Body Color

Bluish Grey Metallic (183)

Engine

4.2l 1HD-T I6

Transmission

5 Speed M/T

1990 Diesel Manual Land Cruiser

Available for: $41,995

Body Color

Bluish Grey Metallic (183)

Engine

4.2l 1HD-T I6

Transmission

5 Speed M/T

Stock #6424

Enthusiasts argue the 80 series is the last of the "true" Land Cruisers, and with a sought after turbodiesel, manual transmission powerplant, this HDJ81 makes a compelling case.

Exterior Overview

At its core, this 1990 Land Cruiser is a doggone cool truck, and this example is perhaps the holy grail based on its spec sheet. Enthusiasts will argue the 80 series is the last of the “true” Land Cruisers, and with a sought-after turbodiesel, manual transmission powerplant, this HDJ81 makes a compelling case. It’s also equipped with highly desirable factory triple lockers, an optional factory winch, and is finished in a fresh coat of Bluish Grey Metallic (183) to make any enthusiast swoon. Set off by an OEM optional front winch, spare tire swingarm, factory rainguards, and 16″ refinished Toyota alloys this super SUV shows well aside from a few minor cosmetic defects. Still, for a 34-year-old truck, it’s in far above-average shape and should please most discerning enthusiasts. The 102k miles on the clock are verified and documented as well, which only aids desirability. It’s fresh off a recent service, turn key, ready to rock, and one heck of an investment for any off road buff, Cruiser enthusiast, or Cars & Coffee regular. Simply put, this is a textbook Japanese Classic 4×4!

1990 Diesel Manual Land Cruiser
1990 Diesel Manual Land Cruiser

Interior Overview

The 80 series’ interior gets a lot right. It’s delightfully spacious as is packed with useful amenities and power equipment. For a 1990, this Landy included active safety options, like heated headlight washers. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column and an adjustable hip bolster. Upholstered in a durable cloth, the material has withstood the test of time far better than even the nicest USDM cruisers. The dash is no worse for the wear either, save for a minor hairline crack which has been obscured by a fitted carpet mat. The center stack frames an easy to operate climate control system, which features both cold A/C and hot heat for demanding year-round drives. An adjacent OEM audio system pumps out the tunes on command and sounds decent for being over three decades old. Power windows, locks, and mirrors are on hand to make daily driving a breeze, and a power moonroof unfurls to let in a sufficient amount of natural light and airflow. The rear bench is spacious, and in true classic truck spirit, only features lap belts in the back. If you’re not lugging around any passengers or precious cargo, the bench flips fully forward to make the most of this SUV’s expansive cargo hold. Typically in derelict condition, the headliner is taut, tidy, and affixed well to the roof. The carpets are also in good shape, and protected by optional all-weather mats. This truck is full of positives, and it’s clear the cabin was cared for in a prior life. If we really wanted to nitpick, the factory winch controller has gone missing, and the power folding function of the side mirrors has given up the ghost. Other than those small defects, it’s a great truck overall!

1990 Diesel Manual Land Cruiser
1990 Diesel Manual Land Cruiser

Mechanical Overview

The 1HD-T under the bonnet is a real powerhouse. It’s sturdy, easy to turn a wrench on, and has a global reputation for its ability to take a beating! Fresh off a recent service, our trained technicians have given this one the green light for the road ahead, and installed two new 12v batteries to aid ignition. A new fuel filter was mounted up to keep contaminants out of the diesel, and a fresh air filter was ordered in from Japan to help the cruiser breathe freely. Advantageous both on and off pavement, the 1HD has a civil road manner, and gobs of torque when you need to go off the beaten path. The mated 5 speed gearbox makes it a hoot to drive as well, and the stick is responsive and easy to slide into gear. Power is shot to Toyota’s legendary full time 4WD system, where low gearing is on hand if you become entrenched in tough terrain. Triple locking differentials are a sought after factory option and can engage rapidly to give the most traction off the beaten path. To refresh the driveline, we freshly rebuilt both front hubs with new bearings and seals, and installed and greased new U-joints. The suspension is comfortable, thanks to new KYB struts installed up front, and we replaced some cracked old swaybar bushings with new ones. This behemoth is easy to drive overall. The steering is feather light, and the brakes stop on a dime. Refinished factory alloys polish off the all business aesthetic enthusiasts yearn for, and we wrapped them in fresh Falken rubber. Tough and capable, this is one special truck that only surfaces once in a blue moon!

1990 Diesel Manual Land Cruiser
1990 Diesel Manual Land Cruiser

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.