1998 with 240,000.
Has never stranded me thru any fault of its own.
Has never stranded me thru any fault of its own.
Is it REALLY reliable?
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@spammer I'd have to agree with @Trunk Monkey 's comments above.
Although the brakes went out on my vehicle, I'll be taking it out again and won't hesitate to go on another long road trip (dirt + pavement, whatever) once they get fixed.
Brakes appear (lacking real data) to be a known issue on the first few years of the 100 series, so it wasn't surprising. But even then, at least this LC has easily been the most reliable vehicle I've owned. (2nd owner for last 100k+ miles, 154k+ total miles).
When I was in the market looking at comparable vehicles - RRs and LRs included - it came down to the same question, namely reliability. Ultimately, it really wasn't the Toyota name as much as it was a Land Cruiser built in Japan. In other words, the platform and where that platform was built.
2 cents...
Although the brakes went out on my vehicle, I'll be taking it out again and won't hesitate to go on another long road trip (dirt + pavement, whatever) once they get fixed.
Brakes appear (lacking real data) to be a known issue on the first few years of the 100 series, so it wasn't surprising. But even then, at least this LC has easily been the most reliable vehicle I've owned. (2nd owner for last 100k+ miles, 154k+ total miles).
When I was in the market looking at comparable vehicles - RRs and LRs included - it came down to the same question, namely reliability. Ultimately, it really wasn't the Toyota name as much as it was a Land Cruiser built in Japan. In other words, the platform and where that platform was built.
2 cents...
I've owned my 99 for 12 years and this has been an amazing rig. Car never stranded us .
Issues- Antenna mast, repacked front wheel bearings, starter contacts, abs light ( contacts needed cleaning was only problem), and squealing stuck parking brake.
Having owned an 03 Range Rover myself, an LC will blow your mind with respect to quality!! No comparison.
Issues- Antenna mast, repacked front wheel bearings, starter contacts, abs light ( contacts needed cleaning was only problem), and squealing stuck parking brake.
Having owned an 03 Range Rover myself, an LC will blow your mind with respect to quality!! No comparison.
I've owned 4 100 series. A 99 LC with 58k miles, 2-2004 LX470's 30k miles and 40k miles and current 2005 LX470 that now has 130k miles. So I've put several 100k miles on 100 series. Only thing I had problems with is the 2005 at about 120k miles the AHC started acting up, so I dumped it and had Slee take out the AHC and install the OME 2" lift. Love the ride, look, and feel of the OME suspension. My next LC will be a 200 series in a couple of years.
I've enjoyed watching this series and speaks to the engineering and quality of the LC:
I have worked in manufacturing for three years of my career, but have toured manufacturing plants in the US, South America, and Europe. Toyota’s reputation for quality in manufacturing is almost a universal truth at this point.
To me, comparing quality(and thus reliability) of Toyota vehicles to other brands is a no-contest proposition: Toyota led the way in the ‘quality’ movement in the automotive industry. Weirdly enough, they stole it from us, or more specifically, from Edward Deming. He coined a quality philosophy that applied to the shop floor and it revolutionized manufacturing. Total Quality Management became the norm in Japan long before it reached the US and it goes a long way in explaining how Japanese manufacturers got a foothold in the North American market. Their focus on quality is why Americans chose brands like Honda, Nissan and Toyota over GM and Ford. Honda first sold small motorcycles in the US, long before they sold cars. Their focus on quality drove the company’s way of business and ultimately, their success.
Simply put, Toyota’s reputation for reliability was earned by their focus on quality. The other brands have improved greatly, but Toyota was the leader and they set the standard.
I’ll be the first to tell you that Land Rover makes a sleek, attractive vehicle. But one look under the hood of a Rover and I know all I need to know. No way in hell anything made by Rover will perform consistently enough to be considered ‘reliable’ on a Toyota standard. Some of that is due to bad design, some of it is manufacturing execution. But either way, the simplicity in design and manufacturing focus on quality are what make the Land Cruiser so reliable.
It's not a myth at this point, it can be demonstrated as a result of their philosophy of quality.
To me, comparing quality(and thus reliability) of Toyota vehicles to other brands is a no-contest proposition: Toyota led the way in the ‘quality’ movement in the automotive industry. Weirdly enough, they stole it from us, or more specifically, from Edward Deming. He coined a quality philosophy that applied to the shop floor and it revolutionized manufacturing. Total Quality Management became the norm in Japan long before it reached the US and it goes a long way in explaining how Japanese manufacturers got a foothold in the North American market. Their focus on quality is why Americans chose brands like Honda, Nissan and Toyota over GM and Ford. Honda first sold small motorcycles in the US, long before they sold cars. Their focus on quality drove the company’s way of business and ultimately, their success.
Simply put, Toyota’s reputation for reliability was earned by their focus on quality. The other brands have improved greatly, but Toyota was the leader and they set the standard.
I’ll be the first to tell you that Land Rover makes a sleek, attractive vehicle. But one look under the hood of a Rover and I know all I need to know. No way in hell anything made by Rover will perform consistently enough to be considered ‘reliable’ on a Toyota standard. Some of that is due to bad design, some of it is manufacturing execution. But either way, the simplicity in design and manufacturing focus on quality are what make the Land Cruiser so reliable.
It's not a myth at this point, it can be demonstrated as a result of their philosophy of quality.
This is not true. Deming worked closely with Japanese leaders of industry and government. He was welcomed by the Japanese to address their difficulties in their rebuilding efforts, post WW-II. He was lauded by the Japanese and was recognized as an integral part of their economic and industrial success.
I too worked in manufacturing and engineering as well as R&D for Toyota in SE Michigan and can say that while Deming was instrumental in Japan (and more specifically, Toyota's) success, it most certainly was not "stolen."
My 06 lx left me stranded yesterday with the family in it.
Alternator died at 70K. Not impressed. Made it to a rest area to stop so it wasn't in the middle of nowhere. Could have been ugly though as we do take some trips to some spots where it could have been an issue.
My 1997 has given me no issues ever and it at almost 200K. My 05 has also been flawless with nothing but usual stuff.
John
Alternator died at 70K. Not impressed. Made it to a rest area to stop so it wasn't in the middle of nowhere. Could have been ugly though as we do take some trips to some spots where it could have been an issue.
My 1997 has given me no issues ever and it at almost 200K. My 05 has also been flawless with nothing but usual stuff.
John
My 06 and fiance's 06 Scion both gave up their alternators within months of each other. Maybe 06 is a bad year for alternators.
I will say this. after owning four land cruisers, two fj 60 and now two lx 470 and owning four Land Rovers,an 88 series IIA a 110 and two discoveries. " This man is correct! except for the IIA which has never left me in over 30 years.
These trucks are exceptionally reliable. That said, with the oldest 100's now almost 17 years old, it is folly to expect parts not to fail. However, the parts specced for these trucks are top tier with replacement parts pricing to match.
Especially in those that have not had much in the way of preventative maintenance, these trucks can certainly be spendy. All the same, I think most crazy enough to rock a truck that gets 12 MPG whilst being slower than a Kia Soul would get why these trucks are magic.
Especially in those that have not had much in the way of preventative maintenance, these trucks can certainly be spendy. All the same, I think most crazy enough to rock a truck that gets 12 MPG whilst being slower than a Kia Soul would get why these trucks are magic.
Agree, 'stole it' is probably the wrong word. Meant to change that, but reminded myself I was posting on Saturday
The Japanese were smarter, let's just say that
By stole I mean they were smart enough to listen to Deming when everyone in the US thought he was out to lunch. Our own hubris.. But the idea and Deming, were originally American nonetheless....- Thread starter
- #35
Thanks for sharing that. I'm sure some people have had been stranded. Sounds like you are in the minority.
http://tradeinqualityindex.com/reports/Toyota.html
The above is what made me start this discussion. This site claims the Toyota Land Cruiser is the most reliable model that Toyota, or any other brand has produced in their database, period. Perfect score. That's why I'm planning on picking one up soon. Your comments all have solidified my decision, and I have the wife approval. Thanks.
I've seen that study before and it's not a hoax that it's crowded with Acura, Lexus and other Japanese manufacturers.
But WOW, look at the Mini Cooper. Gotta say that's consistent with the anecdotal feedback I get from other MiniCooper owners.
But WOW, look at the Mini Cooper. Gotta say that's consistent with the anecdotal feedback I get from other MiniCooper owners.
I would agree with the IIA statement. I started driving with my dads 1967 5 door station wagon, safari slide off roof and all. He and I never had any issues we couldn't fix with something in the toolbox kept in the back of the truck. It even had the manual crank start which actually worked (hard work though).
That being said, I replaced it with a new 1987 Fj60 (which I still have). And haven't looked back.
We've had our 2001 for about 8 years - we bought it with 120,000 miles. It now has 180,000 miles. Maintenance records from the previous owner, along with my records, show only 1 issue outside of scheduled maintenance.
I had/have an immobilizer problem with mine over the last couple years. Replacing the 30 Amp EFI fuse in the underhood fuse box did not fix it, but replacing the EFI fuse with this did:
I have had this jumpered for over a year now and have had no starting issues. I suppose I could replace the fuse box, but as long as this is working I am running it. I just got back from a 1200 mile round trip in this truck - it's as comfortable and tight now as it was when we bought it, though the leather is starting to look a little worn.
I had/have an immobilizer problem with mine over the last couple years. Replacing the 30 Amp EFI fuse in the underhood fuse box did not fix it, but replacing the EFI fuse with this did:
I have had this jumpered for over a year now and have had no starting issues. I suppose I could replace the fuse box, but as long as this is working I am running it. I just got back from a 1200 mile round trip in this truck - it's as comfortable and tight now as it was when we bought it, though the leather is starting to look a little worn.
Thats an interesting study. Liked seeing the fact that the Excursion made the top 10, too. That obviously includes those powered by the 6.0 PSD, which was a disaster. I personally think the 100 series LC and a Excursion 7.3L 4x4 to be the two most reliable and durable SUVs out there. Of course the older cruisers are rock solid too, but the 100 has the modern amenities to make it comfortable enough for your 90 year old grandma. Out of the 100s, I like the 03-05 LCs the best. I rule out all the LXs because of the AHC. (An FJ62 with an H55F swap would be right up there, but that wasn't a factory option for the US.)
They are reliable. Even "more reliable than the vast majority of cars and trucks" would likely be accurate. But they are not mythical.
The ABS pump failed at 80k on my '06 to the tune of $1,500. That puts it well behind my Mazdas, Hondas, and two Fords... but ahead of my Land Rover and Jeeps.
The ABS pump failed at 80k on my '06 to the tune of $1,500. That puts it well behind my Mazdas, Hondas, and two Fords... but ahead of my Land Rover and Jeeps.
