A few years ago, I found myself in Lightning Ridge, NSW, a dusty gem located 728 kilometres from Sydney and 750 kilometres inland from Brisbane.
I was well out of town, checking out the unique sights - imagine something similar to a Mad Max set - when an older 4x4 pulled up, making a noise that could wake the dead.
Out stepped a grey nomad, a silver-haired adventurer who looked like he'd been travelling Australia for quite some time. Pulling over and hopping out, he seemed blissfully unaware of the racket his car was producing.
Insisting that there was nothing wrong with his car, he seemed genuinely puzzled by our concern.
It took a bit of convincing, but eventually, we had his wife start the car while he stood with us outside. The moment the vehicle started to move, the noise was unmistakable, even from a distance.
His wife, giving him a look that could wither steel (she clearly knew something wasn't right from inside the car) finally convinced him to call the NRMA.
The news was a blow: the local NRMA man was on holiday, and wouldn't be back for … get this … a MONTH.
In the outback, that's the kind of situation where you need a vehicle you can rely on without a second thought. It was at that precise moment I understood the sheer necessity of a vehicle like the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series.
In these remote parts of Australia, reliability isn't just a feature – it can be a lifeline.
Stepping inside the LandCruiser 79 Series Workmate, you're greeted by an interior that feels like a throwback to simpler times.
Basic and rugged, it's clearly designed for function over form.
The seats are utilitarian, providing adequate comfort but nothing to write home about. The dashboard, covered with hardy plastics, houses essential controls that are robust and easy to operate even with gloved hands.
In the centre of the dash, you'll find a 6.7-inch infotainment screen – a modest size by today's standards.
It's not the high-resolution, feature-packed display you might find in something like an Amarok, but it gets the job done. The system includes basic features like bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM radio and USB input for Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
The air conditioning controls are manual, but they're easy to use, which is ideal when you're bouncing around on rough tracks.
While it's functional and reliable, the interior will feel outdated to those used to the comforts of more urban-oriented vehicles.
And let's not forget, that when all is said and done this Silver Pearl WorkMate is a $90,925 ute (driveaway). So you're paying for the legendary durability and off-road capability, rather than the latest in tech and luxury.
Driving the LandCruiser 79 Series Workmate is an exercise (literally in the city) in embracing simplicity.
Under the hood lies a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
Many 4x4 enthusiasts lament the loss of the old V8, but here's the kicker: the new four-cylinder actually outperforms the V8. The old 4.5-litre V8 churned out 151kW and 430Nm, so while it had a slight edge in power, the new engine boasts significantly more torque, making it more efficient for hauling heavy loads and tackling tough terrain.
We spent a good chunk of time driving it in the city, and it quickly became apparent that this was a vehicle built for the outback rather than urban jungles.
The steering is heavy, it has a large turning circle, with the steering wheel requiring more spinning than a DJ at a rave, turning a simple U-turn into a 3, 4, or even 5-point manoeuvre.
While the steering and turning circle don't make it easier to park, the big rear window makes it easy to just look over your shoulder and back in.
Parking, however, presents an intriguing situation…
Despite the cumbersome steering and turning radius, the enormous rear window provides such excellent visibility that reversing into a spot becomes almost enjoyable.
I witnessed people in neighbouring cars clutching their armrests and holding their breath as I manoeuvered the big LandCruiser, their eyes wide as saucers.
Yet, with that much visibility, backing in felt almost effortless.
On rough tracks and farm trails, the LandCruiser 79 Series comes into its own. The solid axle setup, combined with its significant ground clearance, ensures it can handle ruts, rocks and washouts with ease.
This is also underlined by its 130-litre tank. At the 11-litres per hundred kilometres we were seeing in fuel economy, it seemingly never ran out.
It's not a vehicle for those seeking a cushioned, refined driving experience – it's for those who need to get the job done, no matter the conditions.
The tray on the 79 Series Workmate is as rugged as the rest of the vehicle.
It's spacious and designed to carry heavy loads, making it a favourite among farmers and tradies.
Fitted with a steel tray, the sides keep cargo secure, while you can also fold them down to make it easier to load. However, this level of utility comes at a cost.
It might sound funny for a ute, but bog standard, the LandCruiser 79 Series doesn't have a tray. Adding one to the Workmate will set you back $4,353 for a standard steel one like we have and upwards of that for something different.
It's practical, tough and ready for whatever work you have in store. In terms of practical dimensions, we were able to comfortably fit a queen-sized bed in the back with room to spare all around.
With a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kilograms (3.5 tonnes), it's more than capable of pulling trailers, caravans, or even heavy equipment.
Safety in the LandCruiser 79 Series is a mixed bag.
While its construction is robust, and it comes with essential safety features like ABS and stability control and lane departure warning, it lacks many of the advanced safety technologies found in modern vehicles.
There are no curtain airbags, no autonomous emergency braking, and certainly no lane-keeping assist.
It's built to survive harsh environments rather than provide a cocoon of technological safety.
So, while it's dependable, it's not the safest choice for everyday driving in urban areas.
The Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Workmate is a vehicle of purpose.
East of Forbes or Parkes, you might be better off with a HiLux – they're more comfortable, better equipped, and frankly, more suited to a blend of work and everyday life.
But head west, into the vast expanses of rural Australia, and the LandCruiser's true value shines. It's a beast of burden, ready to take on the harshest conditions with a reliability that few can match.
If you're after a comfortable ride with modern conveniences, look elsewhere.
But if you need a vehicle that'll never let you down, even when the nearest help is a month away, the LandCruiser 79 Series is the one you want.
Just be prepared to pay a small fortune for it – because, let's face it, this thing isn't cheap.
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