Shifterati

Toyota Land Cruiser

100 Series Toyota Land Cruiser 1998–2007

The first Land Cruiser with a V8 and independent front suspension, and the twin of the Lexus LX 470. A five-speed automatic came for 2003 and variable valve timing for 2006.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

  • Timing belt with no proof it was changed All years

    What to check: Look for the replacement sticker under the hood and ask for the receipt. Do not take the seller's word.

    Three owners in an Expedition Portal thread say the V8 runs a timing belt that has to be replaced on schedule, and one tells buyers to check it was done. In an IH8MUD thread, the buyer made a documented belt change part of the purchase.

    Sources 1,2

  • Underbody rust on salt-belt trucks All years

    What to check: Look under the truck for corrosion, above all on trucks from salted roads.

    Two owners, in two separate threads, name rust as a key thing to check. One says trucks from salt-belt states sell for less because of it.

    Sources 1,2

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

  • Sought after: Factory rear locker All years One source so far

    In one Expedition Portal thread, two owners point buyers to 1998 and 1999 trucks for the factory rear locker, and two others say US trucks had no factory front locker.1

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.

Sources

  1. Expedition Portal (100 Series)
  2. IH8MUD (advice on a 100)