Forget an FJ Cruiser or any drab Heritage edition, this 70 series is the real deal, based on a true old-school body on frame light-duty chassis.
Exterior Overview
Keen Toyota enthusiasts are catching on, the J78 Prado is a heck of a buy, and is proving time and time again to be the go-to choice for retro daily drivability. Forget an FJ Cruiser or any drab Heritage edition, this 70 series is the real deal, based on a true old-school body on frame light-duty chassis. Our 1993 Prado is a great unit, finished in a stunning Everest Green (6X7) over black two-tone. and set off by OEM rainguards, a 2″ Pro-Comp lift, and refinished factory alloy wheels. The 119k verified and documented miles on the clock are also a welcome sight, as any Toyota nut knows this Cruiser is barely broken in! Fresh off a recent service, these long wheelbase Prados are an enthusiast’s favorite, as they’re easy to putt around and break plenty of necks at the local Cars & Coffee. You can call it a dependable truck, a formidable off-roader, or your next overland rig, as long as you call it a Japanese Classic!
Interior Overview
The interior looks a whole lot better than most 1993 SUV’s you’ll find plodding around our domestic highways, and it’s packed with all the power equipment you’d need to make daily duty a walk in the park. This includes functioning power windows, locks, and side mirrors, and an intuitive climate control system that serves up rear heat to keep your passengers warm in the winter. The A/C blows ice cold too, and can be toggled on and off on command. Adjacent to the HVAC, a touchscreen Panasonic touchscreen headunit is functional and works well. The driver’s command center includes a woodgrain Nardi steering wheel that’s mated to a tilt adjustable steering column. The accessories and power equipment are all close by, tucked beneath a grey vinyl dash cover, which shows well save for a small hairline crack that 70 series models are notorious for. The driver can get more comfortable on long hauls thanks to a power lumbar adjustment. The cloth headliner is free of unwanted stains or sagging, and the carpets beneath are in good nick, just like the patterned cloth seating, which shows no major rips, stains, or tears. It’s hard to over-scrutinize a 32 year old cockpit, but we think all things considered this example should keep most enthusiasts pleased. Even the owners’ manuals and maintenance booklets are included with the purchase of this terrific Toyota.
Mechanical Overview
The 1KZ-TE under the bonnet steals the show, and is far peppier and easier to service than most 70 series drivetrains. Ours also has the added benefit of a recent service where we began by installing 2 new 12v batteries to aid ignition. A new valve cover gasket and half-moon seal were installed for good measure, to keep the lubricant from our oil and filter service internal. Lastly, we tended to a new fuel filter and intake air filter, to keep contaminants out of your combustion chamber. From there, it was ready to tackle its first road test, and the 3.0TD performed like a champ! The manual gearbox feels healthy and intuitive. It shifts smoothly and gear changes are easy to locate. The transmission shoots power rearward, and selective 4WD is on hand to aid off-road escapades. The lifted suspension rides well, and is a tad more responsive on high-demand drives. The steering is direct, thanks to a freshly installed steering stabilizer, and the brakes grab with authority, care of new pads and rotors up front. We wrapped the freshly refinished alloys in brand new 33″ Falkens to really seal the deal. Stylish and full of traction, you’ll be set for tens of thousands of miles of old-school cruising 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.