Everyone loves a short-wheelbase 4x4
They are compact, great off-road and easy on the eyes
The short-wheelbase (SWB) 4×4 is the best body type to have.
Its compact footprint makes it easier to drive in the city and off-road, but it also looks the best too. Stubby and short, they’re as high off the ground as they are long and simply look cool.
This example has minor exterior imperfections, but it is honest and as excellent as they come. We purchased it in Japan as a certified one-owner vehicle, with low mileage and a solid service history. As an 11th-month 1999 build, it is also a Series Two update model.
Its mighty 2.7-litre four-cylinder ‘3RZ’ petrol engine – as found in Australia’s Toyota Hilux – is an absolute workhorse and probably a smarter idea given the current cost of diesel.
The three-door Short-Wheelbase (SWB) body type was never sold in Australia and is now uncommon in native Japan. We try our best to find good examples at a fair price, but the world seems to be fond of them, and they often fetch good money at auction.
Grab it whilst it’s hot.
The car pictured – 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado RX (RZJ90)
This Toyota Land Cruiser Prado was built in November 1999 and is an ‘RX’ trim level with a petrol engine (RZJ90). That makes its update model.
That means it’s powered by a 2.7-litre ‘3RZ’ four-cylinder petrol engine with 110 kW of power and 235 Nm of torque. It features 4×4 with a four-speed automatic transmission and low-range transfer case.
Factory equipment on the RX model includes dual airbags, climate control air conditioning, power windows and a double DIN stereo. This vehicle was optioned with bronze glass, which is sick.
It was purchased as a one-owner car from Tokyo, Japan and does not come with a service history. It does have service stickers in the engine bay and around the vehicle showing maintenance, and an inspection revealed it has had regular maintenance.
Upon arriving in Australia, the vehicle was comprehensively serviced and complied. The vehicle wears an honest patina that is fair considering its age and type, with a scratch in the lower rear section of cladding, minor hazing on its plastic wheel arches, and scratches on both the driver’s side and passenger’s side door from the removal of a sticker.
The vehicle still wears its original paint and has never been repaired before. Its underside is clean and there is no rust or signs of use in the snow, on the beach or off-road. The interior is in good shape with wear and tear expected of its age.
Quick facts
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado RX SWB (RZJ90)
- Series two update model
- One owner from new
- No service history!
- Vehicle shows evidence of being maintained / service stickers on the vehicle
- 99,664 km
- 2.7-litre ‘3RZ’ petrol four-cylinder engine
- Automatic transmission / 4×4
- Low range transfer case
- Factory equipment: front fog lights, dual airbags, chrome grille, climate control, central locking, ABS brakes, power windows, power steering.
- Factory options: Bronze glass
- Vehicle serviced in Australia
- Original paint
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available
- Vehicle comes with compliance certification (engineering)
- Vehicle comes with three months NSW registration
- Vehicle comes with a NSW roadworthy
From the sweltering heat of infinite deserts and the depths of majestic rainforests to the traffic chaos of today's mega-cities, one four-wheel drive vehicle is capable and reliable enough to tackle the worst road nightmares... the Toyota Landcruiser.May 08, 1996, All-New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Debuts
