Stock #6771
Exterior Overview
Over the years we’ve absolutely fallen in love with the Land Cruiser J95 platform at the dealership, and the reasons are simple. These SUV’s are built atop a 4Runner frame, yet offer up loads more interior space making weekend camping excursions and longer highway hauls a breeze. This 1997 RZJ95 Prado also shares USDM-compatible drivetrain bits, down to the steadfast 2.7L inline-4 that sits under the bonnet. Dependable and nearly bulletproof, this SUV shows only 99k verified and documented miles on the clock, and is fresh off a recent service. Finished in Emerald Green (6P3), the cosmetics are set off by unique factory graphics, OEM rainguards, and a rear lollipop mirror. Save for a few minor nicks and scratches, the exterior is in good shape, and the 16″ Bridgestone NR595 alloys do a lot to polish off the aesthetic. This Land Cruiser Prado takes a tried and true formula and improves upon it. It’s stylish, capable, safe, and a perfect example of Japanese Classic engineering!
Interior Overview
The cabin follows the same ethos as the rest of the truck. It’s crafted with durable materials, features a host of useful equipment, and is capable and comfortable on long drives thanks to an abundance of head, shoulder, and legroom. The low-lying dashboard gives the pilot a commanding view of the road ahead, and passengers can settle into three versatile rows of seating. If you prioritize cargo capacity, the third row jump seats can fold up against the D-pillars, and the middle row can rapidly fold forward. The seats are trimmed in a durable grey cloth. Flecks of color break up the design, and the fabric is in impressive shape, showing no stains, rips, or excessive bolster wear. The same can be said for the dash cover and steering wheel, which are trimmed in a complementary grey vinyl. For those who want to stay safe behind the wheel, dual SRS airbags are standard, and the driver can tilt-adjust the steering column to their liking. Functional power folding mirrors, power locks, and power windows all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. The center stack is versatile, framing period-correct Clarion audio, automatic climate control, and controls to toggle the rear heat. The former has above-average sound quality for the year, and the latter can pump in cold A/C and hot heat on request. If you prefer more natural ventilation a large power moonroof unfurls with the press of a button. The headliner is in great shape, as are the carpets, and even the door cards have resisted typical puncture wear that plagues these models. As a whole, we think the cabin was well cared for in a prior life, and the original owner’s manual is on hand to back up that statement!
Mechanical Overview
Under the hood is a real trooper of an engine, the 3RZ-FE. Toyota diehards will recognize this four banger as the same 2.7l option found in Tacomas and 4Runners here in the States. Chain-driven and fresh off a recent service, maintenance schedules are simple on this motor, and our trained technicians have kicked things off with an oil and filter service, and a new engine air filter, and fuel filter to clean up combustion. The RZ is peppier than you’d expect in this mid-sized SUV, and soaring up to highway speeds is a stress-free affair. An automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, and full-time 4WD keeps power dispersed to all four wheels, with a center locking differential and low range handy if needed. The suspension was refreshed with brand new front lower control arms and ball joints, and we tossed on new rear axle seals to keep the driveline in tip top shape. This Prado was also given the VIP treatment, as the steering rack was removed, rebuilt, and reinstalled with new inner and outer tie rods and rack bushings. The Bridgestone wheels look handsome and are wrapped in brand-new Falken 31″ tires. A fresh alignment was performed here on the rack, and with the work performed, you should cruise seamlessly for miles and 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.
