2001 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, TX model RZJ90

′ alloys, OEM rainguards, a Ganador exhaust, and chrome door handles and mirror caps. Aside from some light dings, chips, and scuffs, the paint is in good nick, and this rig would make for a dependable daily driver, wicked weekend overlander, or fun family ferry. Tough, refined, spacious, and safe, this eight-seat Japanese Classic proves how far you can stretch your dollar! The cabin is cavernous and decently equipped, too. Pilots of all sizes can find the perfect seating position courtesy of an adjustable steering column. The dashboard looks great and lacks any cracking or fading. Dual SRS airbags are afforded to those riding up front, and this Prado includes increased side impact protection compared to the vehicle it replaced. The center stack is close by and easy to reach. Tunes are handled by an upgraded USDM BOSS audio with integrated Bluetooth tech. Below, the simple-to-use automatic climate control works like a charm. Cold A/C and piping hot heat are available so you can enjoy this SUV year-round. If you prefer more natural ventilation, the side windows are electric, and the rear quarter glass pops outward to supplement airflow. Power folding mirrors and electric locks also work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. The seats are in above-average shape and are upholstered in a blue and gray tiger-striped pattern. The same material is mirrored in the door cards, too. The seating surfaces lack any major rips, stains, or tears and can be manipulated for flexible cargo options. The middle row reclines, split folds, and tumbles forward to create more room for your gear. The rear jump seats can be tidily folded up against the D-pillar. The headliner and carpets have resisted major abuse over the years, and aside from a non-functioning field monitor, a broken rear door handle trim insert, and the typical broken rear cupholer cover, it’s hard to critique this cabin. The Prado is a true truck-based SUV with a ladder chassis. It’s tough and resilient, and the same can be said for the 3RZ-FE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 2.7L jolts to life courtesy of a new 12V battery. A new engine air filter was installed right off the bat, helping the four-banger to breathe freely. So that it stays on top of cooling, a new radiator was chucked in, and we also performed a coolant flush, which won’t be required for another four years. The 3RZ feels healthy and smooth, and is connected to a strong automatic gearbox. The transmission shifts properly and sends torque through a full-time 4WD system. For beach trips, snow, and mud, a low range can be engaged, and so can a center locking differential. On pavement, this Cruiser hustles up to highway speeds in a jiffy and slows down with confidence thanks to standard ABS and disc brakes at all four corners. To keep stopping distances short, we installed new front brake pads and rotors. The long wheelbase is ideal for high-speed stability, and we have freshened the suspension a fair bit. New front lower control arms and front lower ball joints were replaced, and it rides quite well. The power steering system was completely overhauled, too. One of our trained techs rebuilt the rack with new seals, and threw on some new rack boots and bushings. The fluid was flushed, and now the system runs flawlessly and is easy to articulate. The 16′′ wheels are wrapped in new 31′′ Falken tires. Freshly aligned with new inner and outer tie rods, this rig tracks straight as an arrow, and the new rubber should last for tens of thousands of miles to come.