customers paid a hefty premuim for the conversion , did they sit up and listen , then they did a international marketing campaign , to find that mines and farmers alike wanted them in all of their 70 series countries , then , having aquired one from South Africa (from the more expensive converter ) they tore it apart and started making their own production body shell , not much different to the South African one , choosing to develop off the 76 cab rather than the 79 single cab , 2 years later , the world had the 79 double cab !

[@ivancamacho7668]

Great report! A car for function, not pretention, a modern capable proven classic SUV.

[@lindsaycole8409]

Australian wisdom. If you want to go out in the outback get a Land Rover, if you want to come back get a Land Cruiser..

[@adrianonast3599]

Same as mine and same Color!

[@elyserva7903]

In the 70s, the Philippine built Toyota (Delta) Mini Cruiser was the standard issue for the Philippine military. Some were exported to Latin America. It looks like the blue "25" series Landcruiser.

[@deshanmk6]

Long time Australian viewer here. There is a 3-4 year wait on these 70's here in Australia. They are used by everyone from tradies to campers to government and especially in the mines. Some do extensions and even 6x6 conversions $80K AUD new. Around the same or more used 😅 There is a huge following for them, but also a fair few that give it crap for being old tech. I personally find them amazing!

[@TheBTG88]

Love my 1975 FJ40. Timeless, durable, simple.

[@JoeEngineer]

Man o man I would love a modern Land Crusher stateside that didnt have all the luxury stuff and only had the mechanical goods that make it so legendary.

[@adamgriss2025]

The 76 (both two and four door models, and the 79 series are ubiquitous here in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia. For the Bedouins, it is the only vehicle they trust and are the most reliable and robust vehicles on the market.

[@MrPhlipflop]

For UK roads the HDJ80 was the best of the bunch imo.

[@theogunesekara2847]

Bullet proof!!! Especially the 1HZ version. It will run till eternity.

[@JavierCR25]

Having driven a 76 series and a G500 back to back on a daily basis, I’ve always thought they’re very similar, but the LC is the pure utilitarian Uber reliable vehicle, while the G has become a luxury item with off road ability.

[@CardizoneSemblance]

In kenya, the 79 series pickups, 78 series troop carrier/ ambulances and 76 series wagons like the ones your driving are used by various branches of the police service, military, health services and NGO's due to their ruggedness and dependability. They come with the legendary 4.2 liter straight-6 naturally aspirated 1-HZ diesel that is 30 years old. Very responsive, rev-happy engine that is fun to drive but underpowered if you're towing. Toyota's longest running production engine because it's so simple, reliable and durable that demand for it continues until today. It can take the shittiest of diesel quality without destroying itself. I've witnessed it myself as a former Toyota tech. A dream car of mine that I could easily keep forever because parts are plentiful because the basic mechanics have barely changed in decades.

[@Jz-vd5zg]

The Land cruiser in Australia has the best reputation for reliability, you must come to Aus you will love it.

[@Migratelikeaduck]

In Australia it’s the renowned god king of Australian motoring. They are hilariously over priced on the second hand market. Popular with everyone from P platers to the grey nomads (the adventure before dementia crowd). Most P platers like them because it is one of a few V8s young drivers can drive, people such as myself in my mid to late 20’s love them as they are so practical for kids, towing, moving and camping. An Indigenous man once said in an interview “it’s a good thing the white man came here because they bought out the Landcruisers”. Hope this adds clarity.

[@adrianrobertson1478]

Toyotas' reliability is said to be so good that it is attained legendary status, here in Australia and thus the Landcruiser is THE choice of vehicle over any American or British imports and even other Japanese makes. Spares are generally plentiful if pricey.

[@SavedbyHim]

So legendary that Toyota owners will hide and suppress and downplay any reliability issues and good luck getting any support from Toyota. D4D pistons cracking, new Rav4 suspension issues

[@bondjamesbond9041]

If you need a vehicle of this type. Forget G wagens, Amoraks, Range Rover, land Rover or any other brand. The Land Cruiser is KING!

[@aaaviation1]

Love these cars. Last time i went on safari in the Mara the safari car was one of these with the longer wheelbase. It had that straight 6 non turbo 4.2 engine and i just love the sound those make. sorry yes i do know i am a strange guy going on about a diesel engine fitted to a workhorse and not some ferrari v12.

[@gregfelix6979]

Down here in Oz, they are more desirable than G-Wagons. Huge waiting list - in fact Toyota has just paused new orders so they can catch up. The V8’s are ultra desirable and sell for way over list. The good thing is that they are bought by people who use them as intended - serious 4WD’ing.

[@chir0pter]

On the topic of range rovers and off roading, you might enjoy 4xoverland/Andrew St Pierre White’s recent series taking a Classic with solid front and rear axles across the Canning Stock Route in Australia. As for Land Cruiser 70 series ruggedness and reliability, he offers an attestation to it that I enjoyed by comparing an F150 vs a 70 series bought in Africa at 16:03 of this video titled “Follow up - CHOOSE THE RIGHT 4WD TRUCK. Overland Workshop”

[@danmccarthy4700]

I love how these are sold with snorkels as standard equipment in Australia.

[@colinpettit3448]

Aussie proverb, " If you want to drive into the bush buy a Land Rover, if you want to get back again buy a Land Cruiser"

[@alexhase5632]

Come to Melbourne in August mate, you won’t be too warm!

[@lewlewis6511]

My first LC was one of these but SWB, '93 build with the 3.0 litre turboDiesel, same basic engine albeit now with D4D injection system on my present Prado 120 series. They simply do not go wrong, but do some serious rustproofing because they don't like salt environments, not just the chassis and body, get some coatings on things like brake and fuel lines and aircon pipes. Engine wise, i had the 3.4 NA petrol in a previous 90 series (Colorado), almost Diesel like in its low speed torque and could show a few cars a clean exhaust if you wanted to open it up. I'd love another 70 series, the one you tested is a good example. Surprisingly narrow as are the 90 120 150 series medium duty Prado range, you'll find that 70 has less footprint than many cars these days, being so narrow they make general driving around easy. Not suprised you liked it Jay, they have a way of growing on you, basic reliable durable on top of the job, nothing showy or look at me about them. Good video that, thankyou.

[@gkefa]

I will buy this car some day ,petrol 30th anniversary .

[@dobo2232]

These are very common in Australia and they only come with the turbo diesel v8. While they are good, because of the v8 the wider wheel track up front they can get bogged easily. They are also very expensive here and hold their value very well unless they have been reduced to bolts

[@Mrskyline25t]

I have a 2021 Ute V8. Love it. Australia. The turning circle is junk 😂

[@dl6860]

I'm torn between this and the Nissan patrol, I've owned both, both are fantastic SUVs and I simply love the Cruiser for its ability to haul ass with the v8D

[@Coastmac2001]

We only get diesel variants in Australia using the old V8 oiler with 151Kw & 430Nm. The LC300 in Aus runs Toyota's new 3.3l twin turbo 6 diesel running at 227Kw & 700Nm. This engine is expected to go into either a refreshed or totally new 70/76/79 series but likely in a single turbo variant with around 170Kw and 600Nm +. Currently there is a stop sale on some variants here due to a huge backlog of orders that could take close to 2 yrs to clear. Which by that stage , new models could be close to being released locally .

[@kev8943]

in sri lanka these are either bought by upper middle class off-road enthusiast or rich kids as a lifestyle vehicle, both groups modify the hell out of em with like crazy lift kits, few dozen fog lamps, beefy off road tires pared with deep dish steelies, bull bars, obnoxiously loud exhaust systems and almost every single one is tuned to roll coal.

[@Kaizenprotraders]

SUPERB!! so informative AND entertaining !! new sub here mate

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou! Welcome the channel

[@Punisher9419]

They are really handsome and smart looking cars in my view. Much better then a Land Rover.

[@samialotaibi6911]

Hello james, they are very popular in Saudi Arabia and well loved . Great video 👍

[@jamshd9792]

Nice 👍💯 dear... Jimi Pakistan