REDLINE ALLEYToyota Land Cruiser 300 Series buying guide
2021 to now. A 300 Series suits a buyer who wants the newest Land Cruiser and will check its towing history and software updates.
Big jobs
- DPF and EGR on short trips. Mostly short urban trips stop the DPF finishing its regeneration and let the EGR clog the intake, giving lost power, an engine light, limp mode, smoke and high fuel use.
- V6 diesel oil heat and engine failures. Heavy loads such as sand driving or towing can overheat the oil in the hot vee V6. Fine metal paste in the sump has been linked to damaged pistons and bearings. Incidence is said to be statistically low on trucks that do not work hard.
Workshop jobs
- High oil consumption. Up to 1.7 litres of oil can go missing between services as overheated oil burns off.
- Turbo hesitation and seventh injector. Torque can drop between about 2,200 and 2,500 rpm when towing, fixed by an ECU update. The seventh injector that helps DPF regeneration can set codes, limp mode and smoke.
- 10 speed overheating when towing. Extended towing of 3 tonnes or more up long hills can overheat the 10 speed and send it to limp mode until the fluid cools.
- Thin paint, infotainment and exposed fuel filter. Clear coat can peel and the bonnet chips easily, the infotainment can reboot or lose Bluetooth, and the exposed fuel filter near the right rear wheel can be damaged off road.
Questions for the seller
- Has it towed heavy loads, and how often?
- Have the ECU updates and all recalls been done?
- Has metal ever been found in the oil at a service?
- How much oil does it use between services?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-05. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.