Stock #6868
Exterior Overview
The J95 Land Cruiser was ahead of its time in more ways than one. We find the sizing to be perfect, and quite comparable to most modern SUV’s, and the modularity with the 4Runner platform makes the parts and servicing experience a cakewalk. This 1997 Prado TX is a godsend in the current SUV market, and it looks stylish too, in Bluish Silver Metallic/Grey (K02). Set off by LED tail lamps, OEM rainguards, and aftermarket six spoke alloys, it has a period correct aesthetic and a no-nonsense attitude. Sure there are a couple minor nicks and dings in the paintwork for daily use, but overall it’s in fine shape for being 28 years young. The 136k verified and documented miles are nothing to scoff at, either. It’s no secret Toyota has always pumped out back to back 4×4 hits, but this Prado’s turbodiesel platform never saw the light of day in the US. With unparalleled efficiency, fun midrange torque, and a cavernous interior, this Japanese Classic is much more than meets the eye!
Interior Overview
The interior stands out amongst the technology laden cockpits of the 21st century, and has build quality that’s impressive even by today’s standards. Patterned cloth upholstery accommodates seating for five, and for daily driving, plenty of amenities and safety equipment are on hand to keep minds at ease. Dual SRS airbags are present up front, and the driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column to dial in the ideal driving position. The dash tucks nicely into the front of the cabin, and the seating position gives you superior visibility of the road ahead. The dash materials are also in good shape, and show no unwanted cracking or UV damage. The center stack is accessible and controls for the automatic climate control are easy to navigate. Cold A/C works like a charm, as does piping hot heat, and an upgraded touchscreen headunit sounds decent too! All four power windows work as advertised, as do the locks and mirrors, which feature a power-folding feature to keep passersby from knocking against your vehicle. Seating arrangements are versatile and designed to prioritize passenger comfort when you have family in tow, or maximize capability without. The middle bench is reclinable, and can also flip forward to expand the cargo hold. The headliner is clean, as are the carpets. Overall, it’s hard to find much to complain about. There’s wear on some of the touch points and door cards, but that’s to be expected on a classic 28 year old truck. Best of all, the rare factory cargo shade was retained, which is great for keeping prying eyes off your rig!
Mechanical Overview
Under the hood, the 1KZ-TE is as good as gold. We feel confident saying that, as we’ve retailed and repaired these diesels for the better part of ten years now, and find them to offer an incredible ownership experience! To shore this one up for the road ahead, we performed a fresh oil and filter service to get you on track for future servicing schedules. We also tossed on a new set of accessory belts, and tended to a leaky power steering pump by installing a rebuilt unit. With the maintenance performed, the 3.0l zips up to highway speeds and this frisky four banger doesn’t feel starved for power even as the speedometer climbs. New shifter bushings help the automatic gearbox slot into gear reliably, and this Prado features full time 4WD underpinnings to serve those in more seasonal climates. For a beach trip or off-road expedition, the driver has the option to lock the center differential and slide into low range if needed. The suspension was rehabbed with new rear upper control arm bushings, and the factory underpinnings soak up road imperfections comfortably. We also went through the legwork of performing a fresh steering rack rebuild. Beefed up with new seals, we reassembled the unit with new inner and outer tie rods, bellows boots, and new bushings where it mounts to the frame. We also flushed the system with new fluid, and performed a fresh alignment while it was up on our rack. The ABS brakes grab with authority, and the aftermarket wheels are wrapped in brand new Falken tires. As we trudge through the winter, you’ll be set for sleet and snow, or anywhere else you wish to go.
*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.
