1997 KZJ95 Land Cruiser TX

Stock #6884 Ideal as a daily driver, this full-time 4WD, turbodiesel rig is a body on frame beast that can hold its own off the beaten path as well. Exterior Overview The J95 Land Cruiser is a dark horse in the SUV market, and it’s getting dangerously close to eclipsing the Hilux Surf in terms of overall value. For stateside enthusiasts, it’s easy to see why, as they share the same frame, durable drivetrains, and build quality. What the Surf lacks, however, is the Prado’s cavernous interior, increased ride height, and standard factory intercooler, which could only be had as an option in the Hilux. Place this 1997 at a more affordable price point, and the benefits of this J95 really start to show. Finished in Desert Dune Metallic/Grey (K03), this 90 series is set off by an OEM optional front brushguard, dual IPF fog lamps, and LED tail lights. Refinished factory alloys polish off the aesthetic, and save for a few scuffs, dings, a missing rear wiper and a noted replacement of the rear hatch, the cosmetic condition is above average overall. Also appealing are the 123k miles on the clock, which are verified and documented. Ideal as a daily driver, this full-time 4WD, turbodiesel rig is a body on frame beast that can hold its own off the beaten path as well. For all these reasons and more, we feel confident in calling it a Japanese Classic! Interior Overview The cabin follows the same ethos as the rest of the truck. It’s crafted with durable materials, features a host of useful equipment, and is capable and comfortable on long drives thanks to an abundance of head, shoulder, and legroom. The tall ride height gives the pilot a commanding view of the road ahead, and passengers can settle into three versatile rows of seating. If you prioritize cargo capacity, the third row jump seats can fold up against the D-pillars, and the middle row can rapidly fold forward. The seats are trimmed in a durable grey cloth. A monochromatic pattern breaks up the upholstery, and the fabric is in impressive shape, showing no stains, rips, or excessive damage apart from some driver’s bolster wear. The same can be said for the dash, which is trimmed in a complementary grey vinyl. For those who want to stay safe behind the wheel, dual SRS airbags are standard, and the driver can tilt-adjust the steering column to their liking. Functional power folding mirrors, power locks, and power windows all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. The center stack is versatile, framing OEM audio, a factory optional 6 disc changer, and functional automatic climate control. The former has above-average sound quality for the year, and the latter can pump in cold A/C and hot heat on request. Positioned up top is a trick factory field monitor, which keeps the driver updated on outside temperature, direction of travel, and many more tools that can come in handy if you lose cell service. The headliner is in great shape, as are the carpets, and even the door cards have resisted typical puncture wear that plagues these models. In fact, the only thing we would nitpick is a scuff on the dash and a missing cupholder cover and fuse box cover. As a whole, we think the cabin was well cared for in a prior life, and it should suit future occupants well on all endeavors! Mechanical Overview The intercooled 1KZ-TE under the hood is a winner on multiple fronts. It’s frugal to operate and service, delightfully torquey, and the full time 4WD drivetrain can stand up to loads of use and abuse. Ours is fresh off a recent service, which spans most of the mechanical systems of the vehicle and cranks over with haste thanks to two newly installed 12v batteries. An oil and filter service was performed, and we screwed on a new fuel filter to keep your diesel clean and contaminant free. New serpentine belts were installed across the board, and the valve cover gasket was replaced alongside new half moon seals. The drivetrain was tended to with a fresh fluid exchange in the transmission, and we also resealed the transmission pan for good measure. A new transfer case front output seal helps shore up the full-time 4WD system, and we did some suspension rehab to boot. The rear upper control arms are brand new, as are the front swaybar links and bushings. The factory struts are comfortable and compliant, and the suspension soaks up road defects with ease. The power steering system received a full overhaul from one of our trained technicians. The steering rack was rebuilt with new seals, and to ensure the alignment went smoothly, we replaced the inner and outer tie rods. We flushed the system with new fluid, and installed new rack boots before it hit the alignment rack. The ABS brakes grab with authority, and we sealed the deal with fresh all-terrains on all four corners. With the maintenance performed, you’ll be covered and driving straight 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.