The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the oldest vehicles in Toyota’s lineup, having started production in 1957.
Decades later, the Land Cruiser is still a beast of a vehicle that can handle any terrain with ease.
We review the durability of the Land Cruiser to determine if it’s worth the money in the long run.
Table of Contents
How long a Toyota Land Cruiser lasts:
With proper maintenance, the Toyota Land Cruiser can last you anywhere between 15 to 20 years or more. Because of its rugged construction, the Land Cruiser can last over 300,000 miles of rough and heavy use without breaking down.
How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Toyota Land Cruiser?
If there’s a vehicle synonymous with reliability, it has to be the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Since its release over six decades ago, people have used Land Cruiser models on the harshest of terrains–from deserts to waterlogged areas.
We estimate that you can get up to 300,000 miles or more from your Land Cruiser.
As with every other vehicle, your Land Cruiser’s longevity will depend on how well you take care of it.
Sure, it is a model designed to survive years of rough driving and abuse. However, it still requires routine maintenance if you want it to last long.
Routine maintenance covers transmission fluid changes, oil changes, filter replacement, etc.
Maintaining your vehicle will prevent problems from developing, allowing you to reach the “promised land” of 300,000 miles.
How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Toyota Land Cruiser?
In the past, older Land Cruisers were more prone to rust. Newer Land Cruisers have improved considerably in terms of rust protection.
But many owners still face rust issues, particularly those who live in the Salt Belt where roads get salted in winter.
In those places, rust often shows up on the Land Cruisers within the first six years of use.
According to owners, the rust mostly develops in areas such as the undercarriage, rear axle casing, fuel tank and guard, and mud flaps.
The rust itself is caused by road salt, which clings to the vehicle’s parts and corrodes them.
Please also read our article on where Toyota Land Cruisers are made.
How Long Do Toyota Land Cruiser Last Compared to Similar Car Models?
Here is how the Land Cruiser fares against its competitors:
Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Ford Expedition
Based on the popular F-150 pickup, the Ford Expedition is a more modern rival of the Toyota Land Cruiser.
It features more innovative tech than the latter and is more comfortable on drives. And the best part is that it will last you about the same time as its Toyota-made counterpart.
Based on reports, we estimate that you can get up to 300,000 miles from the Ford Expedition, same as the Toyota Land Cruiser.
We see the Ford Expedition as the better long-term option, except you are one to veer off the beaten path.
In that instance, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the better option because it can take on more abuse than the Ford Expedition.
Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Nissan Armada
The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Nissan Armada are tied in terms of longevity. Both models can give around 300,000 miles before needing major repairs.
The Nissan Armada is the better option if you plan to keep your vehicle for long. First, it earns a 3.5 reliability rating from RepairPal against the Land Cruiser’s abysmal 2.5 reliability rating.
While reliability ratings are not the sole determinants of reliability, they can give an idea of a vehicle’s dependability.
Second, the Nissan costs less to run. The average annual maintenance cost of the Land Cruiser’s is around $300 higher than the Armada’s.
Toyota Land Cruiser vs. GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon is one of General Motors’ competitors in the full-size SUV segment.
With proper maintenance, you will get 300,000 miles from the GMC Yukon XL. This is just about the number of miles your Toyota Land Cruiser will provide.
From our research, there is little that separates the two models.
They have similar service expenses; the Yukon XL averages $850 annually in maintenance expenses, while the Land Cruiser costs a bit less to maintain in a year.
If you want something more up-to-date, the GMC Yukon XL is advisable. However, if you want an old and trusted workhorse, the Toyota Land Cruiser is right up your alley.
Make sure to also read our article about driving the Toyota Land Cruiser in snow and winter.
How Reliable Is a Toyota Land Cruiser?
The Toyota Land Cruiser is quite reliable.
We have also seen reports of Toyota Land Cruisers being used in harsh conditions and still running like new.
From what the evidence shows, the Toyota Land Cruiser performs well in the reliability department.
You will often see Land Cruisers on the road that have more than 20 years in them. This is a good sign that they are very reliable when the owner knows how to take care of the vehicle.
Ask any owner of an old classic Land Cruiser and they will probably praise the Toyota brand!
The Best and Worst Years for Toyota Land Cruiser
In our research, we found that the worst model year for Toyota Land Cruiser is the 2000 model year.
Carproblemzoo.com, a vehicle complaints aggregator, received about 40 complaints from customers concerning this model.
Most of the complaints revolved around structural issues, brake problems, and drivetrain faults.
With the fewest reported problems, the 2014 model year is the best on record for the Toyota Land Cruiser. If you consider buying a Land Cruiser, it should be this model.
To get more details on the topic, you should probe deeper into the best and worst Toyota Land Cruiser years.
What About Recalls for These Models?
To help you, we have listed recall information for all model years of the Toyota Land Cruiser:
- 2009: 7 recalls
- 2010: 6 recalls
- 2008: 5 recalls
- 2011: 5 recalls
- 2016: 3 recalls
- 2015: 3 recalls
- 2014: 3 recalls
- 2005: 3 recalls
- 1985: 2 recalls
- 1986: 2 recalls
- 2006: 2 recalls
- 2012: 2 recalls
- 2013: 2 recalls
- 1984: 2 recalls
- 2003: 1 recall
- 1992: 1 recall
- 1991: 1 recall
- 2017: 1 recall
- 2018 1 recall
- 1990: 1 recall
- 1989: 1 recall
- 2004: 1 recall
- 2019: 1 recall
- 2007: 1 recall
- 1993: 1 recall
Toyota Land Cruiser Model Year List
The Land Cruiser models has been in production since 1999 and they are still being produced.
Also read our article on 11 Toyota Land Cruiser statistics.
Are Toyota Land Cruiser Expensive to Maintain?
Yes, the Toyota Land Cruiser is expensive to maintain, especially when compared to similar models.
According to RepairPal, you will spend around $843 in annual maintenance costs for a Toyota Land Cruiser model. Not only is this higher than average, it is higher than most full-size SUVs.
Moreover, the Toyota Land Cruiser has a higher rate of severe problems (21%) than the average full-size SUV (15%). This is important because severe problems cost two to three times the average to fix.
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
Brake parts including the pads and the rotors have a lifespan of 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you use your brakes frequently, say in slow-moving traffic, they may wear out faster.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
Tires on the Toyota Land Cruiser should last up to 60,000 miles, depending on how they are used.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
According to Toyota, you should swap out the spark plugs once they cross the 120,000-mile threshold.
Your spark plugs may need replacement earlier, depending on your driving pattern.
What About Insurance Cost?
The Toyota Land Cruiser costs about $1,944 per year to insure. This means you will have to pay around $162 per month for insurance on the Land Cruiser.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Toyota
- Ensure you perform all maintenance activities recommended in the owners’ manual.
- Before you drive, inspect your car and look out for signs of any problem. These include fluid leaks, rough starts, stalling, weird noises, etc.
- If you live near the coast or live in a temperate region, we advise rustproofing your car so rust doesn’t destroy it.
Resources
https://www.cars.com/research/toyota-land_cruiser/
https://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/land+cruiser.amp