Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado (1996 - 2002) 3.0 TD EX 3d (1998/S) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Practical, tough (no, really!) and capable.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My Dad loves it, my Mum thinks it's too rough, everyone else is indifferent.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Most likely not. My motivation for leasing the car was that we were not in a position to buy a Discovery. As such, the Colorado was merely an interim vehicle.

What are you likely to buy next?

Land Rover Discovery TD5, which we've already bought.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10

When did you buy the car?

June 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

£10 a week to lease? I'd say we got a stupidly good deal!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

This particular vehicle had previously been used as a workhorse at a farm owned by a friend of ours. Having replaced it, he offered to lease the vehicle to us for a few months. When we hand it back, it'll be exported to the bush.

What was the dealer like?

N/A

What's it like to drive?

Immensely powerful! The 3.0 litre engine is obviously far too large for the three-door, so it pulls like a runaway train up even the steepest of hills. What it lacks in acceleration it more than makes up for in low-down torque. The handling is surprisingly sharp; with responsive steering, a positive gearshift and decent road holding. Body roll isn't excessive, but anyone used to smaller cars with find the Colorado somewhat unnerving to drive at first. The ride quality is fine under most conditions, but gets rather bouncy and harsh on back roads and off the beaten track. Off-road it lives up to expectations, although it's worth checking to rear diff lock actuator, as these can seize up (£400 for a new one!). Otherwise, there's very little the Colorado can't handle.

What's it like to park?

Easier than you may think. Because the driving position is high, it's easy to place the corners, which is helped by the three-door's relatively short length. The only real downside is that the B and C-pillars are very thick, restricting over-the-shoulder visibility.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing whatsoever in two months of ownership.

What's most practical about your car?

The clever distribution of interior space. Despite being a three-door, the cabin strikes a good balance between passenger space up front & behind, and a decent amount of boot room.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It's an old Land Cruiser...what gadgets?