My Cars: 1992 Toyota Landcruiser HDJ80 VX

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 John Glynn

This Toyota Landcruiser was first registered in August 1992. I bought it in November 2008 from a friend of a friend who was emigrating to Australia and knew I already had a couple of Landcruisers. Having owned some 4runners and SWB 70-series Cruisers, an 80-series was my dream car and I was delighted to get it. 

My Landcruiser is a 15″ wheel model with the smaller brakes, cloth seats and no air con. Most importantly it is a 4.2-litre diesel with manual transmission and three diff locks: front, rear and centre.

Issues with the truck at purchase included a massive bull bar that I oculd barely lift and peeling paint on the bonnet – I weighed in the bull bar and had the bonnet painted. The wheels were corroded and needed refurbishment. The transmission had some play and there was a delay in clutch engagement. The steering had a lot of play. There was an oil leak and the brakes were not great. The tyres were low, but passed an MOT.

I fitted some 33-inch tyres, used the vehicle over winter for several years and it was just amazing in the snow – one memorable winter, I dragged a BMW 525 out of a snow-filled ditch and up a hill I couldn’t even stand up on. I commuted in it to Glass’s Guide in Weybridge every winter and it was often the only vehicle in the fast lane in snowy weather. it passed its MOT most years but failed in 2011 due to leaking brakes and power steering, leaking front shock absorbers, play in one hub, an oil leak, a rusty exhaust, and emissions issues. This took quite a bit of work, with some parts coming in from Australia!

By 2014, the power steering had developed an issue with ceasing to work when the car was pointing downhill. I fitted a new £700 steering pump and a mechanic friend rebuilt the steering box, which has since had a bit of a leak. The steering issue has not yet been resolved and the main power steering fluid pipes have since rusted, so it needs these repaired to go back on the road. One day! Old Landcruiser parts are more expensive than Porsche parts and the trucks are hard to work on due to their size. But of all my cars, this is potentially my favourite – it is a tough call with this vs the 911.

 

What our customers say about my online Classic Car Valuations:

“John, this is great. Thanks very much, I really appreciate your work. I’ll be back in touch with you probably once it’s at the state I wish to keep it in. Best wishes.”

Boglarka – Bristol – Series Land Rover Overlander insurance valuation

“Hi John, Thank you very much indeed. This is perfect, and exactly what I was looking for. I really appreciate your time and insight, and this will be very helpful indeed with the insurance company.”

Stephen – Isle of Man – Mk1 Mini Cooper S insurance valuation

“Hi John. Many thanks for the valuation of my Morgan Plus 4, an excellent prepared report, great detail and a very professional job.

David in York – 1993 Morgan Plus 4 4-seater insurance valuation

“Dear John, thank you for sending this on. The insurance valuation makes me feel that perhaps in my car buying experience over the years I might just have bought it right. I really do appreciate your input into the whole experience and it has made my wife and I feel very happy about our latest car purchase.”

Chris in Dorset – Porsche 993 Cabriolet inspection, purchase support and insurance valuation

“Hi John, Thank you for the insurance valuation on my E Type. I must say it is very rare these days that a service is provided with such speed and so comprehensively. I can’t think of a better £80 that I have spent in a long long time. Your help and assistance is really appreciated.”

Paul  in Warwickshire – Series 1 E Type OTS insurance valuation

“Hi John, Thank you for your excellent and comprehensive valuation report for my car. A great service provided by yourself and also a very quick response to my initial enquiry. I have forwarded it on to Adrian Flux for them to increase their much lower valuation. I will certainly endorse and recommend your service to other like minded classic enthusiasts going forward.”

Roy in Carlisle – MG RV8 insurance valuation

“Hello John, Many thanks for the speedy reply and valuation. I have never used a service like this before and I am very impressed with your detailed report and overall service. I’ll certainly be back when I need another/update and I’ll recommend you where I can. Have a great day.”

Andy in Wales – Aston Martin DB9 insurance valuation

“Thank you John so much for your kind attention to my valuation. Wonderful service all round.”

Shirley in Brighton – 1963 Wood and Pickett Morris Mini Minor insurance valuation

“Hi John, very many thanks for your report. It makes very interesting reading and it is pleasing to note you consider the car is still in the bracket of a desirable acquisition and as such have increased the replacement cost. I’ve no current intention to sell but it’s always good to know my small collection is not likely to lose huge sums overnight.”

Simon in Warrington – bespoke classic Porsche insurance valuation

“Hi John, my insurance company accepted your valuation and amended my policy to suit. The information provided and the way the valuation was composed was in my, and my family’s opinion truly excellent and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone in the future should the need arise.”

Simon in Essex – Classic Triumph Insurance Valuation

“Hi John, Thank you for your efforts in providing this valuation! I’m sure my grandad will be thrilled. I shall forward it onto him and advise him with regards notifying his insurance company. Again, can’t thank you enough and shan’t hesitate to employ your services again in future!”

Oli in Manchester – Riley Special Agreed Insurance Valuation

“Hi John, Thank you so much for your kind words and honest evaluation. I think your valuation and the accompanying justification are more than fair, derived in a very logical and professional way and shown in an easy to read format. If I can provide a reference or a review for your services please let me know as I would be more than happy to do this.”

David in Switzerland – HMRC NOVA Valuation – Classic Motorcycle

“John, many thanks for all your help. I am especially grateful for how quickly you have done this valuation. I’m really happy with your valuation and glad that you have appreciated the work that has gone into creating this car. I will not hesitate to recommend your services.”

Matt in Birmingham – Agreed Insurance Valuation – Frontline MGB GT

“Hi John, I can now understand why my insurance company recommended you to carry out an assessment of the value of my vehicle. You have done a splendid job, I am very impressed with the detail which you have included and you display an in-depth knowledge of the market. Please accept my grateful thanks for your efforts on my behalf and you can be sure that whenever the opportunity arises I will recommend your services.”

Dave in Reading – Classic Ferrari 355 Insurance Valuation

Hi John, Many thanks for getting this back so quickly. Your market commentary is encouraging and I am very happy with the figure. I will send it over to the insurer and ask them to amend the agreed value accordingly.

Nick in Manchester – Agreed Insurance Valuation

“John, this is incredibly helpful, and I can see how much work you have put into it. I am enormously grateful – thank you so much – and Dad will be delighted, I’m sure.”

Karen in Ipswich – Agreed Insurance Valuations on unique Jaguar conversions

“John, thank you for the excellent valuation report, most enlightening, particularly the points about the macro economics and how that influences the market demand. We will be in touch when the need arises to revalue our other classics.”

John in Bristol – Agreed Insurance Valuation – Morgan 35th Anniversary

“Hi John, Many thanks for your condolences and for the speedy response. The valuation is just what we need as we go through the probate process. The report is very thorough and clear. Thanks again.”

Jane in Slough – Probate Valuation – Rover Mini Mayfair

Hi John, I just wanted to give you an update on the car. I listed it for sale on Friday – for £78k to test the waters – and have accepted an offer for £75k, deposit paid, just subject to viewing. I had 3 very serious enquiries within 48hrs, one from Australia. Seems your fantastic insights were spot on – black 911s are very desirable. So just wanted to say thank you.

Simon in London: Porsche 964 market valuation (to sell quickly)

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Classic Car Valuations Specialist is part of Specialist Car Valuations Limited: UK company number 07983578. Values on this site are an opinion: markets can go down as well as up.