Most reliable (18 year old) 4x4 in the world? - Toyota Landcruiser SWB

Picked up this beauty last week

I've always wanted a Landcruiser, a 'proper' 4x4 experience. I was originally looking for an Amazon 4.2TD or 4.5 V8 with LPG. They are however absolutely massive and still command a hefty premium, so I found this to start my journey into Toyota 4x4 ownership ...

It's a 2002 Toyota Colorado GX SWB 3.0 D4D with 179k miles and a comprehensive service history. I was never a fan of the LWB Colorado but this one in SWB guise in black/black wheels looks the part and instantly caught my eye.

It's clearly been looked after very well and has had a new turbo at 133k. The file of service receipts shows it has wanted for nothing. This sort of mileage is expected for these vehicles, and at this age the most important issue is rust. This one has been regularly waxoiled and is in good condition.

It has had a 2" suspension lift, with big chunky 275/70/16 BF Goodrich tyres all round. It's quite an experience driving it, accelerates surprisingly well for such a big vehicle and has a manual gearbox with a low range gear setup and locking differentials for serious off roading.

It definitely gives you a workout if driven for long, and my first off road experience in it at the weekend proves it is a very capable beast off the tarmac. Clambered up a steep and rocky track without any drama. I plan to get it muddy as often as possible.

Since I got it a week ago I've upgraded the audio to a modern mechless Pioneer head unit and had my old sub from my Subaru Outback fitted in the cavernous boot. Sounds very good

A few jobs to do: I fitted a new indicator unit (took a grand total of 60 seconds to do) and the brackets for the side steps require re-welding to secure the side step.

Some pics of the black beast...

Current:
E85 Z4 3.0i Manual | Sterling Grey | Oregon red leather | Axe EX10 18s | Custom exhaust
E65 730D Sport | Sterling Grey | Black leather


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Great car, when I used to have a real job this was my favourite ride!
Kindest Regards
Carl.

 

Looks very nice, and shiny....we like shiny That chassis looks particularly clean with no surface rust visible at all. A tribute to it's previous Owner(s), is it all like that underneath?

There are now better products for rust treatment/prevention than Waxoyl, which isn't as good as the original stuff - they changed the formula.

All the best with, ENJOY!

 

Thanks John.

All visible bits I've seen so far are like this. I will be getting it onto a ramp at a friend's garage to have a proper look and address any issues that arise.

Definitely a tribute to previous owners.

Interesting re Waxoyl - will look into different products for preventative protection.

Current:
E85 Z4 3.0i Manual | Sterling Grey | Oregon red leather | Axe EX10 18s | Custom exhaust
E65 730D Sport | Sterling Grey | Black leather
Toyota Landcruiser 90 SWB | Black


Sent from my Samsung Note 10+ 5G using Tapatalk

 

That looks like a cracking work horse.
A wee bit of fettling and maintenance and it should pretty much last forever.

 

But he doesn’t need it to last for ever
Just long enough to sell it on..


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Nice buy!

I’ve always fancied one of this 7 seater. Mitsubishi Shogun’s for similar appeal.

Enjoy


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I've never owned one myself, but doesn't the fact that it only has 2 doors remove the term 'utility' from SUV?

 

Does look good for a 19 year old.

 

It's surprisingly spacious inside, enough space for 5 adults and a decent boot. With the back seats down, plenty of space and 'utility.'

Current:
E85 Z4 3.0i Manual | Sterling Grey | Oregon red leather | Axe EX10 18s | Custom exhaust
E65 730D Sport | Sterling Grey | Black leather
Toyota Landcruiser 90 SWB | Black


Sent from my Samsung Note 10+ 5G using Tapatalk

 

I think the original “utility” tag came from Oz, two door pick ups, so you could say that this is an
SUV.
However, I doubt the “sport” part is entirely accurate.

 

Definitely a big stretch to have a Landcruiser and sport in the same sentence

Current:
E85 Z4 3.0i Manual | Sterling Grey | Oregon red leather | Axe EX10 18s | Custom exhaust
E65 730D Sport | Sterling Grey | Black leather
Toyota Landcruiser 90 SWB | Black


Sent from my Samsung Note 10+ 5G using Tapatalk

 

Suprisingly spacious inside, room for 5 adults, decent boot......sounds like you have found Mr Spuffingtons ideal new car !

 

@Spuffington would no doubt prefer a newer beast, but it does tick many boxes!



Current:
E85 Z4 3.0i Manual | Sterling Grey | Oregon red leather | Axe EX10 18s | Custom exhaust
E65 730D Sport | Sterling Grey | Black leather
Toyota Landcruiser 90 SWB | Black


Sent from my Samsung Note 10+ 5G using Tapatalk

 

@Spuffington will live to regret mixing a new car and new baby

Also an older car would give him more excuses to lock himself in his nan cave and indulge his Auto Finesse polish !

 

Tbh, in my view it's his car, his money and his choice to change as often or as little as he likes.

I get it as a running joke re repeated car changes...but some of the recent posts on here seem to be going beyond banter and getting a bit too personal and ridiculing in nature.

I'm sure none of us on here would want to cause any ill feeling (you would hope), but felt it important to point this out. I know if that was me, I'd be pretty pissed.

Current:
E85 Z4 3.0i Manual | Sterling Grey | Oregon red leather | Axe EX10 18s | Custom exhaust
E65 730D Sport | Sterling Grey | Black leather
Toyota Landcruiser 90 SWB | Black


Sent from my Samsung Note 10+ 5G using Tapatalk

 

I certainly meant it only as a joke and nothing more

As you say his money, his life, his choices good on him whatever he decides

 

I'm sure you did, and my reply certainly wasn't directed solely at your reply.

I just felt it important to make the point

Current:
E85 Z4 3.0i Manual | Sterling Grey | Oregon red leather | Axe EX10 18s | Custom exhaust
E65 730D Sport | Sterling Grey | Black leather
Toyota Landcruiser 90 SWB | Black


Sent from my Samsung Note 10+ 5G using Tapatalk

 

I still keep meaning to call in your place when im back in my hometown...i f9rgot the other week when i was in Queensbury and Wilsden

 

More than welcome, when I get another premises! I moved out of old unit back in Dec - currently hunting for another... they are pretty thin on the ground.

Current:
E85 Z4 3.0i Manual | Sterling Grey | Oregon red leather | Axe EX10 18s | Custom exhaust
E65 730D Sport | Sterling Grey | Black leather
Toyota Landcruiser 90 SWB | Black


Sent from my Samsung Note 10+ 5G using Tapatalk