2017 Toyota Landcruiser dual cab 70 series

Mez · Veteran Member

2017 Toyota Landcruiser dual cab 70 series

KJB · Guru

Just do it. Best choice you could make. Staple diet of serious Outback contractors, station owners, travellers and Govt. Departments. Very competent "off road" capabilities ,durable and stress free to operate and own. Good to drive and excellent legal towing capacities etc..No vehicle is perfect in every respect but these come pretty close. Always easy to sell (depreciation is not really an issue if properly looked after) when finished with but will last many years and kms. in between .I have had a continuous line various 70 Series utes for work and travel since 1982 . " Oh what a feeling " for the full term of your ownership.
KB

Kebbin · Guru

Seen as KJG didn't answer the comfort part, there a 6/10 in my opinion over long distances.

macka17 · Guru

Even though I'm a Nissan and Ford man.
I have to admit.

The Troopie is the only Toyota I'd ever touch.
That label ain't even on my shopping list. for cars or 4wd's.

Auto. and one or two.
Orthopaedic seats in front.
With or without suspension.

My patrols I fitted Suspension seats.
and often did 1100+ km's a day with van.
Yrs ago. Travelling point A to B.

Best $5 to 800 (plus susp) you'll EVER spend
on ANY vehicle, believe me.
Arm rest and moveable, inflatable lumbar support
to suit.

Patrols seats the best of two,.
Ortho even better.
So don't worry about seat comfort.

Worried about warranty.
get dealer to install b4 del.
Cost you more but ar-e covered.

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Mez - Mr Google is your friend -

https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/toyota-landcruiser-70-series-dual-cab-review-12183

https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-reviews/toyota-landcruiser-70-series-review

http://www.mynrma.com.au/motoring-services/reviews/car-reviews/toyota/toyota-landcruiser-79-series-dual-cab.htm

https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-reviews/2017-toyota-70-series-landcruiser-review/

Hopefully that will give some reading while we wait for someone who has one comes on and gives some feedback.

Cheers - John

sandsmere · Guru

Mez. Buy one.

We have the 2011 version. Done 130,000kms now over some rough roads and towing a van.

No problems with it at all.

Cupie · Guru

Gee .. you seem to pick the right vehicles. The 4.2TD Patrols are gold but the 70 series are even better.

KJB · Guru

Better off changing the suspension than the seats. ( fix the cause rather than try and hide it)

ARB first upgrade (springs ,bushes and shockers ) is very much more compliant both loaded and empty. This upgrade, compared to Land Cruisers historically poor (for Aust. conditions ) suspension, is like chalk and cheese. It is not a very expensive upgrade but worth every cent. Do it from new and enjoy the benefits. Takes the sharp shocks out of road undulations and looks after the vehicle,load and passengers.

Cruising Cruze · Guru

Hi Mez & Christian

Have a look at youtube and search for Ronny Dahl
He's got one
You will find heaps of info from his experience with that type Toyota

Cheers John

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Macka . You'll be a little disappointed at the latter model Nissans ? They used to be bullet proof . Infact . I know a few guys rebuilding their 500k Patrol for this reason . With a few tweaks !

macka17 · Guru

KJB.

I thought the latest model Troopies had coils??.

WHoops sorry.

The one I saw round on mates hoist

Must have had the Coil Conversion fitted.

Looked real good too. All Blue.

In any case. TJM wouldn't be my first choice.

i used to do a lot of dirt, with and without vans.
Found that with the Patrol size.

King springs. EFS SHocks and springs. and
Ironman left those TJM's far behind.

I've had Mix of King coils and EFS shocks for yrs now.
Never miss a beat.

EFS Torsion Bars and shocks on current D-Max.
with Ironman half leaves on rears to take van load.

again (second ute they on), Magic

KIWI.

Reading some of the reviews,
(That's what we ALL do right)

and talking to a coupla locals on the sand tracks round here.
5 Rocks, Back of Shoalwater etc,

that bought them.
They certainly blast up the local big'un.
Which is loooong. steep and soft plus.

Differences in fuel, T'ween them and the V8 diesel Toyota.
when working them, ain't much different.

"according to reviewers"

and the Big V8 petrol has heaps of grunt, then some????.

Pity they followed Toyota with that bug ugly Body though...

Just what I read of course.
Like the "believers" that "believe", (are conned.)
that the Toyota Ute is best on market,
less about 6 other MFG's b4 them hey.

Unfortunately, with the Toyota Ute.
They wrong.

And if latest model Patrol,
Carries the same quality bottom end. Running gear as prev model,
It'll be a much stronger. more efficient, and longer lasting.
than ANY Toyoto, Bar the Troopie.

Come back here in 5 yrs hey.
When they both been on market a while.

Then we'll have another chat.

If I'm still around hey.

-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 27th of April 2017 12:57:01 AM

rockylizard · Guru

macka17 wrote:
SNIP~~~
i used to do a lot of dirt, with and without vans.
Found that with the Patrol size.
King springs. EFS SHocks and springs. and
Ironman left those TJM's far behind.
I've had Mix of King coils and EFS shocks for yrs now.
Never miss a beat.

EFS Torsion Bars and shocks on current D-Max.
with Ironman half leaves on rears to take van load.

SNIP~~~ And if latest model Patrol,
Carries the same quality bottom end. Running gear as prev model,
It'll be a much stronger. more efficient, and longer lasting.
than ANY Toyoto, Bar the Troopie. ~~~SNIP

Gday...

Macka confuse do you realise the contradictions in some of your views?

You are quite clear in your determined preference for Patrols. However, you state above how you had considerably modified (improved?) the suspension of your "Patrols". Now I do concede that owners of Toyotas also modify (improve?) their suspensions as well - but mate. hmm

You then make an observation about the new Patrol, hoping they have "carried forward" the "same quality bottom end" and "running gear from the previous model".

One would think that, given the modifications (improvements?) you needed to do to your "previous model" Patrols to "do a lot of dirt" and "to take a van load", one would hope Nissan actually IMPROVED their product this time round rather than carried forward its shortcomings.

Interesting your beloved D-Max seems to also need a bit of a 'tickle' in the suspension to do the things you want it to do but you still hold the same one-eyed preference over every other model of this vehicle type.

Anyway, I do understand people will always have their preference for a particular brand, or model, of vehicle. It is intriguing though that if it wasn't for the wide range of after market "improvements" most of these much-loved vehicles have trouble performing, in their standard form, the job they were apparently, supposedly, designed for.

Makes ya wonder why buyers are so tolerant and accepting.

Cheers - John

-- Edited by rockylizard on Thursday 27th of April 2017 08:36:36 AM

dirvine · Senior Member

I think I can talk about this at length. I purchased a Landrover discovery 4 brand new in August. $100K It was going to be my tug and play toy as I love 4wding. I took the discovery out and I am unsure why is the most awarded 4wd in the world. The evaluators must be stupid. Tyres and rims no good. Large tyre small profile, rims easy to and did get damaged. Solution will cost an extra $8K to get 18" rims and better selection of tyres. Then the air raising mechanism goes down if you go over 50kph, Cost $1000 to buy override. Under protection is poor. Need to protect air suspension compressor and gearbox Cost $1000. Small fuel tank. Solution put tyre on back carrier and buy LR tank cost $2500. So you can see whilst a lovely car comfortable not really suited to 4wding. In absolute frustration I bought and 76 Toyota wagon brand new. Its not without its faults,. BUT it comes with snorkel, big fuel tank, 150ltr, bash plates, decent tyres changed on purchase ($500 extra). However air con is an extra ($2k). The new gear box is better than old models ie better highway gearing, but still a pain. No factory auto available , but can be fitted with warranty (about $20k), and seating and ride is not the most comfortable. Others also point out the front and rear track are not the same and this can be an issue doing 4WD. So by the time I did the mods to the Toyota it was only about $10K cheaper than the Disco, and not nearly as comfortable.

I am about to do a big lap Melbourne to Perth via the beach tracks where possible, then to Byron Bay via the middle of Australia. All towing a New Age Mantra ray 16' deluxe van. I have taken both vehicles out to test which is best. And my answer is if comfort is a main requirement, petrol stations are within 450ks then the Disco is the vehicle. But in my case petrol will be not so close. Yes I could carry jerry cans or do all the mods to the discovery. Having towed with both, the Toyota was more thirsty in petrol usage. However for some reason, I fekt it was more robust, even if it was a bit "figity" with winds etc. Also most people know how to fix these brutes. They dont have too much fancy electronics, and their dealer network is far superior. So the tug will be the Tojo even with its short commings, just because of the tracks/roads I am going on and where I am going. If it was just the usual lap of Aus with a few off road diversions then the disco would be the vehicle.

Just remember that the Toyota is a TRUCK and drives like a TRUCK. Its noisy, is very basic inside, and the solutions to all of these is at least another $25 K if you included more comfortable seats. But for all that it is and feels like its built to last a very long time.

rockylizard · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
SNIP~~~ Anyway, I do understand people will always have their preference for a particular brand, or model, of vehicle. It is intriguing though that if it wasn't for the wide range of after market "improvements" most of these much-loved vehicles have trouble performing, in their standard form, the job they were apparently, supposedly, designed for. ~~~SNIP
Cheers - John

Gday..

I hear ya David.

Cheers - John

Snail · Senior Member

Mez & Christian

I drive a new Toyota 70 series dual cab frequently, if you spend a lot of time in large cities they are a pain to drive, they are heavy and slow. I also drive a 2016 ford ranger 4X4 auto dual cab, much better around town than the 70 series but I would not buy the Ranger either, I do not like the steering or the auto. Buy the Toyota 200 series I think back to my Dad who drove a manual GQ back in the late 80s and early 90s, as time pasted and his knees started to give way he had to sell the Nissan and buy an Auto. I know it is not a twin cab but you will not regret it,Fit wire mess to the front of your van to carry any extras you need.

Snail.

macka17 · Guru

John.
You and I both know.
NONE are suitable for singular usage without modifications. NONE.
They made for an open market.
trying to cover all.
While actually covering none very well at all.

Mechanically. The Nissan IS the most substantial Bomb proof. even over the Troopie.
Only the old Ally Land Rovers and Rangie's (when they going)
come anywhere near close.

I know nobody so far.
that uses his veh for more than going A to B on bitumin.
That DOES'T modify, at least the tyres. followed by Shockers., followed by springs.

THEN they get serious.
You should see what we did to out forest Rally cars. and Dirt bikes when racing.

The frame and gearbox was about the only things original on most.

At least the Nissan Patrols had suspension
that didn't sag as soon as you put 4 people in there.
Seats that you could do 1100km per day in (I often did),
Comfortably.
And willingly step back into next morn.

We won't talk about CV Joints. Engines and running gear in relation to Toyota.
They were the worst..

The reason I Talk up the Patrols so much.
Is

I've had 2. used alongside others for yrs towing same size\type of vans.
and the Patrol used noticably LESS fuel. Was a much more comfy ride.
and had wayyyy less problems overall.
You'll not see many Toyota's in Competion
without mostly Nissan and others running gear under them.
There's DON'T take it well.

We ALL happy with something.
ME.
LAnd Rovers for decades.
Then came here and towed the Horses and boats with 60 ser. OK ish.
till mate loaned me his first model GQ with coils.

NEVER Looked back.

Toyota's were decades behind them at that stage. believe me.
As far as mechanical reliability and strength go.
They ain't yet caught up.

dirvine · Senior Member

Macka sometimes you talk a bit of sense and other times ????.... Well I'ii leave the description to others. One could hardly call old Landys and Rangies anything but reliable. Weak axles, no power motors, basic insides, diffs made out of cheese. Dont get me wrong I love Landrovers, but its no wonder they are not the top dog anymore. In any case what was asked was about a 70 series Toyota. As you have never owned one then I wonder why you make any comments.

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

David, it is fairly obvious and easy to understand.

Macka just needs to reinforce constantly that ONLY old Patrols are worthwhile - and to bag anything else.

As with any dedicated, enthusiastic owner - the vehicle MUST be praised beyond its reality.

Unfortunately, we all do it more often then we either realise, or should.

Cheers - John

macka17 · Guru

Had a nice reply.
Cyberspace. Bummer.

basically. In their age groups and in comparison to what was avail
Landy's, Rangies. were top of the heap off road.

Patrols were equal to Tojo.
MQ. 60 ser.

GQ came out then 80 ser.
then 100 ser came out with the GU.

GQ, in suspension, engine, and running gear,
were a coupla steps ahead of the 80 and early 100's.
Which improved (Finally). When they brought out the 4 valve head.
All the others were real gutless towing.

But couldn't stop rears sagging. front suspensions dropping out every time they went on corrugations.
Not mentioning. Heads. Pistons. Gearboxes, hubs CV's etc.

GU. Early engines which were fixed by '01.
One batch of 5th gear
ev Lay shafts.
soon dropped.
Coil mounts needed welding if going bush
'60\80\100's had overheating prob's if towing.
So did the 4.2 Nissan till modified.
Both of them.

Tojo had bigger donk. more fuel used. Nissan ok to 3 ish ton.
Tojo around 40kg more.(total combined weights)
Check up on variables and final figures..

We all like differing veh's. but looking back.
Some ARE better than others at different things.
For towing to 3 ton. For economy. reliability.
and DEFINITELY driver comfort.
I'd have a Patrol over Landcruiser every day.

I've travelled with them for thousands of Km's every yr for decades.

Toyota Soggy soft suspension especially.
Needs dumping.
And as soon as they have a coupla miles under their belts.
They like walking all over the road.
Watch the drivers swinging the wheel on some of them as you passing them.
They wander well.

hey.
We ALL happy or should be,
With what we got. Mostly.

And if I didn't stir a bit.
What would you lot have to whinge about hey..
Think about it.

Nissan. Ford. Isuzu,2 and 4wd wise.
Rule the roads. Reliability and driver comfort wise.
Proven.

Enjoy the stir. OK.

I'll bolt now and give you lot time to drum up some more reactions to.
yes.

vince56 · Senior Member

Some people have an elevated view of themselves and their cars!
Landcruisers are the world's most reliable off road vehicle available today, no doubt! (and I don't own one)
The OP was about a new vehicle, why bang on about irrelevant older models?
Beam me up Scotty!

macka17 · Guru

Yes Vince.
We all enjoy geeing them up a bit.

And if you believe that story about Toyota's being the most reliable anything. offroad.
You'll believe anything.

It started off about a new veh in relation to..
Then suspensions and how to improve appeared,
Which they DO need.
it went from there.

We ALL modify from new.
Just talking about who does what.
And those susp seats really are the ducks nuts.
whether as veh needs them or not.
Mine din't (Patrols are very well seated and suspended).
I installed cause "I" wanted too.

Same as solid flywheel and safari clutch.
Snorkel. chip. exhaust.Welded Intercooler.
extra Transm cooler. tyres. Light bar. Bull bar. winch. etc.

That's just what I added to mine.

All "Mostly" because we WANT. Not need.

We mostly start off with new.
I did both my Patrols the same.

Want. not need.

Toyota's Do need certain things like suspension and CV's.

Basically all these posts start off as a conversation, on asking advice.
information on whatever. and opinions of whatever.

When some start talking about that. and alternatives.
In conversation.
Some can't wait to jump in and pick.
He didn't say that. we don't want to know about that.

Instead of just reading. and thinking Well.
That was interesting, Maybe for the future.
'OR Jeez. that's cr-p. etc.

Then.
Instead of keeping gob shut and leaving conversation roll on.
to whatever ending.

This above happens.
We ALL have opinions on most things. Good and bad.
According to yourself.

Keep yours and respect others.
They are good to some if not all.

And on that. I'm off for my overdue pill.
B4 I say something I'll (Maybe) regret hey.

Have a great day. And plenty more of them.

vince56 · Senior Member

Posts are very often off topic and irrelevant to the OP.
All I'm saying is that the forum at times suffers from this and it is unnecessary.
Keep on topic and cut the waffle, helps everyone to enjoy the site and to get the info they asked for.
Mez, I repeat that in my opinion the Landcruiser is the best NEW vehicle on the market for reliability, go for it!
For the record I have owned a Patrol and a Landcruiser over the years, I have friends with both today, there is no contest despite what some may say.

Mez · Veteran Member

Thank you for all your comments, we went and tried one 70 Series today and..... the NISSAN is FOR SALE :( sorry Nissan ; it was our 4th Nissan and even that Christian always said he will never own a Toyota , he is eating his words. We think that it will be a great vehicle for our next adventure , fully retired and driving around and across our beautiful country.
See you all on the road one day.

Cheers
Christian & Mez

dirvine · Senior Member

Good on you Mez. But as I found out the ride is very 1970's. I urge you to consider what I did. It makes the vehicle at least feel like it is in the late 1990's. After all as we get older, we start to realize that comfort is high on our list.