79 SERIES LANDCRUISER - IS IT TRUE WHAT THEY SAY?

Love them or hate them. There's always something to say about the 79 Series Toyota Landcruiser. After owning one for over a year, we give our honest opinion about it - and whether we would buy one again. The good, the bad and the ugly!
Check out our 4x4 products at - www.smarttouringsystems.com.au

[@dperk1757]

Great video. Totally honest review which is pretty rare these days. I think one of the things people forget is that the Toyota 70 series vehicles are trucks not cars, design for a specific purpose and mostly good at what they were designed for. I am just returning to a 79 series dual cab after a long departure into lots of other setups. You either love them or hate them, but once hooked they’re hard to beat.

[@dunxy]

Yup, built to commercial standards and outlive pretty well anything else, this is why they cost so much for what does, on the surface, appear so little. Im pretty rough on my stuff, ive broken Hilux's without even doing 70% of what ive put the 70 through and the 70 just laughs it off. Worst ive done is bend the washer on the bush for one of the rear shocks one time.

[@thekidtrey1949]

It blows my mind there are actually people who live in the city and drive these land cruisers around without hardly taking them out to the bush or the beach. I know a couple of them. No place for a ute

[@alejandrocastilloericsson]

“Trucks not cars” that’s so funny 😂. Yes, sure 😂

[@chrisburr4245]

Love your honesty. Love our 2021 79 Series SC. Have added a few mods before Rego but no tune or clutch yet but have done nearly everything else. Full canopy fully loaded trip to Adelaide cruise control trip to Clare Valley was running 13.2. Love it and will not change it. 7 year dream and so glad I stuck to it. When I get in it just want to keep driving. Love your channel and vids.

[@pauldawson3243]

Refreshing to see such honest review mine built similar spec and I agree with every one of your comments, I also love it for all its faults, good work 👍

[@aussiemick2885]

Most honest review I've seen Mate. I own one and completely agree 👍

[@markhilton2304]

I think they are great for 4wdriving and touring! A clutch and a tune, is a must as you said!

[@dunxy]

The tune i think depends on how nuts you have gone loading it up with extra crap. Ive been restrained and even putting the 33's on steelies on i dont find my 76 lacking with just a straight 3"and ram head BUT i have been in mates (totally stock) utes loaded up with far too much BS and i have found them lacking. When i need a new clutch i will probably get a mild tune but as i know the stock one is barely holding up as it is im not bothering until then, 7 years of abuse and its still holding up for now though!

[@v8greg79]

I have one for the same reasons, its bought for reliability and built for a purpose that not many other makes can achieve. 👍

[@stevenbrown2401]

Picked mine up 2 weeks ago

[@theacreelife]

Nice review mate. I own a 76 series and can relate to what you’re saying. If people buy the vehicle fit for purpose then Happy days.

[@JamesEastham]

Thanks for a bloody great, honest and real review mate

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Thanks James.

[@dekaOsiris]

Excellent review, as a 79 owner, I was agreeing with everything you were sayijng, great work mate.

[@harryocreative5400]

The only thing stopping me from getting a 79 at the moment is the leaf hangers. Hopefully one day toyota can put them above the diff but not sure if they ever will.

[@Stewsadventures]

If you actually consider what these vehicles are designed for mining applications and farming agricultural use they are the perfect vehicle ideal in all aspects. I’m sick of hearing people bag them out and no I don’t own one but I do like Toyota. At the end of the day, they are a workhorse, and that’s what they are supposed to be

[@radod6147]

I love my "Bucket Of Shit" LC79. You need to love it before buying it; otherwise, you will be very disappointed. Whoever buys it without test driving it, is insane. You really need to make sure that is what you want. The initial purchase is just the beginning of the money pit. I disagree with tuning the engine, I think the engine is good enough as it is. Yes, it is an under-stressed engine but it is a farm truck. If you want to be first at the next traffic lights, then buy something else. I guess if you tow a lot, the tune is a good thing. I don't know why you have such a huge fuel consumption. I have a 2018 dual cab, no tune, tow occasionally around 3t, and hardly go over 15l/100km. The best mode was to change the clutch. Would I buy it again? 100% any time of the day.

[@HedgehogChopper]

Im in the Uk and very close to buying one thats imported V8 one from OZ, Im an agricultural fencing contactor and till be towing 3.5 ton and some fairly tough off road work, Im coming from a Landrover defender 130 crewcab, Comfort isnt that big a deal, im after a work horse not a race horse or a show pony, how will i get on with it

[@wolfyseas3793]

Totally agree.And at the end of the day its not a Jeep,so all good.

[@LyfovRyan51]

I too have a 79. On a recent trip towing a 3 tonne caravan I averaged 5.2 kilometres to the litre. I've decided to uprate the power, and snorkel and clutch as recommended.

[@raywilliams9808]

That’s not bad we are dragging a 30ft 5 wheeler with 260lts of fuel on board and our motorbikes and canoes . The 79 series has six wheel drive and tuned with a 3inch exhaust does 25lts /100km we sit on 100kph actual gps speed , it is our answer tuff as .

[@charlesvella2431]

Great review mate I brought mine just on looks I’ve never driven one or been in one prior to owning mine, yes it is a truck and it drives like one mines a bit more comfortable after spending quite a bit of $ on it. I use mine as a tourer and the GVM was a big thing for me so I went whole hog to a massive 5.8 ton and yes it’s a 6 wheeler. Unfortunately mines off road atm due to a fuel issue. No regrets in what I’ve done to mine loving ever bit of it

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Wow big rig. Yeah there not for everyone, but I think we would buy one again. They have character for sure. Thanks for the comment. 🍻

[@jasmark3258]

Good honest review well done 👍

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Thanks for watching. be sure to subscribe as there is heaps more content like this coming soon.

[@dunxy]

Interesting, it is good to get a review from an owner, as you said so many commenters have not likely driven one let alone owned one. I have a 2015 76, i have got it below 12LPH driving it like a grandpa but 13's are normal, loading it up doesn't seem to make a huge difference, i only have minor mods like bull bar, winch, roof racks and awning but i do load it up with hundreds of kilos in the back when going away, for short trips its normally around the 2700-2800kg range on the scales. Towed some serious loads and never found it lacking. No tune just ram head and 3"straight piped. Off-roading i find very capable, as long as you're comparing apples to apples, so tyres being same size, the only stuff ive found to be better is full coiled equipped and the difference is minimal. Sure, not the most capable 4wd, but when you look at what you can buy right now and the fact that they are the most well built and long lived compared to anything but maybe a g-wagon, they are a good choice for many. Ive had mine since new and all ive replaced is 1 windscreen, tyres, brakes and just had to put a new battery in it last week.

[@halesy88]

What gains did get after tune? Do you have your dyno results.

[@raytong2489]

Mate , Well said . I have got the same rig and have the same conclusion as you . Wouldn’t change a thing and would buy another one in a heartbeat .

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Thanks for watching ray. Yes after everything said I would absolutely buy another, just trying to tell it as it is. Don’t forget to subscribe as we have heaps of content coming out soon .

[@v8greg79]

Me too, same same

[@garywinkworth3380]

that milage is pretty good considering the weight. id love to have one of these . i have a 2014 sr 5 hilux. its ok for what i need. safe travels mate.

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Thanks for watching.

[@mk27wrx]

Agree to disagree , but you buy these vehicles to suit you and what you do with it ... But Toyota do need to look at basic things like you said to improve it ...I own one and love it 👍

[@dpd6401]

Mate, great video. In 2020 I sold a very clean 4.8 petrol patrol and bought a brand new 76 series. Like you I bought it for towing a heavy load (3.2 tonne plus boat). Like you I didn’t test drive it because of Covid. Like you, I was very underwhelmed on my first drive, particularly when towing compared to my Patrol. Other than fuel economy, my Patrol performed so much better. I threw about 4K of extras on it, and it’s now reasonably comfortable. My biggest gripe is it’s a small vehicle compared to the Patrol. I’m yet to tune it, but will once the clutch is due for replacement. On a recent 600km trip towing my boat, it actually performed really well with good fuel economy. Would I buy another? Probably not, the manual gearbox box shits me. An auto would transform it. Personally, I think if your brief is to tow heavy trailers, buy an Isuzu truck and save your money on a 4wd, and be safer.

[@ianweal3081]

Man, do I emphasis with you. I'm not a Patrol fantastic, but I went from a superbly capable Jackaroo to a 76 thinking I was upgrading. Expected so much, unfortunately it delivered so little. Wandered all over the road all day long, every day, it wears thin as it's so fatiguing. Track alignment and coils would assist immensely, contemplated coil rear end alignment but how much do you spend before being satisfied. Mine was an early model gearbox, so my 5th wasn't much higher than 4th, not at all economical to drive unless touring around 80klm/h. As you pointed out, an auto option would make more attractive purchase. Contemplated this also thru wholesale automatics but again, when do you say enough is enough. Thank goodness mine had dual diff locks, as without them it isn't a capable 4wd, as old mate said, his FJ Cruiser was a better 4wd. I know my Jackaroo was more capable, just got on with the task without all the fanfare 76 wheel lifting making a task look far more complex than it actually was. As you have discovered, so small inside, coming from my Jackaroo's it was hideously small. Eventually I opted out and went back to our old faithful Jackaroo. We have since updated to a Y61 Patrol, ZD30. I'd loved to get hold of a good 4800 but most were long in the tooth by now and a new Y61 was comparable to Jackaroo internally. I was able to transfer my storage system from the Jackaroo to the Patrol, all be it with modification and loss of top storage shelf, yes, Jackaroo were enormous in the rear. Interestingly, testosterone kicks in occasionaly and I long for the V8 rumble and torque, but my dear wife keeps me grounded, her line, "You buy another Toyota 76 and you'll be touring alone", she despised our 76 and that was from the passenger seat. 🤔

[@dpd6401]

@@ianweal3081 love it

[@snakeinthegrass7630]

"the manual gearbox box shits me" You know the old saying: Real man use 3 pedals

[@dpd6401]

@@snakeinthegrass7630 I’ll keep that in mind should I start thinking about off loading it

[@joshinthecity]

Good review. All sounds about right to me. I've got a 2022 76 on order myself.. Can I ask how you've managed the rear track? Looks like -50 offset rears maybe ? Cheers.

[@SmartTouringSystems]

hi josh. thanks for watching. I've gone -25 on rear as I think its a good compromise between fixing the track = and not putting to much stress on the bearings. make sure you subscribe as I have heaps of content coming

[@joshinthecity]

@@SmartTouringSystems This is exactly the plan I have for my 76, and for the same reason! P0 fronts N25 rears and a P0 spare. Nothing's perfect, but this seems to be the best compromise to me as well..👍

[@SmartTouringSystems]

New vid out today. covers more of the important touring mods.

[@stevenbrown2401]

The steering wheel has improved big time on the new model

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Yes that is for sure 🤙🏻

[@rollyb5061]

these 79's are awesome as a tow vehicle

[@taylorlivingston5963]

They are much better after a mild tune, not sure what one of the guys commenting on this vid is getting at saying a DMAX will make more power than the 79 after a tune... You would have to push that 3.0 hard and it's not going to be anywhere near as reliable compared to the motor in the 79. I work on these things all day and sure there are more practical vehicles out there but these things are purpose built for industrial work/towing where alot of other 4wds would simply not hold up given the abuse.

[@dunxy]

People who think the milk bottles are better just jelly because they cant afford to buy a cruiser...

[@brianabbey3969]

Good video

[@AndyJayLark]

Shauno from 4WD24/7 claims that converting the 79 to coil springs doesn’t improve the ride whatsoever. I suppose Toyota built it this way for a reason.

[@recnepsgnitnarb6530]

Wish I could get one here in the US.

[@clp1]

Hey mate, I'm 6'4" and keen to get the seat further back (i.e. to extend the rails or mount the whole seat further back from the steering wheel). Do you know of anyone selling aftermarket rails/seats that can give additional slide? I somewhat foolishly thought it'd be an easy one to sort out, but I'm struggling to find other tall drivers who've tackled this.

[@SmartTouringSystems]

No sorry mate I haven’t heard of this one I’m afraid. Some of the aftermarket seat companies might be able to offer some help.

[@judithanderson4278]

Don't know what you guys get up to but I have a 2014 single cab 79. I have same gvm upgrade , touring I come in at 3.8 ton and I stick to 100k per hour and I have never got worse than 13.5 lit. per 100 ks , average is 13.2. I really think what speed you do dictates fuel economy. Keep up the good work

[@dunxy]

Absolutely, they do drink like a sailor when pushed at 110 or more. Ive made it into high 11's with my 76 if i keep it nice on the loud pedal! Ive got the old short gearbox as well, ive met guys with '16+ ones who reckon they can get into the 10's.

[@darrenluck2612]

You have a better motor but 1hdfte

[@nawiribrahim]

I have a V6 petrol. 15L to 100kms mixed trip. Its final gear is to low, 3000rpm at 120kms, so I try keep at 2500rpm on the highway to try and get 14l per 100km

[@MlCKTITS]

can get some pinchweld from clarke rubber that has a bulb on it, will seal way better and no more wind noise.

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Thanks for watching. i have been looking into that, good to hear someone confirm it works. 👍 make sure you subscribe heaps more coming up.

[@MlCKTITS]

@@SmartTouringSystems can also sound deaden as well makes it much quieter

[@dunxy]

Ive got granny flaps on mine and found they helped, i did also put some actual sound proofing in the floor pan and inner guards in the rear of my 76.

[@mikewatt1376]

Did you get fuel usage before and modifications?

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Hi Mike. sorry no fuel usage before mods.

[@dustyfarmer]

I get 11.5L to 12.0L per 100ks on my 12/2013 VDJ79R measured on petrolcostcalculator. Stock engine, NPC clutch, Safari ARMAX snorkel 3" Torqit SS straight through exhaust.

[@shanethackeray1988]

I’ve owned Toyota’s for over forty years now ( different models Hilux, FJ40,FJ 45 ,100 series and 70 series) I currently drive a 2014 79 series standard GXL and use it extensively off road hunting and property management. I can say most of your opinions are pretty much spot on and there is a lot you have to spend on to make the 79 series seriously off road capable. I haven’t done much to mine except exhaust and travel height. There are so many things that Toyota needs to do just to bring the 79 series up to par with other manufacturers eg: rear drive train length, springs as to coils, independent front suspension and diff, auto option?? Non manual off road hubs. The cost of the Toyota is steep for the “ bells and whistles “ value but having said that the “ resale value is high only going up” although crazy!! But I remember in the 80’s owning Hilux’s and having them for 3 years putting 160 thou klms and getting several thousands more in resale so it’s always been that way.

[@benwilkinson7181]

If the wheel track was the same and wasn’t leaf I think they would perform way better. Also the rear wheel being to far forward isn’t ideal

[@dunxy]

Honestly think all of the points you make are pretty moot mate, coils in the back will improve flex, but most aren't going to push them that hard to make a difference. Wheel track and spacing i find is absolutely irrelevant in 7 years of ownership and IMHO is just internet myth...

[@joshskilbeck8607]

Quad cab Ram would tow 3.5t. And not need the clutch upgrade or tune

[@mrsbradpittiful]

What happens with the warranty when you get the motor tuned ?

[@SmartTouringSystems]

I try not to think about that 😂

[@mrsbradpittiful]

@@SmartTouringSystems do the lads tuning the donk not provide you with a new warranty?

[@jmginthent651]

Love the simple dual tool boxes on back. I've never understood $20000 full canopies.

[@k9-unit-australia275]

I love the 79 series cruiser. Probably because it is so basic. Ive had mine for About 2 years and never had any isues with it.

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Thanks for watching. Yes we love that they are basic also. Make sure you subscribe as new ep will be live today with more details on the best mods for touring.

[@ericjohnson6802]

Like you say not much choice in the market for a vehicle like the 79s but why Toyota insists on selling them off mines without basic creature comforts and Leyland parts bin build technique and poor safety features is unacceptable to me given the high price. But if it fits you're purpose then go for it.

[@N_ickoutwest]

Tell ya, really appreciate the attempt at an unbiased review! However If I buy this car for almost 100k I get -Shit interior. -Shit soundproofing. -Shit stezza. -Shit ride. -Shit safety features. -Shit offroad from the factory. -Shit road handling unless i'm towing a garden shed. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Thanks for watching. And after all that it still suits my needs better than anything else, for what we use it for. I just wanted to be realistic with what they are. Make sure you subscribe as there is heaps more to come.

[@michaelhermans4753]

They hold their value Upmost all owners love them They do the job they are designed to do Simple things have a habit of working Ie less to go wrong hence less breakdowns You will need to set aside some $ to make the experience bearable, but more like $15k And no I don’t own one however I’ve spent $15k on my GU patrol just to get it the way I want

[@freaky6521]

An Isuzu Dmax will tow better than the 79, be more comfortable on the road as well as make more power and torque than a 79 after a tune. The 4J in the dmax is an actual truck engine so as you can expect it is reliable and very good with power and torque. Anything more than a dmax and you should be stepping up to something like a NPS300 Super Single with parabolic springs, despite being a cabover once they are on super singles with parabolic springs they are far more comfortable than the 79 that I used to have. Plus they can actually tow anything easy and have a massive payload.

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Thanks for watching. Agreed that the dmax and 4jj1 are a great vehicle but for me the 79 is a better fit for what we are doing. I don't feel right towing almost 3.5 tonne with something that weighs 2.5. the truck would definitely be a better tow vehicle but then its a truck, just a different set of compromises.

[@freaky6521]

You really need to drive a Super Single on parabolic springs before making that assumption on a 4x4 cabover. I personally own one and I’m telling you the 79 I went and test drove was far less comfortable and my truck is only a tad wider than the 79, sure it’s quite a bit heavier but in most situations this helps get traction and crawl up plenty that a 79 would struggle to make it through.

[@freaky6521]

I’ve got the “Package B” and the thing is an absolute weapon off-road, has a massive tray with a payload to match. I carry 240L of fuel and it tows 4.5T like it’s not towing.

[@SmartTouringSystems]

@@freaky6521 All valid points. I don’t mean the truck would ride rougher just that it’s a truck. The 79 is still a ute and is more practical in some situations. Also the truck would end up being quite a bit more expensive.?

[@freaky6521]

The truck is 112k which is actually cheaper than a 79 in todays market. The truck is similar width to the 79 too, the only thing that makes it any more inconvenient to a 79 is the fact that it’s a bit taller in height which only matters if you’re trying to go in underground parking. Other than that there’s nothing harder to do with it than the tin shed on wheels with a piss weak v8

[@kayotehalcyon3824]

I want on so bad!!!!

[@motobandits5338]

So you need to spend 100k on a 100k car to make it half decent?

[@SmartTouringSystems]

thanks for watching. I definitely did not pay 100k for the car nor have I spent 100k on it.

[@dunxy]

They arent and never have been 100k... a 76 gxl runs about 70k at the moment, 10 years ago they were closer to 60k.

[@gordondunn3694]

Is it a workmate or a GXL turbo from the way you’re speaking it’s just at work mate with a V8 that does not have good speed to Overtake vehicles and trucks that’s why you buy a turbo diesel petrol is shit doesn’t help in the bush driving as the motor governance and helps you get out of bugs instead of with petrol you used to much power and just spin in the one spot that’s the problem with petrol it’s not good diesels the best

[@user-mp8mu5fe4f]

g class

[@R00RAL]

Pretty much buying a prime mover..

[@johnbode954]

You could’ve bought a V8 Nissan brand-new for the same sort of money with all the luxuries and comfort for your children in the back and all the power you needed. Why buy a new car and still have to spend another 20 30,000 on it the market what do you want?

[@SmartTouringSystems]

I agree but wanted a ute.

[@EverydayPorsche]

Summary: The 79 is slow, shit off-road, uncomfortable, noisy, expensive and a massive compromise in practically every way. It can tow though

[@SmartTouringSystems]

Thanks for watching.

[@halesy88]

@@SmartTouringSystems what gains did you get after your tune? Did you leave dpf in ?

[@carltoniles251]

Why the F are these $120k

[@dunxy]

wtf planet are they 120k? Mate got quoted 72 the other day, get with reality...

[@stevenbrown2401]

$101k onroad with tow bar and steel tray for GXL

[@tolotonga69]

These are 120k in nz

[@BennyLC79]

Lol. Your off your head. No good for 4wd off road. You off chops bro. Ive been 4wd 20 yrs