The subject of discussion is most often models of famous manufacturers that enjoy the attention and love of motorists around the world. These include the Land Cruiser 100, which is produced by Toyota. The car is a classic SUV equipped with an all-wheel drive system and two petrol and diesel engine options. Available in several versions, with a 5-speed manual transmission and automatic.
A distinctive feature of the "weave" is the special structure of the fifth door of the car, which, unlike the "brother" in the body, the version with the index 105, has two wings that are divided horizontally (for 105 it consists of hinged halves). In addition, the Land Cruiser 100 features body-colored bumpers and a stiffer frame with energy-absorbing zones, as well as an independent double-wishbone torsion bar front suspension.
Although reviews of the Land Cruiser 100 are mostly positive, it also has some specific drawbacks, which we will discuss a little later. And let's start with pleasant moments, that is, its undoubted advantages, noted by motorists themselves. These include:
- Respectable and solid appearance. The first thing that catches your eye when looking at the car is its "muscular" shape and impressive dimensions of 4890 x 1941 x 1890 mm, with a wheelbase of 2850 mm and a ground clearance of 218 mm. At the same time, it is clear: it was created to "reign" on the road. The impression is further enhanced by the spectacular shape of the headlights with branded contours, canopies and somewhat aggressive, brutal body elements.
- Excellent cross-country ability of the car, achieved through the use of an all-wheel drive system on it, a reduced row in the transmission, the possibility of locking the center and wheel differentials.
- Maneuverability and good movement. Representing a car with very impressive dimensions, it inspires respect and looks very catchy and noticeable on the road. At the same time, due to the balanced operation of a powerful engine, it is able to perform any complex maneuvers with extreme accuracy and accuracy. Suspension tuning is very smooth and soft, which makes driving a very pleasant feeling.
- Comfort and safety. Here it is worth mentioning a fairly spacious, comfortable interior with leather seats, which is distinguished by good spaciousness, as well as an impressive luggage compartment, where you can easily place a decent amount of payloads, including long ones.
- Additional convenience is created by a mirror with special dimming and a compass, as well as rear-view mirrors, which can be used for better orientation both in traffic, and at forest forks and on rough terrain.
"Problem" and vulnerabilities
Well, based on the foregoing, in principle, you might think that this car is perfection itself, but this “honey barrel” also has its own “fly in the ointment”. And some reviews of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 are direct confirmation of this.
Of the shortcomings regarding the body part and the internal arrangement of the car, it is worth noting:
- The location of the instruments on the panel, which are a bit low, which is why, in order to see the indicators of interest, you need to slightly stretch your neck and rise in the driver's seat.
- Lack of lateral support in the car seats (although the seats themselves are quite comfortable).
- Not very high-quality work of the navigation system and parking sensors.
- Problems with interior and windshield heating. This is partly due to the inconvenient location of the controls for this function, which are small pins recessed into the surface of the front seats.
- Insufficient sound insulation.
- The presence of plastic in the interior trim is not of the best quality.
However, these small shortcomings cannot be called significant, it is quite possible and possible to live with them. However, the most interesting when choosing, buying and discussing any car, and this, including, is traditionally caused by the following points: the price of the Land Cruiser 100 and its technical characteristics. So, let's try to deal with these pressing key points, based on the reviews and opinions of motorists who have managed to get to know this representative of the Toyota clan better.
Features of technical equipment: pros and cons
The technical equipment of the car includes a V-shaped eight-cylinder 4.7-liter 2UZ engine specially designed for it, which is distinguished by good reliability and durability. The only point that you should pay attention to: there are cases when, after a 150,000th run, it “explodes”, in the truest sense of the word. This happens due to the fault of light-alloy exhaust manifolds (the price is $ 500), which burn out due to constant loads. Most often, North American assembly cars sin with this.
Another trouble associated with the operation of the car: the need to replace the left manifold. This procedure will "pull" for 600 dollars. In this case, it will be necessary to dismantle the steering shaft and adjust the wheel alignment angles.
The “weak” point of the technical equipment of a car is traditionally considered to be the lower arms of the front suspension and the steering rack, the resource of which is significantly reduced when it is used on poor-quality roads. In general, the operational period of using the nodal connections and assemblies of the car is quite decent. Even the viscous coupling of the cooling fan (replacement of which will cost $450) and the water pump ($200) this figure is 200 thousand kilometers or more.
The problem of a diesel unit equipped with a turbocharger and a direct injection system can be called its exactingness in the quality of engine oil, and when replacing it, you need pretty decently: 12 liters and the composition of the fuel itself. This is followed by the frequent failure of high-pressure fuel pumps, which "pass away" after 150 thousand kilometers. It is all the more frustrating that they cannot be repaired, and if they are replaced, you will have to spend a “tidy” sum of about $ 5,000.
And don't forget about clogged injectors and the need to adjust valve clearances every 40,000 miles. Although, even with such tricks and efforts, the wear of the ingenious mechanism still cannot be avoided. This happens, as a rule, after 200 thousand kilometers, and in this case it is necessary not to delay the repair (the price of which will be approximately $ 400), since the results of such “carelessness” can significantly “lighten” your wallet.
By the way, in some cases, the car itself will remind you of the need for “surgical intervention”. For example, the appearance of the inscription "T Belt" on the monitor of the on-board computer device indicates that it is time for you to change the timing belt. For diesel engines, this happens every 120 thousand kilometers, and the replacement procedure costs $ 140. In the case of gasoline V-shaped engines, repairs will be required after 150 thousand kilometers, and you will have to pay twice as much for it. The only exception: the gasoline “six”, where the chain can be called almost “eternal”.
Boxes also deserve special mention: a 5-speed manual and an automatic with the same number of gears, which are of sufficient quality and reliability. Distinguished by good “resistance”, they calmly “survive” several sets of clutches, the service life of each of which is at least two hundred thousand kilometers.
But his suspension deserves only respect and admiration. Problems during its operation are extremely rare, although the lower front suspension arms are subject to greater wear during the active use of the car. In addition, body height sensors fail rather quickly (after about 3-4 years) or their wiring is damaged, due to which the car can “jam” in the most unexpected position.
In addition, every hundred thousand kilometers, the intelligent hydraulic suspension requires the replacement of a special oil, and when it leaks, an electronic device is triggered that turns off the hydraulic pump. The same process occurs in the event of failure of one or more hydraulic accumulators (there are three in total), replacement, each of which, will cost $ 300.
At the same time, it is worth adding that not only “ruthless time”, but also aggressive driving on rough and bumpy roads can lead to such unpleasant consequences, so no matter how hardy and “strong” this car is, test it for strength without there is no special need, but it is not worth it.
Another significant drawback of this car: its voracity. Consumption Land Cruiser 100 is pretty decent. Its average value is about 20 liters per 100 km. At the same time, he “eats” most of all during acceleration and at idle.
Of course, this indicator is influenced by many factors, including the quality of the fuel itself, road conditions and driving style. On the highway, this figure fluctuates around 12 liters, and in the city all 22 liters “float out”, so this car cannot be called economical.
A little tip to help you save your own money and avoid unnecessary repair costs: try to avoid buying "African" and "Arab" versions. The first "sin" with rotting duralumin tubes located under the body, the absence of a "stove" and anti-corrosion protection. In addition, the “southerners” do not have very high-quality painting, and their oil seals, batteries and starters simply cannot withstand negative temperatures.
Fortunately, such "problematic" options are rarely found on our market. Most of it (about 65%) is made up of gasoline modifications of the VX-series, for which sellers ask from 1 million 250 thousand to 2 million rubles (for options of three to five years old). For the diesel version, you will have to pay 70 thousand more.
You will say that having such a car is an unforgivable luxury? And it is not cheap, and it is not as easy to get around as it seems. But, taking into account the fact that the Land Cruiser 100 serves twice as long as its competitors before the first serious problems and breakdowns, we can say that these costs can be put up with.
By the way, today, due to the difficult economic conditions prevailing in many countries, it has become much easier to find a “weave” in a very good condition than before. So maybe it makes sense to use this seductive opportunity?