
08/07/2025
A rare sight on American roads, this 1988 Toyota Blizzard 4×4 is offered at $17,900 by Cars From Afar in Cookeville, TN. Finished in white over a gray vinyl interior with patterned cloth upholstery, this right-hand-drive JDM import stands out for its compact size and serious off-road chops, showcasing Toyota’s legendary approach to rugged, go-anywhere vehicles.
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The Toyota Blizzard was originally developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and sold in Japan and select markets from 1980 through the early '90s. Essentially a reworked version of the Daihatsu Taft/Fourtrak, the Blizzard offered a smaller and more maneuverable alternative to the larger Land Cruisers while retained Toyota’s hallmark toughness. Powered by compact diesel engines, these light-duty 4x4s became cult favorites among rural Japanese farmers and off-road enthusiasts alike. The Blizzard’s short wheelbase, lightweight body, and robust ladder frame construction made it surprisingly capable on tight trails and mountain roads, cementing its reputation as one of the most underappreciated rigs from Toyota’s off-road lineage.
This particular Blizzard is powered by a turbocharged 2.4L diesel inline-four mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a dual-range transfer case, delivering both reliability and mechanical simplicity. It shows ~44,000 kilometers (~27,000 miles), with a clean Tennessee title in hand. Modifications include 15-inch aftermarket wheels wrapped in new Cooper Discoverer tires and Hella driving lights. Inside, it keeps things honest with a front winch, original seats, factory heat and A/C, a simple dash layout, and a factory-issue 4WD lever ready to lock in when the terrain turns rough.
If you're after a compact, uniquely Japanese diesel 4x4 that embodies a pure, analog driving experience, this Blizzard might be your ticket to escape.
See the full gallery, specs, and seller info today at Fourbie.com.