Stock #6519
Exterior Overview
In Toyota’s acclaimed lineup of classic trucks and SUV’s, the 90 series Prado is a bit of a dark horse. Don’t ask us why, as it’s extraordinarily capable, more spacious than its Hilux Surf counterpart, and sports the same bulletproof engine found in our stateside V6 4Runners, the 5VZ-FE. It’s also the popular pick for families on the go, with standard third-row seating and enough cargo space to make road trips a breeze. Our 1996 Prado TX is finished in Jewel Green (K12) and is set off by gray two-tone body cladding, some handsome refinished factory alloys, and fresh Falken all terrain tires. Save for some hairline scratches and miscellaneous paint imperfections, the two tone paint and bodywork shows well, and the 101k miles on the clock are verified and documented, which do a lot to back up its condition. Easy to service, delightful to drive, and pleasantly surprising off the beaten path, this full time 4WD is one of our favorite models at the dealership, and a standout Japanese Classic!


Interior Overview
The interior stands out amongst the technology laden cockpits of today, and is a breath of fresh air as far as quality is concerned. Patterned cloth upholstery spans three spacious rows of seating, and for daily driving in the 21st century plenty of amenities and safety equipment are on hand to keep minds at ease. Dual SRS airbags are present up front, and the driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column to dial in the ideal driving position. The dash tucks nicely into the front of the cabin and the seating position gives you superior visibility of the road ahead. The dash materials are also in good shape, and show no unwanted cracking or UV damage. The center stack is trimmed in a faux woodgrain that gives the cabin an air of sophistication and controls for the automatic climate control are close by. Cold A/C works like a charm, as does piping hot heat, although the rear heater lines were removed prior to this vehicle’s arrival. Additionally, the Pioneer audio has given up the ghost, which is fine as the next owner will likely opt to install a USDM compliant system anyhow. All four power windows work as advertised, as do the locks and mirrors, which feature a power-folding feature to keep passersby from knocking against your vehicle. There’s even a power moonroof in good working order, to expand your view to the heavens above. Seating arrangements are versatile, and designed to prioritize passenger comfort when you have family in tow, or maximize capability without. The middle bench is reclinable, and can also flip forward to expand the cargo hold. Third-row seating easily flips down from the D-pillars too, if you need to pile in a full squad. The headliner is clean, and houses an optional power moonroof, which tilts and slides on command. The carpets are also in good nick, and protected by factory mats, and OEM optional curtains keep prying eyes away if you need to catch a quick snooze. Overall, it’s hard to find much to complain about. There’s wear on some of the touch points and door cards, but that’s to be expected on a classic, 28 year old truck.


Mechanical Overview
The 5VZ-FE under the hood is a real trooper, but most savvy buyers already knew that. For USDM compatibility, this would be a smart buy, as the chassis is mostly shared with 3rd generation 4Runner components. Better yet, our trained technicians have given this 90 series a refresh of the engine and drivetrain components to ensure it can be daily driven from day one. To start, we installed a new 12v battery to aid ignition, and replaced the engine air filter and fuel filter to keep contaminants out of your combustion chamber. An oil and filter service was also performed, and new valve cover gaskets and half moon seals shore up your top end against unwanted leaks of lubricant. We also chucked in six new spark plugs and wires while we were in there, and flushed out the old coolant with fresh juice. With the maintenance performed this 3.4l drives like a dream and scoots up to highway speeds with haste. Power is hammered down to a full time 4WD system, via a smooth shifting automatic gearbox, and if you choose to trudge off the beaten path, a center locking differential and 4WD low are on standby. The suspension is comfortable and compliant, thanks to new rear lower shock bushings, and the swaybar links were replaced up front to stay safety compliant. New inner and outer tie rods benefit the power steering, and a fresh alignment was performed to have this Prado tracking dead straight. Front brake pads and rotors were also installed to bolster the ABS system. Freshly mounted on all four corners, new Falken rubber is ready to tackle tarmac and loose surfaces, and should 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.