If you’re trying to get your hands on a new 70 Series LandCruiser in Australia, you already know it’s not as simple as walking into a dealership anymore.
In 2024–2025, the question isn’t just “What’s the price?” — it’s “Can I even get one?”
From V8s being phased out, to dealers registering brand-new Cruisers as “used” to get around pricing caps, to persistent rumours about emissions updates and AdBlue, the LandCruiser landscape has changed. Fast.
Here’s a deep dive into what’s really going on — and what smart buyers are doing to beat the wait.
Wait Times: 12–24 Months... or Never?
Depending on the model and dealer, current wait times for a brand new 70 Series LandCruiser are being quoted at 12 to 24 months, with some dealers even saying “4 years or never”. Sound dramatic? It is — and it’s not just hype.
A few reasons why:
Toyota stopped taking new orders for the V8 in 2023.
Demand massively outweighs production.
Australia’s strict emissions rules are forcing technical updates, slowing things down further.
Some buyers who placed their V8 orders in 2022 are still waiting, with delivery expected late 2024 or even early 2025.
Dealer Pricing Tricks: The "Dealer Used" Loophole
Here’s something most people don’t know — Australian consumer law restricts what a dealer can charge for a brand new car. To get around this, some dealerships are registering a brand-new 70 Series in their name (often with <100 km on the clock), and then re-listing it as "used".
The result? A new cruiser becomes a “demo” — same car, same wait avoided, but an instant $10k–$20k markup. And buyers are paying it, just to skip the queue.
If you see “dealer demonstrator” or “dealer used” stock — now you know what’s really going on.
The End of the V8 Era
The legendary 1VD-FTV 4.5L turbo-diesel V8 is no longer in production. If you don’t already have one on order, you’ll be relying on:
Cancelled orders being reassigned, or
Finding a used V8 (and likely paying a premium)
From late 2023, Toyota began rolling out the 2.8L four-cylinder turbo diesel with a 6-speed auto. It's the same 1GD-FTV engine found in the Hilux and Prado — and while it performs surprisingly well, many buyers still crave the V8’s grunt and towing confidence.
AdBlue Rumours and Emissions Regulations
There are persistent rumours that Toyota may pause 70 Series production or stop taking orders temporarily to fit the platform with AdBlue (SCR technology), allowing compliance with upcoming emissions standards.
This would align Australia with what’s already happening in some overseas markets — where LandCruisers are running AdBlue to meet Euro 6 or equivalent local regulations.
No official announcement has been made, but the whispers are strong — and if true, it could trigger:
More delays
Another spec change
How to Actually Get a 70 Series in 2024
Now for the good stuff — here’s what savvy buyers are doing to get ahead of the pack:
1. Join Facebook Groups Where Orders Are Passed On
There are dozens of LandCruiser buy/sell/waitlist groups on Facebook — and they’re surprisingly active. People who can no longer follow through on an order (life changes, finances, etc.) will often post their build slot for transfer or sale.
Hot tip: Look for posts that say “build month confirmed”, “order slot available”, or “dealer build up for grabs”. These can disappear in hours, so turn on notifications.
Groups worth checking:
“Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series Buy Swap Sell”
“LC70 Australia - Owners Group”
“LandCruiser 70 Series Enthusiasts Australia”
2. Call Dealers Nationwide — Not Just Locally
Multiple buyers have picked up 70s within weeks by calling dozens of dealers around the country. Why? Because:
People cancel orders regularly.
Some regional or rural dealers get stock but have fewer local buyers.
If a build is ready to go and unclaimed, they’ll usually sell it to whoever puts down a deposit first.
Don’t be afraid to cold call. Be polite, ask what’s coming in, and leave your name and number for cancellations. Persistence pays.
Final Thoughts: Patience, Hustle, and a Bit of Luck
So — when is the LandCruiser available? If you want a factory-fresh V8, it might already be too late. But for the new 2.8L auto versions, it's still possible — with a wait.
The best shot at owning a 70 Series without waiting 1–2 years?
Hustle Facebook groups
Call dealerships beyond your postcode
Be ready to pounce if a build slot frees up
And above all — stay informed. With emissions changes, potential AdBlue integration, and Toyota's evolving production priorities, what’s true today might change next month.
If you want a LandCruiser — especially a 70 — this is not the time to sit back and wait.
