V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Hey Dan,

Just to give you some different perspective, I bought an 05 V6 auto 3 years ago, with 80k on the clock for 30k even, dude was asking 33k at the time, but had already bought a new car, and was desperate to sell. There was a small ding in the roof where he'd knocked his surfboard getting off the roofrails, so I nagged him about that, and he just said bang, ok, 30k and it's yours ! This car had never been off road ! I was very, very lucky.

Unfortunately I wrote this car off in a big washout on Fraser early last year, and when I got my payout from the insurance, I got 37k ! I walked straight into an 06 with 80k on it, which also had never been off road.

If I had my 37k and was shopping, and found an 05 with 30k on it, I would buy it in a heartbeat !

120 Prados are holding their value extremely well, just go and do a statistical average on price as a function of km's from carsales, they have actually increased in value over the last couple of years !

....and that petrol power, you can't beat it ! It is an absolutely awesome car to drive, and it really hums along for a 2 ton vehicle !

If you're concerned about remote outback long distance travel with a petrol vehicle, stick in a long range tank in the back, if you manage to get it for 34-35k, use that extra 2k to shove in a 170 litre tank in the back !

I'm hitting the Simspon in a few weeks with my petrol 120, and all I need is a few jerries on the roof, no biggie !

Bottom line is, 37k is not too much for a 120 05 V6, it is an absolute bargain !

Best

Whitey

[Bear Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bear]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Well, I made an offer of $34k for the V6 '05 Prado today. The owner said she would think about it so at least she didnt say no! I believe $34k is a respectable offer given the year / model of the Prado and the fact its a petrol. Just have to wait and see. There's another one I saw on carsales with 55,000kms for $40k. It has leather interior, tint, tow bar and looks to be in pretty good condition. Nice car, but $40k??

Hope it works for you ... sounds like a very good buy at that; even better if you do not need bull bars etc. And yes I agree, being a petrol does make It worth quite a few dollars more than the slow smelly diesel :mrgreen: .

Cheers, Bear

PS G'day Amts and Steve, good work on pointing out the shortcomings of the VX!

[Bear Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bear]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Hey Dan, I just read the comments by Steve and Whitey and they mount very sound arguments ... Although Steve, I would still buy petrol, even if cost was not an issue. Of course, if I was buying new I would probably go D4D, but only because the V6 depreciates faster in the first couple of years. Then again, if cost was not an issue I would still prefer to buy one that had gone thru its major depreciation ... so I guess i'm stuck with petrol

Anyway, the good point you both make; this car is unlikely to remain on the market for any length of time. I would "buy it in a heartbeat" too. I'm surprised it has not SOLD ALREADY :!: :!: Try to get the price down but pay what I had too. The time spent looking for another one as good value would, imo, outweigh the benefits. Go for it :!: (imho, of course)

Bear

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

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Well, she said no to $34k and the vehicle was registered today so I guess I'm going to have to be a little more competitive. I've put $36k on the plate, if she says no to that I think I'll walk and look elsewhere. Waiting waiting...

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Personally I wouldnt pay anymore then 36, but then thats me. Anymore then that and you start getting into the VX model and theres some about was looking the other night, yes might have more klms but these motors (4 Litre) are good for well beyond 300k + with servicing, have seen the old 3.4 up around the 400k mark and still going strong, all to do with servicing and not flogging the arse out of them. Personally these days I think you will get higher klms out of the petrol motors then you will with these high tec diesel engines, time will tell. Sold my old 2.8D hilux with 300k on it and till this day still going strong, he did have to get the gear box overhauled though. Yes a dog of a motor compared to any thing turbo or late model but that old girl was reliable as, my 1kz I had 103k on it when the head went, 3 & 1/2g later to fix it. D4D dont have head issues but would scare me once out of warranty, not a problem if you update every few years or leased, company car etc. I think any thing these days if I was to buy a 150 D4D (yeah when I win lotto or 10 year time LOL) I would definately take out the extra care warranty with out a doubt.Good luck with it and hope she comes good, as I said before she hasnt sold it so maybe thats saying some thing about the price ?? and they do sell........ Regards Steve

Well, she said no to $34k and the vehicle was registered today so I guess I'm going to have to be a little more competitive. I've put $36k on the plate, if she says no to that I think I'll walk and look elsewhere. Waiting waiting...

[Bear Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bear]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Personally I wouldnt pay anymore then 36, but then thats me. Anymore then that and you start getting into the VX model and theres some about was looking the other night, yes might have more klms but these motors (4 Litre) are good for well beyond 300k + with servicing, have seen the old 3.4 up around the 400k mark and still going strong, all to do with servicing and not flogging the arse out of them. Personally these days I think you will get higher klms out of the petrol motors then you will with these high tec diesel engines, time will tell. Sold my old 2.8D hilux with 300k on it and till this day still going strong, he did have to get the gear box overhauled though. Yes a dog of a motor compared to any thing turbo or late model but that old girl was reliable as, my 1kz I had 103k on it when the head went, 3 & 1/2g later to fix it. D4D dont have head issues but would scare me once out of warranty, not a problem if you update every few years or leased, company car etc. I think any thing these days if I was to buy a 150 D4D (yeah when I win lotto or 10 year time LOL) I would definately take out the extra care warranty with out a doubt.Good luck with it and hope she comes good, as I said before she hasnt sold it so maybe thats saying some thing about the price ?? and they do sell........ Regards Steve

Well, she said no to $34k and the vehicle was registered today so I guess I'm going to have to be a little more competitive. I've put $36k on the plate, if she says no to that I think I'll walk and look elsewhere. Waiting waiting...

Steve, I play tennis with a mechanic who also drives a 120 V6. Last night we were chatting about our prados and asked about his choice to go petrol rather than D4D. He was saying that in his opinion the 4l petrol is a FAR BETTER motor than the D4D and, to his mind, the reduced servicing costs on the petrol meant that it cost no more to run than the diesel. He cited a whole number of reasons why he preferred the petrol to the diesel but considered the decision a no-brainer. And, he has just returned from an Australia wide 4wd trip.

Dan, pity yours is not in Queensland; I would be seriously tempted to trump your offer :mrgreen: .

Seriously tho, I do hope it works out for you.

Cheers, Bear

[chester Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close chester]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

I got an 05 1kzTe Auto for if you want it

My add would read as follows

Fully stock "translation: just ignore the BF's, ARB bullbar, spot lights, 2 inch lift, duel batteries, roof rack, snorkle, tekonsha, and home made storage system as these are all factory options"
Never been off road "translation has been on a half lap around australia"
Never been through water "true i would call it more under water"
Never towed " just ignore the goldstream hanging off the the back"
No accident damage " the paint scratches add character and yes the big dent in the fuel tank bash plate is a factory option"
Heaps of power "well yes with the chip in, a tail wind and heading towards the ocean on a full moon"
Low kilometers "just ignore that other zero after the 18,000 and you will be happy"

But like the Toyota service manager said when i came in with it covered in more dust than a sand storm "geez youve done some k's but man they look like fun k's" and at the end of the day that is all that matters

Pm me if interested i will even throw in a "to the end of the driveway warrenty"

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

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Hmm, decisions decisions. The lady is taking her sweet time to get back to me, I think she's hoping there will be other offers before she gives me a reply. In the mean time, I've just been 'offered' a 2008 GXL V6 auto with BFG tyres (and full tread), otherwise stock, with 60,000kms for $39,000. It's in very good condition too. I'm tempted to say the least. What do you guys reckon?

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

In the mean time, I've just been 'offered' a 2008 GXL V6 auto with BFG tyres (and full tread), otherwise stock, with 60,000kms for $39,000. It's in very good condition too. I'm tempted to say the least. What do you guys reckon?

I've seen people asking $45K for those. The offer sounds good but needs the usual check.

[Bear Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bear]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Hmm, decisions decisions. The lady is taking her sweet time to get back to me, I think she's hoping there will be other offers before she gives me a reply. In the mean time, I've just been 'offered' a 2008 GXL V6 auto with BFG tyres (and full tread), otherwise stock, with 60,000kms for $39,000. It's in very good condition too. I'm tempted to say the least. What do you guys reckon?

Sounds like another good deal (subject to being in excellent condition)Takes the pressure off you ! The 08s have a few upgrades on the 05 too. If this one was negotiable, I guess you might be seriously tempted.

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

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

The '08 is in a local Toyota dealership here in my part of Sydney and was originally for sale for $45k (and still is), but Ive gotten to know one of the salesmen over the last few months. I drove past the dealership and quickly stopped to have a look at what was around and there it was! After a chat with the salesman he offered it to me for $39k flat. It comes with the standard 3yr warranty etc. The car was sold by them new and has been maintained by them for each service. It belonged to a company director and he's just traded it in for a new Prado. Apart from a few very minor chips on the left front door, its in magic condition. The interior looks virtually mark free. Judging from the rear cargo area, Im not sure that the rear door has ever been opened because it looks new. I guess its weighing up whether its worth the extra dollars for a vehicle that has an extra 30,000kms on the clock over the '05 model. Like I say though, tempting.

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

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Go the 08, more goodies and newer car, the klm's although higher don't really make big difference.

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

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Well, the owner of the '05 agreed to $36k. I went and spoke to the dealership again about the '08 Prado and apparently $39k is not on the table, the salesman who offered that price stated his boss wouldnt have it, too low. We sat down and tried to work something out and I considered a trade-in of my wife's '05 Rav4. After half an hour of haggling the best they would offer was $33,500 with the trade in of the Rav4. Anyway, I haven't replied to the owner of the '05 Prado yet, the '08 is a nice car, but that difference in price (especially if I sell the Rav4 privately and get at least $10k-$12k for it) is big, and the sale of the Rav4 can help pay for a lot of aftermarket goodies! But, the '08 is a nice car...

Sheesh, who knew this would be so hard! I'll have a think about it tonight and make the call in the morning.

[Bear Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bear]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Well, the owner of the '05 agreed to $36k. I went and spoke to the dealership again about the '08 Prado and apparently $39k is not on the table, the salesman who offered that price stated his boss wouldnt have it, too low. We sat down and tried to work something out and I considered a trade-in of my wife's '05 Rav4. After half an hour of haggling the best they would offer was $33,500 with the trade in of the Rav4. Anyway, I haven't replied to the owner of the '05 Prado yet, the '08 is a nice car, but that difference in price (especially if I sell the Rav4 privately and get at least $10k-$12k for it) is big, and the sale of the Rav4 can help pay for a lot of aftermarket goodies! But, the '08 is a nice car...

Sheesh, who knew this would be so hard! I'll have a think about it tonight and make the call in the morning.

Your Rav4 has to worth, assuming it is in good nik, somewhere around $15 or $17k (lowest price on carsales is just under 16) - even if you work on a bargain price of, say, $14,500, the dealer is actually offering to sell you the Prado for $48,000. That sure puts a different perspective on things. I don't want to sound pessimistic, but I wonder if he was just trying to suck you in. I've known of car salesmen to do that (had the experience myself in years gone by). "Yeah mate, I can do you a real good deal" then when we get all keen "oh dear, sorry mate, my boss just won't let me go that low" (I can't say what I think of this sort of tactic - but it happens all the time). Anyway, the salesman's plan is that by this stage we are so keen we will pay the xtra so as not to "miss the good deal". Problem is, it is no longer a good deal at all. IMHO, it's a very poor deal.

Even if you only got $12k for the Rav (is there something wrong with it to make it worth so little - if its a 4door, I would think you would have no trouble getting $15?), that prices the 08 at $45,500 NO BARGAIN at that.

Sure makes the 05 look a whole lot better . That is just my opinion.

And, of course, now that the 05 has been registered - you are effectively being offered it for $35k - relative to the original situation.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Re: V6 '05 - Is $37k Too Much?

Yeah Dan thats the problem when you have a trade in they play with the price of it, not really the price of the one your buying (they call it ""change over"") Go the 05, yes the 08 has more goodies but if not in your price range then I wouldnt over strecth the budget and if i was to trade in my wifes car she would have killed me lol. Sounds like the other salesman was full of it just to get you in the door ??? Think I was lucky with the sales man I was dealing with, and was lucky I reckon they dropped it from 36 to 32,500, must have wanted a sale plus I had the cash no trade in, had sold the 90 grande prior. You have technically $800 in rego so had you payed 37 for it, you would of had to outlay for rego anyway had you bought it before she renewed it.. So would have cost you 37,800 had you payed full price at the start of it all. 36 sounding pretty good to me. Regards Steve

Well, the owner of the '05 agreed to $36k. I went and spoke to the dealership again about the '08 Prado and apparently $39k is not on the table, the salesman who offered that price stated his boss wouldnt have it, too low. We sat down and tried to work something out and I considered a trade-in of my wifes '05 Rav4. After half an hour of haggling the best they would offer was $33,500 with the trade in of the Rav4. Anyway, I haven't replied to the owner of the '05 Prado yet, the '08 is a nice car, but that difference in price (especially if I sell the Rav4 privately and get at least $10k-$12k for it) is big, and the sale of the Rav4 can help pay for a lot of aftermarket goodies! But, the '08 is a nice car...

Sheesh, who knew this would be so hard! I'll have a think about it tonight and make the call in the morning.