Year: | 1990 |
Mileage: | 144,927km |
Transmission: | 4 Speed AT |
Fuel Type: | Diesel |
Drivetrain: | Full-time 4WD |
Engine: | 4.163 Liters |
Exterior Color: | Silver Maroon |
VIN Number: | HDJ81-0006*** |
The Land Cruiser, Toyota’s longest running series, has been going strong since the early 1950s when it was a jeep-like vehicle christened with a Land Rover-inspired name. Over the years, the Land Cruiser evolved into a much larger vehicle, but it never strayed from its serious off-road heritage.
Toyota launched the 80 series in early 1990 (1991 in the US) as a luxurious replacement for the aging 60 series. Its smooth lines initially disappointed off-roaders who associated boxiness with rugged design. However, the fresh styling broadened the Land Cruiser’s appeal around the globe and eventually won over enthusiasts as well.
The 80 series introduced the Land Cruiser’s first full-time 4WD system. Part-time 4WD with manual locking hubs was also available in Japan, but not in the US — a good reason for Americans to consider importing secondhand models from Japan.
A totally new suspension gave the 80 series better handling and ride comfort than its predecessors. The old leaf springs were replaced with front leading arms and coil springs plus a full-floating solid axle with coil springs in the rear.
Off-road performance is supported by the solid axles, increased suspension travel and a respectable 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Many serious off-roaders remove the side steps, add lift and mount bigger wheels than the standard 15 x 7-inch alloy ones to prevent under body scrapes.
In Japan, three engines were available in the 1990-1992 models; a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine (3F-E), a naturally aspirated six-cylinder diesel engine (1HZ), and a turbocharged 4.2-liter straight-6 diesel engine (1HD-T) with direct injection.
The turbocharged diesel engine, the most powerful of the three, was borrowed from the 70 series but made lighter, stronger and more compact. Toyota also refined it to produce less noise and vibration. This sought-after engine generates 165 PS of horsepower at 3600 rpm and 267 lb-ft of torque at 1400 rpm.
The selected engine is mated with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission in Japanese domestic models, but only the gasoline powerplant with a 4-speed automatic transmission was exported to the US. So Americans seeking the 5-speed manual transmission or turbocharged diesel engine have even more reason to import 25-year-old secondhand models from Japan.
The interior of the 80 series is roomy, comfortable and luxurious with more modern styling than its predecessors and optional leather seats. Generous luggage space in the rear cargo area can be expanded by folding the third-row seats up against the sides of the car and/or folding down the second-row seats.
This particular, well cared for 1990 HDJ81V Land Cruiser with turbocharged 4.2-liter straight-6 diesel engine and silver and maroon finish was the top-of-the-line model with a VX Limited grade.
25-year-old Land Cruisers still look great and are quite affordable. Many have only had a single owner because they are so reliable, practical and well-built that owners have little reason to upgrade.
Many North Americans are importing them directly from Japan for everyday driving and off-road pleasure. The 80 series offers more off-road options than later Land Cruisers sold in North America and can easily be modified for hardcore off-road use. There are kits for converting the full-time 4WD system to part-time 4WD, but it’s more satisfying to import an original part-time 4WD model directly from Japan.
At Japan Car Direct, we can simplify the entire process of finding your dream vehicle in Japan, getting it thoroughly inspected by a trustworthy third party, purchasing it at the lowest possible price and having it shipped to your nearest port.
Our vast experience and close personal connections with specialist dealers, private sellers and used car auctions throughout Japan are your assurance of total satisfaction.
Why not contact us today. Whether you seek a secondhand off-road Toyota with features only available in Japan, a luxury car from Germany with left or right hand drive, or a 25-year-old JDM drift car, you can realize your automotive dreams with a little help from Japan Car Direct.
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Matthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections,... read moreMatthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections, expert opinions on bidding, arranging quick turn shipping, and handling of docs. I have no reservations sending more tens of thousands of dollars for future imports. At the end of the day, they really wanted to make me a happy customer. read less
I highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great... read moreI highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great to work with. Highly recommend the team at JCD. read less
Before this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the... read moreBefore this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the country in the midst of the oil price hikes.
The process is painless end to end and I was well looked after by Mike. Definitely recommend Japan Car Direct for the auction and shipping service. read less
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Great experience. Extremely easy process and Kept me well informed. Highly recommend them if looking to purchase a vehicle from Japan.
It's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness.... read moreIt's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness. He was very quick to respond, and very informative on all my questions. He helped my sort through options until landing a 1kz-te Land Cruiser Prado. It ended up being in better condition than I was anticipating, and was able to drive it 5 hours home from port without a single issue. Cannot recommend Japan Car Direct enough! read less
I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The... read moreI used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The detailed videos where Mike would translate and explain the Japanese auction sheets and inspections provided great clarification so I knew exactly what I was getting with my car. I have to also commend Mike's swiftness when it came to replying to emails and phone calls, he would always reply near on instantly and even outside of normal business hours just to ensure I was never left in the dark through the bidding and shipping preparation processes.
I could not recommend JCD enough for any potential self importers! read less
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Just picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my... read moreJust picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my hand and help me through the process. It seems pretty daunting at first but if I can do it anybody can. Highly recommend JCD! read less
I worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go... read moreI worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go with japancardirect. Being able to see the auction trucks that are coming out and getting a detailed translation of the auction sheet is awesome. At first, I was a little hesitant sending money for a car overseas that I haven't actually seen in person, but Mathew stayed with me even at times when I was less patient. Thanks for all the help you and your team provide. read less
Taylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism,... read moreTaylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism, promptness, clarity of communication has been amazing. He's helped answer a miultitude of questions, and everything went without incident (aside from impacts from Ukraine).f
Thank you, Taylor! read less
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After seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be... read moreAfter seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be a better way. Sure enough, that way is Japan Car Direct. Yoshi and team are knowledgeable, professional and responsive. They do what they say they are going to do before, during and after the transaction, they are in it for the long haul. The result of reviewing the auction listings and acquiring/importing yourself (with help from JCD) is substantial savings and the satisfaction of paying a fair price. It's also fun if you enjoy searching for and identifying great automotive values. Would not hesitate to recommend their services to others and I will be back for more vehicles in the near future. read less
Can't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient... read moreCan't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient with me and ensured that I only bid on cars worth having. The car I have bought far exceeds expectations in every way and the whole process of purchase and shipping was all taken care of - top marks and thank you read less
Japan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions.... read moreJapan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions. They made navigating the import process a breeze. This is a reputable company. I highly recommend them if you’re interested in importing your very own JDM. read less
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So pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import... read moreSo pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import will be even smoother. Looking forward to the next experience. read less
MARKNADEN Studio
4/08/2022
Great dependable business! Highly recommended! Thank you Mathew for all your hard work!
Yoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all... read moreYoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all of the first-time questions I had about the process. The vehicle I got was exactly as I expected based on the pre-bidding inspection that they organized and I am beyond thrilled with my new (to me) little van. I'll definitely be working with them again for the next vehicle I look to import read less
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