Here is a common problems warning from a Toyota mechanic that you need to listen to before buying a Land Cruiser today that includes the number one red flag factor of whether you are paying too much for it.
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The Toyota Land Cruiser is very popular among used car shoppers and is commanding a high price in today’s market. Its big SUV-size coupled with Toyota’s history of many of their models having a stellar reputation for reliability and lasting 300,000 miles and more, make it an attractive buy for used car shoppers who want a Toyota SUV. Especially if it is a Toyota made in Japan.
However, despite the Toyota reputation the 200 Series Land Cruiser carries on its shoulders, there are an assortment of common problems you need to know about before buying one that can be a real asset when sitting down at the negotiation table and counter-proposing a price that is reasonable and fits your budget. In other words, do not get too caught up in the moment of finding a nice-looking used Land Cruiser and wind up paying top dollar for a vehicle that might cost you even more once you drive it home.
Related article: Toyota Dealership Shows What Really Happens When Previously Owned Cars Are Inspected and Certified
Toyota Landcruiser Common Problems Warning
That was the warning in a recent Car Care Nut YouTube channel episode where the host goes over the kind of inspection of a 2017 model you and your mechanic should make toward evaluating that used model before going any further in the used car shopping and purchasing process.
The added plus to the video is that the host compares and contrasts problems in a similarly made older Lexus LX 570 model with the same engine type that is experiencing wear and tear on the same problem areas as the younger Land Cruiser LC200 model shown.
Plus, spots where a non-Toyota mechanic will take short cuts on repairs that you will not want to have in a used model.
In the video you will learn:
- To be on the lookout for an engine bay containing aftermarket parts.
- Where the common oil leak spots are located on its engine. Including an expensive to repair leaking front timing cover. Using only a small flashlight the host shows what nooks and crannies to look through to find signs of leaking oil.
- How to tell if a vehicle has an original Toyota glass windshield or a replacement glass windshield and why this is important to know.
- Whether you should choose a model with regular front end suspension or one with adjustable hydraulic control (AHC) suspension. And why you should be concerned if you find aftermarket parts in this system---lifting the body for example for off-roading fun.
- How to easily test the AHC suspension system and what it can tell you about the engine.
- Why a simple brake test is important and why brake servicing will cost more than you are used to paying with your previous vehicles.
- Oil leaks that should be a deal-breaker for you and why.
- Where rust is prone to happen.
- Why it’s smarter to buy a Lexus LX model over a used Toyota Cruise Lander.
And finally…
For additional news related to used car shopping, here are a few recommendations:
- Beat Your Dealership by Negotiating a Great Used Car Deal This Summer
- The Biggest Car Buying Mistakes You Can Make with a Dealership
- Easy Solution to a Common Toyota Hybrid Engine Problem That is Also a Scam
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
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