Just purchased my first LC after a year of waiting for the right opportunity to present. Replaced my 2008 Pathfinder LE V8 (84,000 mi) with 2008 LC with value package (94,000 mi.). Certainly had reservations paying nearly 40k for a truck with nearly 100,000 mi, but it is a Land Cruiser afterall and worth every penny. I drive 20,000 mi / year and plan to drive the LC for 5-6 years as my daily driver. I purchased from the dealer that sold it new in Feb 2008. One-owner trade-in for new LC, clean carfax, and complete service history from dealership (was in every 5k), dealer performed "160-pt inspection" used for "certified pre-owned" to prepare for sale, but it is not certified (due to mileage).
Think it has the driveline "thunk" but didn't notice during test drive; dealership says they will check it out and work with me if any problem is found. Also have noticed a noise from the dash when heater fires up. From my research here it appears the propeller shaft will need to be replaced to resolve the "thunk.". I am aware that a TSB was released on this in 2008, but haven't yet been able to view the full TSB.
The Cruiser will only see occasional off-road use during hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, paddling and lake excursions. My interest in the Cruser is primarily to have the most reliable and comfortable vehicle available that will never leave me stranded and to get my family and gear to safety in the event of snow/ice storm, flooding, tornado, earthquake, civil unrest or other SHTF scenario. My profession requires a lot of regular travel and not getting there due to road conditions is not really an option. I carry a lot of stuff during work and play. Also occasionally pull a trailer loaded with 4-wheelers and a dirt bike.
Since the stock Cruiser's capability seems to be more than sufficient for my needs, I am not looking to perform any modifications to enhance off road capabilities. I am interested in performing maintenance and upgrades to enhance reliability of the vehicle over time. So far I have tinted the windows with centurion 15 film and 40 on the windshield and an XPel paint-protection film kit has been applied. I have removed the running boards (looks much better without and easier to get into). Have also installed a full set of weathertech mats. Has a new set of Geolander AT/S and I am having one put on the spare as well. Dealer replaced all brakes in prep to sell. I need to update the navigation system.
The Toyota maintenance guide only goes through 120,000 mi and it appears that all recommended maintenance has been performed by the dealership so far. I am aware that many LC experts recommend replacing timing belt and water pump every 90k. Think the 5.7L has a chain, making belt replacement unnecessary but I presume this LC has the original water pump.
I typically run Castrol Syntec full synthetic oil in my vehicles and use premium gasoline.
I am seeking information on any preventative maintenance or other modifications that will enhance the long-term reliability of my Cruiser from those who are intimately familiar with these vehicles. Is there anything else that should be inspected or replaced? Your guidance will be much appreciated.
Think it has the driveline "thunk" but didn't notice during test drive; dealership says they will check it out and work with me if any problem is found. Also have noticed a noise from the dash when heater fires up. From my research here it appears the propeller shaft will need to be replaced to resolve the "thunk.". I am aware that a TSB was released on this in 2008, but haven't yet been able to view the full TSB.
The Cruiser will only see occasional off-road use during hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, paddling and lake excursions. My interest in the Cruser is primarily to have the most reliable and comfortable vehicle available that will never leave me stranded and to get my family and gear to safety in the event of snow/ice storm, flooding, tornado, earthquake, civil unrest or other SHTF scenario. My profession requires a lot of regular travel and not getting there due to road conditions is not really an option. I carry a lot of stuff during work and play. Also occasionally pull a trailer loaded with 4-wheelers and a dirt bike.
Since the stock Cruiser's capability seems to be more than sufficient for my needs, I am not looking to perform any modifications to enhance off road capabilities. I am interested in performing maintenance and upgrades to enhance reliability of the vehicle over time. So far I have tinted the windows with centurion 15 film and 40 on the windshield and an XPel paint-protection film kit has been applied. I have removed the running boards (looks much better without and easier to get into). Have also installed a full set of weathertech mats. Has a new set of Geolander AT/S and I am having one put on the spare as well. Dealer replaced all brakes in prep to sell. I need to update the navigation system.
The Toyota maintenance guide only goes through 120,000 mi and it appears that all recommended maintenance has been performed by the dealership so far. I am aware that many LC experts recommend replacing timing belt and water pump every 90k. Think the 5.7L has a chain, making belt replacement unnecessary but I presume this LC has the original water pump.
I typically run Castrol Syntec full synthetic oil in my vehicles and use premium gasoline.
I am seeking information on any preventative maintenance or other modifications that will enhance the long-term reliability of my Cruiser from those who are intimately familiar with these vehicles. Is there anything else that should be inspected or replaced? Your guidance will be much appreciated.
