This striking 1997 Land Cruiser is one for the ages. Perfect for a weekend at the local Cars & Coffee, these trail-rated rigs can make quick work of tough terrain and also make for ideal year-round family commuters.
Exterior Overview
This striking 1997 Land Cruiser is one for the ages. Sporting a fresh coat of Eruption Green Metallic (FA), this Prado is set off by a set of refinished OEM 16″ wheels, a rare OEM spare tire cover, and chrome door handles and mirror caps. Aside from some light imperfections, the body is in good shape, and this V6-powered wonder is fresh off a recent service. Offered with a meager 137k verified and documented miles on the clock, this terrific Toyota has lots of life left in it! Perfect for a weekend at the local Cars & Coffee, these trail-rated rigs can make quick work of tough terrain and also make for ideal year-round family commuters. Capable, comfortable, collectable, and cool, this stalwart Japanese Classic SUV is one for all time!
Interior Overview
The bold exterior styling admittedly gets all the looks on this J95, but the interior fit, finish, and functionality are what keep bringing enthusiasts back to the driver’s seat. It offers ample head, leg, and shoulder room, and functional keyless entry makes getting into the cabin a breeze. It even boasts an optional third row, if you intend to lug around a full squad of eight. The driver can slide in behind a woodgrain tilt-adjustable steering wheel, and controls for the center stack are within arm’s reach. A touchscreen Eclipse head unit plays tunes crisp and clear throughout the cabin, and an adjacent automatic climate control system is intuitive to operate. Optional rear A/C vents help your rearmost passengers stay comfortable, and if you prefer to cycle natural ventilation throughout the cabin, a massive power moonroof is on standby. Power windows are all operable, as are power locks and electric folding side mirrors. For those traveling solo, the seating arrangements are versatile, and you can flip the middle bench forward and fold up the third row seats to maximize the available cargo capacity. Even dual SRS airbags were made standard. This cabin is functional, yes, but that’s not to say it was used as a truck. The materials are all in above average shape, and the patterned cloth upholstery shows no rips, tears, or stains to note. Even the headliner and carpets are tidy, save for a few light stains. Overall, this Prado impresses inside. For the discerning buyer, even the owner’s manuals, maintenance booklet, and factory optional armrest extension are all on hand!
Mechanical Overview
The ladder chassis that underpins this truck is sturdy and tough. Known for reaching over half a million miles with regularity, the 5VZ-FE engine is no joke, either! Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.4L churns to life with the twist of the key, courtesy of a new 12v battery. A proper tune-up was in order, so we swapped in some new spark plugs and a new engine air filter. The V6 feels strong throughout the powerband and excels in the midrange. It’s linked to a FullTime 4WD transfer case with an operational center locker and low-range gearing. So that power is sent to the pavement properly, one of our trained techs performed a fluid exchange for the front differential. This Prado hustles up to highway speeds without breaking a sweat, and the long wheelbase distributes road imperfections evenly. The ride was improved with a set of new rear shocks, rear upper and lower control arms, rear sway bar end links, and new front lower control arms. Freshly aligned, it tracks straight as an arrow, and the new 31″ Falken rubber should last for a good long while to come. The power steering is light yet on point, and the ABS system benefits from a fresh fluid flush and four disc brakes. Turnkey and ready to go, this V6 Prado only needs a new owner!