Stock #7130
Exterior Overview
Bridging the gap between the midsize Hilux Surf and big boy Land Cruiser 100, the J95 Prado occupies a position in the market that is highly practical for stateside use and abuse. Accommodating to our American frames, yet built with the guts and grit of a real Japanese 4×4, this 2000 Land Cruiser TX Limited is a hot commodity, and looks sleek in a classic Millennium Silver (K73). Set off by an optional OEM front bumper guard, OEM rainguards, and six-spoke aftermarket alloys, the cosmetics are simple yet striking, and this lovely Landy is offered with a mere 110k miles on the clock. That’s not to say the cosmetics are perfect, as the rear glass is slightly marred, the hood was noted as being previously replaced, and the factory lollipop mirror is no longer attached. Fresh off a recent service, and sharing a drivetrain with 3rd-generation 4Runner models, these cruisers are easy to own, fun to wheel, and make for competent daily drivers. It may seem like we only have good things to say about these Prados, and for good reason. They’re bonafide Japanese Classics!
Interior Overview
Preceding the Lexus GX model here in the states, the J95’s interior offers way more form and function than your average Surf or 4Runner. It comes with an optional stowable third row, a safer cabin structure, and increased head and legroom to ensure road tripping is a painless affair. Access to the cabin is seamless, with factory keyless entry, and the switchgear is at hand and easy to operate, and is integrated nicely into the center stack. An automatic climate control unit can dial in cold A/C, and hot heat to both front and rear zones. An adjacent OEM audio system works as advertised, although the factory antenna has given up the ghost. The dash materials are in good shape overall, with no excessive fading or distortion, and dual SRS airbags are present to give your front occupants some peace of mind. Comfort was clearly Toyota’s priority when designing this cabin, and the patterned cloth upholstery has a plush texture. Clearly cared for in a prior life, it lacks any major rips, stains, or tears, and coddles passengers nicely. To prioritize cargo space, the middle row can split fold and flip forward, and the third row is easy to deploy or remove completely. Power windows, locks, and mirrors work like a charm, and the latter electronically fold to help you squeeze into tighter parking spots. All in all, it’s hard to find fault with this cabin. It’s clean, comfortable, and if you can see past some light adhesive residue on the dash, the condition impresses overall. Even the factory optional armrest extension is intact and is a nice added bonus!
Mechanical Overview
Despite having a uniquely Japanese body, the 3RZ-FE under the hood is the same lovable 2.7 I4 powering our stateside 4Runners, which means this Prado is easily serviced with all the same parts. It’s fresh off an oil and filter service here at the shop, where we performed loads of great maintenence to get it ready to drive daily. A new 12v battery was tossed in, and we replaced the tired old engine air filter and muffler with brand new parts. We also installed a new radiator and flushed in new coolant while we were in there. A new valve cover gasket were installed alongside a new distributor o-ring and this I4 doesn’t sweat a drop! This Prado has no issues getting up to highway speeds with ease, and an automatic transmission was topped off making gear changes seamless. Power is distributed amongst all four wheels via a full-time 4WD transfercase. For real-deal offroad types, a center locker and low range are on hand if you want to crawl this thing! The suspension benefits from new front lower control arms and lower ball joints, and with the maintenance performed it passed state safety inspection with ease. The frame is in far above average shape, which should make further servicing a walk in the park for the next owner. Easy to maneuver, the power steering benefits from new inner tie rods, where we performed a fresh four wheel alignment afterwards. The four-wheel disc brakes benefit from new front brake pads and rotors, and the Yokohama tires are knee deep in tread at all four corners. Stylish and clean, this truck makes a statement, and we have little to complain about mechanically save for some worn bushings on the front and rear shocks.
*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.
