1-12-25 - A few months shy of 18 years old, my cat Runt passed unexpectedly. In my grief, I decided to name this build in tribute. After all, this is the littlest of the modern Land Cruisers, right? Also, he was mostly white with dark trim. 
Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm Kevin, from the Virginia Beach area. I've had a 4x4 ever since I started driving. I've had the wheeling bug ever since I first shifted a transfer case in that 85 S-10 almost 30 years ago. But maybe a little Toyota-specific history is in order.
My first "Prado" was a 2007 FJ Cruiser I bought in 2015 with 70,000 miles and a small lift on it. It was like new inside and out. I couldn't afford it when I bought it, but I adjusted my life to make it happen, and things got better nearly the entire time I owned it. The only thing I ever replaced out of necessity were the switches that turned the interior lights when you open the door. I loved this rig. I had hundreds of adventures with it and made some amazing memories. I made some unique mods, installed my first rooftop tent, and rediscovered my love of exploring trails and camping. Unfortunately, in 2020, a young driver ran a stop sign and the FJ couldn't be saved.
My next "Prado" was a 2006 Lexus GX470 I bought in 2020 with the insurance payout from the FJ. In the middle of the pandemic, used car prices went crazy. I wanted a 4Runner, but they were all 5 figures. I happened to learn about the then-relatively-unknown GX platform, and managed to find a clean one-owner example. 220,000 miles was a lot, but the 2UZ is known for its longevity and the VIN provided a full service history at a local stealership. The body and frame were in great shape, although there was some peeling paint, but every feature, button, switch, and light still worked. In the time I've had it, I've replaced the timing belt, water pump, and radiator. It has done everything I've asked of it and is fantastically comfortable to drive, but I just never fell in love with it like I had the FJ.
After looking at the new LC and GX options for over a year, I decided I needed a 1958. I wanted the round headlights, which remind me of the FJ, and preferred the mileage of the hybrid over the additional power of the GX. December 13, 2024, I took a 20-mile test drive and didn't want it to be over, so I left the dealership with my new "Prado," a 2025 Land Cruiser 1958. The GX has been great, but it never quite felt like "me." I have always missed the FJ. This new Land Cruiser feels like a comfortable, modern cross between the two. I'm looking forward to many new adventures with it!
(Edited from my original post/build name: Kaizen is a concept referring to the continuous improvement of all functions while eliminating waste and redundancies. This is widely know as a key component of Toyota's business practices, but I feel it's a great term for my automotive modification method, as well as the stage of life I'm at. What better reminder of one's priorities than literally putting yourself behind the wheel of it?)
Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm Kevin, from the Virginia Beach area. I've had a 4x4 ever since I started driving. I've had the wheeling bug ever since I first shifted a transfer case in that 85 S-10 almost 30 years ago. But maybe a little Toyota-specific history is in order.
My first "Prado" was a 2007 FJ Cruiser I bought in 2015 with 70,000 miles and a small lift on it. It was like new inside and out. I couldn't afford it when I bought it, but I adjusted my life to make it happen, and things got better nearly the entire time I owned it. The only thing I ever replaced out of necessity were the switches that turned the interior lights when you open the door. I loved this rig. I had hundreds of adventures with it and made some amazing memories. I made some unique mods, installed my first rooftop tent, and rediscovered my love of exploring trails and camping. Unfortunately, in 2020, a young driver ran a stop sign and the FJ couldn't be saved.
My next "Prado" was a 2006 Lexus GX470 I bought in 2020 with the insurance payout from the FJ. In the middle of the pandemic, used car prices went crazy. I wanted a 4Runner, but they were all 5 figures. I happened to learn about the then-relatively-unknown GX platform, and managed to find a clean one-owner example. 220,000 miles was a lot, but the 2UZ is known for its longevity and the VIN provided a full service history at a local stealership. The body and frame were in great shape, although there was some peeling paint, but every feature, button, switch, and light still worked. In the time I've had it, I've replaced the timing belt, water pump, and radiator. It has done everything I've asked of it and is fantastically comfortable to drive, but I just never fell in love with it like I had the FJ.
After looking at the new LC and GX options for over a year, I decided I needed a 1958. I wanted the round headlights, which remind me of the FJ, and preferred the mileage of the hybrid over the additional power of the GX. December 13, 2024, I took a 20-mile test drive and didn't want it to be over, so I left the dealership with my new "Prado," a 2025 Land Cruiser 1958. The GX has been great, but it never quite felt like "me." I have always missed the FJ. This new Land Cruiser feels like a comfortable, modern cross between the two. I'm looking forward to many new adventures with it!
(Edited from my original post/build name: Kaizen is a concept referring to the continuous improvement of all functions while eliminating waste and redundancies. This is widely know as a key component of Toyota's business practices, but I feel it's a great term for my automotive modification method, as well as the stage of life I'm at. What better reminder of one's priorities than literally putting yourself behind the wheel of it?)
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