Toyota Land Cruiser (2003 - 2009) 4.0 V6 VVTi LC5 5d Auto (2004/04) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Practical / sensible / individual without being flash. It's a proper 4x4 that will take you anywhere, not a poncey soft 4x4 like the X5 or M-Class. The LPG means I can afford to drive a quick petrol-powered car but get good fuel economy as well - "win win".
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
When people see a big 4x4 they automatically wonder how you can afford the fuel. But with LPG, it is more affordable and, if it's important to you, greener as well.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Probably - although I felt really let down when the head gasket went. No Landcruiser expert can believe what happened because these cars are proven to be durable. I think it was just very bad luck.
What are you likely to buy next?
Something similar. Part of me wants a Range Rover but a lot of complete tools drive them so they are getting an image problem - plus the reliability is still not what it should be.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£12,000
When did you buy the car?
May 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Want something big and reliable.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It's a 4x4 so you can't get sports saloon handling but the speed from the 4.0 V6 is great compared to the diesel. It rolls a bit more than my previous car, a 3.0 Jeep Grand Cherokee but it is taller so that is the price for having more interior space.
What's it like to park?
I have parking sensors which are a must if you are in town regularly because it is long. However, it's not as wide as you might think (same as an Audi A6) so you can park it and not have to worry too much!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The head gasket went quite soon after I bought it and it's only done 60k miles so that was a complete shock. Also the air con was not working properly - the pipework had corroded - which is a well known fault with these cars.
What's most practical about your car?
It is massive inside so it's great for the family. There are lots of little touches like an independent hot air fan for the windscreen, independent rear air con, 3 sets of interior lights. You can tell that the designers have thought about it. It's also the "real deal" off road which is useful for me because I do go off-road probably once a week.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The full screen sat nav is quite good for its era. I have mine LPG converted so I do about 34mpg equivalent which is great for a big car particularly as it is quick and the V6 sounds good..
