Stock #6864

These days, it's hard to find a real deal body on frame SUV that checks all the boxes for daily use, but in true Toyota fashion, this 1998 VX Limited delivers the goods.

Exterior Overview

This 1HD-FTE powered Land Cruiser is equal parts durable, refined, and efficient. These days, it’s hard to find a real deal body on frame SUV that checks all the boxes for daily use, but in true Toyota fashion, this 1998 VX Limited delivers the goods. Finished in Warm Silver Metallic (1B1), the cosmetics on this Cruiser are in above average shape, and this handsome rig is set off by an OEM optional aluminum grille, factory rainguards, and a set of stylish ICON 17″ alloys. Save for a couple small nicks and spots of paint fade, as well as a noted repair of the right rear quarter panel and lower hatch, the cosmetics are in good shape, and compared to our wrung out, high-mileage USDM cruisers, the 124k verified and documented miles are as good as gold. Well built and solid as they come, this VX Limited would make for a terrific campsite companion that can also do a bang-up job on your daily commute. For all these reasons and so much more, it’s a certified Japanese Classic.

Interior Overview

This Cruiser’s interior gets just about everything right. It’s plush, spacious, and packed with the top tier build quality you’ve come to expect from golden-era Toyotas. Swing open the hefty doors, and it’s evident this diesel was well cared for in a prior life. Both driver and passenger benefit from heated front seats, and the tan cloth upholstery shows well throughout, with no discernible rips, tears, or major staining. The same can be said for the condition of the dash, which houses dual SRS airbags to keep your occupants a bit safer behind the wheel. The center stack features an easy to use climate control unit, which lies adjacent to OEM audio. Power windows, locks, and electric folding side mirrors are on hand to assist the driver, and in lieu of a power moonroof, an expansive overhead storage compartment has room for a few extra pairs of sunnies. The rear bench reclines if your passengers need some shut eye, and the cargo hold is in great shape for its age. You can even flip the seats forward if more space is required. The headliner is tidy, and the carpets have escaped major abuse over the years. That’s not to say everything is flawless inside, as we wanted to note the woodgrain steering wheel has some light cracking from daily use, and has been obscured by a cover. Still, we think Toyota purists and commonfolk will be equally pleased with the cockpit’s condition, and it even includes the original owner’s manual and maintenance booklet for the next buyer to enjoy!

Mechanical Overview

Under the hood lies a real titan of an engine. The 1HD-FTE is the capstone of Toyota diesel technology, with a factory intercooler to lower EGT’s and bump up power figures. Ours is fresh off a recent service too, and cranks over swiftly with two new 12V batteries we installed here in the shop. From there, we tended to a new engine air filter and fuel filter for a tune-up, and installed all new accessory belts to replace some tired old units. A new valve cover gasket keeps lubricant from the fresh oil and filter service internal, and we buttoned everything up with a new radiator and a fresh coolant flush. The silky smooth six serves up an abundance of torque down low and feeds it through a stout automatic gearbox. Shifts are smoother than you’d expect for a diesel truck, and a full-time 4WD layout makes good work of putting the power to the ground. In true Land Cruiser fashion, a center locking differential can be engaged, and the truck can slip into low range if you need to venture off the beaten path. We rehabbed the drivetrain with a transmission fluid service, and we installed new rear swaybar links so this truck would ace its state inspection. We even performed an expensive drivetrain service, by fully rebuilding the steering rack. After replacing the rack seals, inner and outer tie rods, boots, and bushings, new fluid was flushed in, and we threw this Landy up on the rack for a fresh alignment. With four new 33″ Falken tires installed, you’ll be set to track dead straight and grip on any terrain, 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.