Stock #6380
Exterior Overview
The J95 Land Cruiser Prado is a comfy, capable, and cool Cruiser. This 1996 TX is a wonderful example, and is finished in a classic Bluish Gray Metallic over Gray (K02). The body is accentuated by polished 16″ Break Rock wheels, an OEM optional front grille, dual driving lamps, rear privacy tint, and a stylish OEM bashbar. Aside from a few light chips, scuffs, and chips, the paint is in good shape and this spacious rig is fresh off a recent service. Boasting a mere 126k verified and documented miles on the clock, this turbodiesel-powered truck is barely broken in. Featuring seating for seven and a rare OEM rear locker, this Prado would make for a unique family hauler, beautiful beach buggy, or cool campsite crawler. Affordable, inexpensive to operate, and highly reliable Japanese Classic SUVs are our forte, and this one is an incredible overall value.
Interior Overview
The cabin is much larger than its Hilux Surf/4Runner stablemates. It is wider, taller, and is equipped with an optional third row. Power locks and mirrors function properly making daily use enjoyable and the driver gains an adjustable steering column to find the ideal driving position. Keyless entry is functional when lugging a couple bags from the supermarket, and the ride height allows the driver to slide in to the Cruiser instead of hunkering down. Dual SRS airbags are standard and the dashboard features a clean design. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading and a central OEM field monitor displays info about the exterior conditions to those within the passenger cell. The center stack houses controls for the digital automatic climate system. It blows cold A/C and piping hot heat through the cabin, and if you prefer more natural ventilation, the rear glass pops outward to vent, and the side windows are all electric. A Kenwood headunit with integrated USB pumps the tunes through the cabin and looks more modern than the OEM unit. The seats are trimmed in a durable tiger-striped upholstery that’s mirrored in the door cards. The material lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The middle bench can slide fore and aft and tumbles forward to accommodate more cargo. The third row can also be stowed flush against the D pillar. Aside from some slight carpet stains the cabin is in good nick and this Landy was clearly cared for in a prior life overseas. It even includes the owners manuals and maintenance booklets for the new American owner to enjoy.
Mechanical Overview
Closely related to the 4Runner, this chassis is easy to service and inexpensive to own. The frugal and powerful 1KZ-TE engine is one of Toyota’s best designs, and this one is fresh off an oil and filter service. The four-banger churns to life care of two new 12v batteries, and a new fuel filter and new engine air filter aid its seamless operation. It sounds good too, thanks to a new catback exhaust that was replaced while it was on our lift. The 1K was rehabbed with a new valve cover gasket and half-moon seal. It feels healthy as a horse and is linked to a stout automatic gearbox. The transmission shifts properly and makes good use of the broad low-end torque curve of this 3.0L. The Full-Time 4WD transfercase includes settings for high and low range and there is also a center locking differential handy for off-road excursions. As if that wasn’t good enough, a rare and desirable rear locker is on standby, too. For added peace of mind, a new transfercase front output seal was installed to shore up the driveline. The suspension is soft and handles large and small potholes with the utmost confidence. New front inner and outer tie roads were replaced while in the shop, and new rear upper and lower control arms were installed, too. For state inspection, new rear lower shock bushings were changed out, and we then performed an alignment to maximize tire life. The ABS brakes are confident and the power steering is light, yet on point. New steering bellow boots replace the old ones and grip is handled by 31″ Falkens mounted and balanced at each of the Prado’s four corners.
*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.
