Stock #7201
Toyota toughness isn't hyperbole; it's the brand's ethos. You don't become the world's largest automobile manufacturer by luck or chance. The brand's decades-long commitment to reliability, build quality, and capability is embodied in this 1997 Land Cruiser.
Exterior Overview
Toyota toughness isn’t hyperbole; it’s the brand’s ethos. You don’t become the world’s largest automobile manufacturer by luck or chance. The brand’s decades-long commitment to reliability, build quality, and capability is embodied in this 1997 Land Cruiser. Built atop a durable ladder chassis, this eight-seater is powered by one of Toyota’s premier turbodiesel powerplants. Fresh off a comprehensive service, this Desert Dune Metallic over Gray (K03) example has logged a meager 116k verified and documented miles on the clock. Set off by a set of color-matched and refinished 16″ alloys, and some snazzy chrome mirror caps and door handles, the body is in good shape aside from some light dings, chips, and scuffs associated with normal use. Refined, easy to service, and highly practical, this Japanese Classic is hard to fault.
Interior Overview
The cabin is spacious, clean, and nicely equipped. Desirable OEM options like a functional power moonroof enhance the driving experience, and the optional third row of seats expands capacity from five to eight. Dual SRS airbags are standard, and the dashboard lacks any cracking or fading. Drivers of all sizes can find the ideal seating position thanks to a standard tilt-adjustable steering column. Power folding mirrors, power locks, and power windows all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. The headliner and carpets are in good shape, and the door cards have withstood the past three decades without sustaining major abuse. The gray seats are in good nick too, and lack any major rips, stains, or tears. Aside from a tiny hole on the driver’s seat, there isn’t much to complain about. The middle row reclines, split folds, and can tumble forward to accommodate larger cargo. The rear row can be easily removed and also be stowed securely against the D-pillar. We also want to note the field monitor is inoperable and the steering wheel shows some wear underneath the cover. Still, the cabin condition is above average, and we think the new owner will agree.
Mechanical Overview
The body-on-frame platform is robust, and the same can be said for the 1KZ-TE providing propulsion. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L churns to life courtesy of two new 12v batteries. Refreshed with a new valve cover gasket, we also replaced the engine air filter, fuel filter, and an A/C belt as soon as it got up onto our lift. The four-banger feels fresh as a daisy and is linked to a stout automatic gearbox. We performed a transmission fluid exchange, and gear changes are seamless. The automatic feeds torque through a Full-Time 4WD system. Equipped with a low range and center locking differential, there is no stopping this terrific Toyota. It gets up to highway merging speeds without breaking a sweat, and when you need to slow down, ABS is standard equipment. To keep stopping distances short, we replaced the front brake lines and performed a brake fluid flush. The long wheelbase distributes road imperfections well, and one of our trained technicians has heavily refurbished many of the components. This Prado rides like a dream since we installed four new shocks. Even better, new rear upper and lower control arms were swapped in, as was a set of front lower control arms. Lastly, we set out to refurbish the power steering system. An expensive job, the new owner can rest assured knowing the rack was professionally rebuilt. When we take care of this pesky service, we always add new boots and bushings, new inner and outer tie rods, and finally, we flush the fluid. Lastly, we put it in the air for a fresh four wheel alignment. With the mechanics fully sorted, we mounted and balanced a set of new 31″ Falken tires to complete the service work. The new rubber quells road noise, looks mean, and will provide all the grip required for tens of thousands of 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.
