Shifterati

55 Series Toyota Land Cruiser

Buyer's checklist: 55 Series Toyota Land Cruiser 1967–1980

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Inspection sheet Mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Walk away if 1

Any one of these is reason enough to leave the car where it is.

Rust in the roof, cowl, rockers and archesAll yearsLook along the roof by the drip rails, the cowl, the lower front fenders, inside the doors, the rockers, the wheel arch lips, the floor by the kick panels and the bottom of the tailgate. Then check the frame rails and body mounts.^1,2

Look for 1

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Torn seats and cracked dashAll yearsLook at the vinyl seats, the dash top and the rubber mats.^1,2

Recalls to ask about 2

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 69V0270001969Door scuff plates may have been fitted so they can short the wiring under them. Ask for proof the recall work was done.³
Recall 91V1100001980–1990Welds inside the fuel tank can crack under heat and load and leak fuel. The tank is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13}

The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.

Sources