2001 Toyota Land Cruiser, UZJ100

. Finished in White Pearl (057) our 2001 Cygnus is a looker, set off by subtle fender flares, OEM rainguards, a factory optional rear spoiler, LED tail lamps, optional OEM side steps, and massive 20′′ Method Off-Road wheels. Save for some paint imperfections and a couple minor dings, the luxurious aesthetic is mostly unhampered, and stateside Land Cruiser enthusiasts will value the 104k verified miles on the clock above all else. Ideal for a road trip, or a trek through the trails, Japanese Classics like these always prevail! The interior is as premium as the Cygnus nameplate suggests, and is finished in a handsome tan leather. It doesn’t take much to realize this cockpit was well cared for in a prior life, as the upholstery is all tight and tidy and shows well apart from some typical stress cracks. The condition extends throughout the leather inserts on the door cards, all the way to the middle bench. The dash is clean too, and houses dual SRS airbags to ease any safety-conscious passengers. The driver gains some extra pampering, as the steering column offers electronic tilt adjustment. The center stack is easy to navigate, with a factory EMV touch screen integrating controls for your automatic climate adjustment and audio. Both front and rear passengers have their choice of cold A/C or piping hot heat, and power rear quarter glass quickly butterflies out to let in additional airflow. A massive power moonroof can also be unfurled, and power windows, locks, and power mirrors all work like a charm. The seating arrangements are versatile. Both driver and passenger benefit from power, heated buckets, and the middle row reclines all the way for sleepy passengers. If you need to prioritize cargo space, that bench can also flip forward. Overall it’s easy to see why the 100 series’ interior has earned such a stellar reputation. It’s spacious, capable, and about the most comfortable SUV we’ve been able to import thus far. That’s not to say the cabin is perfect. The leftmost HVAC vent is broken, the factory coolbox has been deleted, and the rear wiper has been deleted. Still, that does little to take away from the cabin’s appeal, and we think the next owner is bound to agree. Stateside shoppers rejoice, the 2UZ-FE under the hood is shared with domestic models like the Tundra and Land Cruiser, making servicing a walk in the park for the next owner. We’ve also given this one a healthy rehab here in the shop, starting with a set of new hood dampers that makes checking and topping off fluids a bit easier. The V8 churns over swiftly, care of a new 12v battery, and a new engine air filter and fuel filter eliminate contaminants and help the V8 settle into a smooth idle. Fun to look at and even more enjoyable to drive, a twin exhaust emits every ounce of V8 burble that drivers yearn for. A new radiator was installed to keep engine temps in check, and after a fresh coolant flush it was ready for its first road test. These 2UZ’s have a reputation for outliving their owners, and this 4.7L runs like a top, accelerating smoothly through the powerband. Shifts are sent through an automatic gearbox into Toyota’s legendary full-time 4×4 system, and we dropped in a new front left CV axle and axle seal to help put the power to the ground. This Cygnus passed state inspection with flying colors, and a small body lift gives the chassis a bit more ground clearance over stock, although the ride quality is hampered a bit. The ABS brakes are nitrogen-assisted and bite hard, and work in tandem with the killer 35′′ all-terrains to deliver some impressive stopping power. The tires not only look mean, but are primed and ready to tackle whatever terrain you throw at this lovely rig. Fresh off a four-wheel alignment, this is a lovely cruiser that will be with you through it all!