Back in 1990, Toyota automaker launched the Land Cruiser 80 - the best SUV ever produced by this company, which stirred up the entire 4x4 car market. Despite a decent age, the “TLK 80” surpasses many modern crossovers in its technical characteristics. The years that have passed since the release of the car did not detract from its popularity among motorists who value power, reliability and quality.
Exterior
The main difference between the Land Cruiser is its large dimensions. The manufacturer for such a car did not spare supplies, which is a huge advantage. It is difficult to call the largest car of the entire Toyota lineup attractive - outwardly, the company's best SUV resembles army transport. However, despite his heaviness, he looks very solid, taking up a lot of space on the road.
Fans of off-road will appreciate the "TLK 80". The wheels of the car have a special tread pattern that significantly improves cross-country ability on difficult sections of the road. The body is slightly raised above the frame, and a snorkel is located along the right windshield pillar. The trunk is located on the roof and is intended for the transportation of bulky goods. A ladder is installed on the rear door, making it easy to climb to the roof of the car.
Outwardly, Land Cruiser looks angular, and the massive bumper “TLK 80” gives it brutality and masculinity. There are no thin and smooth lines here - this is an absolutely male car with rough, clear strokes.
Interior
The interior of the "TLK 80" is designed at a fairly high level. Every little thing is carefully thought out, all the necessary devices are literally at hand. Trim is completely made of high quality black plastic. According to the reviews of the owners, even after many years of operation, the parts remain completely silent and stable.
Separately, it is worth noting the informative and convenient dashboard. Engine temperature, fuel level are marked on it. The downside is the lack of a tachometer, which many car owners complain about. The gear lever is very comfortable for the driver and easy to operate.
Gas engine
The “TLK 80” gasoline power unit was developed taking into account all the requirements for this SUV by motorists. The engine has a long service life, is reliable and has a high build quality. Two types of a six-cylinder engine with a volume of 4.5 liters and 24 valves were produced: carburetor and injection.
The power of the carburetor power unit is 197 horsepower. The absence of a catalyst and a sufficiently low compression ratio allows fueling the car with an octane rating of 92 m. At the same time, its quality does not play a special role, which can be considered a plus for those motorists who travel long distances. But, by the way, there is also a fly in the ointment: a rather complicated carburetor design requires disassembling and cleaning once a year and a half of the entire system, which translates into a fairly tidy amount.
The power of the injection engine is slightly higher and is 205 horsepower. This model is very whimsical and requires only the 95th high-quality gasoline . However, it has its advantages: a good injection system and a long service life (about 200 thousand kilometers).
In principle, a gasoline engine is not particularly expensive to maintain, however, you should immediately prepare for a large fuel consumption: about 20-25 liters per hundred kilometers. Such gluttony, however, is understandable: after all, the TLK 80 bridges and its power oblige. The engine is silent and smooth running, but for high-quality operation requires regular replacement of oil, filters and spark plugs. These operations are carried out, as a rule, once per 100 thousand kilometers, including the replacement of drive belts. Every 40 thousand, according to the notes of the owners of Land Cruiser, have to clean the radiator and replace the antifreeze.
Diesel engine
It is installed on the “TLK 80” diesel - a six-cylinder engine with a volume of 4.2 liters, which happens with both turbo and atmospheric inflation.
A car with an atmospheric engine with a capacity of 136 horsepower was supplied to European markets, however, a domestic model of 130 horsepower could be found on domestic markets, which was designed for diesel fuel of not the highest quality.
Turbocharged diesel has good dynamic characteristics and a capacity of 167 horsepower. The car accelerates to hundreds of kilometers in 12.3 seconds, while the maximum speed is 170 km / h.
Land Cruiser with a diesel engine is very widespread in Russia due to its unpretentiousness in service, reliability, build quality and the ability to "digest" domestic fuel.
A feature of the diesel “TLK” is the presence of two batteries, a throughput meter or a spiral filament network, so that there are no problems with the engine at low temperatures. In winter, it is advisable to use special anti-gel additives that will avoid many troubles. The manufacturer recommends changing the fuel filter every 20 thousand kilometers - such a precaution will extend the life of the high pressure pump.
Car controllability
Despite the large dimensions and weight, Land Cruiser boasts excellent dynamics and handling - it easily enters even the coolest turns. At a speed of 120 km / h, the car confidently holds the road and obeys the driver. This is ensured by a rather powerful power steering, however, it is practically “transparent” due to the leading front wheels. At speeds above 100 km / h you can feel the reactive power steering.
Powerful suspension significantly softens vibrations and various defects of the road surface. Even when getting into serious pits for the driver and passengers, everything is limited to the smooth sway of the TLK.
According to the reviews of many motorists, the technical characteristics of the Land Cruiser are selected in such a way as to allow the car to feel confident both on the road and in the city. The installed shock absorbers can be controlled, which makes it possible to adjust the suspension and adjust it to individual driving characteristics.
Equipment
Initially, the Land Cruiser 80 was produced in several trim levels ranging from the base, “army” car and ending with a comfortable and even luxurious SUV.
The simplest assembly is STD - the perfect car for hunting or fishing. It completely lacks electronics, the SUV is simplified to a minimum. There is not even an ABC system, which, incidentally, is afraid of dirt as such. Only air conditioning, a mechanical winch and a radio tape recorder are included in the package. The interior is upholstered with vinyl, which is easily washed with a damp cloth.
GX - more comfortable equipment, but without unnecessary frills. The exterior of the car boasts moldings and chrome, the interior is complemented by air conditioning, an electric package and a sunroof. The seat upholstery is already fabric, on the floor - carpet.
Prestigious and luxurious can be called the VX version, which includes all the possible options that increase comfort. The interior is decorated with either velor or leather, the exterior gets alloy wheels.
Cost
At the moment, you can only buy a used Land Cruiser car, and its cost may vary depending on the year of manufacture and general condition. The minimum price is 300 thousand, the maximum is about 700 thousand rubles in recent years of the model.
The owners of TLK 80 note that the cost of this miracle is fully justified by quality. Despite the impressive mileage, the car is very reliable.
Design reliability
The basis of the Land Cruiser 80 is a fully dependent suspension, characterized by unpretentiousness, durability and a long service life. Silent blocks wear out over time, which leads to the feeling that the car is “floating” along the road, however, their replacement is carried out no more than once every 180 thousand kilometers. Shock absorbers, springs and tie rods do not need to be replaced.
TLK has virtually no weaknesses, especially if it is properly looked after. However, at the moment it is difficult to find a decent car - few people really monitor their transport, especially if its operation is carried out in off-road conditions.
Tuning opportunity
Such a car requires an investment of a large amount of time, money and effort. By the way, “TLK 80” tuning is also possible: as a rule, if the car is used for off-road trips, they resort to reinforcing the suspension, increasing ground clearance, installing moldings and other details.
Toyota Land Cruiser 80 is a magnificent SUV, capable, despite its venerable age, to give odds to many modern crossover models.