Stock #6813
Exterior Overview
Before the Lexus GX debuted and dominated stateside sales, Japan had its predecessor, the J95 Prado. It’s a proper 3rd row SUV, so it’s highly practical, but the turbodiesel drivetrain and 57k verified and documented miles on this 1998 set it far above the competition. Finished in Pearl White over Crystal Silver Metallic (K72), the cosmetics of our 1998 Prado TX are in good shape, set off by OEM rainguards, and a sleek optional front brushguard. Save for a few chips, dings, and loss of gloss in the clear, the cosmetics are good for a 28-year-old truck, and dare we say the styling is snazzy and more exciting than most new SUVs on the showroom floor. Sharing a platform with the 4Runner, yet offering up a ton more space and refinement, the ease of ownership on these Prados is second to none, and we believe there’s no Japanese Classic 4×4 quite like them!
Interior Overview
Toyota aced this interior design, and this specific Cruiser has one of the nicest cabins we’ve seen in recent memory. It’s finished in a plush, patterned cloth, and the interior is broken up by luxurious woodgrain accents. The upholstery has resisted any major rips or tears, and the condition extends back to an optional set of third-row jump seats that can deploy if you need to tow around additional passengers. For your safety-conscious occupants up front, dual SRS airbags are tucked away, and the driver can get comfortable behind a tilt-adjustable steering column. The center stack serves up functional automatic climate control, ripe with cold A/C, hot heat. Adjacent to the HVAC, upgraded Alpine audio features. USB compatibility to pump in your own tunes to supplement your road trip. The rear seats are surprisingly spacious, and they have the ability to flip forward if you need to expand the cargo hold. The upholstery is decidedly ’90s, with a throwback pattern that matches the overall aesthetic of the truck. The material is mirrored in the door cards, which are in good shape save for a couple of punctures around the driver’s pocket. As a whole, we find the condition thoroughly impressive, and we think even the pickiest of prospective purchasers are bound to agree. We even retained the factory floor mats and original owner’s manuals to help protect your investment!
Mechanical Overview
Under the hood lies the stout and dependable 1KZ-TE. This 3.0 four-banger is intercooled from the factory, fresh off a recent service, and is turn-key ready to go after passing the VA state safety inspection. Thanks to two newly installed 12V batteries, it cranks over with haste, and settles into a smooth idle. We installed a new engine air filter and fuel filter, and installed new serpentine belts on your accessories. A new radiator was also tossed in, with an external transmission cooler to keep things running tip-top on longer hauls. With the work performed, you’re up to date for future maintenance schedules, and this J95 is turnkey ready. An automatic gearbox is nicely geared to make the most of the turbodiesel’s torque, and power is sent to a fulltime 4WD system. For real off-road expeditions, the center differential can be locked, and the truck slides into low range like butter. New rear shocks improve the ride quality, and this Prado handles like a dream over loose surfaces. New front pads and rotors bolster the ABS, which slows this truck to a screeching halt if needed. We freshly aligned so that the all-terrain tires last as long as possible. This trusty Toyota starts, steers, and stops on a dime, and now all it needs is a lucky new owner!
*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.
