DIESELS......RELIABILITY

[Guest Close Guest]

Hi , im about to shell out major bucks on a new/newish prado, so I would like to ask those of you who run them on a regular basis..........Are there any bad points ? particularly with the engines and transmission . How do they compare overall with the likes of the pajero ? Which is the best model to go for ? Ive heard a little bit of bad press about the suspension bottoming out, which isnt really too much of an issue, but.......what would it cost( aproximately) to rectify this before it happens? Finally ......marks out of ten for electrical department ? All help much appreciated. 8)

[mav Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close mav]

Re: DIESELS......RELIABILITY

Hi , im about to shell out major bucks on a new/newish prado, so I would like to ask those of you who run them on a regular basis..........Are there any bad points ? particularly with the engines and transmission . How do they compare overall with the likes of the pajero ? Which is the best model to go for ? Ive heard a little bit of bad press about the suspension bottoming out, which isnt really too much of an issue, but.......what would it cost( aproximately) to rectify this before it happens? Finally ......marks out of ten for electrical department ? All help much appreciated. 8)

Well I doubt many owners on this forum would stick up for the Pajeros, me included but that is because I have friends who have had very bad experiences with Pajeros. Personally, would I go with the D4D again if I had my time over? Well the coin is still in the air on that one. I do like the low down torque but I have had a few issues that hopefully Toyota have now resolved. As for suspension well if you intend to do a lot of off road work then a lift kit is essential imo. But the same would be needed for the Pajero too. You can get a reasonable lift kit for around the $1000.00. Without a doubt, even with the minor problems associated with the D4D Prado I would take the Prado ove rthe Pajero any day, full stop!

[Roman Mosshammer Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Roman Mosshammer]

Re: DIESELS......RELIABILITY

Taking a drive in both will give you the answer as I believe they are both good cars. I did this recently and decided on the Prado. Mine is an 06 and the Pajero was an 07 common rail. Even though my 06 in non Common rail I still felt it was a nicer car. The power difference was not an issue between these 2 cars. Given the current D4D drama's I am happy to trust the 06 when the cards are down. There is no choice of fuel at Old Andado Station! Most out back stations keep their fuel in above ground tanks which means they will be likely to have water in their fuel and therefore particulate matter also. Any money saved through economy will be more than spent if you have a problem in remote Australia. I do believe that Common rail is the future but there is a few bugs to remove before we can reliably use such high pressures as in the D4D Prado. I am unsure if the Pajero is experiencing similar problems, I think perhaps not. Roman

[stephen61 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close stephen61]

Re: DIESELS......RELIABILITY

Hi

Good question - one i agonized over as well. Drove both vehicles back then and went the prado obviously.
Now having injector troubles re noisy/load cold starts and no1 injector just replaced under warranty i am feeling big regrets.
Having encine problems at 40k has really rocked my boat....
I planned to run the Prado for at least 6 -8 years but now i wonder will the motor etc be up for that without costly repairs down the "out of warranty" track.
The Prado is a great drive, have really enjoyed tarting her up, love getting out and away in this great country of ours but.
Well every morning i listen to the motor, watch my antenna for excessive vibrations (its a good visual indicator) and worry over the 3 original injectors - cant help it.
On a pos note 08 prados onwards should have the new fuel injectors and hopefully no problems.
So good luck with your decision.