Stock #6428
Exterior Overview
The 90 Series Land Cruiser is often forgotten amongst its 70, 80, and 100 Series brethren. It’s a shame because it’s just as good, and more unique. This 1997 is a clean example of this charming platform and is powered by Toyota’s legendary intercooled 1KZ-TE turbodiesel engine. Fresh off a recent service, this Full-Time, center-locked, 4×4 rig is offered with a scant 129k verified and documented miles on the clock. Finished in a Stellar Blue over Gray Metallic (K14) two-tone, this Prado is set off by OEM rainguards, refinished factory 16″ alloys, and a brutish OEM front bash bar with dual PIAA driving lamps. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs the paint is in fine shape overall for a 25-year-old truck. Equipped with a desirable third-row option, this reliable, safe, and capable SUV would make for a unique family hauler or cool campsite crawler. This Japanese Classic is a true off-roader right down to its DNA, but it’s civil, refined, and affordable, too!
Interior Overview
The cabin is spacious and nicely appointed. While closely related to the Hilux Surf, this interior is more spacious and a tad more upmarket. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading and dual SRS airbags are standard for the front occupants. An OEM Field monitor is in the pilot’s field of vision, delivering insight into the outside conditions should you lose cell service. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column to find the ideal driving position and power windows, electric folding mirrors, and power locks all work in typical Toyota fashion. An upgraded Pioneer head unit pumps in the tunes with Bluetooth functionality and the quality is decent for this vehicle’s age. Directly below is a simple-to-use digital climate control unit that can mix heat or cold A/C within the cabin depending on what is required. The door cards and upholstery are trimmed in a multicolor accented cloth. The seats lack any major rips, holes, or tears and the matching material can be found in the door cards. The middle row can be tumbled forward to accommodate large cargo and the rear row can be stowed against the d-pillar. Aside from some light carpet and upholstery stains and some front lower door card damage, the cabin is in good nick overall and was cared for in a prior life.
Mechanical Overview
Powered by one of Toyota’s best-designed diesels, this Prado is begging for a road trip! The intercooled 1KZ-TE is fresh off an oil and filter service and two 12v batteries help the 3.0 spring to life. One of our trained techs refreshed the engine with a new valve cover gasket and half-moon seals, and a new fuel filter and engine air filter were chucked in so that the four-banger runs seamlessly, and pulls hard to redline. It gets up to highway speeds without breaking a sweat and slows down quickly, with ABS on hand if needed. The 4Runner-derived drivetrain was rehabbed with new upper and lower control arms in the rear, and new rear lower shock bushings. The steering is also easy to articulate, and we rebuilt the rack with new seals, bushings, and new inner and outer tie rods. The KZJ95 goes right where you point it thanks to a fresh alignment and grip is handled by four new 31″ Falken all-terrain tires, mounted and balanced at each corner.
*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.