1996 LC Prado Turbodiesel

Stock #7166

With three spacious rows of seating, an easily serviceable platform, and plenty of personality, it makes sense why this is a Japanese Classic, and one of our best selling models to date!

Exterior Overview

The 90 series Prado is the ultimate midsized Japanese Classic SUV. It rides taller, is more spacious, and offers increased comfort over Hilux Surf models that share the same frame, and is still underpinned by the same durable full-time Toyota 4WD that defines the Land Cruiser nameplate. This 1996 example features a valuable turbodiesel engine, and earns high marks on efficiency and overall driver enjoyment. It’s also a handsome rig, finished in Stellar Blue/Grey (K14) and set off by a slick set of factory side graphics, an OEM brushguard, OEM rainguards, a rear backup mirror, and freshly refinished factory alloys. Save for a few blemishes, it’s hard to nitpick the cosmetics on this Prado, and it shows better than most 30 year old SUV’s without a shadow of a doubt. Best of all, the 110k miles on the clock are verified and documented, and this trusty turbodiesel is barely broken in. With three spacious rows of seating, an easily serviceable platform, and plenty of personality, it makes sense why this is a Japanese Classic, and one of our best selling models to date!

Interior Overview

Comfortable, well-equipped, and in great shape for its age, the 90 series’ interior is a consistent hit amongst all who own or drive one here. The retro patterned upholstery holds up well to daily use and abuse and ours is in above average shape overall. The dash tucks up nicely into the front of the cabin and houses standard dual SRS airbags too for some added safety behind the wheel. All things considered, there’s not much to turn your nose up at aside from some typical dings and punctures in the door cards. Well equipped for frequent use, the center stack houses automatic climate control and upgraded Pioneer audio. For the warmer months ahead, the A/C blows ice cold and rear heat is available for year-round pleasure. Power windows, locks, and side mirrors work as advertised, and aid daily use tremendously. The middle bench tumbles forward if a larger cargo hold is required, and the rear third row jump seats can stow off to the side if you don’t have two extra passengers in tow. The headliner is clean overall, as are the carpets. The windows work in tandem with pop-out quarter glass to funnel natural ventilation throughout the cabin. Save for an inoperable sunroof, some corrosion on the sunroof trim, and a dim field monitor display, the cabin is primed and ready for years of use, and we think most drivers and passengers will be pleased with its condition.

Mechanical Overview

The intercooled 1KZ-TE under the hood is a winner on multiple fronts. It’s frugal to operate and service, delightfully torquey, and the full time 4WD drivetrain can stand up to loads of use and abuse. Ours is fresh off a recent service which spans most of the mechanical systems of the vehicle and cranks over with haste thanks to a freshly installed 12v battery. Of course, an oil and filter service was performed, and we screwed on a new fuel filter to keep your diesel clean and contaminant free. The valve cover gasket was replaced alongside a new half moon seal and the 3.0 pulls healthily up to highway speeds. The drivetrain was tended to with fresh fluid changes in the transmission, transfer case, and rear differential, and we changed the output seal at the rear of the transfer case for good measure. The suspension received a VIP treatment. New rear shocks were installed to keep the ride comfortable, and we changed out the rear upper and lower control arms, as well as the front lower control arms and ball joints to assist handling. The power assisted steering is light and on point, thanks to a fresh rebuild of the rack, and we also changed out both inner and outer tie rods to get the drivetrain safety compliant. We also bolstered the rebuilt rack with new boots and bushings. New front brake hoses help the ABS brakes stop with authority and we sealed the deal with fresh all terrain Yokohama tires and a four wheel alignment on this outstanding rig!

*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.