Stock #6857
Exterior Overview
A turnkey rig like this 1997 Land Cruiser doesn’t get much better. A spacious cabin, new Eibach lift, a torquey and efficient turbodiesel, and class-leading 4WD are all a part of this Blueish Silver Metallic over Gray (K02) package. Set off by 16″ J-Dream alloys, OEM rainguards, and 33″ Falkens, this Prado oozes machismo. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs, this paint is in good shape, and this TX is fresh off a recent service. Boasting a meager 78k verified and documented miles on the odometer, this recently serviced brute is barely broken in. Ideal as a capable year-round daily driver, reliable all-weather family hauler, or cool collectible campsite companion, this Japanese Classic has you covered!
Interior Overview
The cabin is nicely equipped, spacious, and includes numerous safety features such as standard dual SRS airbags and anti-protrusion beams in the doors for improved side impact protection. Functional power folding mirrors, electric locks, and power windows all work as they should, improving daily driving immensely. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and the center stack is within arm’s reach. We upgraded the radio to a USDM BOSS audio setup. It includes Bluetooth so you can keep your eyes safely on the road. Below is the automatic climate system that doles out piping hot heat and cold a/c. The seats are trimmed in a stylish blue and gray cloth upholstery that lacks any major rips, stains, or tears, and the same material is mirrored in the door cards, which are in equally good nick. The headliner is in good shape, and the carpets have resisted major abuse over the past 25 years. Aside from the center stack bezel having been slightly trimmed and a broken rear cupholder cover, it’s hard to nitpick this Prado, as it was clearly cared for overseas. It even still has the owner manuals and maintenance booklets, which are stowed in the glovebox, and an OEM cargo cover, too!
Mechanical Overview
Mechanically, these simple and sturdy trucks are as good as they get. Lacking complicated electronics, and built atop a body on frame platform, these things just seem to run forever. Powered by an intercooled version of the 1KZ-TE, our 90 Series is fresh off an oil and filter service. Two new 12v batteries ensure it clicks over immediately after the key is turned and we installed a new fuel filter and engine air filter when it rolled onto the lift. It sounds great, thanks to a new muffler, and the four-banger benefits from a new valve cover gasket so that all the oil stays internal. The 1K creates gobs of low-end grunt and is linked to a strong automatic gearbox. It slots into gear precisely courtesy of new shifter bushings, and power is fed through a Full-Time 4WD system. For beach trips, trail drives, and snowstorms, a center locker and low range are on hand, and can be easily engaged. It’s a comfortable highway cruiser with its long wheel base, and the suspension can handle large or small potholes you throw at it, since we refreshed it heavily. New front lower control arms complement the new Eibach inverted 2.5″ lift kit, and new inner and outer tie rods were installed so future alignments would go smoothly. The front and rear sway bar links were also replaced for our Virginia state safety inspection. The steering rack was completely rebuilt, and new boots and rack bushings were installed at the same time. The fluid was flushed, and the steering system is light and easy to articulate. The ABS brake do a swell job of stopping this midsize SUV. Improved by new front calipers, lines, brake pads, and rotors, there are no issues reeling this rig back in, even when traveling at higher speeds. The fluid was also flushed, so that it won’t need to be done for a while. Lastly, we wrapped the 16″ wheels in new 33″ Falken rubber. Aligned to maximize tire life, the tires should last for tens of thousands of miles to come and look mean, too. With all this service work, this J95 is hard to ignore, and we think the new American owner will really appreciate how special this truck really is!
*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.
