2000 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, RZJ90

barely broken in. Easy to service and known for its low cost of ownership, this Prado is propelled by the same 2.7L inline four as found in our domestic Tacomas and 4Runners. Refined, reliable, and handsome, this Japanese Classic would make for a dependable daily driver or wicked weekend overlander. With room for eight and numerous safety features standard, this terrific Toyota leaves little to be desired. Access to the cabin is made more seamless thanks to functional keyless entry. When the driver hops in, they are greeted with a tilt-adjustable steering column to find the ideal driving position. Dual SRS airbags are standard, and the dashboard lacks any cracking or fading. The center stack is close by and within arm’s reach. A simple to use automatic climate system doles out piping hot heat and cool A/C depending on your needs. Spec’d with rear heat, your passengers can stay toasty on chilly winter mornings too. A brand new American BOSS audio radio was installed so that the new owner gets all the proper frequencies to supplement their commute. It comes with Bluetooth, too, so that way you can keep your eyes safely on the road ahead. For those who plan to drive daily, the power folding mirrors, electric locks, and power windows all work in typical Toyota fashion. The seats are trimmed in a gray and blue textured cloth. They lack any major rips, stains or tears and the third row jump seats up the seating capacity to eight. The middle row can split fold and slide forward to accommodate additional cargo and the side hinged rear door swings open wide for easy access to the hatch. For additional record-keeping, the original owners manual and maintenance booklet were retained for good measure. That’s not to say everything is perfect, as this landy is missing the storage bin under the passenger seat. Although this Prado has a distant cousin in the Hilux Surf, it’s far more capable inside, and with an abundance of head and legroom, we think both pilots and passengers will enjoy the ride! The body-on-frame platform is overbuilt, and the same can be said for the 3RZ-FE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, this four-banger springs to life courtesy of a new 12v battery. A new engine air filter and new fuel filter were installed immediately as it got on the lift, and we replaced the alternator so that all the electronics remain properly powered. The 2.7L is linked to a stout automatic gearbox. It makes good use of this engine’s powerband and feeds torque to both axles with its standard full-time 4WD system. The automatic benefits from a fresh fluid service, so that it feels good for a while to come. The transfercase has an additional setting for a low range and center locking differential, which comes in handy when you’re out wheeling in the woods. It hustles up to highway speeds without breaking a sweat. It also slows down impressively well, with its standard ABS and brand-new front brake pads and rotors. The suspension offers tons of ground clearance and feels predictable over less-than-ideal pavement. We refreshed the system with new front lower control arms and lower ball joints, before we aligned it! New front sway bar bushings and new steering rack bushings were installed, as well, before it passed its VA state safety inspection. It tracks straight as an arrow and the power steering is light, making quick work of tight parking garages. Lastly, we mounted and balanced four new Falken tires. Turn key and ready to rock, this terrific Toyota is a wonderful rig to motor about, and we think the new owner will agree.