Model Guides
Buying a Used Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series: What to Check
What to check before buying a used Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series in Australia: the grades, recalls, towing and off-road history, modifications and service records.
The LandCruiser has a special place in Australia, and the 300 Series is the current wagon. Used examples hold their value, so buyers often pay a lot for one. That makes it even more important to buy the right one.
Here is what I look at when a used LandCruiser 300 comes through our doors.
The basics
The 300 Series replaced the 200 Series V8 in Australia from 2021. Every Australian version uses a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel making 227 kW and 700 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. It is widely quoted as being rated to tow up to 3,500 kg braked, although you should always check the exact figures for the specific car and any accessories fitted to it.
Know which grade you are looking at
The Australian range covers the GX, GXL, VX, Sahara, GR Sport and Sahara ZX. The grade makes a real difference to equipment and price, and listings are not always accurate. Check the build plate and the equipment on the car itself, not just the advertisement title.
As a rough guide, the GX and GXL are the more work-focused grades, the VX and Sahara add more comfort and technology, and the GR Sport and Sahara ZX sit at the top with their own styling and equipment.
Check the recalls
Like most current models, the LandCruiser 300 has had safety recalls, including campaigns related to the transmission. A recall isn’t a reason to avoid a car. An outstanding recall is.
Search the car’s VIN on the Australian Government’s vehicle recall register, then ask for proof that any recall work has been done, or check with a Toyota dealer.
Ask how it has been used
A LandCruiser can live a very easy life or a very hard one, and the two can look similar in photos.
Towing
Plenty of owners tow caravans, boats and horse floats. That is what the car is built for, but regular heavy towing adds wear to the transmission, brakes, suspension and cooling system. Ask what has been towed and how often, and look at the towbar and wiring.
Off-road and beach driving
Look underneath for scrapes, dents and damage to the underbody protection. Beach driving is part of life in Queensland, but salt and sand are hard on a car, so check carefully for corrosion and for sand in places it shouldn’t be.
Tyres and brakes
This is a heavy vehicle, and tyres and brakes are not cheap to replace. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, which can point to alignment or suspension problems.
Look carefully at modifications
Bull bars, lift kits, larger tyres, long-range tanks and upgraded suspension are common on LandCruisers. Some add real value for the right buyer. Others create problems. Make sure any modifications are legal for road use and properly certified where required, and remember that they need to be declared to your insurer. If a car has been heavily modified, ask for the paperwork.
The service history
For a car like this, I want to see servicing that matches the age and kilometres, done on time. The service history should tell the same story as the odometer and the condition. Gaps, or a car that looks far more worn than its kilometres suggest, are reasons to ask more questions.
And of course, run a PPSR check. High-value 4WDs are exactly the kind of car where finance owing or a written-off record can hide.
Is a used LandCruiser 300 right for you?
It is a big, heavy car. If you tow, travel or drive off-road, it makes a lot of sense. If you mostly drive around the city, it may be more car than you need, and something smaller could suit you better day to day.
Our LandCruiser 300 Series
We currently have a 2023 LandCruiser 300 Series Sahara in our West End showroom, and you can see it at the end of this article. Like every car we sell, it had to pass our own checks first, including a clear PPSR and a full service history. You can read how we select used cars.
Quick answers
What engine does the LandCruiser 300 Series have?
A 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel making 227 kW and 700 Nm, with a 10-speed automatic.
How much can a LandCruiser 300 tow?
It is widely quoted as rated to tow up to 3,500 kg braked. Check the exact figures for the specific car and any accessories fitted.
Has the LandCruiser 300 had recalls?
Yes, including transmission-related campaigns. Check the VIN on the Australian Government vehicle recall register and confirm the work has been done.
What grades does the LandCruiser 300 come in?
GX, GXL, VX, Sahara, GR Sport and Sahara ZX in Australia.
Looking for a LandCruiser in Brisbane?
See our current cars, book a test drive, or ask our vehicle sourcing service to find the grade and colour you want.
Continue with Safeway Auto
About Safeway Auto
Safeway Auto is a boutique used car dealership at 4 Ferry Road, West End, Brisbane. We select late-model vehicles with clear history and documented servicing, and we also help people sell, trade in, consign and source cars.
