Stock #6686
Exterior Overview
The Land Cruiser is a timeless model and is beloved around the globe for its capability and trustworthiness. The 70 Series variant, which is still sold new today, is one of our favorite imports. This 1996 is a special truck, with its bulletproof turbodiesel engine and surefooted 4WD. Fresh off a recent service, this Dark Emerald Green over Oyster Pearl (26Z) example is offered with only 124k verified and documented miles on the clock. It’s also a looker, adorned with a stylish aluminum rear ladder, chrome mirror caps and door handles, OEM rainguards, WEDS Keeler alloys and a stylish OEM bashbar with dual driving lamps. Aside from a few light dings, chips and scuffs the paint is in fine shape and this EX model would make for a determined daily driver, wicked weekend cruiser, or fantastic family shuttle. Reliable, collectible, and practical, this terrific Toyota is a Japanese Classic and a workhorse!
Interior Overview
The cabin is spacious, has room for seven, and includes a number of electric amenities that make daily use more manageable. It was also cared for in Japan as evidenced by the dashboard condition, which lacks the typical splitting and sun damage that accrues over the years. The upholstery is also in above average shape, and is still soft to the touch. The seating surfaces were covered when the car arrived in the States and the cloth lacks any major rips, stains or tears. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and the piloting position allows you to see far above traffic. Electric adjustable lumbar support provides relief on longer hauls, and the pilot has a commanding view of the road ahead. To supplement the commute, a Pioneer radio upgrade sits front and center and sounds decent, too. Below, the OEM climate unit system is primed and ready to deliver either cold A/C or piping hot heat. If you prefer more natural ventilation, a large OEM moonroof can tilt and retract. Additionally electric windows unfurl quickly, and the rear quarter glass pops outward for a light breeze. Power locks make loading up the kiddos a snap and the cargo berth is fairly large, too. Aside from non functional power mirrors and some light soiling on the headliner the cabin is in wonderful shape, and this Prado features a sought after rubber trunk liner, and original carpet mats, which we’ve retained to protect this Cruiser’s history!
Mechanical Overview
As the exterior styling eludes to, these are real deal old school SUVs. Underpinned by a body on frame platform, the 1KZ-TE can pull its own weight and then some. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L chugs to life care of a new 12v battery, with new serpentine belts driving your accessories. A new fuel filter was installed, as we do with all of our diesels and we replaced the old air cleaner with a new one. A new valve cover gasket keeps all your oil internal, and this classic cruiser feels comfortable jetting up to highway speeds, where it feels surprisingly stable on the interstate. Of course, it’s also a beast off the beaten path, and selective 4WD allows the driver to engage all four wheels, as well as low gearing if the going really gets tough. We performed an expensive front hub rebuild service, with new bearings and seals to keep drivetrain leaks and vibrations to a minimum, and the trailing arm bushings and rear swaybar link bushings were replaced to help this Cruiser pass a state safety inspection here. The power steering is light and on point, and the brakes have plenty of life left. Further aiding grip, stopping power, and on-road comfort, we wrapped the WEDS wheels in fresh Falken tires, and performed a fresh alignment to keep this Prado tracking straight 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.
