If you grew up in 1990s Australia, then you've sat yourself down in one of these bad boys.
With a huge boot, seven seats, and a steadfast turbo diesel powertrain, the 90-series Prado is still as relevant now as it was then.
This one is for all the kids made in the 1980s.
As by the time we all made it to school, someone’s parent was driving a green 90-series Prado. Back when Rage was all the rage and you played until the streetlights came on, you were often taken home at dark in it, and likely in the third row of seating.
And given most were used as family cars and then later destroyed by amateur four-wheel drive enthusiasts, there are none left in Australia. This top-spec TZ model was imported from Japan and features climate control, air conditioning, a centre gauge binnacle with a trip computer, a Bluetooth stereo, seven seats, and a mighty 1KZ diesel engine.
The version used in the 90-series Prado is factory intercooled and better than what’s found in a Hilux Surf. It features a four-speed automatic and low-range transfer case, making it great for use on the sand or in the snow.
And like the Surf, the Prado also uses coil springs throughout and benefits from excellent road manners as a result. This 4×4 offers exceptional value for money, making it an ideal choice for exploring Australia.
They are simple, reliable and powerful, which is all you need.
The car pictured – 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TZ
This Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a TZ model that was built in November 1996. We acquired it as a grade 4.0B vehicle from an auction in the Chiba region of Tokyo, Japan.
It was configured with a 3.0-litre ‘1KZ’ four-cylinder intercooled turbo diesel engine, a four-speed automatic, and green-over-silver two-tone paintwork. It features selectable 4×4 and a low-range transfer case. It has seating for seven, with the extra two able to be stowed away.
As a top-of-the-range ‘TZ’ model, it features an electric sunroof, climate control, dual airbags, a centre gauge binnacle with trip computer, power folding mirrors, and central locking. The vehicle has some service history from Japan and has undergone constant maintenance and love throughout its life. It shows the vehicle having undergone a major service alongside a timing belt change in 2023 (Reiwa 5).
The vehicle has been comprehensively serviced upon arriving in Australia and has been fitted with new Kumho all-terrain tyres and undergone a wheel alignment. It presents well for its age, and its paintwork is wholly original. There are some deeper paint imperfections on the bonnet (see pictures) and a small paint touch-up on one of the over fenders.
It hasn’t had a hard life and overall presents in above-average condition for its age and mileage.
Quick facts
- 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TZ (LWB)
- 211,727km
- 3.0-litre turbo diesel ‘1KZ engine
- Original, unmodified, never repaired, no corrosion
- Four-speed auto
- 4×4 with low-range transfer case
- Top-of-the-range TZ model
- Electric sunroof
- Climate control
- Power options
- Dual airbags
- Central locking
- Major service + timing belt undergone in 2023
- Recently serviced in Australia
- New Kuhmo all-terrain tyres
- Two keys
- Price includes vehicle compliance
- Price includes three months of NSW registration
- Price includes a NSW roadworthy
The meaning of "Land Cruiser" is the same as in English. "Prado" is Portuguese for "meadow" or "field."Toyota Japan, 75 years of company history
