Stock #6876
Exterior Overview
The 70 Series Land Cruiser oozes confidence. Its no-nonsense aggressive styling, tough and hearty turbo diesel, and selectable 4WD are exactly what you want in an SUV. This 1994 Prado is a special truck and is finished in a classic Bluish Silver Metallic over Tempest Gray (26Z). Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs, the paint is in good nick, and this SX model is set off by aftermarket 15×8 bullet hole style wheels, and some subtle OEM rainguards. Fresh off a recent service including a new timing belt and water pump, this 4×4 is turn-key ready to rock. Reliable, capable, and cool, this Japanese Classic is one you won’t want to miss out on!
Interior Overview
We get in numerous J78s, but the interior stands out on this example. The dashboards are usually cracked heavily, yet this one has escaped the past 30 years without sustaining major damage. The center stack is close by and within arm’s reach for the driver and passenger. An upgraded touchscreen Panasonic headunit sounds great and includes hands-free Bluetooth streaming technology. Below you will find the simple climate system, which doles out cold AC and piping hot heat. A tilt-adjustable steering column allows the pilot to find the ideal seating position, and electric adjustable lumbar support is handy on longer interstate drives. Power mirrors, electric locks, and power windows all work in typical Toyota fashion, improving daily use. The seats are in above-average shape and upholstered in a textured gray and black cloth. The material lacks any major rips, stains, or tears and is fairly durable, too. The middle row split folds, and can and slide forward to accommodate larger cargo. It even has an optional third row, which can be tucked away into the D-pillar for tidy storage. The headliner and carpets are in above-average shape, and the door cards have sustained no major damage. Even the owner’s manual is included with the purchase of this truck, and overall, it’s hard to nitpick its condition.
Mechanical Overview
Under the skin, this beast is simple and sturdy. A body-on-frame ladder chassis can withstand tons of abuse, and the same can be said for the engine, the 1KZ-TE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L churns to life quickly courtesy of two new 12v batteries. To keep all the oil internal, we installed a new valve cover gasket. So that the electronics stay properly powered, we replaced the old accessory belts with new ones and installed a new alternator. A new engine air filter and new fuel filter give the 3.0L a fresh start on life, and we installed a new radiator and gave her a fresh bath of coolant so that proper thermal efficiency is achieved. Good for the next ten years and 100k kilometers, a timing belt and water pump service was ordered up! While the miles are unknown, this rig feels fresh as a daisy. With the refreshed four-banger running right as rain, we started to tackle the rest of the Prado. We performed a transmission fluid service, and the automatic shifts like a champ. It’s mated to a selectable transfercase that gives the driver the ability to choose between 2WD and 4WD. A low range is on hand should you plan some driving off the beaten path. Highway cruising is comfortable with the long wheelbase the J78 provides, and the power steering is light and on-point. We replaced the power steering pump and flushed the fluid, so things remain that way. To bolster that work, we also added a new steering stabilizer. The suspension can handle the rigors of daily use and benefits from new rear shocks. The brakes have been bolstered, too, with new front brake pads. To complete this Toyota’s stateside turnaround, we mounted and balanced four new Falken all-terrain tires. Freshly aligned, the new rubber looks mean, is functional, and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come.
*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.
