REDLINE ALLEYToyota Land Cruiser Prado 90 Series buying guide
1996 to 2002. A 90 Series suits a buyer who wants a capable, affordable mid size 4WD and will check the cooling system on a diesel.
Big jobs
- 1KZ-TE overheating. Overheating on the 1KZ-TE diesel is reported. Causes include a failed viscous fan hub, a blocked radiator, a seized wastegate actuator, a holed heater hose and heavy loads.
- 1KZ-TE cracked cylinder head. Overheating can crack the 1KZ-TE head. Signs are bubbles in the coolant, coolant loss, discoloured coolant, rapid overheating and power loss. A pressure test does not always show it.
- Automatic transmission cooler in the radiator. The auto transmission oil cooler sits inside the radiator, and cracks can let coolant into the transmission.
Workshop jobs
- Front lower ball joints. Lower ball joints fail once the rubber boot is damaged. Signs are heavy steering, front suspension vibration and shudder. Some Australian trucks were also recalled for scratched joints.
- Rear axle shaft flange. Australian trucks built 17 April 1996 to 6 January 1999 were recalled for cracking at the neck of the rear axle shaft flange.
- Off road and salt damage. Off road use leaves damage under the body, and sand underneath can carry salt from beach driving.
- Rough idle and gearbox behaviour. The four cylinder engines can idle roughly. Manual changes should be smooth and quiet, and the auto should not hunt between gears.
Small jobs
- CV joints and boots. The front CV joints and boots wear. Grease round the front wheels and clicking are signs.
Questions for the seller
- Is it the 1KZ-TE diesel, the 3.4 V6 or the 2.7 petrol?
- Has it ever overheated, and has the head or radiator been replaced?
- Have the lower ball joints been replaced?
- Has it been used on beaches or for heavy towing?
- Is it manual or auto, and when was the auto fluid last changed?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-03. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.