# Used Toyota LandCruiser Inspection Checklist > What to check on a used LandCruiser wagon, what a problem looks like, and when to walk away. Covers: 200 Series (2007–2021), 300 Series (2021 on). Last updated: 30 September 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-toyota-landcruiser-inspection-checklist. Printable PDF: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-toyota-landcruiser-inspection-checklist.pdf. ## Common Problems on a Used Toyota LandCruiser The most commonly reported problems on a used Toyota LandCruiser are fuel injector trouble and oil use on some diesel versions, coolant leaks at the back of the engine, and leaks from the linked hydraulic suspension (KDSS) on models that have it. Heavy towing, corrugations and overloaded roof racks take a toll, so check the roof, chassis and modification paperwork. ## How to Use This Checklist Tick it if it's fine. Cross it if it isn't, and note what you found so you can price it into your offer. - Safety critical: Affects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy. - Negotiate: Costs money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Get a quote and take it off the price. ## Before You Go - [ ] **Get the VIN and rego** before you travel. A seller who won't share them is a red flag on its own. - [ ] **Ask how it was used:** towing a caravan or boat (how heavy, how far), outback trips, beach driving, fleet or mine site. - [ ] **Ask for a list of modifications** and their paperwork: lift kit, higher load limit (GVM upgrade), bigger tyres, bullbar, roof rack, drawers, engine tune. - [ ] **Ask for the engine to be cold,** and bring a torch, gloves and something to lie on. ## Exterior - [ ] **Panels and paint.** Uneven gaps or paint on trim (crash repair), scrapes low on the body (off-roading), hail dimples on the roof and bonnet. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Roof and rack.** Dents, cracked paint or leaks around rack mounts. A heavy roof load on corrugations can crack the roof. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Tailgate.** Opens and shuts cleanly, with no rattles or sag. Check any wheel carrier or rear bar for cracks. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Bullbar** is made to work with the airbags and is solidly mounted. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Outback and mine-site wear.** Stone-chipped paint and windscreen, red dust in the seals, holes for flag poles or beacons. (Negotiate) - [ ] **VIN plate** (in a door frame or under the bonnet) is there, untouched, and matches the papers. ## Under the Bonnet - [ ] **Coolant** at the mark and a clean pink colour. Coolant loss, or pink crust at the back of the engine, can point to a leak. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Oil level** between the marks, and not smelling of diesel. Ask how much oil it uses between services. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Soot.** Thick, oily black soot around the engine's air pipes. Ask if it's ever been cleaned out. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Turbos.** Oil inside the big air pipes, a loud siren-like whistle, or blue smoke. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Tunes and deletes.** An extra box wired into the engine, or the exhaust filter (DPF) removed. Removing emissions parts is illegal and can void insurance. - [ ] **Water crossings.** Silt or mud in the air filter box or around the engine. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Extra wiring** for a second battery, fridge, lights or UHF radio is neat and fused. Messy wiring causes faults and fires. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Cold start.** Fires in a couple of seconds and settles to a smooth idle. Knocking, rough running or black smoke can mean fuel injector trouble. (Negotiate) ## Underbody and 4x4 - [ ] **Chassis** (the frame under the car). Kinks, cracks or fresh welds, especially near the towbar and rear suspension. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Beach use.** Sand or salt packed into the frame rusts it from the inside. Surface rust is normal; flaking or holes are not. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Suspension.** Oily shock absorbers, sagging rear, cracked mounts. Models with linked hydraulic suspension (KDSS): look for oily lines near the front and rear. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Front end.** Split rubber boots behind the wheels (grease sprayed around) and loose steering parts. Worse on lifted 4x4s. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Oil leaks** from the axles, transfer case and drive parts underneath. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Underbody guards and towbar.** Dented guards show hard off-road use; a worn tow ball means lots of heavy towing. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Tyres** match the sticker in the door frame (or are engineered), wear evenly and are under ~6 years old. Check the spare too. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Exhaust filter (DPF)** still fitted, on models that have one. Heavy soot at the tailpipe suggests it's damaged or removed. ## Interior and Electrics - [ ] **Warning lights.** Key to "on": engine, ABS, airbag and 4WD lights come on, then go out once running. An exhaust filter (DPF) or engine light that stays on needs explaining. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Water and dust.** Damp carpet, a stained headlining or fine dust inside. Check holes drilled for racks, a snorkel or aerials. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Third-row seats** (if fitted) fold and lock; belts work. Drawers or a fridge slide haven't damaged the cargo floor. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Seatbelts** pull out fully, retract and latch, with no fraying. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Wear matches the kilometres.** Seat bolster, steering wheel, carpet under mats; screw holes from removed radios. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Air con** blows cold front and rear; heater gets hot. Count the keys and test the remotes. (Negotiate) ## Test Drive - [ ] **Automatic gearbox.** Smooth changes, no slipping or thump into gear. Towing wears autos; ask when the fluid was changed. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Power and smoke.** Pulls strongly, with no flat spots, sudden power loss or black smoke. (Negotiate) - [ ] **4WD.** On gravel or grass, lock the centre diff and select low range: no clunks, and the 4WD lights stop flashing. A light that keeps flashing means it hasn't engaged. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Steering and brakes.** No wandering at highway speed, or shaking through the brake pedal (common on towing 4x4s). (Safety critical) - [ ] **Body roll and knocks.** Leans evenly both ways in corners; no clunks over bumps. Uneven lean can point to a KDSS fault. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Noises.** A hum that grows with speed (wheel bearing), or a whine as you accelerate. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Afterwards,** check for an exhaust filter (DPF) warning, a steady temperature gauge and new drips underneath. (Negotiate) ## Documentation - [ ] **Seller's ID** matches the rego papers, and the VIN matches on the papers, VIN plate and chassis. - [ ] **Modification paperwork:** certificates for any load-limit (GVM) upgrade, lift or bigger tyres your state requires, and the insurer told. - [ ] **Tunes and emissions.** Ask directly whether it's been tuned or had emissions parts removed, and get the answer in writing. - [ ] **Service history.** Oil and fuel-filter changes on time. Ask about any injector, coolant-leak or KDSS repairs, with receipts. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Warranty.** A newer LandCruiser may still be under Toyota's new-car warranty. Check the start date and that servicing kept it valid. ## Stay Safe Never go under a car held up only by a jack, and never open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing clear of fans and belts when the engine is running, and do checks under the bonnet with it switched off where you can. On the test drive, hold a current licence, confirm the car is registered and insured, obey road rules, and only brake hard when the road behind is clear. Meet in a safe, public-facing place, take someone with you, and don't carry large amounts of cash to a viewing. ## Disclaimer Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota; Toyota and LandCruiser are trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have serious problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which we strongly recommend before you buy, especially for anything tagged Safety critical. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use. --- Shufti is an Australian used car inspection app for iPhone and Android that tailors the inspection to the exact car you're looking at. It is not affiliated with Shufti Pro, the identity verification (KYC) company. From the listing link, it builds every check around that car's make, model and year, odometer reading and the seller's description. It runs PPSR and government recall checks, crosschecks a database of more than 3 million recalls and owner complaints, flags problems from your photos and audio, plans a test drive, produces a shareable report with repair cost estimates, and coaches you through the negotiation. A check costs $24.99, or $49.99 for three, including PPSR and recall checks. A mechanic's pre-purchase inspection costs $250–350. Made by Frontpoint Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 23 669 870 366), Melbourne, Australia. Contact: hello@shufti.com.au. Download: [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6795718336), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.shufti.shufti_app).