- Location
- United States
Here's the Craigslist ad: 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado LJ78 RHD *IMPORTED* (Landcruiser)
1990 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado LJ78 RHD *IMPORTED*, Georgia title in hand.
Asking $20k OBO
I've been waiting a long time to own one of these... The Landcruiser Prado has finally reached its 25th birthday and is now eligible for import to the United States. The guy who imported this went to Vancouver to pick this one up at the turn of the new year and decided to test it out by driving it home across the Canadian Rockies. She sailed over the mountains with ease and handled the snowy uphill climb no problem. He was super surprised at the amount of power considering the small diesel engine. This model has an overdrive bypass and power boost button which allows you to pass the slow pokes on the road. He pushed the RPMs on the mountain passes and the temperature gauge never even hit the half way mark. Automatic Transmission shifts amazing and his international parts guy said he's never seen one go bad. Also has a sport mode for better off road shock absorption. Has Automatic locking hubs with push button high 4x4 and manual low 4x4 with rear locking differential. He did get stuck one time in his driveway, being in Canada the snow was about two feet deep where the snow plow boxed him in. He put it in 4-low and crawled right out. This vehicle is awesome in the winter weather and gets fantastic fuel economy for being a 4x4. I'm tempted to keep this one. Toyota dependability, awesome off road capability, solid front axle, the option to make your own free fuel, with a practically brand new engine and a completely rust free frame and body will bring you years of enjoyment.
Please read on before you contact me with questions..... This vehicle is equipped with an emissions EGR system. An EGR delete plate is included with the sale of this truck. Any one with mechanical capabilities should be able to delete the EGR system relatively easily. I am leaving the EGR hooked up because some states (California) and municipalities require emissions regulations to register a vehicle. Again, an EGR (exhaust gas recycler) delete plate with pyrometer hole already drilled out, goes with the truck if you are inclined to install it. Truck has Old Man Emu suspension and bushings to go on top of shocks (for better shock absorption and another 1.5" of lift) which are already installed.
NOTE: The Lexus GX470 is actually the modern day Toyota Prado, and uses that name everywhere else int the world besides the United States.
The Good:
Bullet proof engine and transmission, awesome four wheel drive. Does not use oil or leak any fluids at all. 119k miles (192k kilometers on truck) oil change just done last week at 119k... Rebuilt motor with genuine Toyota parts and upgraded 3L Toyota head, Timing belt, water pump and tensioners changed out, new injectors, new glow plugs. 80k miles ago... Totally new braking system front and back. 33" Toyo Open Country M/T with roughly 10k miles on them. By the time you buy this it will need another service which will include fresh oil and filter change with Rotella 15w-40, Nnw genuine Toyota fuel, air and oil filter. Solid front axle with Power Sport mode suspension. Power Windows, power door locks, Power sunroof. Plush microfiber seats are comfortable and easy to clean. Fold up second and third row seating for camping. Drivers and passenger seats adjust incline, recline, forward position and driver's side power lumbar support. Front seat covers shown in some of the pictures are for seat protection only. Seats have no rips or stains. Interior is very clean and nearly perfect.Push button overdrive by pass and push button extra power for passing or going up hills. Trailer hitch with light hookup. Rear wiper, wiper and head light washers. Thule roof rack. Everything works! Completely rust free including frame. Paint still looks very good for its ageI have all receipts of work done since it was imported to North America back in 2007 along with the original Japanese import document. Alternator was rebuilt 6 months ago.
The Not-So-Good: (will picture all imperfections as best I can) A few minor scratches and dings. Keep in mind this is a 25 year old vehicle, given it's age it's in amazing condition. Blemish on passenger side corner of dash. 7" crack in windshield but it has never bothered me.
Commonly asked questions about RHD diesel imports...
Q: Are these vehicles hard to get parts for?
A: No, but you usually can't just walk into Napa and say " I need brake calipers for a 1990 diesel landcruiser," but you can find the part number on www.toyodiy.com and it will give you other part numbers of common vehicles that overlap. For example: if you need brake calipers for this vehicle (which you shouldn't for awhile as they were just replaced 70k miles ago) they are the same brake calipers that fit a 1990 Toyota v6 pickup. Body parts are also readily available through Canada and I also have several specialty parts contacts in Canada that can get any import part. If you purchase this vehicle, I will gladly give you all of my parts contacts.
Q: But isn't it awkward with the steering wheel on the right side?
A: I thought it would be too, but after about the first five minutes of driving, it drives just like every other car. It also makes checking the mail easier!
Q: Is this vehicle legal in my state?
A: Any vehicle that is at least 25 years old is exempt from DOT and EPA requirements and is therefore admissible for import. I have a Clean Clear GEORGIA Title for this vehicle. The process at your DMV is no different than if you bought a Chevy or Ford from some guy in Montana and wanted to license it in your state.
Q: Will it pass emissions/smog requirements?
A: Being a 25 year old vehicle in the State of Georgia it is exempt from all EPA regulations and emissions regulations. BOOYA!
After actually doing the math I calculated that, going over the mountains and in 4x4, with lots of stop and go, I got 21 mpg and on the flat open highway in 2wd I got 25 mpg. It's common to hear people say they can get "30 mpg" with these rigs, but keep in mind that those estimates come from people overseas where they use imperial gallons. In US gallons that is more like 25 mpg, which is more realistic. Still, there is no gasoline 4x4 SUV out there that will give you that kind of fuel economy!
Full photo album from when I purchased it is available here, but shown without the 1.5" bushings and Toyos which make all the difference.
This vehicle has just had an oil change and thorough inspection from ACC LandCruisers and is good for another 10k miles!
Video Cranking Up (light on the dash is for the Emergency Brake which is active):
Untitled
Full Album:
1990 Toyota Landcruiser Prado LJ78
1990 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado LJ78 RHD *IMPORTED*, Georgia title in hand.
Asking $20k OBO
I've been waiting a long time to own one of these... The Landcruiser Prado has finally reached its 25th birthday and is now eligible for import to the United States. The guy who imported this went to Vancouver to pick this one up at the turn of the new year and decided to test it out by driving it home across the Canadian Rockies. She sailed over the mountains with ease and handled the snowy uphill climb no problem. He was super surprised at the amount of power considering the small diesel engine. This model has an overdrive bypass and power boost button which allows you to pass the slow pokes on the road. He pushed the RPMs on the mountain passes and the temperature gauge never even hit the half way mark. Automatic Transmission shifts amazing and his international parts guy said he's never seen one go bad. Also has a sport mode for better off road shock absorption. Has Automatic locking hubs with push button high 4x4 and manual low 4x4 with rear locking differential. He did get stuck one time in his driveway, being in Canada the snow was about two feet deep where the snow plow boxed him in. He put it in 4-low and crawled right out. This vehicle is awesome in the winter weather and gets fantastic fuel economy for being a 4x4. I'm tempted to keep this one. Toyota dependability, awesome off road capability, solid front axle, the option to make your own free fuel, with a practically brand new engine and a completely rust free frame and body will bring you years of enjoyment.
Please read on before you contact me with questions..... This vehicle is equipped with an emissions EGR system. An EGR delete plate is included with the sale of this truck. Any one with mechanical capabilities should be able to delete the EGR system relatively easily. I am leaving the EGR hooked up because some states (California) and municipalities require emissions regulations to register a vehicle. Again, an EGR (exhaust gas recycler) delete plate with pyrometer hole already drilled out, goes with the truck if you are inclined to install it. Truck has Old Man Emu suspension and bushings to go on top of shocks (for better shock absorption and another 1.5" of lift) which are already installed.
NOTE: The Lexus GX470 is actually the modern day Toyota Prado, and uses that name everywhere else int the world besides the United States.
The Good:
Bullet proof engine and transmission, awesome four wheel drive. Does not use oil or leak any fluids at all. 119k miles (192k kilometers on truck) oil change just done last week at 119k... Rebuilt motor with genuine Toyota parts and upgraded 3L Toyota head, Timing belt, water pump and tensioners changed out, new injectors, new glow plugs. 80k miles ago... Totally new braking system front and back. 33" Toyo Open Country M/T with roughly 10k miles on them. By the time you buy this it will need another service which will include fresh oil and filter change with Rotella 15w-40, Nnw genuine Toyota fuel, air and oil filter. Solid front axle with Power Sport mode suspension. Power Windows, power door locks, Power sunroof. Plush microfiber seats are comfortable and easy to clean. Fold up second and third row seating for camping. Drivers and passenger seats adjust incline, recline, forward position and driver's side power lumbar support. Front seat covers shown in some of the pictures are for seat protection only. Seats have no rips or stains. Interior is very clean and nearly perfect.Push button overdrive by pass and push button extra power for passing or going up hills. Trailer hitch with light hookup. Rear wiper, wiper and head light washers. Thule roof rack. Everything works! Completely rust free including frame. Paint still looks very good for its ageI have all receipts of work done since it was imported to North America back in 2007 along with the original Japanese import document. Alternator was rebuilt 6 months ago.
The Not-So-Good: (will picture all imperfections as best I can) A few minor scratches and dings. Keep in mind this is a 25 year old vehicle, given it's age it's in amazing condition. Blemish on passenger side corner of dash. 7" crack in windshield but it has never bothered me.
Commonly asked questions about RHD diesel imports...
Q: Are these vehicles hard to get parts for?
A: No, but you usually can't just walk into Napa and say " I need brake calipers for a 1990 diesel landcruiser," but you can find the part number on www.toyodiy.com and it will give you other part numbers of common vehicles that overlap. For example: if you need brake calipers for this vehicle (which you shouldn't for awhile as they were just replaced 70k miles ago) they are the same brake calipers that fit a 1990 Toyota v6 pickup. Body parts are also readily available through Canada and I also have several specialty parts contacts in Canada that can get any import part. If you purchase this vehicle, I will gladly give you all of my parts contacts.
Q: But isn't it awkward with the steering wheel on the right side?
A: I thought it would be too, but after about the first five minutes of driving, it drives just like every other car. It also makes checking the mail easier!
Q: Is this vehicle legal in my state?
A: Any vehicle that is at least 25 years old is exempt from DOT and EPA requirements and is therefore admissible for import. I have a Clean Clear GEORGIA Title for this vehicle. The process at your DMV is no different than if you bought a Chevy or Ford from some guy in Montana and wanted to license it in your state.
Q: Will it pass emissions/smog requirements?
A: Being a 25 year old vehicle in the State of Georgia it is exempt from all EPA regulations and emissions regulations. BOOYA!
After actually doing the math I calculated that, going over the mountains and in 4x4, with lots of stop and go, I got 21 mpg and on the flat open highway in 2wd I got 25 mpg. It's common to hear people say they can get "30 mpg" with these rigs, but keep in mind that those estimates come from people overseas where they use imperial gallons. In US gallons that is more like 25 mpg, which is more realistic. Still, there is no gasoline 4x4 SUV out there that will give you that kind of fuel economy!
Full photo album from when I purchased it is available here, but shown without the 1.5" bushings and Toyos which make all the difference.
This vehicle has just had an oil change and thorough inspection from ACC LandCruisers and is good for another 10k miles!
Video Cranking Up (light on the dash is for the Emergency Brake which is active):
Untitled
Full Album:
1990 Toyota Landcruiser Prado LJ78
Last edited:
