LandCruiser Prado J90 (90 Series) inspection checklist

Look for: All 90 Series engines rely on an aging radiator, thermostat and viscous fan hub. A weak fan clutch or tired radiator is the root cause behind the 1KZ diesel's cracked heads and head-gasket trouble on the petrols - a cheap part that causes expensive damage if ignored.

Look for: Rust appears around the windscreen frame, blocked sunroof and door drains, rear quarters/tailgate and along the chassis - worse on coastal cars or those used for water crossings.

Look for: The signature 1KZ-TE failure. The head casting is thin-walled (high compression, little machining margin) and cracks if the engine overheats - typically caused by a failed viscous fan hub, tired radiator or heavy load. Symptoms include bubbles/pressurising in the coolant, overflow loss, white steam, loss of power and mayonnaise under the oil cap. Affects a meaningful share of 1KZs, mainly worked-hard autos.

Look for: High-km diesels develop injector fatigue and the electronic injection-pump solenoid can play up, causing hard starting, smoke and lost power.

Look for: The 5VZ-FE is belt-driven; Toyota set the interval at 150,000km but rubber also ages. While it's a non-interference engine (a failure won't bend valves), running on an unknown belt risks being stranded and can damage the water pump if it seizes.

Look for: At high km the chain, guides and tensioner wear and can rattle on start-up; the 3RZ family is generally robust but neglected high-km examples can need a chain/guide refresh.

Look for: Shim-under-bucket valves need periodic clearance checks; if ignored, tight exhaust valves can burn, causing misfire and lost compression.