Toyota

LandCruiser J100 (100 / 105 Series) inspection checklist

1998-2007 · 10 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

mediumA442F 4-speed auto - towing overheat / wear

Look for: The 4-speed auto can overheat and wear when towing heavy without an aftermarket cooler, leading to harsh shifts or failure.

If you find it: Fit a transmission cooler, service fluid regularly; valve body/rebuild if shifting poorly.

From 150k+ km · ~$1500-3500

mediumRust - rear quarters, tailgate, chassis (coastal)

Look for: Rust appears on rear arches, tailgate and chassis on coastal/hard-worked examples.

If you find it: Inspect carefully; favour dry-climate vehicles.

Any · Varies

mediumAHC suspension (where fitted)

Look for: Some higher-spec examples have Active Height Control hydraulics that lose pressure and sag with age.

If you find it: Globe/pump service or convert to conventional coils.

Any (age) · ~$1500-4000

4.2L 1HD-FTE turbo diesel

highCracked cylinder head

Look for: The 1HD-FTE head can crack between valve seats/injector bores, especially on chipped engines or those worked hard towing in heat - coolant loss and combustion gases in the cooling system are the tells.

If you find it: Replacement head (often upgraded). Keep cooling system healthy and avoid over-aggressive tunes.

From 200k+ km (sooner if chipped/towed hard) · ~$3000-6000

highOverdue timing belt

Look for: The cam timing belt must be replaced on schedule; a neglected belt risks valve damage.

If you find it: Replace belt with tensioner/idlers on interval - confirm history before buying.

~100k km interval · ~$500-1000

mediumInjector and turbo wear

Look for: Injectors and the CT20B turbo wear at high km, causing smoke and lost power.

If you find it: Diesel-specialist injector service; turbo rebuild/replacement.

From 200k+ km · ~$1500-3500

4.2L 1HZ NA diesel (105)

mediumOverheating if cooling neglected (esp. aftermarket turbo)

Look for: The NA 1HZ runs cool and reliable; many are turbo'd aftermarket, which can cause head/cooling stress if done cheaply.

If you find it: Verify any turbo install (intercooler, EGT/boost gauges); maintain cooling system.

Any · ~$1000-3000

mediumInjector pump wear

Look for: Mechanical injection pump and injectors wear at very high km.

If you find it: Diesel-specialist pump/injector rebuild.

From 250k+ km · ~$1500-2500

4.5L 1FZ-FE petrol

mediumAge-related cooling/electrical wear

Look for: Old vehicles - radiators, hoses, seals and wiring need attention.

If you find it: Refresh consumables; thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Any (age) · Varies

4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 petrol

mediumTiming belt interval

Look for: The 2UZ uses a timing belt that must be replaced on schedule.

If you find it: Replace belt with water pump/tensioner on interval; confirm history.

~150k km · ~$600-1200

3 minor things (low severity)

lowFront wheel bearings / birfields

Look for: Front wheel bearings and (105 live-axle) birfields wear with km and off-road use.

If you find it: Repack/replace; standard driveline maintenance.

From 150k+ km · ~$300-800

lowSteering and front-end wear

Look for: Idler arm, tie-rod ends and steering damper wear giving vague steering.

If you find it: Refresh steering components and alignment.

From 120k+ km · ~$300-900

lowFuel thirst

Look for: 18-22 L/100km; most run LPG to make it viable.

If you find it: Quality LPG conversion or accept the cost.

Any · Running cost

From FlamingCars' Toyota LandCruiser guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.