Buyer's checklist: 60 Series Toyota Land Cruiser 1981–1990

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Inspection sheet Mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Walk away if 1

Any one of these is reason enough to leave the car where it is.

Rusted rear frame railsAll yearsDrop the spare tire and look at the rear frame rails.^1,2,3

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Rust at the windshield, roof and wheel wellsAll yearsLook at the windshield gasket corners, the roof drip rails, the tailgate hinges, the inner wheel wells behind the cargo covers, the front fenders by the lower trim and the rear fenders behind the mud flaps. Use a magnet to find filler.^1,2,3
Missing smog equipmentAll yearsConfirm the emissions equipment is all there and connected.^1,3

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 81V1170001981Long driving above 50 mph on very rough roads can break a steering tie rod. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁴
Recall 89V1550001982–1988A rear lap belt may not retract fully and can be hard to release. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^5,6,7,8,9,10
Recall 91V1100001980–1990Welds inside the fuel tank can crack under heat and load and leak fuel. The tank is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{11,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,13}

The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.