Jalopnik: land cruiser

1981 Toyota Landcruiser Camper for a Zombie-Crushing $35,000 Canadian!

Graverobber — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:00:00 EDT

The zombie apocalypse is coming, but Nice Price or Crack Pipe has got your delicious brain covered with a Canadian camper that's scalp-gnawingly tough.

You all were none too kind to the Hollywood Legend yesterday- awarding it a non-Oscar contending 86% on the Crack Pipe scale. Today we're heading north for something a little more butch. Oh, and you'll want to bring your chainsaws.

Zombies; you can't live with ‘em, you can't living dead without ‘em, but they're a fact of life. And, in order to avoid having your soft and savory gray matter becoming skull candy for those past their expiration date, you're going to need a vehicle with corpse-crushing capabilities, and long-term living accoutrements. Canada is ready with just such a ride - an '81 Toyota Landcruiser, eh.

The good thing about the Toyota Landcruiser is that they built them for years with very minor changes. That way, any parts that have been gnawed off, or windows which have been inexplicably smashed by rock-hurling shufflers, can be easily sourced and repaired. Today's survivalist hails from 1981 and, in its modified state, offers the perfect base station for your zombie jihad. With a bullet-proof diesel six, solar panels and a camper top, it will make all the treks between your shopping mall compound and the gun store over on main street all that much more enjoyable. And it's painted in a blood spatter-hiding red so you can drive it to that fancy new restaurant - Le zombé du monde without even having to hose it off.

The only downside may be that price- $35,000. And it's currently in Vancouver BC, which means that may be thirty five grand Canadian, which works out to about $32K in real money, and that's a lot of tire irons through the brains. You'll also have to factor in the whole Canadian zombie problem. Up there the zombies are just like here, only less emotive and with better healthcare. Also, some of them moan in French!

So what do you think- is $35,000 a Nice Price for a Toyota Landcruiser that may be the only thing standing between you and eternally walking the earth looking for mouth-watering brains to eat? Or is that a Crack Pipe big enough to bash in a whole herd of zombies with?

You decide!

Vancouver craigslist, eh? or go here if the ad is eaten by voracious zombie hordes. Hat tip to Farhad!

Help me out with NPOCP. Click here to send a me a tip.

Ten Best Used Bargain SUVs...And One That Isn't

Mark Arnold — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:30:00 EDT

Since owners are fleeing their SUVs like rats from a sinking ship, it seems like a great time to put together a list of the top used SUV bargains. Luckily, Popular Mechanics has put together just such a list. After all, some people out there actually need a purposeful wagon to take them off-road or help them haul a trailer and family. As such, there isn't a single crossover on the list, but you can be assured that these rugged trucks will get the job done without forcing you to work a second job. We've even found an example of each for sale on Ebay, to give you an idea of what's really on the market. Oh, and we've also included one very Jalopnik-approved used SUV that may or may not be a bargain. Check out the list below.

Land Rover Discovery

No arguing that the Land Rover Discovery is about as timeless as a modern SUV can get, but since most people are born with a natural instinct to avoid buying used British vehicles, prices for a decent used one are cheap. PopMech suggested looking for a '93-'98 model, but we found this clean-looking '99 for just $4795 buy-it-now. The only problem we can think of is that we'd likely attempt growing a handlebar mustache and wearing one of those safari hats everywhere if we bought this. [ebay]

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Think of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer as part Hummer and part good ol' family station wagon. There was once a time when the woody side panels would have guaranteed that'd you'd never have any friends, but nowadays the Grand Wagoneer has undeniable retro-cool appeal. This one is available in Colorado for just $3400 buy-it-now. [ebay]

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Try not to think of all the soccer moms that flocked to the Jeep Grand Cherokee when it was new. Remember instead the way Bob Lutz drove one up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a glass wall at its debut during the North American International Auto Show. Regardless of whoever bought the Grand Cherokee, it was still a full-on Jeep. Nowadays, they're not just cheap, but have a great range of aftermarket parts available too. [ebay]

Toyota Land Cruiser

The only thing missing from this FJ80 Toyota Land Cruiser are the letters "UN" painted in bold black font on the sides. These things are great for tackling sand dunes, but if you feel like having a different sort of fun, you can always take some air out of the tires and try to balance it sideways up on two wheels. At least, that's what all the cool kids do. [ebay]

Toyota 4Runner

A close cousin to the indestructible Hilux, these old 4Runners were versatile not just because you could drive them over any terrain, but also because they had a lift-off top. Yes, it's a convertible SUV. The whole rear section would pop off, leaving the rear passengers with a full open-air experience. [ebay]

Chevy/GMC Suburban

If the point of this is list is to show affordable vehicles that can go off-road, tow a big trailer, and carry a bunch of people, then perhaps nothing meets those qualifications better than an old Chevy Suburban. This one we found even comes lifted on 35" tires. Sure you might not get the best gas mileage, but this seller claims theirs returns over 16 MPG on the highway after installing manual lock-out front hubs. But either way, who cares? You'll be getting so much truck for your buck anyways. [ebay]

Ford Bronco

Sure, driving a white Ford Bronco will make people think you're OJ Simpson, but why not have some fun with it and paint "I DID IT" on the hood or "If the glove don't fit, you must acquit" on the back? That seems like enough of a reason to buy this '94 model for cheap. [ebay]

Isuzu Trooper

The Isuzu Trooper may have a bad reputation for rolling over, but c'mon, doesn't that just make it cooler? Ok, not convinced? Well, then check out this rare turbocharged model and try to tell yourself it isn't dripping with a certain arms-dealer aura of cool. Those anti-Clinton bumper stickers are included in the $3750 buy-it-now price. [ebay]

Mitsubishi Montero

Sometimes overlooked, the Mitsubishi Montero is a solid choice if you want something with a plenty of off-road capability and interior plushness. This '95 model we found even has the fold-down rear-facing jump seat in the back. [ebay]

Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra may be a very recent vehicle, but with its no-frills character it fits right in with this rough bunch. Common, yes, but between its ruggedly handsome looks and old-school body-on-frame architecture, you can't go wrong.[ebay]

Jalopnik-Approved Alternate Option: LaForza

Italian style with a Ford V8, now that's what we call a winning combination. But does the $5500 buy-it-now price make it a bargain, or is it just the start of a journey into an endless money pit.[ebay]

Toyota Land Cruiser Troop Carrier

Murilee Martin — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EDT

Let's say you're an Alameda resident who drives to work in your Unimog every day, and the price of diesel is inflicting some serious pain on the ol' pocketbook (not to mention the challenge of parallel-parking the 'mog when you go shopping downtown). You could bite the bullet and make an offer on the CRX HF that lives a few blocks away... or you could add a nimble, economical RHD Land Cruiser Troop Carrier to your fleet! Guess which choice Mr. Coast Guard Unimog took?

OK, Land Cruiser experts, here's your chance to fill us in on exactly what I've captured here. I think it's an early-80s African- or Australian-spec HJ45 troop carrier, but that's about as specific a guess as I'm willing to take. Whatever it is, we're now seeing just our second DOTS Land Cruiser, after the '71 FJ40 of last summer.

Getting parts for this beast is probably quite challenging in North America, but how often do you need to get parts when you're driving a vehicle that makes even the Toyota Hilux look shoddy? As long as the owner doesn't wreck it, all should be well.

Where's the winch? It's got the Warlord Grade roof rack and room for a dozen Lord Humungus-style henchmen (and their crossbows), but you wouldn't want to be stuck in the post-Apocalypse world with no winch!

DOTS 1-200 • DOTS 201-250

Land Cruiser Still Earning Its Keep In Denver

Murilee Martin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EDT

You think Kitt and her trusty canine sidekick have given up looking for cool old cars in their Denver neighborhood? No way! After the big-block El Camino last week, we're getting a Toyota Land Cruiser that's still in service as a painter's work truck. I've given up trying to guess the years on these things, especially when they've been modified, though the side marker lights may indicate a late-60s/early-70s model here. Make the jump for an additional gallery.

Toyota Urban Cruiser To Land At Geneva

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST

Possibly because people who drive Land Cruisers tend to drive in urban areas, Toyota has decided to bring the production version of their Urban Cruiser concept to Europe. Though this new ride has the dimensions of an SUV, it's practically a compact car. The good news is this new utility vehicle will have an advantage in mileage and emissions over true SUVs. No word on whether or not this will come to the US, but it's almost exactly the same thing as a Scion xD. Press release below the jump.

Toyota to present two new additions to its small car line-up at Geneva Motor Show
Toyota also uses the Geneva Motor Show to present a new extension of its sports utility vehicle line-up into the small car segment: Toyota Urban Cruiser.

This new Toyota is an environmentally responsible small SUV aimed at the urban all-roader market. It provides an answer to consumer desires for SUVs but with low fuel consumption and low emissions.

In addition, Toyota will also show its latest advances in urban environmental transport solutions, a Plug-in Hybrid prototype as well as two concept cars: the Toyota 1/X Plug-in Hybrid concept in combination with Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology, and the i-Real personal mobility concept.

[Source: Toyota via World Car Fans]

Cruiser for a Bruiser: TLC's SCORE Baja 1000 Limited Edition

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 11:00:30 EDT

The Baja 1000 off-road burn down that westernmost peninsula is in its 40th year. In honor, Van Nuys-based TLC is rolling out the SCORE Baja 1000 Limited Edition Icon. That's the company's repro Toyota Land Cruiser. The company's retro off-roaders start at $84,000, and the Baja edition will cost $145,000 as a turnkey Cruiser. It's powered by a hand-built LS6 V8 producing 450 horsepower, and sports a hand-brushed aluminum body with "black crocodile" trim, TLC coil suspension, five-point harnesses and Racepack instruments. All of that sits on 17-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires, though hardcore off-roaders can get non-street-legal 35-inch Baja meats. And there's more than just an arbitrary connection with the big race; a Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser won its first Baja in 1973. We'll see it in person at the SEMA show in Las Vegas later this month. [via Edmunds]

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Revealed

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:15:00 EDT

More shots of the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser hit the digital landscape earlier today ahead of the bruiser's introduction at the Australian International Motor Show, Ute Muster and 'Roo-be-Que. Design wise, it splits the difference between the new, smaller Highlander and the company's Tundra pickup line. If that's your thing.

[via km77.com (translated)]

Sydney Auto Show: Toyota Land Cruiser to Debut

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:10:17 EDT

It's been a favorite of Colombian drug lords, Saudi sultans and ladies who lunch alike. We're already seen its luxe Lexus cousin. And truth be told, we've also seen the new face of the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser. But now we know the company plans to officially reveal the new visage at the Australian International Motor Show in October. The famed fatboy of SUVs is longer, taller, wider and more aggressive-looking than its placid predecessor. It also comes with a new suspension configuration dubbed KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), a hydraulic setup that adjusts the stabilizer bars. Plus, there's a new descent control system called Crawl Control that controls the engine and brakes to maintain very low speeds with minimal spinning or locking of the wheels. That'll come in handy on the sands of the UAE hinterlands and the express ramp at Neiman Marcus. [via World Car Fans]

Toyota To Showcase "Innovation" At Frankfurt Auto Show

Ray Wert — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:45:00 EDT

Yup, that's the official word from ToMoCo on their offering for the Frankfurt Motor Show next month — according to the super number one best automaker from the land of the rising sun, they'll be featuring "innovation." We've no idea what that means, but in addition to whatever that is — they'll also be showing off a "radical new small car concept," two new Yaris models, the new RAV4 Cross Sport and the new Land Cruiser. Full press release after the jump.

Toyota to showcase innovation at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show
World-premiere of a radical new small car concept
10 years of Hybrid Synergy Drive
Two new Yaris models
New RAV4 Cross Sport
More specifications for the legendary Land Cruiser

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Toyota will also unveil a new small car concept in a revolutionary design.

Furthermore, Toyota is celebrating 10 years of commercial success with hybrid technology and the world's most popular low emissions hybrid car, the Toyota Prius. This focus on hybrid technology is one key element in Toyota's commitment to minimising fleet average CO2 emissions in Europe.

Toyota also uses the Frankfurt Motor Show to present the latest updates in some of its most popular models in Europe:

Two new models will be introduced into the Yaris line-up. The new Yaris 1.0-liter will showcase Yaris intelligent technology for smart urban driving, with its economical and easy-to-drive style. The new Yaris mid-range grade offers more refined sportiness with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and hi-tech equipment levels, including an integrated, full map navigation system.

The iconic Toyota RAV4 comes with a new grade: RAV4 Cross Sport, offered in a new stylish design and premium quality with a range of enhancements for the 2008 model year. These further emphasise the sophisticated and urban design themes of RAV4 across the range.

Also on the stand is the Land Cruiser, now offered with extra specifications to further enhance passenger comfort. The fresh exterior styling of Land Cruiser adds a more dynamic look to reflect the superior quality of the model range.

For more information, please visit the Toyota press conference at Frankfurt Motor Show on September 11th 2007, Hall 8.

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Gets All Tatted Up For Marketing Shots

Ray Wert — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EDT

We've already shown you the new 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser getting ready for US press shots, but now — thanks to the folks at CarsCool — we've got some behind the scenes shots of what looks to be some non-US press shots. And yes, that looks like some faux pinstriping on the side of the new Land Cruiser, you know, because the new Toyota SUV is trying to get all tarted up for what we're still assuming will be a Tokyo Auto Show reveal later this year. (Hat tip to Dave!) [via CarsCool]

1971 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser

Murilee Martin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:45:00 EDT

First off, I'm going to admit that I'm just simply unable to pin an exact year on this thing- I'm pretty sure it's somewhere in the '69-73 period (license plate indicates early-to-mid-70s), but a guess in the middle of the range is the best I can do (and, yeah, I could have looked at the VIN tag while I was photographing it). Therefore, you FJ40 freaks out there are encouraged to point out the identifying features that indicate the exact year of this truck.

Anyway, it's good to see a good ol' Land Cruiser parked on the street in town. This truck is equally at home hauling the troops of a jungle strongman or desert warlord as it is going through the In-N-Out drive-through.

I'm a city boy and never much got into off-road-type vehicles, but I've always liked the machines Toyota built before they stopped being a car company and became a manufacturer of transportation appliances.

This is definitely what you want your followers to be driving when you get your post-apocalyptic compound set up in the woods. Ammo, freeze-dried food, and Land Cruisers- bring on the collapse of civilization!

Actually, your discerning Third World warlord these days seems to prefer the Hi-Lux to the Land Cruiser for his fleet, no doubt because the Hi-Lux can mount an antiaircraft gun in the bed, plus there's more room for loot.

I just hope the owner of this Toyota occasionally takes it into the mountains to get some dirt under its tires.

A bit of California-style surface body rust here and there, but it's solid.

Remember when that nameplate meant "quirky yet reliable?"

Related:
http://jalopnik.com/cars/custom-cars/a-new-icon-more-on-tlcs-new-replica-fj40-232127.php [internal]

Spy Photos: 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Ray Wert — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:30:00 EDT

The newly face-lifted 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is expected to officially lose camouflage for the Tokyo Auto Show later this year. While its platform-sharing 470-replacing cousin, the 2008 Lexus LX 570 may have already lost its black tape and tarp-wrap at New York earlier this year, we think it's just downright mean to make folks wait all the way until Tokyo for a peek. We've decided we're not letting our readers wait that long — so here's a set of exclusive shots thanks to a trusty friend of a friend who snagged us these completely-in-the-buff spy shots of the bigger, longer and more cut-up model from the number one super-awesome automaker from the land of the rising sun. Plus, we've added just a few more shots of the Lexus LX 570 caught at the same time below that — you know, for the kids. OK, the kids with a lot of money. – Ray Wert

Spy Photos: More on the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EDT

Broad-daylight testing of the next Toyota Land Cruiser in sundry, sultry sultinates continues, apparently unabated by impromptu drifting contests or sandal surfing. New images showed up today courtesy of Carscoop. They're showing an undisguised Cruiser baking in the heat and sucking up the searing sands of Dubai. Toyota's hot-weather testing of undisguised Cruisers has gone on in the mideast for at least a year, so by now it should be able to take some dry heat, powered rock and extreme hoonage. We'll likely see the finished product at the Tokyo show in October. – Mike Spinelli

2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Spied Again [Carscoop]

Hoon of the Day: Land Cruiser Abuse, UAE Style

Murilee Martin — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 17:51:02 EDT

Brought to you by the same gentleman in the United Arab Emirates who gave us Enzo Donuts, here's a film of dissolute Arab youths beating the everlovin' shit out of a Land Cruiser in a parking lot. The ululating Middle Eastern music makes an appropriate background for the agonized blatting of the straight-piped Land Cruiser's engine. Bonus hoonage points for having a full load of passengers in the vehicle, though we're deducting 10 points for the horrible video quality. Come on, khalifa61, spend a few bucks on a better camera! Hoon-O-Meter score: 32. – Murilee Martin

Related:
Hoon of the Day: Klikodrifting! [internal]

A New Icon: More On TLC's New Replica FJ40

Ray Wert — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:13:13 EST

Although we've talked about TLC's Replica Land Cruiser before, the company's released some new photos, and we're still impressed. You see, some thought the original FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser had character, simplicity and genuine utility, while others considered it a clear rip-off of Jeep's CJ series. Nonetheless, purists have few options these days, considering most SUVs are mere soccer-ball carriers with few of the rock-climbing capabilities of old. Most wouldn't be caught dead on backcountry switchback in a Hummer H3. That's why the folks at TLC (no, not the network) created the Icon — a handcrafted remake of the original FJ40. The Icon's got a few things going for it the original never had, but many Cruiserheads considered de rigeur. The engine's a GM Ram Jet 5.7-liter V8 providing 350 hp and 400 ft-lb of torque. Also, check out those custom Westach gauges. Yeah, it's only for show — and starts at $88,000 — but you wouldn't want your off-road beastie looking like someone's baby bus, would you? – Ray Wert

TLC Icon [TLC]

Lexus, For Some Reason, Announces LS 470 Limited Edition Pricing

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 11:59:44 EST

When we were just a wee Jalopnik, we saw Robin Williams in Santa Monica rocking it behind the wheel of a burgundy Toyota Land Cruiser. We waved and waved and yelled and waved but he wouldn't even so much as look at us. Still, the then-rare Toyota made an impression on our young pistonhead mind. Rich people drive big trucks. If the year hadn't been 1989, Mr. Williams would no doubt have spent his Popeye money on a Lexus LS 470. Trouble was, they weren't on the market yet. When the LS 470 did appear, wealthy folks in gated communities everywhere bought them by the bushel. But then Tony Soprano started driving his GMC Yukon and suddenly SUVs were the new frappuccino. The LS 470 (along with its sibling hardcore off-roader that never goes off-road, the Land Cruiser) became the redheaded stepchild of ToMoCo. Too weird to live and to rare to refreshen. Until now, sorta. For $410 over sticker (yes, $410) you can now wow 'em at the country club with the Limited Edition Lexus LS 470. If you have to ask... – Jonny Lieberman

2007 Lexus LX 470 Limited Edition pricing announced [Auto Review]

Spy Photos: More on the Next-Gen Land Cruiser

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 09:38:08 EST

More pics of Toyota's 2008 Land Cruiser have emerged, again by way of southern Europe, where the favored ride of loose-nukes warlords and Connecticut bond traders alike was spotted during on-road tests. According to spies, engineers were reportedly comparing the new Cruiser — which will get a more luxurious interior and a more squared-off shape — to the current Mercedes ML-Class. A range of V6s and diesels will power Toyota's flagship SUV, including the same 5.7-liter V8 available in the 2007 ~~Tacoma~~ Tundra pickup. Available machine-gun turret and 100-kilo underfloor storage remain high-cost options. – Mike Spinelli

SPIED: Next Toyota Landcruiser [Wheels 24 via Motor Authority]

Sema Show: Rattish Land Cruiser

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:19:13 EST

How much did we fall in love with this ratted out Land Cruiseramino? It's Vegas, so we may marry it. [Gallery]

Related:
More "El Caminos" [internal]

Classic Ad Watch: The Iron Sheik Feels Toyota, American Freedom

Ray Wert — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 10:00:00 EDT

Before we thought of the Middle East as being a hotbed of terrorism and Islamic extremism, we had the old WWF's "Iron Sheik". For most of America, he was our introduction to the sands of Persia...or at least that's how we still thought of it. And come to think of it, with his positive-sounding comments about American style democracy and freedom, we can't help but think he may have been who shaped neo-con policy direction during the 1980's. Regardless, check out this great Toyota ad featuring an FJ-series Land Cruiser with a drop-top to let the wind blow through the Iron Sheik's dark locks of hair...or whatever.

Related:
More Ad Watch [internal]

Would You Like Some Soy Sauce? Former Japanese F1 Racer To Ride The Tempura Lightning At Dakar

Ray Wert — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:44:52 EDT

We've heard of ethanol (made with corn!) switchgrass-derived stuff, sugar cane-derived stuff and even biodiesels like fry oil. But this is a first for us. It seems a Japanese research team plans to enter a race car in the Dakar rally that runs on cooking oil used to fry tempura. The turbo-engine Land Cruiser 100, sponsored by Toyota, will be the first car completely powered by biodiesel to enter the event. To top it all off, driving the car will be former Formula-One racer Ukyo Katayama. And yeah, we realize tempura cooking oil is the same as using any other kind of cooking oil — but to us, it just sounds much more funny when it's the stuff used to make tasty fried sushi snacks. Mmm...it is getting close to lunch, isn't it?

Former Japanese F-1 driver to race Dakar rally on 'tempura oil' [PlanetSave]