Stock #6658

If you are reading this article, there's a good chance its subject might outlast you. Built to withstand a boatload of abuse, yet still be highly refined, this 1996 Land Cruiser is an absolute tank.

Exterior Overview

If you are reading this article, there’s a good chance its subject might outlast you. Built to withstand a boatload of abuse, yet still be highly refined, this 1996 Land Cruiser is an absolute tank. Its turbodiesel driveline is legendary, and its surefooted FullTime 4WD won’t let you down, and this rig is fresh off a recent service, too. Offered with only 65k verified and documented miles, this eight-seater has tons of life left in it. If the mechanicals and mileage don’t get you excited enough, this TX is also a handsome hauler. Finished in a fresh coat of Plum Crazy (FGG/PHG), this truck is set off by 16″ Mickey Thompson alloys, OEM rainguards, chrome door handles, mirror caps, and aggressive privacy tint. Aside from a few light imperfections, the body is in good shape and this Japanese Classic is turn-key and ready to roll. Ideal for adventurous families, weekend explorers, and enthusiasts alike, these Prados provide an incredible value and are nearly unkillable!

Interior Overview

The cabin is spacious, ergonomic, and includes a number of safety features and upgrades. The driver can find the ideal seating position thanks to an adjustable steering column, and those riding up front can rest assured knowing dual SRS airbags are standard. The dashboard itself lacks any cracking or fading, and the controls are all close by within reach of the driver. The automatic climate controls are located at the bottom of the center stack, primed to pump in cold A/C or hot heat at a moment’s notice. If you prefer more natural ventilation, the rear quarter glass pops outward and a massive moonroof unfurls for an added breeze. Power folding mirrors and electric locks work like a charm, making daily use more enjoyable. The seats are upholstered in a blue and gray cloth. They lack any major rips, stains, or tears, and the same durable material is mirrored in the door cards. The optional third row was retained when it shipped over from Japan, and the middle row can slide forward to accommodate more cargo. The carpet and headliner are in fine shape, too, and it’s hard to critique the cabin except for the non-operational headunit and Field Monitor. Still, at 29 years old, the condition is impressive, and it’s clear this Toyota was cared for overseas.

Mechanical Overview

This body-on-frame platform is strong, as is the 1KZ-TE engine. The J95’s powerplant is intercooled and delivers 20 extra ponies over the non-intercooled version running lower EGTs in the process. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L kicks to life care of a new 12V battery. It runs smoothly and new accessory belts keep the electronics properly powered. A new fuel filter and engine air filter were installed, and we performed a coolant flush to keep the 1K running right as rain. Best of all, we addressed one of the Prado’s most expensive jobs, an ECU rebuild, which carries a transferrable lifetime warranty. The four banger is linked to a stout automatic gearbox that makes good use of the prodigious low-end grunt produced by the power unit. Torque is fed through a FullTime 4WD system and gets to the ground courtesy of a new right front axle. This truck gets up and moves out of its own way with some expedience, and sustained highway cruising is effortless! It slows down with confidence, as ABS is standard, and one of our techs has just installed new front brake pads and rotors. It drives straight as an arrow thanks to a fresh alignment, and we have had the steering rack rebuilt so that it doesn’t lose any fluid. The Mickey’s are wrapped in new 31″ Falken rubber. The all-terrain units look aggressive, reduce road noise, and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come. Highly stylized and seriously capable, the Land Cruiser is as cool as a JDM SUV can be!

*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.