Overland Classifieds :: 2003 Land Cruiser

Many travelers consider the Toyota Land Cruiser to be the ultimate overlanding vehicle. Sure, there are more luxurious, powerful, economical, practical, and capable options out there, but for all-around, go-anywhere, bullet-proof dependability and performance in all conditions, the Land Cruiser is arguably unmatched. Every experience I’ve had in a Land Cruiser has elevated my respect for them tenfold, and this occasion was no exception. I recently returned from two months in the Italian Dolomites, where I spent considerable time in a 100 Series. My friend uses the Land Cruiser to transport vehicles on a trailer up and down the vast mountain passes in his area.

My Vanagon Syncro struggled to climb the Italian mountain switchbacks, while the 100 Series effortlessly climbed the same roads for hours on end in 34°C (93°F) temperatures while trailering a similar Vanagon. If there was ever a moment the universe was telling me I’d chosen the wrong vehicle, that was it. I began perusing online classifieds , but alas, prices reflect their immense popularity. Today’s well-maintained example has covered 246,000 miles, features the silky-smooth V8 motor, and enjoys a number of premium modifications.

From the Seller:

This Land Cruiser has been a great family hauler and work truck to get me from job site to job site. I love how reliable and comfortable it has been driving across Colorado from downtown Denver to the San Juan Mountains. From family ski trips to Keystone to work trips to Aspen, the truck has never let me down and provides a warm, secure place for my family and myself. I am selling because my work role has changed, and the Cruiser isn’t the family hauler anymore.”

2003 Land Cruiser

The Land Cruiser is fitted with a 4.7-liter V8 motor that produces 235 horsepower, 320 pound-feet of torque, and returns a combined 13 mpg. The engine and drivetrain are exceptionally long-lived and designed to last 15 to 20 years, with many well-maintained examples capable of half a million miles. As you’d expect, the all-terrain capability was class-leading for its time, thanks to full-time 4WD, high and low range, center differential lock, and more. Inside, the 100 Series is well-equipped with driver comforts that include:

  • Heated leather seats
  • Premium JBL audio
  • Infotainment system with navigation
  • Climate control
  • Speed-proportional power steering
  • Power sunroof

Distinguishing Features

  • ARB front bumper
  • Old Man Emu suspension
  • Smittybilt winch
  • Asfir front skid plate
  • Falken Wild Peak tires
  • Huracan Fabrication tailgate storage
  • Sherpa Equipment Co. roof rack bars

This 2003 Land Cruiser 100 is listed for $20,500 OBO and is currently located in Denver. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.

Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to ensure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.

No money in the bank, but gas in the tank. Our resident Bikepacking Editor Jack Mac is an exploration photographer and writer living full-time in his 1986 Vanagon Syncro but spends most days at the garage pondering why he didn’t buy a Land Cruiser Troopy. If he’s not watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, he can be found mountaineering for Berghaus, sea kayaking for Prijon, or bikepacking for Surly Bikes. Jack most recently spent two years on various assignments in the Arctic Circle but is now back in the UK preparing for his upcoming expeditions—looking at Land Cruisers. Find him on his website, Instagram, or on Facebook under Bicycle Touring Apocalypse.