Always check car's VIN in order to get it's info and history. You can easily do it using some online service like https://www.epicvin.com/en. It is a really important thing
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Buying a Prado - what to look out for
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I might get in trouble for this - but this is my "repairable write off" for sale again. Dead give away for me was the PradoPoint Stikers, phone cradle and rear door light. Being sold as a GXL - only looks like the wheels have been upgraded to alloy....
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1088009061[FONT=Century Gothic][B][SIZE=4][URL="http://www.pradopoint.com.au/showthread.php?36057-Ryback-s-Flinders-Red-120"][COLOR="#B22222"]'04 120 Petrol Flinders Red GXL[/URL][/COLOR][/B][/FONT][/SIZE]
with ARB Catalog, with TJM add ons!
[CENTER][SIGPIC][/SIGPIC][/CENTER]
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Hi Jason,What an informative report,thanks,I have a 90 series prado that i really love,taken it everywhere and no major issues so far.i do have a question however in regards to the rear upper and lower control arms.is it possible to get a thump from them only in reverse? ive recently replaced my auto due to worn clutches,and now i get this thump in reverse when in sand or mud,it definately comes from rear of the truck,now up around 260.000km mark.cheers dave.
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Thanks for this info. It really helped me pick the right 150 series. 2 of the dealer Prados I looked at had cracked inner guards on the left front.CJ, Gold Coast QLD
2010 Prado GXL with too many accessories to mention. Future add ons include: Rhino Pioneer Platform, upgraded shocks (current Tough Dog 50mm), Catch can & compressor. Getting rig ready for Simpson Desert 2017.
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150 series things to look for:
3L Turbo diesel.
Number 3 or 4 piston cracking/holing at around 134000km. Don't get a Toyota service department to fix. This is a known problem for D4D engines.
Toyota know this and do not care. I found out they are up to revision 7 pistons to fix this problem.
Transfer case final out shaft bearing. This is a very thin walled socket like thing with splines inside. It can crack and completely break.
If the engine at idle ticks, walk away. This is the sound of a piston dying.
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Originally posted by wholesalesuspension View Post90 Series things to look out for.
Suspension:
-As these are now getting on in the years, we are seeing more failures of rear upper trailing arms. Keep an eye on them. We have developed a larger stronger replacement arm for these specifically to rectify this. Steer clear of eBay replacement arms that look like the genuine ones, as they won't last 6 months in 4wd'ing situations. I have a box of snapped eBay ones at work.
-Bushings in front ends have a life of around 200,000kms to 230,000kms. If they haven't been done already, budget in at some stage for front lower & upper control arm bushes. Expect around 6-7hrs labour charge for these as they are a bugger to do.
-Panhard Rod bushes: Common to wear out around the 180-200k mark. They get a longitudinal wobble in the car when they are gone, a really weird feeling. Even a quality replacement part is not a dear fix for this one.
Steering:
-Front Lower ball joint wear with age. Do not Skimp on cheaper parts. These are under huge stress loads & checpies are lucky ot last 12-18 months. A genuine part at approx $330.00ea or a good quality aftermarket part like a 555 Ball Joint are all i would put in my own car.
- Steering rack bushes. Very common wear item on these, with the bushes wearing and the rack shifting side to side.
A good Superpro or equivalent set are a good cheap fix for them.
- Inner & Outer tie rod ends. Have started to see a few higher km vehicles wearing these out lately. Again, buy the best you can afford. 555 make the best outer tie rod ends for them and Roadsafe do a good quality inner rack end for them. 99% of the ebay junk is just that on these vehicles, with very poor life expectancy.
-Steering Racks... (i have had mine rebuilt 3 times by a moron, and it still knocks) Steer clear of cheap Chinese eBay new units & either Reco your own, or find a reputable Steering Specialist for a new one.
-Rear lower trailing arm bushes. Mine are still going strong at 270,000kms, so just keep an eye on them and replace as required.
Hope this helps everyone a little.
Kind Regards, Jason.
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I am thinking of buying 2019 Kakadu. Rang local salesman and asked about air bag suspension. He told me all Prados have spring coils and that air bags would be a later addition. Today I downloaded the specification document which clearly shows fitted airbags and onboard compressor. Hmmm Anyone know of any problems with Kakadu?Prado GXL 2012 Charcoal - Drifta Drawers, Cargo Barrier, Sidewinder Dual Battery kit, Ironman Bar, Narva lights, Safari Snorkel, Airbags, TX3350 kit, Waeco CFX65DZ - often seen with Thule 2.2M narrow roof pod and towing 2014 Kimberley Kamper. Could be anywhere!
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Additionally, they disclaim any liability for the passenger seat warmer, another aftermarket item. In a High Court case, Toyota's stance on the aforementioned seat warmer is being contested. The court notes that Toyota may be required to advise drivers to remove the seat warmer because it poses a risk by placing warning labels that are readily visible to them.
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