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In an age where ridiculously large off-road vehicles have been reduced to a humiliating role as people-movers, not all car manufacturers take the 4WD brief too seriously. After all, the car’s main job may be to look the part, and its toughest treatment may be dished out by kids in the back seat during the commute to school.

 
But Toyota doesn’t just take their commitment to off-road vehicles seriously; when it comes to creating each new series of Toyota Land Cruiser, they’re maintaining an icon, a trailblazer and the flag bearer of the company’s off-road range. Creating a Land Cruiser that was all show and no guts would be more than damaging to a household name; it would be outright criminal.
 
This is one car that has never strayed far from its origins, and despite its slow metamorphosis into a vehicle that can match rivals for comfort and style, the Land Cruiser continues to beg for one thing: to be thrown at Mother Nature’s toughest environments. And of course, to conquer them. Yes it’s a bit bulky and clumsy in tight urban conditions, but even taking that weakness into consideration, this car is a powerhouse that deserves its consistent rave reviews.
 

Six generations of Toyota Land Cruisers

1st Generation – 20 Series (1957 to 1970)

 

The great, great grandpa of the massive, sleek and incredibly powerful 200 Series Land Cruisers we see on roads today was clearly inspired by the Willys Jeep. Add some real doors, wind-down windows and optional airconditioning, and suddenly the Toyota ‘Land Cruiser Strategy’ was aiming at a broader market. More importantly, due to clever manufacturing innovations, it was about to make a big splash on the international market. 

2nd Generation – 40 Series (1970 to 1984)

 

The 40 Series is the most instantly recognisable off-road vehicle on the planet. It’s the quintessential Land Cruiser, and while its box-like shape somehow defied logic to become a design classic, it was durability that gave it the edge. Low-range gearing and more horses under the bonnet made it a great rock climber.
 
Toyota also began what would become a trend for the Land Cruiser: variety of shapes and engines. There are more of these old diehards currently in circulation than any other all-terrain vehicle of its era. One million were made as the FJ40 reigned supreme during 24 years of production.
 
Cheaper than the Land Rover and offering a staggering amount of variations, the 40 morphed into the later 45 model in ‘77, and took its cues from the popularity of station wagons. You could get them in any shape or style you wanted: wagon, fixed or removable hard top, and short or long bed utility. But good luck finding them now!

3rd Generation – 60 and 70 Series (1980 to 1990)

 

The 60 Series signalled a new era in design, and it’s not just the classic shape that was scrapped to make way for progress. Completely new diesel and gasoline engines, transmission, bucket seats and room for more passengers gave us a hint of what the future of off-roading would look like.
 
Its interior comforts were the first real show of respect to urban consumers, but solid axles with locking differentials maintained the Land Cruiser’s reputation as a workhorse. Frankly, some of the stories of this beast’s immortality are hard to believe, with the highest mileage we’ve heard of being over a million kilometres (on a running vehicle!).  
 


The 62 model added a fuel-injected 4-litre, 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, but the more remarkable addition to the fleet was the 79 model. Not only did this tough utility return Land Cruiser to days of old, with rugged looks and no-nonsense design, but it would become the quiet achiever of the pack, continuing to be produced for over 20 years.

4th Generation – 80 and 90 Series (1990 to 1997):

 

From this stage in the Land Cruiser’s advancement, grunt and cabin space made it the vehicle of choice for people on the land, whether it was farmers, miners or the growing ranks of recreational bush-bashers looking for a weekend thrill. Impressive sales reflected the range’s coming of age. In fact, the main Toyota plant had to stay open 24/7 for six months to keep up with demand.
 
For those on the job, there was room for a crew of eight people, although using every fold-down seat compromised the massive luggage room. Underneath, the solid axles that had served the Land Cruiser so well were finally replaced by coil-spring suspension, further adding to the substantial improvements in comfort.
 
With part-time 4WD ditched, this model was unashamedly rural, but the 80 certainly looked stylish enough to strut its stuff in the cities. Unfortunately it lacked the manoeuvrability of vehicles built for urban environments, so car parks became a nightmare due to the Land Cruiser’s limited turning circle.
 
The 80 is a solid buy, known for its longevity, and a great option for anyone considering a second hand vehicle with significant mileage. By 1992, it was sporting a 4.5-litre, twin-cam, multi-valve engine which added an impressive boost to torque, so aim for post 1992 models if you’re after a well-worn bargain.
 


1996 saw the release of the 90 series. This is the slightly scaled down Land Cruiser Colorado. Its low popularity proved that size really does matter, but that just makes it a great deal. It still has the traditional advantages of being a Land Cruiser (tough and reliable) but if you can find one of these, it’s likely to be at a relatively low cost.

5th Generation – 100 Series (1998 to 2007)

 

Carmakers often like to confuse us with model numbers, so the first in line after the 90 is the 105, which inherited the chassis and coil-suspended axles used on the 80s series. Sometimes reinvention isn’t necessary, especially after you’ve reached perfection with a model like the 80, so have no doubt – the 105 was rock solid, particularly on harsh landscapes.
 
The 100’s wider chassis and independent front suspension plus rack and pinion power-assisted steering made it the logical model to evolve. It became the crowd favourite as the SUV market grew. This series became the precursor to the modern Land Cruiser, and its 2002 model set new standards, cleverly balancing performance and comfort. The ‘Sahara’ featured a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a majorly overhauled version of the 4.2-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine.
 
With more emphasis on an urban market and the use of Land Cruisers as a family vehicle, safety features were majorly overhauled, and models included front airbags, ABS, stability control, traction control and brake assist. A good indication of a growing emphasis on the Land Cruiser’s appeal in cities was the reinstated optional 4WD.
 
Over the next five years of the 100 Series’ evolution, technology and the quality of the car’s interior would become increasingly important for consumers. This led to entertainment systems and speakers being upgraded, climate control, the addition of leather and velour to interiors, cruise control, central locking and power windows. Some of these additions may have seemed belated, but to be fair, the Land Cruiser had always been proud of its reputation as a worker rather than a luxury vehicle.
 
As opposed to the 100, the 120 model was not the hit Toyota hoped for. Once a bang-for-buck proposition, the Land Cruiser’s price had crept up to make the 120 less competitive. Opponents were beginning to design more aesthetically appealing variations on the 4WD, but the Land Cruiser was about to earn its place among a more crowded market.
 

6th Generation -  200 Series (2007 to 2017…so far)

Due to the continued popularity of the 100, its official successor launched quietly, possibly due to its initial release as an eight-person, V8, four-wheel drive wagon. It would take years for the 200 to mechanically and aesthetically evolve to the point where it would not only wear the Land Cruiser crown, but become the ultimate modern 4WD.
 
2013 ushered in the flagship model we’ve come to know and love. Fusing creature comforts and the strength to conquer virtually any terrain, this is the vehicle that manages to excite drivers while pampering them. With the appearance of this model, power-hungry off-roaders licked their lips as the largest engine in its class was revealed, along with an oversized body to match.

Engine – Introducing two unstoppable V8s

Land Cruiser has always dished up plenty of options when it comes to engine types and sizes but the 4.5-litre turbo diesel was certainly a crowd-pleaser. The 4.7-litre petrol version used in the later 100 Series was fine tuned to become the 200’s crowning glory: a 5.7-litre V8 with valve timing and ‘acoustic control’ induction system.
 
This was a considerable boost to performance and fuel efficiency which had traditionally been one of the Land Cruiser's weaknesses. 2017 saw further improvements to fuel efficiency which, to be honest, was a justifiable worry to buyers when the larger engines first appeared. The fuel savings are quite significant (roughly a hundred extra Kms out of a full tank) so picking up the latest model could be a good investment in the longrun.

Transmission – Only six speeds?

6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) with sequential shift mode and uphill/downhill shift logic. It sounds impressive because it is. A complete waste in the city of course, but hit the open road, sand dunes, water hazards or mountains and you’ll be glad it’s there.

Body – a deceptively gentle-looking giant

The styling is slightly softer. There’s no doubt about that. But the modern 200 is the perfect response to the demands of the changing market. It’s fashionable enough to be an urban people-mover, but not flashy enough to embarrass the rural consumers who have supported the 60-year development of the Land Cruiser.
 
In theory, when you look back through each iteration, Toyota have never gone out of their way to make the Land Crusier a particularly tough-looking vehicle, so the modern edition is in keeping with company policy.

Interior – more of a car than a computer

The Land Cruiser doesn’t have every ridiculous technological gadget manufacturers are squeezing into dashboards these days. Neither Toyota or real Land Cruiser fans care
 
It’s not about excess – the design focus is practical, including heated/ventilated front seats and four-zone climate control. Possibly the best feature of this Land Cruiser is one that may not be quite as exciting as an entertainment system (MP3 player, Bluetooth etc) – twin airbags that resulted in a 5-star ANCAP crash test rating (for the VX and Sahara models). As for the leather-wrapped surfaces and wood grain trim, we all deserve a little indulgence, especially for the hefty price tag.

Off-road capabilities and towing

It’s not just the power and gear configuration that gets the Land Cruiser in and out of unreasonable situations. The 200’s Crawl Control and Multi-terrain Monitor add more stability to the vehicle and visibility for drivers. We may pride ourselves on driving skill, but when the situation gets tricky, it’s nice to have the mod cons.
 
The main all-terrain advantages are pretty obvious though. You’ll have to try pretty hard to warp this thing’s chassis, or kill an engine that quite frankly, few people could have imagined would be available to general consumers. Add to those factors the transmission, and it’s almost as if Toyota is daring you to kill this demon.

2017 Land Cruiser 200 Series Conclusion

Some cars like to put on a show but the Toyota Land Cruiser is more of a modest overachiever. Without the chest-beating of its peers, it manages to be one of the most comfortable but rugged workhorses available. When looking for a car for cruising in the city or scaling impossible terrain in the highlands, the Land Cruiser is difficult to disregard. The edge may be Toyota’s generally outstanding reputation for reliability.
 
There were five recalls for the 100 Series but if you look at the rapid changes in technology during its era, glitches seem inevitable. Toyota was trying to catch up and stay contemporary after ignoring many mod cons for years. In contrast, the 200 has been solid despite a degree of sophistication that rivals most vehicles in the market.
 
The age of the stripped-back, work-oriented 4WD is well and truly over, and the 200 is a fine example of how manufacturers have bent to the demands of the changing market. But in its defence, Toyota had doggedly stayed true to the brief when it comes to the Land Cruiser. It may seem plush, but it has plenty of fire in its belly, and tips its hat respectfully to the old Jeep-inspired FJ25 that inspired the journey.  
 
This is the vehicle for real adventurers, and judging by its maker’s refusal to compromise on power and performance, we can look forward to another 60 years of grunt.
 

What to look for when buying second hand

Remember that it’s much more likely for a second hand Land Cruiser to have been extensively used for its primary design: off-road work, especially in PNG. You’ll find very few slightly-used show ponies, so look for plenty of wear and tear on bumpers, doors and, of course, underneath.
 
If possible, get to know its history. A used Toyotal Land Cruiser may look like a bargain but if it’s been bouncing around in the Highlands and towing huge hauls, you could be faced with deal breakers like a twisted chassis or engine damage. That seems less likely to be the case with the 200 but we’ve definitely heard of warped 80 and 100 Series vehicles.
 
If testing, do it properly and make sure you simulate extreme situations. The amount of smoke produced by exhaust when the engine is under strain should give you a quick indication of its mechanical condition, and watch for an oil light that lingers after ignition. That’s another worrying sign.
 
Older Series’ gearboxes are traditionally solid but a little cranky, so take that into consideration when testing. Don’t panic if things are tight, but if you’re grinding when changing down to lower gears, obviously a professional should take a look. 

If you are buying a used or imported Toyota Land Cruiser, the following is a good checklist:
 

• Transfer boxes on older models are often stiff and expensive to repair

• Any use near sand will inevitably mean rust in the floors

• The 100 Series can have an issues with AHC, which is a nightmare to fix, and expensive

• 100 Series front suspension is fragile and its worth checking whether it’s been replaced with strengthened lower wishbones (if not, it’s a potential issue)

• 1997-1999 models have reports regarding front differentials

• Ticking sound after starting 4.7-litre V8 engines can mean a cracked exhaust manifold

• The 200 model push-start system was initially faulty but has since been fixed

• Listen for a noisy accessory drive belt on 200 models

• On the 200 Series, an oil leak can be the result of a bad O-ring on the dipstick tube

Pricing Used and New

A new Toyota Land Cruiser purchased in the capital of Port Moresby is around PGK 190,000 for the 70 series to PGK 671,000 for the 200 series.
 
A used Land Cruiser about 3 years old will cost around PGK 70,000 depending on the mileage, model and exact condition. 

 

Where to buy Toyota Land Cruiser, New & Used in PNG

Where to buy a used Toyota Land Cruiser in PNG, Port Moresby and Lae:
Used Toyota Land Cruisers can be found wherever there are people willing to sell them, whether in the Port Moresby, Lae or other centres. The most convenient place to scour through used Toyota Land Cruisers on the market would be on the Martketmeri website or by flipping through the Marketmeri app available for download here.
 
 
Where to buy a new Toyota Land Cruiser in PNG:
Ela Motors is the official Toyota distributor in PNG, making it the place to go for your brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser.
 
There you can source brand new Land Cruiser’s for sale.
 
Provided below is the contact information for Ela Motors showrooms in Papua New Guinea:
 
 
Ela Motors - Port Moresby (Badili Showroom) 
Scratchley Road Badili
Port Moresby NCD,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 7300
F:(+675) 7998 7400

Ela Motors - Port Moresby (Waigani Showroom)
Wards Road, Hohola
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 7301
F:(+675) 7998 7302

Ela Motors - Lae
Milfordhaven Road
Lae, Morobe Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 7700
F:(+675) 7798 7701

Port Moresby - Kokopo
Schamach Street, Takubar
Kokopo, East New Britain Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 8200
F:(+675) 7998 8201
 
Port Moresby - Madang
Kasagten Road
Madang, Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 7850
F:(+675) 7998 7851

Port Moresby - Mt Hagen
Okuk Highway Kimininga
Mt.Hagen, Western Highlands Provinces,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 7800
F:(+675) 7998 7801 Email us 

Port Moresby - Kimbe
Sanrimo Drive
Kimbe, West New Britain Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 8300
F:(+675) 7998 8301
 
Port Moresby - Lihir
Lower Londolovit Road
Lihir, New Ireland Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 8400
F:(+675) 7998 8401

Port Moresby - Buka
Buka Town
Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 8600
F:(+675) 7998 8601

Port Moresby - Goroka
Edwards Street
Goroka, Eastern Highland Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 8270
F:(+675) 7998 8271
 
Port Moresby - Kavieng
Lavongai Street
Kavieng, New Ireland Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:+675) 7999 5800
F:(+675) 7999 5801
 
Port Moresby - Wewak
Boram Road
Wewak, East Sepik Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 8230
F:(+675) 7998 8231 

Port Moresby - Vanimo
Yakwan Street
Vanimo, West Sepik Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 8500
F:(+675) 7998 8501
 
Port Moresby - Tabubil
Ganamop Street
Tabubil, Western Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 8340
F:(+675) 7998 8341
 
Port Moresby - Alotau
Charles Able Highway
Alotau, Milne Bay Province,
Papua New Guinea

T:(+675) 7998 8320
F:(+675) 7998 8321