Victorian stock agent retires Toyota LandCruiser after 1 million kilometres

After 1 million kilometres on country roads, a western Victorian stock agent has finally parked his faithful four-wheel drive for good.

Nhill local Gary Driscoll averaged more than 180 kilometres a day in his 2009 Toyota LandCruiser, travelling to properties across the Wimmera to inspect livestock.

“It’s sometimes 3 to 4 hours a day in the car, but then there are days where you might be in the car for up to 14 hours,” Mr Driscoll said.

The odometer of his LandCruiser, which is now on display in the Horsham Toyota dealership, actually reads 999,999 kilometres. The decision was made not to click it over to 1 million kilometres, as that would reset the odometer to zero.

Mr Driscoll began his career driving a HZ Holden Kingswood between Stawell and the Newmarket Saleyards in Melbourne’s inner north-west.

Over the years he has traversed Victoria’s country roads in a range of Holden, Mitsubishi and Ford sedans — a far cry from the larger vehicles now more commonly used in agricultural professions.

He said he preferred the higher, smoother drive of a four-wheel drive, especially when navigating potholes.

“There are plenty of those around our roads today, and when you get a smaller vehicle, wow, they’re rough.”

In good nick

Mr Driscoll kept his milestone car regularly serviced at the Horsham dealership where he bought it in 2009.

Service manager Tim Barnett said the vehicle had been serviced almost 100 times and that it was the most travelled he had seen.

“I’ve been here at the dealership for 15 years and in automotive for over 20 years.

“This is the first time I’ve seen one hit a million, particularly with the original engine and driveline,” Mr Barnett said.

Mr Driscoll’s car will be displayed at his local dealership for the next two months according to Toyota Australia.

The manufacturer was unable to confirm the highest mileage Toyota vehicle in Australia.

“However, we are aware of several customers whose Toyota vehicles have passed the million-kilometre mark,” a spokesperson said.

Cars lasting longer

Automotive journalist Toby Hagon said it was rare to find a car with more than 1 million kilometres on the odometer.

“I had a look online to see how many cars were being sold with more than 1 million kilometres. There were 41 listings, but I couldn’t see one that was genuine.”

He said rising prices in both new and used car markets meant owners were increasingly keeping vehicles longer.

Mr Hagon said popular models were easier to maintain because parts were readily available.

“If the manufacturer doesn’t have those parts anymore, the aftermarket suppliers will step in for things like headlights and major mechanical components.”