Stock #6953
It’s no longer our best-kept secret, but the J95 Land Cruiser is an incredible overall value. This medium-duty brute shares most major components with the 4Runner, but has a larger cabin, third row seating, and a noticeably upscale ride quality.
Exterior Overview
It’s no longer our best-kept secret, but the J95 Land Cruiser is an incredible overall value. This medium-duty brute shares most major components with the 4Runner, but has a larger cabin, third row seating, and a noticeably upscale ride quality. This 1998 is a fine example of the chassis, and is powered by an efficient, powerful, and reliable intercooled turbodiesel engine. Fresh off a recent service, this TX model is offered with a mere 114k verified and documented miles on the ticker. Finished in classic Army Green over Gray Metallic (6V7/UAA1), this eight-seater is equipped with OEM rainguards, refinished OEM wheels, and a color-matched OEM bash bar. Aside from some light imperfections, the body is in good shape, and this turn-key rig would make for a sweet family shuttle, all-weather daily driver, or dedicated overlander. A terrific Toyota like this one deserves the title of a Japanese Classic, and we think the new owner will agree.
Interior Overview
The cabin is spacious and nicely optioned. The headroom, shoulder room, and legroom are all improved over the smaller Surf/4Runner platform siblings. The dashboard is in good shape and lacks any cracking, fading, or distortion. Dual SRS airbags are standard, as are ABS brakes. The driver can find the ideal seating position courtesy of an adjustable steering column. Power windows, power folding mirrors, and power locks all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. Also, spec’d from the factory is a neat OEM Field Monitor, which is mounted front and center on the dash. It displays info about the outside conditions to those within the cabin, should you lose cell service. Below, the OEM audio works like a charm and pipes in tunes to sufficiently drown out the kids. Below that, the automatic climate control system resides. Cold A/C and piping hot heat are on hand, should you intend to drive this vehicle year-round in more seasonal climates. The seats are in above-average shape and trimmed in a durable blue and gray cloth. The middle row can slide forward and tumble to accommodate larger cargo, and the rear jump seats can be stowed neatly against the D pillar. The headliner is in good
nick,
as are the carpets, and the door cards have resisted major damage over the years. Even the OEM floor mats, owners manual, and a spare key are included with the purchase of this fine vehicle.
Mechanical Overview
The Prado is powered by one of Toyota’s most durable
powerplants,
an intercooled version of the 1KZ-TE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L churns to life courtesy of a new 12V battery and a fresh set of glow plugs. A new fuel filter keeps unwanted contaminants from entering the four-
cylinder,
and a new muffler was installed to keep the exhaust quiet. The 1K is mated to a stout automatic that shifts without an issue. A Full-Time 4WD system with a low range and center locker sends power to both axles. This LC
gets up to highway speeds quickly when called upon,
and slows down with confidence despite its hefty curb weight. The suspension offers loads of ground clearance and has been heavily refurbished. New front shocks, front lower control arms, front lower ball joints, and front sway bar links were all replaced by one of our trained technicians. It handles large and small road imperfections without batting an eye, and we also rehabbed the power steering system. The rack was rebuilt, new fluid flushed in, and new boots and bushings
chucked in.
New inner and outer tie rods were installed so we could dial in the proper alignment. This J95 tracks straight as an arrow, and grip is handled by four new 31″ Falken tires that we mounted and balanced here at the shop. The new rubber looks mean, quells road noise, and will last 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.