By wavelength on 18th Jun 2007
wavelength's Ratings| Year Manufactured | 1991 |
| Length of ownership | 13 Years |
| Doors | 3 |
| Performance | 6/10  |
| Practicality | 10/10 |
| Reliability | 10/10 |
| Value for money | 10/10 |
|---|
| Overall value | 9/10  |
wavelength's recommendation |
Good Points
I have owned this truck (and it's a truck) for 13 years. It had 90K, hard use and used body when I got it. It now has 400K worse body and is getting near the end, but what a truck. I put extractors early in the piece, replaced rear diff, shocks etc. and prop shaft along the way, did all the oil changes etc, serviced fuel pump and thats it. Steers well, had great gearing, average brakes, user friendly access and spares (just don't go over 120). I advise wider tyres than standard and you will go anywhere. I have done the hardest Cape York tracks, beaches, mountains rivers fully loaded for years. Not a speedster or a comfort machine but as reliable, practical and economical as you want. The engine will pull loads up any hill in 4th that other more fancied will do in 3rd. Finally the rust and old age creeps in and the 7K I need to spend will go into a newer model with coil front suspension and longer rear leafs. Can't beat the balance, versatility and guts of this. I always had Landies before.
Bad Points
After a while on the corrugated roads etc the door hinges and seals go, making for a bit of dust (just pressurise with the average aircon to prevent). Suspension a bit hard but who cares. Brakes always seemed to be a bit suspect or needed work.
General Comments
I have owned the Toyota Land Cruiser (and it's a truck) for 13 years. It had 90K, hard use and used body when I got it. It now has 400K worse body and is getting near the end, but what a truck. I put extractors early in the piece, replaced rear diff, shocks etc. and prop shaft along the way, did all the oil changes etc, serviced fuel pump and thats it. Steers well, had great gearing, average brakes, user friendly access and spares (just don't go over 120). I advise wider tyres than standard and you will go anywhere. I have done the hardest Cape York tracks, beaches, mountains rivers fully loaded for years. Not a speedster or a comfort machine but as reliable, practical and economical as you want. The engine will pull loads up any hill in 4th that other more fancied will do in 3rd. Finally the rust and old age creeps in and the 7K I need to spend will go into a newer model with coil front suspension and longer rear leafs. Can't beat the balance, versatility and guts of this. I always had Landies before.
For a rugged, reliable, user friendly, long lasting, practical, and fun vehicle the troopy is unsurpassed. The latest model with the V8 etc I don't think can replicate. Late models will become sought after very soon.