Why The Toyota vs Land Rover Rivalry Is Dumb...

[@KhanTigre]

as an offroader and LR4 owner, thank you. I LOVE Toyotas and here in Brazil they are seen as the golden standard on reliability, but it's fun to see the look on people's face when they see my green square hunk of metal and leather with over 110k miles on it do the exact same thing their spiced up Hiluxes and SW4's (our version of your 4runners) and trudge on without a single light going up in the dash. Both brands are amazing for their own reason, history and legacy, and I would own a Toyota without thinking twice, but when I had the opportunity of owning a landrover in great shape, I couldn't let it pass. Keep up the amazing work you guys do, congrats on the video AND the channel.

[@MattKester]

Thank you! I’m really glad we looked past the hype and gave the Disco a chance!

[@fortis6215]

Well said. Individuality should be respected. I love seeing different brands on a trail.

[@MattKester]

Thank you! Definitely how I feel as well! Thank for watching!

[@mikeburbank9251]

I’ve seen a dozen or more of your videos. This one might be my favorite. I appreciate your good-natured, down to earth perspective on life, trucks and off-roading. Take care!

[@MattKester]

Thank you, Mike! I really appreciate that, and I'm very glad you enjoyed it!

[@daviddrabek5834]

Stumbled on to your video, from a guy that has an 80 series and a Jeep your page is awesome! Thank you for your honesty and humor!! God bless!

[@MattKester]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@TheLeadster]

Any 4WD is better than no 4WD. About to take my 1997 Land Rover Discovery into the Australian Outback for the 6th time. It's never let me down. Cheers all.

[@MattKester]

We just took ours on a 600 mile tour of southern Arizona and it did not disappoint! Loving this rig!

[@edwardpeters4700]

You're very kind to LR. I don't shun my LR friends by any means, but even they will tell you they spend significantly more on maintenance and breakdowns than I spend keeping my 80 series running. When they work though... Damn LR's are fun. That said, I'd happily LS swap the 80 for drivability and, believe it or not, fuel economy. The old 1FZFE is ultra reliable but good grief it slurps up a lot of go go juice.

[@MattKester]

I hear you, and I'd love an 80 Series someday, but the difference in that cost of admission leaves a lot of money leftover to buy Disco parts! I used to really turn my nose up at LS Swaps, but after seeing how well they've worked out for a lot of people, and working with pilot cars that have run LS's in their work pickups well out to the half-million mile mark, I'm thinking that they are probably he best thing GM has come up with the the last 25 years!

[@sbGOM]

@@MattKester Hmmm. The love for the LS abounds it seems. But here in Oz, there have been a number of issues with reliability, in some variants at least.

[@Hairybarryy]

I love toyotas but nothing beats a Disco 1. If your timing belt breaks in that toyota pistons will slam and the engine has to be rebuilt. I will take the blown head gasket any day

[@scottsummerfeldt4397]

Great to hear your comments. I've never owned Toyotas but I bought a 1996 Disco, owned it for 14 years, out 290000 km on it and the only $$$ I spent on it (other than tires, oil chg, etc.) Was rear brakes, front struts, serpantine belt, alternator and water pump. I know the newer ones have a bad rep but I loved my Disco. Now I drive a 2010 Ridgeline and a 2003 E320. Also like both of them.

[@MattKester]

That’s awesome. Nice choice on the Ridgeline, I’ve always thought they were a lot cooler than everyone else gave them credit for. Dang near bought one myself a few years back!

[@Bruski68.]

You're right the rivalry is dumb, The older Land Rovers are a far better car to work on, you do not need any specialty tools to get anything done for one thing, and yes, no matter which car you buy, unless your rich enough and can have a mechanic work on your car, you are going to have to work on it, as for the off road or trail driving, they're about the same, they will both get you where your going and back and that's all that's important in a car

[@MattKester]

Absolutely!

[@mrquad777]

I’ve worked on multiple of both toyotas and land rovers. Worked on a lot of different vehicles too like 4x4s. While land rovers sometimes tend to be less reliable, they are far nicer to work on I’ve found. I’d take a Toyota any day over a Land Rover but I’ve found toyotas are always a pain in the ass to do a simple job like a ball joint or wheel bearing. Land rovers are simple and they always tend to go as expected when working on them. Nissans aren’t too bad to work on. Mitsubishi’s like the shoguns are the easiest I find and always enjoy working on them which is why I own one. I think some toyotas are overated off road. Yes they are good, but seen them struggle many times when other vehicles seam to do it easier. Good vehicles but think some toyotas aren’t as good as people think and land rovers aren’t as bad as they are made out to be

[@MattKester]

Couldn't agree more! I'm still waiting to get my hands on a Shogun/Pajero/Montero/et al sometime! Whille we did get them, they are still another rig that was grossly underrepresented on these shores!

[@peterjuhasz5143]

Totally agree!! Every word is perfect in Your comment! I myself had some experience with off-road vehicles, made repair jobs on various brands. I own and old Disco 1, just because it is much easier to work on, the prices of the spare parts is just a fragment compared to Toyota's. Toyotas is good, but as You said, they are heavily overrated! Toyotas aren't as good as the majority thinks they be, Land Rovers aren't as bad as the majority thinks..... the golden truth is in the middle!

[@mrquad777]

@@MattKester Each 4x4 has its perks and problems. I personally like to give credit where it’s due and I don’t think land rovers are as bad as people say. They are very capable and seen a few with 200k plus miles that are still going strong. Plus the discovery 3s and 4s do drive really nice they are great 4x4s the shoguns. If you can get one you’d love it. Be great to see it on the channel. Mine is the V6 petrol, people say petrols can’t go through water but been through 4 feet deep in mine and didn’t miss a beat with a properly sealed snorkel. Plus good fun to drive

[@mrquad777]

@@peterjuhasz5143 the disco 1s are one of the best of the discovery’s. The diesels can go through water even when it’s half way up the windscreen. Simple to work on, easy to find parts and as you say, the parts are much cheaper. Plus when your out in the middle of nowhere, if something breaks, you want it to be easy to repair Toyotas are great vehicles don’t get me wrong. But just personally think they are overrated for the most part

[@MussaKZN]

I just changed my coolant in my 1989 Hilux 547000km. it was over due by a couple of years, it hit 40c yesterday so I didn’t want to risk my baby, My other Hilux is 2003 TD Intercooled 3 Litre 380000km still original! I just love my Toyota’s!!

[@mohamedabadila]

That was awesome, great lesson at the end, we should appreciate the gift of life 🙂❤️👍🏽

[@MattKester]

Thank you Fdili! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@enriquerrs]

Great! I'm a Toyota fan myself have an FJ and a GX470 but love Disco's and Defender's too, looking forward to more videos. Enjoy life!

[@alidaggawood8932]

Really enjoyed this one, very well done man! But just so we're clear, landcruiser still beats a rover😉 just playing around, the best rig is one that you can call your own. Peace man.

[@MattKester]

Thanks Ali! Now why don't you go find me a sweet 70's Series and ship it over here so we can see what we've been missing? Thanks for watching, my friend!

[@blacksquirrel4008]

I have an FJ60 and a Discovery 1, they both have their strong points but are completely different generations of truck. Leaf springs and locking hubs don’t compare well to full time 4WD w/locking center diff and coil springs. The FJ can carry much more volume but the D1 has heated seats and better AC. I think build quality is about equal and the FJ has fewer electric things to fail but it’s nice to not have to reach over to roll down the window or ask the passenger to adjust the mirror

[@UncannySense]

In Australia the rivalry is Nissan Patrols vs Toyota Landcruisers...Jeeps and New Landrovers don't make the cut. Old Landrovers are respected but only due to Landcruisers not existing yet.

[@MattKester]

The Patrol... there's another rig we wish we woulda got over here!

[@sbGOM]

Great video(s) FED. Thank you for putting this whole thing in perspective. I've owned 4 Toyotas and currently on my 4th. They were reasonably reliable but not trouble free. If I had sufficient money I'd buy a LR product tomorrow; and yes I would know the potential for multiple visits to the dealership. But the joy I'd get out of driving one would, for me, make that risk worthwhile. Oh. Also love your workshop videos. So refreshing to see someone (like most of us) struggling to do the work with limited space, tools and dare I say training. I'm clicking to subscribe!

[@MattKester]

Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying the shop videos, they are probably the ones I struggle with the most . Hardest to film, least sexy to edit, they’re definitely the ones that feel like work sometimes, so I can’t tell you how reassuring it is to hear that you enjoy them! Thank you so much for watching my videos!

[@Splurge357]

In reading some of the comments, it’s apparent that some people blindly think their brand is the best, but out on the trails, I like to think that blind loyalty is pushed to the side, and everyone makes sure everyone else get’s back home that night and treads lightly at the same time. (Sick of picking up beer bottles from UTV groups). Try joining your local Land Rover club, or at the least, go on one of their monthly trips, it’s a lot of fun, and you will learn a lot more about your vehicle.... Nice videos, btw.

[@MattKester]

Thanks, I think I will see what's out there. I know there's an Arizona Land Rover Facebook group that gets together semi-regularly. I guess when I decide to end my self-imposed hiatus from the dumpster-fire known as Facebook I'll check them out!

[@faroukwasswa3588]

I totally agree with you man, I own a 300tdi in Uganda and man, this thing is something I never thought it was. I have put over 500,000 km same engine, never opened, never overhauled, never broken down on me. I have seen friends dumping land cruisers for reliability and fuel consumption issues. I get really confused. Infact I was forced to buy a 1995 Prado with a 1kz motor, overhauled the engine to near new condition but I'm thinking am gonna be disappointed, can't judge it yet. I have put over 50,000 km since overhaul but I v failed to realize anything it does better than the 300tdi. It's diesel consumption is waaaaay higher, 300tdi is much much stronger, very capable than 1kz, can't tow as much as the 300tdi, 300tdi can tolerate much abuse than the Prado, 300tdi is faster, Prado can't carry the weights the defender does, I failed to get anything the Prado does than the defender. I find the 300tdi better than the 1hd, 1HZ, 1HDT etc in so many ways but because the 300tdi is a small engine, it labors too much than these toyota engines that are waaay bigger.

[@MattKester]

Wow! I really wished we would've been offered the 300 TDI over here, I think it really would've changed a lot of perceptions of Land Rover.

[@ghettomist1575]

A few summers ago I saved up for a disco, but no one was selling one around me... sadly. Got a bmw e39 instead, but I still lust after a disco 1. I vehemently dislike their current lineup, but the disco 1 was special. I wouldn’t mind a 4Runner or an XJ, but the disco is definitely the one I love.

[@MattKester]

Well, I don’t think you made out all that bad... I’ve always had an infatuation over E39 M5’s after I read an article when I was 18 about the company that was using them as a tourist taxi around the Nurburgring. It made such an impression, that if I have my eyes closed and you say BMW, the E39 is the body shape I think of! I agree with you about modern LR, completely different animals now from what they used to be!

[@ronnytotten9292]

Proper video, you're right man! Brand feuds are useless. At the end of the day we are all driving vehicles and trying to share the same experience with each other

[@MattKester]

Thanks Ronny!

[@rohanburgess3320]

We have had both (TD5 disco and 2.8d, 2.2d Hilux) Issues with both. I think the Toyota is a bit easier to work on but land rover has better visibility and handling. They are just different

[@indominusrex9651]

Those two brands are fun* combos when put together, my dad has a 1999 Toyota Hilux 107 and Land Rover 110. So many fun* memories around those two.

[@ashfieldwakefield3221]

Good video, I have a 1995 hilux 4x4 never gives problems but id rather take my landrover for that comfort and soft drive.... When I go offroad landrover all the way! With toyota people just expect way to much out a vehicle. Landrover discovery 2 td5 is my best vehicle

[@MattKester]

Right on. When the world finally goes back to normal, I'm hopping on a plane and heading over to see one of ya'll with TD5 and a 300TDI so I can finally find out what we missed!

[@ashfieldwakefield3221]

@@MattKester let me know when you on your way, I can round up the guys... Td5 is the best sounding engines ever. It's so good, you hear it when you laying inbed at night

[@Huey1973]

Hi A big thank you for a great stright talking video, not often do you get this. I own a discovery 2 td5 built for overlanding and yes had problems but I think it's great. Take care stay safe 👍👍

[@MattKester]

Thank you , David! You guys with any of the diesel variants make me so jealous!

[@sheldonvictor412]

Really enjoyed your Video,I live in Zambia, I drive 2 x Land Rover Defenders and a Discovery 3,the one Defender is the 300 TDI and the other is the 2.8i BMW M52 engine,I think you would love the Defender...anyway,I agree with what you say,really cool to have and see different rigs on the trail...and we all enjoy and have the same interests, ....😁👍

[@MattKester]

That’s an impressive stable of Land Rovers! I’m pretty sure I’d love a Defender too, just not at the prices they want for them over here! Hope all is well in Zambia, your country is a place I definitely want to see someday when we can go back to traveling again!

[@OverlandPNW]

Solid points. For me, all rivalries are dumb. If you have any rig that lets you overland and you are having fun...more power to you!

[@camaroguy84]

Totally not where I expected the video to go, but totally awesome!

[@MattKester]

Thank you! It definitely wasn’t where I thought it was gonna go when I first started editing it, either. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ZachBrimhall]

Randomly had your video show up on my feed. Prob because I watch LR videos. Great video. I think it doesn't matter what you drive, just whatever you like best. Face it, every car, truck, 4x4 all suck the life out of you eventually and will all need repairs. Enjoy what you have and make it your own.

[@MattKester]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheTomco11]

Every brand makes good and bad vehicles. I'm a Land Rover fan, I'd take a series, defender, disco 1/2, or range rover classic any day. But I wouldn't touch a newer range rover with a barge pole.

[@MattKester]

I hear you there. They've pretty much ruined their brand over the last fifteen to twenty years, in my humble opinion.

[@davidmallia628]

True! When I was looking for a versatile capable 4x4 for farm work, I tried hard to find a toyota, but nothing could beat defender td5 pickup with removable canopy for my needs. Also, the feel and character of land rovers is mysteriously unique.

[@MattKester]

They definitely are unique!

[@donmynack]

THIS MAN SPEAKETH THE TRUTH! I'm largely a Toyota guy who is seeing them skyrocket in price and am now looking at Discos and ZJ's with a "different set of eyes" and an open mind, thanks to this channel. Keep up the good work!

[@MattKester]

Thanks, Don. It's definitely an eye opener when you start looking at whether or not paying the Toyota tax is really worth it in the end. Everyone's just been so conditioned by other KZbinrs that they think if it isn't a Toyota, it's in danger of exploding into a mess of broken parts and tears at any given moment, when that couldn't be further from the truth.

[@omegapete1987]

Great video!!! I love Toyotas for their build quality and reliability, and I love Land Rovers for the way their beauty and the way they drive and feel. I just have a hard time bringing myself to buy a Land Rover because I would be worried all the time about breaking down, especially out in the middle of nowhere. Aren't you worried about Land Rover reliability?

[@peterjuhasz5143]

If You maintain Your Land Rover in a proper way, they don't tend to break down. An old Disco 1 is a basic simple rig, nothing is complicated. If You are a good owner and take care of it, it won't let You down.

[@DeepBarney]

Yeah, I think some folks really overblow Land Rover issues while playing down Toyota (and pretty much every other fan boy brand). The shit my FJ62 has put me through has left me wanting to burn it down. My Discovery 1 on the other hand was pretty reliable even in spite of me getting it stuck in a water crossing up to the seats. I can't seem to find the Toyota Coolaid in my FJ to drink any for myself, it must've drained out via the copious rust holes that formed a few days after rolling off the assembly line.

[@Nuthing_but_the_Truth]

I used a Harbor Frieght ball joint C-Clamp to press out the upper ball joints in my 4runner. No other parts needed.

[@gffriedman]

I don’t think there’s a Toyota-Land Rover rivalry. Both are fairly equally capable off-road , but one is consistently the highest rated brand for reliability, the other is consistently at the bottom. If anything there’s a Toyota-Jeep rivalry. Jeep (specifically the wrangler) is more capable off road but less reliable and worse as a daily driver. Toyota is less capable off-road, but significantly more reliable and better as a daily. At least there’s a trade off between these two.

[@earlfoss99]

Matt, I just discovered your channel. Great stuff!

[@wjsj69]

Couldn't agree more. What fun would it be if everyone had the same thing? Plus competition among the brands benefits consumers.

[@oby-1607]

Love all the truths spoken here. Comparing is like putting a cider apple up against a dessert apple. Both apples with their own strengths but not the same. Both still apples.

[@blacksquirrel4008]

Nice, positive points. Good work.

[@MattKester]

Thank you!

[@trevordelarosa3599]

Besides the hilarious bernie thing at 9:02 this great video and it's message earned my sub. Hi from south Texas

[@MattKester]

Glad you enjoyed it Trevor! Thanks for subbing! Which part of South Texas you in? I used to head over to Pharr quite a bit when I moved heavy equipment!

[@trevordelarosa3599]

@@MattKester that's like North Mexico man lol jk. I'm from San Antonio so more like central Texas I guess 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MattKester]

@@trevordelarosa3599 yeah, it pretty much is! I used to go there to pick up Caterpillar haul truck beds after they came across the border from the plant in Mexico. We’d then run them back over to mines in Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico. We’d be close to thirty feet wide and have to run the backroads out to Del Rio before we’d start working our way north towards I-10. Never a dull moment!

[@ajdmirzendaki8742]

I own a Range Rover but gotta respect fellow Toyota owners who wheel as hard as I do. I see the woods littered with 4runners and Tacomas nowadays, same if not more than Jeeps surprisingly.

[@MattKester]

Yeah, it’s pretty heavily populated with Tacos, 4Runners, JK’s and JL’s out this way too. I think if you’ve been shopping in the new market for the last decade, that’s about all you’ve had for a choice though. We definitely love seeing a little more variety out there!

[@JUKE179r]

I had a '94 Toyota Camry. Ran outstandingly well. I never had an issue with it until I hit some black ice and flipped it into a ditch when I was stationed in England in 2004. Wrote off the Camry and bought a used '98 Discovery 1 V8 since a bunch of guys in my maintenance shop had Defenders and Discos. Loved my Disco 1 so much that I bought a 2001 Disco 2 Td5 for my wife in 2008. Sadly, we sold both Disco's since I was getting stationed back to the states and couldn't take them with us. Flash forward to 2016 when I was graduating from college (at 46 years old), my wife surprises me with a California kept zero rust 2001 Disco 2 V8 as my graduation present! My very first LHD Land Rover which I still have now since we moved back to England. I will always be an LR enthusiast! Cheers mate!

[@MattKester]

Good for you man! I just went back and finished school just in time for the 38th birthday, it was nice to have that one off my back, I'm sure it must have felt good for you too!

[@akimerab4046]

100% love your perspective and overall attitude

[@wdm213]

Great well rounded presentation.

[@stevemasterson7776]

They recommend the timing belts at 90k plenty have over 200k on them

[@lonewolf30531]

Thanks for content . Did you install a lift on the disco ?

[@MattKester]

You're welcome, thank you for watching. No, we have not put a lift under the Disco. I think I'm actually gonna have to step her down a tire size first, we are already at a hard limit with our garage door height. If one of us forgets to close the rear sunroof, it will strike the door frame.

[@fortyfourrobo544]

Love the topics and vids of off roading. Having a gen 4 06 4runner with 253k . I have tried other vehicles, but always return to what I know works for me. I would love a discovery but I don’t want to wrench and every Jeep I have bought is a white elephant. Just my experience. I love to see all vehicles with 4wd and I agree with you. Each has their own qualities. Keep up the great work!

[@nature10879]

I had the same experience with a ford and a bimmer. Almost same repairs financially.

[@Jonesec1]

i have always liked land rovers in fact the first vehicle i have ever driven off road was a series land rover across a stoney beach loaded down with dive gear. I almost grabbed a 500$ disco 2 but he sold it from under me. The following week however, I did get a 1100$ ML320 which gets funny looks off road but is surprisingly capable and easy to work on. Keep up the interesting content and good commentary.

[@MattKester]

Those ML's... I've been seeing them pop up more and more and I gotta admit, they make me kinda curious.

[@Jonesec1]

@@MattKester ive been preparing mine for the 2023 baja xl in February. Unfortunately i have f'd up my ankle and may not make it.

[@NickTarterOKC]

I personally prefer Jeeps and Ford trucks, but I have a great appreciation for Toyota and Land Rover. The Disco 2 is one of my favorite all time vehicles even if it does blow head gaskets on the regular. I have thought about buying one and Cummins swapping it for years. Might actually do that one day.

[@MattKester]

Let me know if you do, I'd love to check it out. After 15 years in the trucking industry, I'm convinced the only "proper" diesel motor has six cylinders in a row and a red engine block! Cummins has always been my preference when it comes to oil burners!

[@NickTarterOKC]

@@MattKester I'm a 6bt fan! I think a turbo 6bt would be sweet in an old LRD. My current daily is a diesel Grand Cherokee WK. I love it. It has torque for days. It's not a cummins of course, but the Mercedes 3.0 which is a pretty darn solid diesel as well.

[@MattKester]

I was gonna say, Mercedes ain’t no slouch at making a diesel! I had a Mercedes mechanic friend once who had an old 300d I’m pretty sure had a least half a million on the clock that he dailied!

[@mullerandre95]

Nice vid, as we say in Africa, if you go to the wilds in any other 4x than a Land Rover you go there, enjoy it and come back. If you go in a Landy you have a story to tell, you broke down here, made a plan there, got a longer break than you planned on and had fun doing it. I prefer the Japanese cers for ease of work and parts. That being said Africa was mapped by Landy's and that is a fact. Although some say that Landy's are the Britts revenge on Africa for secession from the monarchy 😂😂😂 Nowadays though you can find Toyota spares in any rural area of Africa and that is a huge bonus. Before it was true for Landy's though, the more things change the more they stay the same. In all the vehicle you drive is your preference and for the most 4x4's are nowadays mostly mall crawlers that are pimped up and the hardest action they are with 2 wheels on the dirt and 2 on the asphalt. As you said how you are perceived in the vehicle.

[@MattKester]

Yup... and that pretty much answers some previous questions people have about my "hatred" for Jeep JK/JL owners. It's not that I dislike the vehicle, I just dislike the culture of overspending on stupid gear and accessories to try and out bling the next guy. Same thing goes for 5th Gen 4Runners where I live. It looks like we've been occupied by the Empire as many "clonetroopers" we have rolling around here in white 5th Gen on black Method rims!

[@jasperbumgart1891]

There's a saying in Australia. If you want to get to the outback, get a Rover. If you want to get there and BACK, get a Land Cruiser.

[@WadeGauthier]

I would love to show you some pictures of my overland rig. But Facebook algorithms have decided that since I love Off-road I must want to see the news feed from every right-wing conspiracy that exists. Long story short. No more FB.

[@xXxOlMan]

AMEN Brother!!! Very well said!!! And with that said it's time to get back to my "Pantyfinder"upgrades.... Later...

[@odinsbreath2267]

My husband says - How can you not like the wee man? A Toyota, a Land Rover and a gorgeous dog!

[@MattKester]

Thanks! We try!

[@johnshellenberg1383]

Dunno what the cost is for a tech to do the timing belt on the 3.4L, but retail on a complete timing belt change on my 3.3L Highlander is about $800 with new water pump, tensioner and so on. Retail for a headgasket on a LR? At least a couple grand, probably more. Replaced all the suspension on my Highlander at 350K-kms, and the front LCAs were AWFUL, but when stuff lasts 350K, it's fine if it's a little difficult. When parts last 15-20 years, I can put up with some headaches to replace.

[@MattKester]

I want to say the timing belt change we paid for was in the $1250-$1500 range. That includes new tensioners, water pump, and a new radiator to stave off the dreaded pink milkshake of death. I think you might be able to find an independent mechanic that could get the head gasket job done for $1500, minus any machine shop work it might need. I know what we were quoted was ridiculously high because we went to an LR specialist in Scottsdale, Arizona, right down the street from the McLaren dealer! That's some pretty great mileage outta those LCA bushings. Ours were pretty much shot by the 125k Mile mark.

[@michaelmahaffey3201]

Don’t let them cylinder sleeves start slipping in that disco you’ll definitely be searching for those Toyota keys.

[@deejayimm]

I got to get out of Indiana, there is no Adventure here.

[@WadeGauthier]

I love this one about brands and tribes. Well said 👏!

[@COM70]

The discovery petrol engines require constant maintenance and are soft . The diesels are underpowered especially for auto gearboxes but are fantastic off roaders. You cannot delay the maintenance and expect to travel the world, but they are cheap to upgrade using Australian parts Toyota make much better petrol engines especially when comparing modern rover with modern Toyota. Their old diesels (80 series, were terrible for fuel consumption and terribly underpowered. And for their displacement the modern ones are still underpowered and over fuelled for diesel. But you can delay the maintenance and cobble yourself half way around the world. Bottom line is maintenance has to be eventually done on both. That is my tuppence worth after over a million miles between the two. Sorry for the rant !!👴

[@MattKester]

No worries, I appreciate your input and experience! You're absolutely right, maintenance is key!

[@andywilson1117]

Very well said sir. Top video 👍👍👊

[@MattKester]

Thank you, Im' glad you enjoyed it!

[@vincentpoole7588]

Fed. Cool clip and worthy of this post ! I saw old dog 'Rick Doetsch' has finally updated his web-site and one can order the shockies for Land Rovers on-line ? V.

[@MattKester]

I didn't know anything about it, but I'll look. The Disco is definitely gonna probably need some shocks soon.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Great video, well said! I really don't get the brand loyalty, I think all vehicles have their good points and their bad points. Like your 4Runner, honestly most of that stuff shouldn't needed to have been done on a 167k vehicle. But Toyotas are finicky with front end parts from what I've learned, and yeah, you definitely need to address that timing belt. Also the 4.7 v8 that everybody thinks is God's Gift, needs the timing belt and water pump every 90,000 miles, and the starter is located under the intake manifold. What genius thought that up? Personally I think timing belt engines are garbage, and after owning a Volvo with a timing belt, I will never own another timing belt vehicle again. Currently I have a 5th gen 4Runner, it's okay, I bought it to be more of a station wagon. It's great for hauling my dogs and my mountain bike and camping gear. If I were going to do actual off-roading, and lived out west and not in RI, I definitely would have gotten a Jeep or Disco. I am firmly in the solid-axle camp. It's funny, a lot of the Toyota guys seem to have hate for the solid-axle Rovers and Jeeps, I legitimately think it's an inferiority complex. Whenever the capability of Jeeps is brought up, it always circles back to Toyota reliability. I used to have a ZJ, and when I was in that community I really didn't get any feeling of any hate for Toyota owners. That seems to only flow one way. In fact before I got my 4Runner, I really really wanted a JKU, and the 4R was a distant 2nd. I even posted in Wrangler Forum, asking if anyone had had both. I actually got a lot of well thought out responses saying that for my intended uses, the 4Runner would probably suit me better. Then the JL came out, and that sealed the deal because I like the improvements enough to really want one of those, however budget wouldn't allow it. I found a used 13 Trail Edition 4Runner for about 50% of the cost of the new JLUR I would have wanted. In retrospect I am so glad I did not get into a brand new car payment, and even then I feel like I spent way too much money on this Toyota, lol, Though thanks to crazy Toyota values I put almost 40k miles on it and two years later it's worth not much less than what I paid for it. It's tough to say, because it's been so long since I owned it and it was stock, but I think my stock is ZJ drove better than the 4Runner. Once it had a lift and 31's on it, I'd put money on it being more capable than the 4Runner. The Toyota diehards that think these modern IFS Toyota's are some kind of off-road hero's amuse me. I look at mine that has very little front ground clearance under the skid plate, and very little front suspension travel. I'll say I can take dirt roads faster than I could with my ZJ, and I do love the interior space, it is a fairly large vehicle. My neighbor has a WJ that looks like it could fit inside my 4Runner, lol. Anyway, to get back to the point, I like all vehicles. My 4Runner is a great daily driver, but I often think getting a WJ or Disco would have been better if I was going to do a dedicated trail rig. I belong to a few overland groups here in New England, they don't do any really difficult trails, most of them own ifs Toyota's so I do fit in LOL. I also have a weak spot for GM's, I've been lusting over square body Suburbans lately, apparently the 6.2 diesel variants will get 20 MPG without too much trouble! Also really like the early 2000s 2500 Suburbans too, think one of those would make a cool overland style build. Anyway, enough with the ramble. I just want to say great video, this is the first one of yours I've seen but I will definitely be watching more!

[@MattKester]

Oh the 4.7! There may or may not have been an extended cut of this rant that may or may not have poked fun at the starter which didn’t make it into the final video. Yeah, it’s a million mile motor, when properly maintained with 10 timing belt changes and what not... but when that starter starts dragging out in the field, you might feel as great about “Toyota Reliability” and start wishing for “Land Rover Repairability”. I mean, you can’t even pop-start it! How many manuals have you ever seen bolted onto one? Love me some square body GM’s! My first car was a 1987 Sierra Classic 1500 that my dad bought new and babied the heck outta for ten years and then gave to me. It was the first year of the fuel injection, but the last half ton square body year. Other than some ball joints and U-joints, that truck never gave me a mechanical issue all the way into the high 100k’s for mileage on the original 350! I know the Detroit gets a lot of crap, but it was designed in an era where it was supposed to the be economy motor and the 454 was supposed to be the powerhouse. Yeah, it’s got it’s issues, but you can afford quite a bit of maintenance with the fuel cost savings you’ll get out of it! It would also have to have some pretty good off-road range with the old-school dual tank setup too!

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@MattKester I had a square body is my first car too! I bought it when I was a freshman in high school in the early 90s, it was a 73 K10 short bed with a 350/TH350/205. I did a 4 inch lift and 35s on it, that thing was badass. At the time it was just an old truck, I really regret selling it now though. That's probably why I'm obsessed with the square body Suburbans. I love me the square body style, and seems like the Suburbans are still the most reasonably priced out of the three, so I would lean toward one of those. Not sure if I'd actually get one, at this point any one I get is going to be more of a project vehicle, and I'm kind of not excited about working on old cars all the time lol. I also don't really need one, I just want one. And everybody tells me they're too big to fit on what little trails we have in this area anyway. On that point though, I would delight in proving the Toyota nerds wrong on that one 😄 Oh, and I would have enjoyed your 4.7 rant. Maybe that's a good topic for a future video. Even the 4.0 in my 4Runner, I saw a photo of one all apart for new timing chain(s), the damn thing must have about eight feet of timing chain! Looks like a nightmare. Honestly, everything should just be LS swapped 😄

[@visumexcipio]

Yeah! Enjoyed watching

[@MattKester]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@DustinB855]

Offroad all the cars!!! Honestly love seeing multiple cars hit trails besides wranglers until I get stuck. Then they are great haha

[@MattKester]

Their abundance of recovery points, plus the fact most of them have a hardly-used, high-dollar winch hanging off the front makes them pretty versatile as a recovery system.

[@MrSwedjen]

If I lived near you and your off-road group, l'd join up. Most of the trails in Northern California that were open years ago are fenced, blocked or bicycle/pedestrian only now.

[@MattKester]

It’s a shame they shut so much of it up, I think Northern California is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Well, no need to live near us to be a part of the fun. Shoot me an email [e-mail] or DM me on Instagram with your address and I’ll mail you out a couple of 2nd Hand Overland stickers.

[@peverill64]

What makes us humans great is our different taste in things...liking different brands is entirely ones preference. I have been with Land Rover so long now,it is what I know and understand. Another thing is if you crawl under an older defender and a discovery 1, you will find the same bushes and stuff under there. Out here a Toyota is definitely more popular and the second hand value is much higher than that of a discovery. But yes, 4x4.models are like wives, we chose what we love, no matter what.

[@DJ-uv7lw]

The 4Runner and the Disco aren’t fair comparisons. Land Cruiser and Disco yes.

[@robertclark2714]

I have a third generation 4Runner with over 300,000 miles on it and a Lexus LX450 80 series Land Cruiser with over 500,000 miles on it. I have another third generation 4Runner with over 150,000 miles on it. They are all daily drivers. ENOUGH SAID.

[@East_Coast_Ghost86]

I have been stranded by very literally every single Toyota I have ever owned. Camry, mr2s, supra, tacoma, etc. My Discovery 2 has lasted about a year and a half with literally zero faults. I drove it from California to Maine, and everywhere in between. Crap MPG, but flawless performance. Disco has almost 180,000 miles now. Modern Land Rover is not what it used to be.

[@MattKester]

No, it certainly is not. We are definitely loving our Disco, for sure. It's to the point now, where I'm asking myself if I want to change that timing belt in the 4Runner in the next 20k miles, or cash in while the Toyota tax is still at an all time high!

[@East_Coast_Ghost86]

@@MattKester I say cash in! The amount of cash people are getting for Tacomas and 4runners with over 300k miles is just insane. They last that long for sure, but as you're finding our, the cost of maintenance to keep them running is... also increasing.

[@MattKester]

@@East_Coast_Ghost86 yup, and mines only got 175k miles on the clock!

[@pjj12345789]

If you flushed the transmission when it was at 110 and did 60k interval changes that trans would go for well over 400k miles.

[@MattKester]

Interestingly enough, I did have the transmission flushed at 110k. Then it took a crap at 115k, so nope.

[@bcatz454]

I'd rather Toyota stuck LCA bushings over some Land Rover head gaskets any day anywhere.

[@andybroer651]

[@MattKester]

Yeah, it was pretty humbling for me too. Thanks for watching and commenting, Andy!

[@alanlaero]

Great video, just wish there was more off-roading footage

[@MattKester]

Thanks, we've been a little house-bound, but I've got a couple of trips planned this weekend so check back soon for more offroading footage!

[@Zusu91]

Hell yeah brother to all of what you've said!

[@MattKester]

Thanks, Zuhair! And also thanks for watching, commenting, and subscribing!

[@chanceym6000]

I totally agree! Land Rovers are better tho

[@sp0rtbilly77]

Great message!

[@MattKester]

Thank you!

[@johnkemple]

Now the show is about something else. so much for making the sport survive for our kids..lol

[@meajebsalim3056]

Wish you the best 👏👏👏👏👏

[@MattKester]

Thank you, the same to you!

[@GavinEarnshaw]

I have the great job of teaching 4x4 off-road so have driven most of the UK sold (and a few imports) 4x4’s. They all have something - maybe apart from the Vauxhall Frontera :-D The most common question tends to be what’s the ‘best’ off-reader. The one you use! And, as you say it is what you want to do with it and what you are capable of. Defenders in the UK have got silly prices now and are often shiny, pimped up things that would never actually go off-road. Brand identification is one thing but heated tribalism is dumb. :-)

[@MattKester]

I had to look up the Vauxhall Frontera and of course, wouldn't you know it, it was something we got under a different name. Over here it was the Isuzu Rode and Honda Passport. Pretty much anything with "Defender" on it over here has thoroughly become what you'd define as a "Chelsea Tractor." I see quite a few of the new ones dripping with ladders and racks parked in front of upscale restaurants, but I've yet to see one off the pavement!

[@GavinEarnshaw]

@@MattKester my first off-reader could have been a Frontera Sport but the salesman wouldn’t even let me sit in it to see if I fit. (I was 20 and I’m 6’2” with a long back). Told me I could order one and sit in it when it arrived. Bought a Disco 1 instead, 18 months old (1991 model so 2 years from launch). I have a strong memory of a pay-and-play day at our site pulling the same 2 vehicles out of the same hole lots of times. They had watched a Disco drive through it and thought they could too. An Isuzu Trooper and a Vaux Frontera LWB. Both lacked clearance and tyres. Drivers wouldn’t listen... :-) I feel sad when I see Mall-crawlers, pimped up Defenders and so on but recognise that we benefit down the line from these eventually.

[@MattKester]

@@GavinEarnshaw yup, we definitely do stand to benefit down the line, provided the fancy electrics still work when this potential last generation of internal combustion driven off-roaders finally depreciates out to the point we could afford one!

[@GavinEarnshaw]

@@MattKester for my 2000 P38 Range Rover I bought specific diagnostics gear. The P38 is notorious for gremlins and the diag has saved me lots of trips to dealer$ so has been worth the £300. It can also talk to late Disco1, Disco2, Freelander 1 & 2 and other Land Rovers up to 2014. So I should be OK for a couple of years :-) I worry that the complexity linked to manufacturers tying everything as a Safety System will pass. Hopefully the ‘Right to repair’ laws coming in will help as will enthusiasts!

[@MattKester]

@@GavinEarnshaw Nice! I just spied Atlantic British's iLand diagnostic system on eBay with a current bid just under $80 with one day to go... It's definitely tempting because I know how awesome having that kind of access can be! I'm definitely keeping an eye on it!. Hopefully we get some more support on the Right to Repair laws over here. They seem to not get as much traction as they should in our ineffectively-polarized shit show that is the US Congress. It's insane how much OEM's are locking people out of working on their own stuff claiming that they don't have to share access to their proprietary "software" that just so happens to be vital to the vehicle's operation. Apparently Tesla is exceedingly bad about keeping their owners from working on their own vehicles. What a shame...

[@b33gft67]

Well said!

[@kevdavis3207]

Watching your Vids i think it would be very fair to say,, from the start you bought something i dont think you looked over,, if i remembere, correct if im wrong. Yes you have done a lot of work on her but thats NOT the fault of the car itself or yours,, its the fault of previous owners who quite obviously have not look afterher or serviced her properly. Ive driven Land Rovers from 1954 modles and series modles in the services to present day and owning a1993 200 and a 2000 D2 of which of course ive had to deal with issues again from previous owners. I would like to stress to all new owners of Discos but not to LR3s onward that Discos were the best cars Land Rover ever made. Treat them right and service them properly and they WILL look after you always. Your laws over the pond are different to ours andi think much easier to keep awreck on the road. Here in England it is much harder. Look after her and good luck. Please less talk and more repairs and driving. Many thanks. Kev.. UK

[@Armandinho8]

Thumbs up... great content!

[@MattKester]

Thank you!

[@angelaclose4460]

Love it well said

[@Mamba4runner]

Bravo! 👍

[@MattKester]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@dieselburner4461]

this dude is cool hahaha. Hopefully he stays like this and not become like every other KZbin selling more than they create

[@MattKester]

Thanks for the reminder! I'll try to keep it focused in the right direction!

[@dieselburner4461]

@@MattKester thanks bro! Got a Range Rover classic instead . Come to Cali sometime brother

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

YOTAMASTERS OUT OF CORONA CA HAS ALL THE PARTS YOU NEED!👍

[@sarahdell4042]

❤️❤️

[@SteadyWrenchinMX]

I also am I heart transplant patient 20 years strong baby

[@heydenwalker4748]

German, 4 door, V8.... G-Wagon??

[@MattKester]

Nein!

[@MattKester]

Think faster...

[@cf5914]

Personally I find working on Toyota's to be just about the most frustrating aside from Volvos, or shudder, Audis...

[@flight2k5]

🤣😂 ok

[@johnshellenberg1383]

Subaru. I'm 99% certain they have some German engineers working there. Some terrible vehicles to work on.

[@MattKester]

I hear you. You should have seen my trying to balance the steering rack on my chest while I pulled the bolts outta the lower control arms. Why they mounted those studs that way baffles me, since they easily could have designed them to slide out towards the inside of the wishbone and saved me an hour screwing with the rack and that stupid top bolt!

[@MattKester]

@John Shellenburg, I've heard some horror stories. I have a friend who was a mechanic at a Mercedes dealership for quite a few years, he's got some stories! Sounds like horizontally opposed Subie motors don't lend themselves to an easy fix in a tight space. Fortunately, we've only ever had one Tutonic Terror in our stable, and that was my wife's 2015 Passat we got rid of for the Disco. What a mess that was the first time I tried to change the oil in it!

[@johnshellenberg1383]

@@MattKester It's not even just the H4/H6 engines on the Subarus. Crap like having to pull the rear brake lines out to change the rear struts on a Forester/Impreza. I mean, c'mon, who though that was a good thing? Subaru also uses junky fasteners, they always break. Working on my Highlander vs my daughter's Forester is like going from a dream to a nightmare. Subaru OE parts tend to be garbage too and the jobber parts supply isn't as strong as for Toyota/Honda/etc. As for Landys I'd take that Disco I over a new one any day. First, then I'd have all that extra money in the bank, and I wouldn't have to worry about getting sunburned by the check engine light...

[@alifuatyuvali9912]

I hope you're renting an e90 m3

[@micah_mudflaps]

Toyota may or may not be reliable, but when something DOES go wrong good luck finding the specific tools, or even a way to reach the broken part without removing several other things first.

[@MattKester]

Pretty much.

[@inaj27]

❤

[@MissouriAdventures]

Any brand out on the trail is better than in the grocery store parking lot. I have no problems with any one brand. Your negative points against your Toyota is flawed, those are wear items on a 20 year old vehicle, and it’s just a 4Runner, not a Land Cruiser. Love seeing everything on the trail, but that doesn’t mean I won’t judge you for what you drive. 😆

[@TheTomco11]

So they're not flaws on a 20 year old Toyota, but they are on a 25 year old land rover?

[@MissouriAdventures]

@@TheTomco11 no. Like I said above, they’re wear items.

[@matthewzimmerman2637]

That’s all fine and good but I think we can all agree that Nissan is garbage

[@MattKester]

Aww, come on buddy... you know you get a little twinkle in your eye every time you see and R50 Pathfinder or a clean QX4 pass you by! Lol. Hey, I forgot to mention, I got a special thank you for you if you wanna DM or email me your mailing address.

[@matthewzimmerman2637]

@@MattKester yeah it was a joke. I do like the Frontiers and there are some super capable Patrols down there in Australia. There’s no arguing that those things are pretty cool.

[@jacobstein7179]

Does anyone really care what anyone drives? Is that a real thing?

[@mattonthewater]

You absolutely can definitively say that Toyota > Land Rover.