When it comes to the all-terrain world, the Land Cruiser from Toyota is a name recognised and respected worldwide for its incredible capabilities as well as its reliability and robustness. If you’re planning an Amazon expedition or touring the African continent, there’s very little that can compete with the outstanding performance of Toyota’s much-loved SUV.

With its Military influence, the Land Cruiser provides a rugged and versatile option for those who require something that can do that bit more. Whether you need to reach mountain peaks or take a trip to Mountain Warehouse, the Land Cruiser is comfortable and equipped for both safari and school run.

This particular VX model provides added luxury and has been in the ownership of only one individual since its registration in 1994. Even though it carries some battle scars this 80 series has plenty of adventures left in it, thanks to being regularly maintained with no less than 20 service stamps present in the book.

Inside the SUV, you’re greeted with a purposeful, utilitarian design with added comfort and luxury styling. The condition of the interior is overall very good, the leather seats are free from any large tears or signs of wear, only a few very minor marks on the third row where they get folded up, plus a small mark on the second-row middle seat, not really an issue when you consider the car is 28 years old.

You get seven seats in total, all of which fold and flip allowing for a versatile switch from cargo to passenger use. The rear two fold and then flip to the side, fixing in place and allowing for a fair size boot. There are a few marks on either side of this area where cargo has been hauled, there are also a few marks on thenheadlining but again forgivable considering the age.

Honestly, we were impressed with the condition and sensible, versatile layout of this SUV. From the interior alone, it's quite evident why these vehicles get picked over the competition for the harshest trips, it's comfortable and well equipped, with buttons for everything from diff locks to heated seats all in easy reaching distance.

You could be descending down a cliff into the fiery pits of hell with the air conditioning pumping and your favourite Elton John cassette playing and not bat an eyelid, a very well-built motor and a nice place to be, especially if you’re surrounded by the harshest of environments.

Another draw to the Land Cruiser is its rugged aesthetics and road presence. Its large wheels, wide arches and stocky stance provide an assertive appearance, it looks capable and commanding even at a standstill. Its appearance does showcase some battle scars, with plenty of scratches, stone chips and paint blemishes around the vehicle which have been pictured.

In our opinion, these war wounds add a certain level of charisma, a vehicle like this was produced to do the tasks your average car can’t and a few reminders on the paint come part and parcel with that. If towing a horsebox is likely to be the most adventurous task for you then it won’t be a difficult task for any body shop to take this back to its factory
shine.

During our visit, the car was started multiple times and driven a short distance by the photographer. The 4.2L Diesel started without any dramatics, giving off a compelling roar before ticking over confidently.

The 1HD family of engines are renowned for their reliability, especially with good maintenance. Around 165bhp and 406 nm torque is sent to the permanent All-Wheel-Drive system.

During the shoot, the vehicle was manoeuvred a few times and used in both reverse and drive, it performed as expected with no worrying noises or difficulties.

Its service record provides clear evidence that the SUV was used and maintained on a regular basis up until around 2014 when the mileage increments slow, in fact, in the last decade the car has only completed 10,000 miles, with 1,000 of those done in the last 4 years.

With an MOT until February 2023 and a service completed at the same time, the vehicle is ready for the road and any operation you can task it with.

One of the top 4x4’s ever produced, the Land Cruiser is a formidable and capable vehicle that has frequently been at the forefront of any expedition or Military operation. It may be coming up to 30 years on the roads of the UK, but this one-owner SUV is not done yet.

Restore it or race it across the desert, the choice is yours.

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