Shifterati

Toyota Land Cruiser

55 Series Toyota Land Cruiser 1967–1980

The first Land Cruiser built as a wagon from the start, nicknamed the Iron Pig. Inline-six power, part-time 4WD and a tailgate with a window that winds down into it.

Watch out for

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

  • Rust in the roof, cowl, rockers and arches All years Walk away if found

    What to check: Look along the roof by the drip rails, the cowl, the lower front fenders, inside the doors, the rockers, the wheel arch lips, the floor by the kick panels and the bottom of the tailgate. Then check the frame rails and body mounts.

    Hagerty calls rust the main concern. Replacement panels mostly do not exist, so repairs are made by hand, and a poor past repair is a reason to offer less or walk away.

    Sources 1,2

  • Torn seats and cracked dash All years

    What to check: Look at the vinyl seats, the dash top and the rubber mats.

    They rip and crack with age, and trim and weatherstripping are hard to find.

    Sources 1,2

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

  • Sought after: Original interior and drivetrain All years One source so far

    Hagerty says buyers want the most solid truck they can afford, with an untorn original interior and a factory-spec engine and gearbox.1

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

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

Sources

  1. Hagerty FJ55 buyer's guide
  2. IH8MUD (FJ55 buying tips)