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What’s It Really Like Daily Driving a 35-Year-Old Land Cruiser?

Chris Goorbarry

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What’s it really like daily driving a 30-year-old Toyota Land Cruiser?

I’ve been using my HDJ81 Land Cruiser as a regular daily driver, and while there’s a lot to love about driving an old Japanese 4x4 every day, there are definitely some things that aren’t so perfect.

In this video, I share what it’s actually like living with a 35-year-old Land Cruiser. the driving experience, the mechanical feel, the 1HD-T turbo diesel, the things I love about it, the things that annoy me, and whether I think an old Land Cruiser actually makes sense as a daily driver in 2026.

This truck is a right-hand-drive, manual, factory turbo diesel Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ81, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite vehicles I’ve ever owned.

But ownership hasn’t been completely trouble-free…

If you enjoy Land Cruisers, Japanese cars, garage projects, restorations, and builds, consider subscribing. There’s a lot more coming with this truck.

Thanks for watching!

#ToyotaLandCruiser #LandCruiser #HDJ81 #80Series #JDM

https://evolvedgarage.com/

Instagram: chrisgoorbarry

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20 Comments

@Nathyneo 13 hours ago (edited)

Still more dependable and more reliable than any modern vehicle.

@Harri_Cent 4 hours ago

I live in Orlando and been daily driving my 80 for 15 years

@robertvonthaden 10 hours ago

Such a great video man. 307,000 miles on my '96 FZJ80 and I drive it every damn day!

@fabionembrini5923 1 day ago

My dear friend, you couldn't have made a better choice than using the Land Cruiser as your daily driver. It’s an incredibly rugged, versatile vehicle that remains relevant to this day—basically a tank capable of tackling any kind of road. Excellent choice Chris.💪💪

@sdrjr3562 4 hours ago

Honesty is the only way to go. I learned some things from your honesty. Thank you!

@Toca9990 3 hours ago

I daily my 60, I catched up with maintenance, now living the dream

@robertgeddes511 18 hours ago

Remember, only important people drive a Landcruiser. So other people can just wait till you arrive.

@Sirius91387 41 minutes ago

That's a really sweet Land Cruiser. There were times I wished mine had the diesel engine for the gas mileage but after seeing how slow the hdj81 is I'm grateful for the 1fzfe. Love your LC content! Subscribed

@prodnus 2 hours ago

Fuel costs 🚀

@imtherealjoeyd 1 day ago

That thing looks awesome!

@kosi4761 21 hours ago

I'm a 20 year old and have my dads '92 HDJ81 that I have been daily driving for about 3 years now through high-school and now college, started with around 60,000 on the odometer and I'm at 95,000ish now. Never has left me stranded, never has had any major mechanical issues (knock on wood). I know exactly what you mean between the random thumbs up in traffic and the notes being left on the car, as well as hearing that I am driving on the "wrong" side. Love mine and hope to be driving in in another 10 years, and am grateful to have the opportunity to drive such a legendary truck.

@andreasaristidou7156 3 hours ago

I have the exact same year, engine, gearbox and locking axles in red and I love every single thing about daily driving it apart from the fuel costs and my yearly MOT test

@JavierCR25 22 hours ago

That is one gorgeous truck my brother

@user-tb7rn1il3q 21 hours ago

It may be slow but at least if someone hits you they will take most of the damage.

@Clbnav 4 hours ago (edited)

The 80 series is one the best Land Cruisers ever built by Toyota. That is why it was the inspiration they used when they designed the LC300. And you can really see that. The 300 has a bigger green house, lower belt line and other features which increases outside visibility just like the 80 series.

The other parallel I see is the interior. The LC300 has a very functional interior unlike its predecessor the LC200. There are more buttons and they are bigger and more easily accessible just like the old school Land Cruisers.

@MagnusDrednought 22 hours ago (edited)

Congrats on finding such an awesome mint manual unicorn bud. Yes, the smell, sound and feel are very special and unique

@ilfpetroff1990 6 hours ago

The driver position is very comfortable in TLC80. The elbow sits very naturally on the bottom of the open driver's window. It's absolutely cumbersome in the modern cars.

@aa240sx 10 hours ago

Not a hot take, but something that does fly under the radar when it comes to reliability 2nd gen Ford expeditions! They'll last just as long (if properly taken care of).