Toyota LandCruiser 70-Series Inspection Checklist

1999-2024 · 6 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

4.5L 1VD-FTV (V8 turbo diesel)

highOil filter housing spout failure

Look for: Cartridge oil filter cap has a center spout that can break off. If unnoticed during oil change, the new filter is unsupported and gets sucked into the oil pump - restricting oil flow and destroying the engine.

If you find it: ALWAYS check the spout when changing oil filter. Replace cap if showing wear. Cheap insurance.

Any · ~$50 part / $$$$ if missed

highOil pick-up plastic strainer

Look for: Internal plastic strainer on oil pickup can break and travel into the oil pump - severely restricting oil flow.

If you find it: Replace pickup at major service. Pre-emptive job that prevents catastrophic damage.

From 150k+ km · $$ engine damage

mediumInjector failure (fuel contamination)

Look for: Piezoelectric injectors fail with poor diesel quality - especially in remote areas.

If you find it: Fit a quality secondary fuel filter (Racor or similar). Mandatory for outback duty.

From 150k+ km · ~$2700+ set

mediumHigh oil consumption (early units)

Look for: Pre-2010 1VD-FTVs had a vacuum pump that caused excessive oil consumption.

If you find it: Updated vacuum pump fixes it. Verify replacement done on pre-2010 examples.

Pre-2010 · ~$500-1500

mediumStarter motor (deep water crossings)

Look for: Starter located low in the engine bay - prone to water damage on deep crossings.

If you find it: Snorkel + waterproof starter cover. Common upgrade.

After water · ~$600-1200

4.2L 1HZ (NA diesel I6)

mediumCracked exhaust manifold (turbocharged conversions)

Look for: Aftermarket turbo conversions stress the cast iron exhaust manifold which can crack.

If you find it: Upgraded manifold. Worth doing pre-emptively if buying a turbocharged 1HZ.

After turbo install · ~$1500+

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.

LandCruiser 70-Series (78 / 79) inspection checklist

4.5L 1VD-FTV (V8 turbo diesel)

4.2L 1HZ (NA diesel I6)