Land Cruiser 300 Series - What do I think?

[@simonhjc]

Im a toyota flipper. 30+years in the auction industry. Ive had 40, 60, 80, 100 70, 200, etc. youre spot on. I have a 300 as a company car and a dual cab 79 as my private car and “miss world fj45” done 110,000 genuine klms. Likes- gearbox, 9.1 litres per hundred fuel consumption, brakes better than 200, steers better, engine has heaps of grunt. Dislikes- tailgate. I cant tell you how much i hate it. Beeps and dings, lane departure, cruise control is awful. It surges, runs over speed, over brakes etc. i know of water in airbox, the losition of the fuel filter….. i could go on. Got friends with them and they are having injector issues…. Im pleased its a company car and i didnt buy it. Im sure toyota will get it right. In the meantime i will stick to my 79. Great review btw👍👍👍

[@Perspari]

Love your style, watched from start to finish (I don't do that very often, unless content and presentation is on point). Subbed!

[@ImpalaOverland]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it! I'm still very much an amateur, but try my best to make it engaging.

[@flyfishac]

Not having the split tailgate was a big miss. It’s one of the features that sets the LC apart from most others. When I purchased our 200, many of the reviews mentioned this feature and I thought it was a gimmick. Little did I know that it would save your back when lifting heavy items and it saves the bumper from scratches when loading. Of course there are many other benefits. For this reason alone, I would never consider the 300 unless this feature is brought back.

[@ImpalaOverland]

It is really hard to explain how good the feature is if you haven't had one. Another plus was it spaced your knees away from the back of the car. I've been kneecapped once too many by the tow ball.

[@JavierCR25]

So refreshing to see a Toyota owner speak honestly. Most fanboys are sooo set on keeping the reliability reputation intact they won’t say anything bad even if it’s something minor.

[@arefeshghi]

Reliability only goes for petrol engines. Diesels have all sorts of issues. Also, I've never seen a Toyota with a good smart cruise control!

[@paulholubecki6386]

Sounds like a Nissan owner😂

[@chuanyong5442]

Toyota is at the level where ppl will complain bout their cars but still queue up to buy with their arms and legs. Thats legendary status.

[@ImpalaOverland]

At heart I'm a Land Rover tragic so the love/hate relationship runs deep on this one.

[@mclongkock6678]

I got a 200 right now and trading up for one of the American utes. Could be an f150 at this point. I'm not a fan of the 300. So no not everyone is lining up for one. I could have got one without waiting like most people but I turn my local dealer down. Very over hype car and I find it more flimsy than the 200. Only thing I like about it over the 200 is the gearbox.

[@Birky22]

Great summary of the issues. Omg that beeping… Havent had the abs issue thankfully

[@baronvonaux8294]

One of the issues that exists is the myth and mystique of Toyota. We need more owners calling out the issues, it get the truth out there, but also hopefully keeps some pressure on Toyota to sort the issues.

[@ImpalaOverland]

Agree with you on this one. Ultimately they're still just cars. Some are better designed than others but they remain machines.

[@Coordinator61]

Still the best you can but, end of story. Forget these laptop on wheels called Land Rovers.

[@baronvonaux8294]

@@Coordinator61 assume you meant to say ‘best you can get, end of story’ which is quite simply rubbish. This is the myth and mystique I’m referring to, where folks just like you believe the group think.

[@Coordinator61]

@@baronvonaux8294 Its not rubbish i work 30 y plus in oil and gas industry worldwide and we only use one brand 4x4: Land Cruiser and Hilux. Proven tough trucks.

[@baronvonaux8294]

@@Coordinator61 Well if that’s all you use then you have no way of assessing how they compare to other manufacturers do you! You are making my point for me here…

[@ArbyCreations]

Great review. I see a bunch of these on the roads in South Africa lately. Im waiting until I get to Queensland before I buy one.

[@GarryWilson-f8t]

Manual states turn off lane keeping assist and pre-collision system when towing. Enjoyed the show. 😃

[@ImpalaOverland]

That makes total sense. I’m ashamed to admit the manual is probably my last reference point for these things 😂

[@markstemmett5296]

I have had none of the mechanical issues you refer to. Wonder if the SA spec is different. I have heard complaints of caravans swaying though

[@chandamusonda6883]

For the lane departure assist, I think in the next update they should put the steering system they have in the Twin brother LX 600, which is an electric steering system. I agree using the brakes to pulse the car back into its lane is extremely dangerous. Toyota should get have to consider changing that.

[@碳排放第一人]

I don't think the tailgate would be a problem, but I don't like it is shaking when the road is bumpy, material feels cheap and the space is limit when the first row is at the very back position it is hard to fold down the second and third row seat , but I brought it because it is a land cruiser

[@borisjohnson1944]

Yeah, the beeping. I have a D-Max SX. The seatbelt warning is annoying when offroad driving where you might not want a seatbelt on.

[@tcmx712]

Reach under the seat and unplug it, simple

[@stephensmithphotography]

Great video mate, thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@haanjamiis]

Love the tailgate on my Discover 4. I would miss it.

[@okm88]

I resonate deeply with the beeping for everything. I own my fourth toyota and latest vehicle is a late 21 model camry hybrid. Previous early 21 hiace loved to let me know its issues it had although it didn't keep beeping constantly. I find toyotas abs and traction control extremely sensitive to minor road imperfections of late.

[@TheTripleDubya]

Have a late model 200, It beeps enough to annoy me, more beeping would be a deal breaker. Drove an earlier 200 (no dpf), it doesn’t beep like the later one !

[@veneratedmortal4369]

The v8 was a nice to have, very nice, but the split tailgate is what the landcruiser is. It's a deal breaker. I'll just get the ford ranger/Everest they are now a cheap landcruiser.

[@NS-wh1cx]

Can't wait to see this after it gets the ARB treatment!

[@ImpalaOverland]

Working on the next trip at the moment and the mods are awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@milnerontheroad57]

Wish my arb experience was as good as yours!

[@jeffspicoli2643]

I love it. I'm in the US and could never afford one anyway. Nice review!

[@iMuyanCODM]

Why is that?

[@iandibley8032]

The one piece rear tailgate wasn't a good move on Toyota's part, plus the lower rear axle capacity & gcm and reduced capacity fuel tank from the LC200 is also hard to understand the factory logic. The turbo location will certainly add a lot of heat under the bonnet during slow 4x4 travel in hot weather. First release of a complete new model is bound to have few issues, remember the 2007-08 200 series oil consumption etc personally wouldn't buy a 300 for a few years will stick with the LC 200.

[@mannyrodriguez5453]

Unfortunately the new model 300 series is no longer being imported to the U.S., will I be able to import the new 300 series into the U.S.

[@ImpalaOverland]

Doesn't seem that way, but you do get the 4Runner which makes us drool on this side of the pond. Depending on your use case the Defender might be a good fit too.

[@WilliamPradoGXL]

Great video. Love the wheels! What are they?

[@ImpalaOverland]

The wheels are 18" King Wheel Daytona Euro on Falken Wildpeak All Terrains

[@WilliamPradoGXL]

Thanks brother. Loving the content!

[@kruiser8989]

What size Tyres are ther the original 265 65 or bigger @@ImpalaOverland

[@ozzyplinkster8841]

Aye mate, love your honest review which is why I have decided to purchase a gx as well, what colour is your gx, can't seem to see if it's a dusty bronze or the graphite colour.

[@ImpalaOverland]

Thanks, I'm sure you'll be happy with it we really enjoy ours! The colour is Dusty Bronze.

[@Andrew-lb3tt]

Hi are you please able to tell me the name and type of rims please size etc and tyres please ? Thanks

[@ImpalaOverland]

They’re 18 inch King Wheel Daytona Euro rims.

[@willem932]

I enjoy you're channel. Please tell me do you miss the Amarok also considering to buy a 300 Cruiser. Greetings from South Africa.

[@ImpalaOverland]

The driving experience, interior, etc. in the 300 is very reminiscent of European vehicles including the Amarok, which was my first experience of car-like comfort and composure in a ute/bakkie. In saying that, the 300 is an entirely different beast to the 2 litre Amarok I previously owned. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[@Siyabonga158]

Awesome video. Really enjoyed it. Your accent though, are you South African? Doesn’t sound Aussie, or are my ears deceiving me 😅

[@ImpalaOverland]

Thanks for watching! I am indeed South African, been in Australia for 9 years now and have probably picked up some little accent changes during that time 😁

[@felipeochoa1662]

land cruiser looks great without the roof rack!

[@spudboy1328]

I am so with you, on the 'bongs' this thing does. We have a GXL. There needs to be a software value for how many warning bongs you want, like 0, 1, 5, 10 or 999. Drives me nuts that opening the door makes things go bong!

[@adamharris4573]

Drives me nuts that when you open drivers door if reversing or not completely shut, slams the brakes on. Example of tech overriding common sense.

[@benbaxter132]

Do you have any regrets about not getting the GXL? Just trying to decide between the two!

[@ImpalaOverland]

I agonised over the two models for way too long. In the end most of the GXL options were nice-to-have (wireless charging pad would be nice) and others were a pain/useless to me (mags, roof rails, third row seats). The real clincher was the vinyl floor in the GX that I'm a huge fan of. If you're looking to modify then I believe the GX is a great blank canvas, where the GXL is probably a better daily drive.

[@thejoyfulgardener62]

I choose a GX over the GXL for the same reasons.

[@EastWood2004]

What would you buy between x5 30d or this lc300 vx? These are on similar price bracket.

[@ImpalaOverland]

I haven't driven the latest iteration of the X5, but based on my experience with the older models: 300 Series if you're planning on doing camping, towing or offroading. X5 if you need a comfortable, large-ish lifestyle vehicle and don't need to venture off the beaten track.

[@darylnosworthy2289]

Hey, what tyre size are you running on the Landcruiser?

[@ImpalaOverland]

They're 285/65R18 Falken Wildpeak all terrains.

[@Nastyjonny]

Bought a Lexus many years ago and they disabled the pings and alarms with access to the plc by the mechanic. Has anyone asked Toyota if this service is available.

[@ImpalaOverland]

Will be asking at the next service to determine whether this is possible.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

We bought a brand new 200 Sahara in 2020 for $120k which seems like a bit of bargain now. Love the V8 diesel, we went from Canberra to Melbourne and back for this Xmas and got down to 9.1 L/ 100 km so very happy with that. It has more than enough power and tows our 1800kg van like it’s not there. Things I don’t like: constantly beeping, sound familiar. Shittest sat nav ever. No Apple car play. $120k for a car and I had to buy a windscreen mount for my mobile phone so I can use Google maps. For such a big car it has very poor leg room for my 2 meter frame. My 2005 Monaro has a lot more. Very little storage up front compared to a Ford Territory. Hand brake needs adjusting every service. Thankfully the likes far outweigh the dislikes. Lane assist just beeps at you (of course) but doesn’t pull the steering whereas in my new Hilux workmate it pulls the steering and kills the acceleration every time you cross a line. I hate it and it feels dangerous so I turned it off and won’t use it. Thanks for you honest review of the 300 and I’ll be following along to see how things go. Cheers Stuart, Canberra.

[@andrewleo6407]

Just buy a Samsung Android phone , then no issues with not having Car Play or Google maps ! My Ultra Note 20 works flawlessly !

[@erdenebataltangerel-i1b]

How is intercooler system .this is hot v engine right?

[@ImpalaOverland]

Haven't had any issues of my own to speak of. Yes, it's a hot V and the cooling is done via liquid/air charge coolers.

[@erdenebataltangerel-i1b]

@@ImpalaOverland thank you

[@ADayInTheLifeOfJames]

Hmm these reviews have me getting cold feet on getting one hey 😣 great video mate cheers for your honest review.

[@ImpalaOverland]

I don't mean to put anyone off. In my opinion these are great vehicles, but they are still very early in their lifecycle so teething issues are likely to come up.

[@adamharris4573]

Own LC300 can confirm great vehicle. But there are also other good options too. IMHO the Australia love with them is overrated. Reminds me of Apple fanboys.

[@ADayInTheLifeOfJames]

@@ImpalaOverland another 4 months & I see you’re getting out & about mate any further issues? Hope you’re well.

[@ImpalaOverland]

@@ADayInTheLifeOfJames still loving the cruiser thanks mate! Have had some minor issues with gear unrelated to Toyota, and looking like I may have a DPF regen fix coming in the near future (known issue). Other than that we've successfully added another 8,000km without incident.

[@ADayInTheLifeOfJames]

@@ImpalaOverland great news mate enjoy! Loving the content

[@ClissaT]

Did you ever resolve the beeping thing? Like specifically, can it be turned off? Cars that beep are, for me, a deal breaker. My current landcruiser is too old to beep, thankfully. And if I upgrade, the new one must not beep either! lol

[@ImpalaOverland]

Haven't resolved the beeping as yet, but am somewhat resigned to living with it. Will ask at the next service if anything can be done but I'm not hopeful.

[@SudoFed41]

Which model 300 did you go with and why?

[@ImpalaOverland]

This is a GX (base model) - we chose this one as it has the highest payload, no carpets (vinyl floor) and no third row seats. Cost was also a driver since we can pour more funds into modifications.

[@JC4130BMX]

I was once told cruise control and towing are a no no...just a thought. I've towed in my 200 and used it...the thing couldn't find a gear it was happy with

[@ImpalaOverland]

I've been involved with many a heated discussion on this topic. Personally I use it on open flat sections and leave the 10 speed to do its thing until I hit hills where I'll revert to the right boot.

[@AndrewHan777]

Whether snorkel leaking?

[@ImpalaOverland]

I know some owners have had an issue with the air filter getting wet in heavy rain. Hasn't been an issue for us so far, and will be swapping it out for the Safari Armax shortly.

[@Paradoxical124]

I would of waited for a refresh to buy a 300 series, or I’d go out and buy a ford Everest platinum with the v6 engine.

[@ausguy4385]

Never by the first of a car model/ engine... The tailgate is enough not to get, same as the beeping... the cost, the cheaper looking interior, the same feeling interior... But most of all the sound... Twin 3" to 4" at the tip exhaust... 🤤🤤🤤 Had a ranger before my 200... the beeps and electronics were a big pain... the gear box too.. but most of all the BS of 3.5t towing... Going a 4x4 trip done in both like googs... the range was pushed to the Max and not even filled to gvm... The 200 used less fuel and just walked it like was flat... Would I buy a 300 no, but if I won one I would keep and try it fitted out. Worse case would easily be someone to buy it for good money.

[@pheakdeypheun1602]

What’s the tire sizes ?

[@ImpalaOverland]

They are 285/65R18 tyres on 18x8 +35 rims 👍

[@pheakdeypheun1602]

@@ImpalaOverland mate. LC 300 comes with 265 tires which is too small for this car. Anyway since you are using 275/65/18, does it affect your steering?

[@jrves]

@@ImpalaOverland what are the brand of rims.. cheers

[@adamharris4573]

Put 15k on our LC300 with 8k towing a 3.5t van. the lane departure is down right dangerous towing. Toyota needs to have an option to turn off completely in the settings. We like our LC300 but don’t love it, compared to other new tow vehicles entering the market the technology in LC300 is average and dated. Engine, gearbox and ride are awesome. Anyone considering a LC300 I would recommend looking at a new Everest as well. The Everest seems to be a lot of car for money compared to LC300… 🤔

[@kobusswart4267]

I also hate all the beeping in a Toyota

[@Daryl465]

I love the LC300 tailgate I don't like the GX LC300 Factorie snorkel it sucks Safari will have a replacemnt for GX LC300 snorkel next year

[@ImpalaOverland]

Same here - sadly the cutout behind the GX snorkel is massive so hoping they're able to match up the Safari nicely. I'm in the queue when they become available for sure.

[@ericjohnson6802]

? Defender...why did you eliminate this one..

[@ImpalaOverland]

The Defender has a lot going for it (my first few 4x4s were Land Rovers and I loved them). It's definitely more comfortable and more refined than the cruiser. The main points against it were the air suspension, payload, perceived complexity and limited Australian dealer/spares network compared to Toyota. If I can get my hands on one I'll do a thorough comparison.

[@ericjohnson6802]

Maybe the anti anti LR stuff worked as air suspension is great. No need for expensive upgrades..dealer support...try getting LC parts in remote areas like we did in Alice in 2018 for a 100s..no go..had to come from Sydney...and complexity..they are all complex nowadays and subject to gremlins. We met a couple Defer drivers touring Tas mid year and they said good things. I've heard a few bad things about the 300s but Toyota will no doubt sort them out. Thanks.

[@jaymoar3561]

Rich man 🤑🤑🤑

[@paulgriffiths7399]

The problem now days is that you need to spend R120-200k on what the experts say are "a few key modifications" to make an already overpriced overrated Toyota go as far as a stock Toyota did 30 years ago....

[@ImpalaOverland]

A topic I've been pondering for some time. The 300 is up there as a dream build for me (think of it as a build of my 'wants', not 'needs'), but in reality you can explore the majority of this country (and many others) in a 2wd hatchback.

[@DariusJones05]

All looks amazing…except runny eggs 😂 no matter how hard my fam tries to covert me I just can’t do it

[@iainhetherington4608]

Shoulda got a Everest especially the new v6

[@cocopopscoco]

You south African?

[@ImpalaOverland]

I am indeed, moved to Australia 7 years ago.

[@KOBBSdiesel]

At this stage isuzu mux is the winner in my opinion

[@ImpalaOverland]

The ute-based SUVs (Fortuner, MUX, Everest) are strong contenders. They're light, well packaged and typically good offroad. Towing weights and payload are what pushed us to the bigger cruiser.

[@Corey-pd3mi]

MUX is not even in the same league as LC300 🤦‍♂️

[@terrykerslake2675]

@@Corey-pd3mi I’m hearing what your saying.🫣

[@moesheen654]

Any other brand has an issue Toyota owner - don't buy one if then, they always break down. See them being towed all the time. Toyota has an issue Toyota owner - that could happen to any vehicle. Toyota will fix it, no problem.

[@rtt2634]

This is not a land cruiser , just over priced Prado built on Prado chassis, narrow Prado wheels ,same size inside as a Prado way smaller inside that the 200: Very little leg room in back seat Loss of 140 lt fuel tank a downer Only difference is different motor and a longer bonnet New motor is no match to the v8 ,noisy if working even a little bit,10 speed box is good at road speed , but around town every time you slow down if drops back a couple of gears and refuses to upshift instead of just rolling along,very annoying And as for the tail gate and beeping you already been over that,

[@benvisagie8844]

Not so, it is far removed from a Prado. I dont like the Prado’s interior and lack of basic items like USB ports, poor quality sound system in the VX, air suspesion efc. The 300 is way better ito powertrain, ride quality and solidity. And I hear no beeps? But also hate it. I have also critised the 300 till I have test driven it well. Really very nice. 200 was a frustration to me, ergonomically a nightmare, again poor sound system, heavy on furl, and apologies to all the fans, the V8 4,5 didnt perform that well. So I am confident that I will be happy with the 300 after a Prado, and 200 way back. Rather pay than to be sorry.

[@Seriously140]

Whatever that popping, rustling noise is has rendered this video unwatchable. Clicking off now.

[@FroggysGoldProspecting]

Prado remake

[@stavio12]

Way too much technology. I still don't understand why car manufacturers don't provide a basic, base model for a 4x4/camper enthusiast at a cheaper price and then have this expensive, over the top technologically advanced, beeping beast for the tourer and soccer moms.

[@australianmade2659]

It’s called the Ineos grenadier. That’s what I put my money into. Proven BMW engine. Zf gearbox which is bullet proof and nothing you don’t need

[@mickromer6199]

Majority of all the safety crap is ancap move the goal posts on the 5 star safety rating.. therefor if the manafacture doesn't comply there vehicle won't get the 5 stars.. and in today's world "it's all about the safety" 🤦😮‍💨

[@seadoomania]

Isnt what the 79 series is for

[@mickromer6199]

@@seadoomania so you can be unreliable and slow?

[@cashman1981]

It would cannibalise their profits. Few people would buy the high spec models.

[@fireslayer5166]

Get used to the "technology", you're stuck with it. Vehicle Design Regs. for Australia. Have a look at "configuration" if you have settings available, you may be able to turn some things off.

[@adamharris4573]

Unfortunately in current software very little options to turn off. Toyota dealer confirm this in our first service. Hopefully fix in future software updates. Honestly poor effort from Toyota on this front.