I drove my 3.4 L automatic 90 off the lot back in 01’ and it was the best decision I’ve made. I live in Costa Rica, because it is a small country it has only done 260 k km but it hasn’t broken down once apart from the LBJ failure which I learned pretty soon that it’s one, if not the only flaw in this car. Basic, scheduled maintenance can make these cars last at least 500.000 km with ease. You’ve got a great car, take care of it and enjoy it!
Also a 90 series owner. I've had it for almost 3 months. Been pretty faultless! Just have suspension squeaks (Lower and upper control arms). But yeah I guess with a car this old, we are somewhat expected to see some issues. Always look forward to your content!
I like what you have done , considering you said you know nothing about cars , you had a go. I own a Prado that I purchased 5 years ago I think I was lucky that the gentleman I purchased from had all the receipts from mechanic and mods he done ……I have had lots of fun with it and love my car.
We have had our 90 for a few years now and the only major problem was the LBJ failing and the front wheel collapsing. Other than that it has been very reliable (hope that hasn't jinxed it). We do really keep on top of the maintenance though and get things attended to before they start to cause trouble. The older they are the more attention you have to pay to possible hassles.
I have a 1998 GXL 95 series. Best decision I made was taking out the LPG. Not sure if that’s something you’d consider, but my car started so much better after I took it out. I don’t know why that is but it’s certainly made improvements :)
Well, this video was more story than advice, but it was informative. Thanks for that. Moreover, some of the problems you mentioned in this video might have been more user error than a problem with the car. Also, don't worry! I've changed around 14 cars during the past 10 years and purchased 4 cars for my friends during this time, so I'm not new to purchasing cars. However, I still made the same mistake [as you] when I wanted to purchase my FJ Cruiser this year and acted emotionally! I guess that was because I always was into German luxury sedans and never owned a 4WD before. So, I rushed into buying one to experience offroad driving! Fortunately, the car is in very good condition and has low mileage, but I could have negotiated the price more (of course, its value has appreciated even more from the time I purchased it, so no complaints!) One of the biggest mistakes in buying cars is to act emotionally, which of course is not that easy to avoid! Better to set some limits or have a well-defined procedure for checking the car before even going for a test drive/ inspection. PS: I loved how your dad was laughing in that situation! My dad would have done the same! :))
Looking at getting into a KZJ95 Turbo Diesel ourselves. From all the videos I've been looking at, it seems like these trucks really are bullet proof, so long as you just give them a good mechanical run through to make sure everything mechanical with them is squared away.
Great video!! Our family has had our 90 for about 11 years now. We got it at about 220K kms and it's at about 330K now. It's been excellent and hasn't ever had an issue in the time we've had it. We definitely haven't put enough effort into maintaining it, but there hasn't really been any issues with it, requiring us to take a look at it. I've learnt how to drive on it as well :) The only issue I see is that it uses way too much fuel for the casual drives we do on it. We barely go off-roading anymore and I can't figure out what's a cost effective way to reduce fuel consumption...
I have a diesel colorado automatic. I have been the owner for 14 years. It's got almost 200k miles on the clock. I have had only one mishap when the engine stopped with A blocked fuel filter. If you maintain this vehicle it will last thousands of miles. I have been looking to buy a better lc but they a few and far between here in the UK. My lc is all standard it's still a fantastic capable vehicle. Regards from the UK Paul
Love your build. I just bought a 2002 land cruiser Colorado (UK Prado variant) short wheelbase with a manual transmission and OEM rear locker. Stoked to start building her and like what you said about being able to do so with small budget items. Looking back, what’s the first mod you would’ve done if you could do it all over again? My goals list so far: - lift - KO2’s - armor - spotlights for the bullbar - OEM inclinometer - roof rack - sleeping system (likely RTT) - drawers
Very cool! Yeah great list, At the time I had no much money so my order would be like -weather shields -snorkel -remove side steps you get the idea aha
5 years of ownership: fuel pump (my fault), generator twice (my fault) didn’t stop oil leakage from right valves cap - that’s all… also changed LBJ’s about three times, it’s normal and not expensive and can be done solo. Not even talking about small rubber parts. Now I have rear left axle leakage, need to change gasket…
How unlucky! Had my prado for 2 years and only thing that's gone was steering and front shock bushes (knew they were an issue when I got the car and only just replaced). Previous owner did blow the engine though but swapped it out for something better before I got it XD
Get a proper clamp on rad hose. Also the rad hose is clearly swollen, definately worn and needs replacement. But, awesome video and great info!!! I have 2 90 series Prados. Cheers, Phil - New Zealand
Im planning on buyimg a 90 series but I see myself in this video, like everybody drives them 500.000+kms without any problems but Im sure I am going to replace the engine 3 times in a year
An engine temperature monitor (e.g. engineguard) is the best investment for 5vz-fe. This engine will blow head gasket with one overheating session. And the factory temperature monitor is very pessimistic. It does not need to go to "red" to overheat. 3/4 will do it.
I have the 2001 5vz-fe, bought it 5 years ago. It's done 389,000 and I've done half of that in it. Massively overheated 2 years ago and I was sure the engine was cooked. The water pump had failed, requiring the water pump, timing assembly and radiator to be replaced but the engine was fine. Its overheated several times since due to my negligence in checking coolant levels and a slow leak at loose hoses and the engine keeps on keeping on. And now I've just jinxed the entire vehicle...😉
Awesome, had my 2000 GXL turbo Prado since new well it had 2k on it, never failed me once and been up and down to Dubbo and SA hundreds of times, she’s at 460k now and still strong, she runs ST Coopers, snorkel arb roof rack, twin batteries etc S within the first year of owning her. I’m about to up the anty, get rid of the alloy factory bullbar and awaiting on some 16x8 allied thunder rims hopefully , now question time.lol, what bullbar have u got? Aerial your using? Haha. I may make a YT channel I’ll see as we already own 6 other ones more vlogging etc I’ll see I may do another one for 4x4 and camping travels I’ll see how keen I am, I currently process anywhere from 5-8 videos a week hehe
Ik it’s an old video, but I’m guessing you might’ve had a cracked head or block on the old engine that kept overpressurizing the cooling system and forcing those hoses off.
Hello 👋 I have a 1998 Prado with the same gas tank as you, is it difficult for you to change it to a normal tank? Just tell me, how much did you spend to replace the fuel tank?
Hey mate thinking of buying a 90 series. What are the top things to look out when buying one (obviously like ball joints) but what else? Not to be harsh but I don't want to go through the things you did. So what's the best way to avoid all of those before buying the car (how do I check it, as someone who doesn't know much about them) and what would you say would be the best thing to do after buying the car to stop it from over heating and blowing that head gasket. Thanks mate!
Hello mate, did you buy a new engine from the dealership or did you geta used one? I've also got some issues with mine and debating if I'm better off replacing it altogether on my J9.
bahahahaha….i know it’s not good to laugh at someone else’s misfortune but in life you rarely get a chance to laugh this hard..so again bahahahahaHAHAHALOL
If there's anything more annoying than a slideshow posing as a video, it's a slideshow posing as a video, where the slides are constantly zooming and panning all over the place --so you feel seasick watching it
I drove my 3.4 L automatic 90 off the lot back in 01’ and it was the best decision I’ve made. I live in Costa Rica, because it is a small country it has only done 260 k km but it hasn’t broken down once apart from the LBJ failure which I learned pretty soon that it’s one, if not the only flaw in this car. Basic, scheduled maintenance can make these cars last at least 500.000 km with ease. You’ve got a great car, take care of it and enjoy it!
That's awesome to here mate! So true though.
Aussies are running these cars with a million km on the clock, 500k is just running them in! :)
Well done! Most Toyota owner's will NEVER tell when they have problems!
Also a 90 series owner.
I've had it for almost 3 months. Been pretty faultless!
Just have suspension squeaks (Lower and upper control arms). But yeah I guess with a car this old, we are somewhat expected to see some issues.
Always look forward to your content!
Thanks man!
I like what you have done , considering you said you know nothing about cars , you had a go. I own a Prado that I purchased 5 years ago I think I was lucky that the gentleman I purchased from had all the receipts from mechanic and mods he done ……I have had lots of fun with it and love my car.
I’ve had my 3L for two years also only broken once so far. Love it
Parked next to your Prado at Bunnings yesterday… like the rock sliders…
I've watched a lot of your videos, it's amazing, your car is so beautiful 😁
We have had our 90 for a few years now and the only major problem was the LBJ failing and the front wheel collapsing. Other than that it has been very reliable (hope that hasn't jinxed it). We do really keep on top of the maintenance though and get things attended to before they start to cause trouble. The older they are the more attention you have to pay to possible hassles.
Aha hope not,
Yeah very wise words there👍🏼
Any major damage when the wheel collapsed? 😳
@@AiDOS__ Thankfully no, we were very lucky.
What does LBJ stand for? Sorry for dumb questions
I have a 1998 GXL 95 series. Best decision I made was taking out the LPG. Not sure if that’s something you’d consider, but my car started so much better after I took it out. I don’t know why that is but it’s certainly made improvements :)
Ive hear the 90series dont run well on lpg just in general. I still use it on the highway. I'll keep it for now
Well, this video was more story than advice, but it was informative. Thanks for that.
Moreover, some of the problems you mentioned in this video might have been more user error than a problem with the car.
Also, don't worry! I've changed around 14 cars during the past 10 years and purchased 4 cars for my friends during this time, so I'm not new to purchasing cars. However, I still made the same mistake [as you] when I wanted to purchase my FJ Cruiser this year and acted emotionally! I guess that was because I always was into German luxury sedans and never owned a 4WD before. So, I rushed into buying one to experience offroad driving! Fortunately, the car is in very good condition and has low mileage, but I could have negotiated the price more (of course, its value has appreciated even more from the time I purchased it, so no complaints!)
One of the biggest mistakes in buying cars is to act emotionally, which of course is not that easy to avoid! Better to set some limits or have a well-defined procedure for checking the car before even going for a test drive/ inspection.
PS: I loved how your dad was laughing in that situation! My dad would have done the same! :))
Looking at getting into a KZJ95 Turbo Diesel ourselves. From all the videos I've been looking at, it seems like these trucks really are bullet proof, so long as you just give them a good mechanical run through to make sure everything mechanical with them is squared away.
Great video!! Our family has had our 90 for about 11 years now. We got it at about 220K kms and it's at about 330K now. It's been excellent and hasn't ever had an issue in the time we've had it.
We definitely haven't put enough effort into maintaining it, but there hasn't really been any issues with it, requiring us to take a look at it. I've learnt how to drive on it as well :)
The only issue I see is that it uses way too much fuel for the casual drives we do on it. We barely go off-roading anymore and I can't figure out what's a cost effective way to reduce fuel consumption...
Thats great to hear!!!
You have no mods on it? Reduced all the weight?
I have a diesel colorado automatic.
I have been the owner for 14 years.
It's got almost 200k miles on the clock. I have had only one mishap when the engine stopped with
A blocked fuel filter.
If you maintain this vehicle it will last thousands of miles. I have been looking to buy a better lc but they a few and far between here in the UK. My lc is all standard it's still a fantastic capable vehicle.
Regards from the UK
Paul
Bloody good video
Cheers!
wow it was clean when you got it
Love your build. I just bought a 2002 land cruiser Colorado (UK Prado variant) short wheelbase with a manual transmission and OEM rear locker. Stoked to start building her and like what you said about being able to do so with small budget items. Looking back, what’s the first mod you would’ve done if you could do it all over again?
My goals list so far:
- lift
- KO2’s
- armor
- spotlights for the bullbar
- OEM inclinometer
- roof rack
- sleeping system (likely RTT)
- drawers
Very cool! Yeah great list,
At the time I had no much money so my order would be like
-weather shields
-snorkel
-remove side steps
you get the idea aha
5 years of ownership: fuel pump (my fault), generator twice (my fault) didn’t stop oil leakage from right valves cap - that’s all… also changed LBJ’s about three times, it’s normal and not expensive and can be done solo. Not even talking about small rubber parts. Now I have rear left axle leakage, need to change gasket…
Whats the name for that thing over the windshield? "Front window" looks great but I have no clue how to find it !
Sick video !
sun visor
How unlucky! Had my prado for 2 years and only thing that's gone was steering and front shock bushes (knew they were an issue when I got the car and only just replaced). Previous owner did blow the engine though but swapped it out for something better before I got it XD
Thats so good!!! Yeah you got to be happy with that
Get a proper clamp on rad hose. Also the rad hose is clearly swollen, definately worn and needs replacement. But, awesome video and great info!!! I have 2 90 series Prados. Cheers, Phil - New Zealand
Im planning on buyimg a 90 series but I see myself in this video, like everybody drives them 500.000+kms without any problems but Im sure I am going to replace the engine 3 times in a year
An engine temperature monitor (e.g. engineguard) is the best investment for 5vz-fe. This engine will blow head gasket with one overheating session. And the factory temperature monitor is very pessimistic. It does not need to go to "red" to overheat. 3/4 will do it.
Okay that's good to know. Where did you get your engine temp monitor from?
I have the 2001 5vz-fe, bought it 5 years ago. It's done 389,000 and I've done half of that in it. Massively overheated 2 years ago and I was sure the engine was cooked. The water pump had failed, requiring the water pump, timing assembly and radiator to be replaced but the engine was fine. Its overheated several times since due to my negligence in checking coolant levels and a slow leak at loose hoses and the engine keeps on keeping on.
And now I've just jinxed the entire vehicle...😉
thanks! useful, I need to buy a 4WD for fieldwork and trying to decide what to get
Prado is a good all rounder
@@BuiltCruisers thanks, buying a 98 one tomorrow, needs a few things fixed but he gave me a discount to fix it.
Awesome, had my 2000 GXL turbo Prado since new well it had 2k on it, never failed me once and been up and down to Dubbo and SA hundreds of times, she’s at 460k now and still strong, she runs ST Coopers, snorkel arb roof rack, twin batteries etc S within the first year of owning her. I’m about to up the anty, get rid of the alloy factory bullbar and awaiting on some 16x8 allied thunder rims hopefully , now question time.lol, what bullbar have u got? Aerial your using? Haha. I may make a YT channel I’ll see as we already own 6 other ones more vlogging etc I’ll see I may do another one for 4x4 and camping travels I’ll see how keen I am, I currently process anywhere from 5-8 videos a week hehe
Ps haha my comment fumed into an essay. In the dark laying down typing away hopefully no mistakes lol
@@billfiskilis4539 Hey mate, It has a genuine toyota bar and aerial is a gme 6.6db aerial
@@xerotao Yeah that's it
Ik it’s an old video, but I’m guessing you might’ve had a cracked head or block on the old engine that kept overpressurizing the cooling system and forcing those hoses off.
If i see a car with cheap tyres, it indicates to me that the owner will cheap out in other areas too
Look out for a red 90 s prado for sale.
What are the four things next to antenna at front? Lights or something else?
Holds fishing rods
Hello 👋 I have a 1998 Prado with the same gas tank as you, is it difficult for you to change it to a normal tank? Just tell me, how much did you spend to replace the fuel tank?
Came with the car so im mot sure.
But to service it was like hundreds
Where did you get that black mesh sun protector?
Check one of my other videos. It explains it
Hey mate thinking of buying a 90 series. What are the top things to look out when buying one (obviously like ball joints) but what else? Not to be harsh but I don't want to go through the things you did. So what's the best way to avoid all of those before buying the car (how do I check it, as someone who doesn't know much about them) and what would you say would be the best thing to do after buying the car to stop it from over heating and blowing that head gasket. Thanks mate!
Also out of all the different engines in the 90's what do you think would be the best one to go for?
Id go the 5VZ-FE (petrol)
Cheaper do 600,000kms factory claim from Toyota
Check driveline
Service history
LBJ
Cvs
@@BuiltCruisers you legend thank you so much! Love your rig. Colour is amazing
Check the coolant regularly!
Hello mate, did you buy a new engine from the dealership or did you geta used one? I've also got some issues with mine and debating if I'm better off replacing it altogether on my J9.
Got a used one as they don't sell them new
Why use old hose clamps with a new engine
Ask my mechanic
bahahahaha….i know it’s not good to laugh at someone else’s misfortune but in life you rarely get a chance to laugh this hard..so again bahahahahaHAHAHALOL
If there's anything more annoying than a slideshow posing as a video, it's a slideshow posing as a video, where the slides are constantly zooming and panning all over the place --so you feel seasick watching it
Mine creaked but when I changed the control arm bushes and ball joints it went like new again with no creaking.
Cheers to your Dad..very supportive!
Great video. Fair play to you mate for broadcasting the horror show. Looking great now
Yeah it was!! But glad people are happy with it now!
Mate up you bought a crappy prado I’ve owned my since 1997
yeah hence the video
It's way better than your 80's Range rover. 😆