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 of the bunch.
Its compact footprint makes it easier to drive, but it also has the most attractive appearance. 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. It is corrosion-free underneath and has never been painted or repaired.
As a 12th-month 2001 build, it is also a Series Two update model. Its mighty 3.4-litre V6 ‘5VZ’ petrol engine – as found in Australia’s Toyota Prado – is an absolute workhorse and potent when paired to a five-speed manual transmission.
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 appears to be fond of them, and they often fetch good money at auction.
Grab it whilst it’s hot.
The car pictured – 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado RZ (VZJ90)
This Toyota Land Cruiser Prado was built in December 2001 and is a high-spec ‘RZ’ trim level with a petrol engine (VZJ90).
That makes it an updated model powered by a 3.4-litre ‘5VZ’ six-cylinder petrol engine with 136 kW of power and 294 Nm of torque. It features a 4×4 with a five-speed manual transmission and low-range transfer case.
Factory equipment on the RZ model includes side steps, colour-coded exterior cladding, dual airbags, climate control air conditioning, a triple centre gauge stack with inclinometer, power windows and a double DIN stereo. This vehicle was optioned with bronze glass and front fog lights, which is sick.
It was purchased as a one-owner car from Tokyo, Japan, and does come with some 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 will be comprehensively serviced and complied with. The vehicle wears an honest patina that is fair considering its age and type.
The vehicle still wears its original paint and has never been repaired before. Its underside is clean, with no rust or signs of use from snow, the beach or off-road. The underside is free from any rust prevention paint, which in itself makes this example rare!
The interior is in excellent shape, with wear and tear expected of its age. There is a minor split in the fabric of the driver’s seat, which will be repaired upon arriving.
Quick facts
- ** Vehicle is in transit and due in Australia in November **
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado RZ SWB (VZJ90)
- Series two update model
- One owner from new
- Factory manual transmission
- 110,719 km
- 3.4-litre ‘5VZ’ petrol six-cylinder engine
- 4×4 with Low range transfer case
- Factory equipment: front fog lights, side steps, dual airbags, chrome grille, climate control, central locking, ABS brakes, power windows, power steering.
- Factory options: Bronze glass and front fog lights
- Vehicle will be serviced in Australia
- Original paint
- Original and corrosion-free underneath
- 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
