Credov's researched list of the 5 faults the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 is known for (1998–2007), 5 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Rock the steering wheel and turn lock to lock, feeling and listening for clunks, free play or a wheel that sits off-centre.
Why it matters: If the shaft separates the driver loses steering, which is a crash risk. Toyota's fix is revised retaining parts and added stoppers.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Look underneath with a torch at both front lower arms for hairline cracks near the ball joint and weld seams.
Why it matters: A cracked arm can break and let the wheel move out of place, which is a loss-of-control risk; affected arms need replacing or reinforcing.
Typical repair: NZ$800–NZ$2,500 in New Zealand · A$820–A$2,580 in Australia
What to look for: Watch the coolant bottle at idle for bubbles, check the level, and watch the temperature gauge on a long climb.
Why it matters: A cracked head keeps pushing coolant out and overheating; the usual fix is a replacement head and gasket, and running it hot can also crack pistons.
Typical repair: NZ$4,000–NZ$9,000 in New Zealand · A$4,120–A$9,270 in Australia
What to look for: Look with a torch at the injection pump on the side of the engine for wet diesel, grime build-up or drips.
Why it matters: Leaking diesel on a hot engine is a mess and a fire risk, and an old leaking pump often needs a specialist reseal or rebuild.
Typical repair: NZ$800–NZ$5,000 in New Zealand · A$820–A$5,150 in Australia
What to look for: Drive slowly on full lock both ways and at speed, listening for clunks, grinding or whine from the front.
Why it matters: A broken front diff can strand the vehicle and often damages more parts; it is a costly rebuild, and big-tyre off-road use makes a repeat likely.
Typical repair: NZ$2,000–NZ$5,000 in New Zealand · A$2,060–A$5,150 in Australia
Got a question about a Toyota Land Cruiser 100? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.