1992 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado LJ78G

One glance tells you the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is no wannabe SUV. It’s a serious off roader that’s tough enough to handle the harshest terrain. At the same time, the Prado offers high levels of quality, comfort and performance on the road.

These days, compact off-road vehicles are all the rage in Japan and worldwide. So used Prados are very much in tune with the times. Smaller than other Land Cruisers like the current Land Cruiser J200 Series, they offer big advantages when maneuvering through narrow city streets, slipping into parking spots, challenging winding trails or climbing slippery slopes where heavier vehicles bog down.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado supports serious off-road performance with a ladder frame design, front and rear beam axles and a four-wheel drive system with two-speed transfer case that transfers power to both axles and synchronizes front and rear rotational differences.

Solid front and rear beam axle suspensions deliver comfort, excellent handling and grip on and off the road. When you leave smooth roads behind for rougher terrain, or vice versa, you can change the damping of the shock absorbers with the press of a button. Whatever the road or wilderness throws your way, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado handles it with assurance.

Toyota’s 4-cylinder 2.4-liter SOHC diesel engine (2L-TE I4-T) is turbocharged for power and fuel injected for high fuel efficiency and torque. Its precise electronic fuel injection system uses a pre-combustion chamber in the head for indirect injection that helps reduce diesel knock. The engine produces 97 hp (72 kW) at 3,800 rpm and 22.54 kg⋅m (221 N⋅m) of torque at 2,400 rpm, which is enough for a vehicle this size. A 4-speed automatic transmission supplies smooth changing of gears.

The interior is inviting with ample amenities for a touch of luxury, big comfortable seats and plenty of legroom. Controls are designed for easy use in challenging conditions and materials are durable, as you would expect from a capable 4WD vehicle.

The first-generation 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in this photo is a Japanese domestic semi-long version (Q-LJ78G) with SX grade trim. As you can see, it has 5 doors (3-door versions were also available in Japan) and a handsome maroon and silver finish. The well cared for brown and beige interior features power steering, power windows, powerful air conditioning and comfortable seats that easily accommodate eight adults.

There have been four generations of the Prado so far, known as the J70 (Land Cruiser LC70), J90 (Land Cruiser LC90), J120 (Land Cruiser LC120 ) and the current J150 (Land Cruiser LC150).

Japanese love their domestic off-road machines, and Japan Car Direct can find used examples in great condition at great prices from Japanese used car auctions and Japanese used car dealers for export to your country. If you’re in the market for a Toyota Land Cruiser, call Japan Car Direct.