Finally bought one...

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

After much looking, discussing, researching, test driving, haggling, poking, prodding and answering the question "why do you need a vehicle this big?".... My new to me Prado, is in my garage.

(My significant other is overseas right now. I can't wait to see her face when I pick her up...)

I was initially looking at GXL's, but I ended up with a 2005 VX Petrol auto, with 164,000kms. It seems the previous owner spent a bit of coin on it as it has:

ARB Deluxe bullbar,
Winch,
TJM XGS Gold suspension (50mm lift)
Dual batteries (both new)
Redarc battery management system
Near new BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres,
Rear cargo mat
Tinted windows,
Tow bar with 12 pin plug and Anderson plug
Electric trailer brake controller
Diff breathers
Rustproofed (no receipt, so I can't be sure about this one)

Is there anything else I need to add? I'm planning on places like Fraser Island, Cape York, Flinders Ranges, plus the various weekend getaways up and down the east coast, etc, to give an idea of how it will be used.

Is it worth adding a stronger rear diff and diff locker? Is so, any recommendations?

I haven't owned an off road vehicle for some years. Whats considered the must have items in terms of spares, recovery gear, etc?

Any help, tips, tricks and advice greatly appreciated.

[Guest Close Guest]

Recovery points, Maxtrax, awning (usually need roof racks), Sandgrabba mats, spotties, Hilux washer jets, LED bulbs for the ARB bar, LED interior lights.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

An 05 VX has traction control so no real need for a locker unless you want to get seriously lost.

[macaroon1 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close macaroon1]

Beach...you've got a seriously nice vehicle there with not too many K's IMO! You've bought the vehicle I would possibly buy ..if I was buying now!! The grande has TC but it's got the moonroof and most of them are extremely prone to rust and useless(?). You've also the petrol in auto form, again I'd have gone this way. I'll second amt's first three on his list as quite important, you've pretty much got all the other essentials! Just get out there and enjoy it and see if you need anything else down the track, the T.C is pretty bloody good. It's no locker but with your lift and TC I'm sure you can get most (95%) places!

[Corigator Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Corigator]

Beach,If you are going ot do Cape York, you will need a snorkle.It sounds like a bit of a beast. I'm sure you will enjoy it. Welcome to the club.

[butane8 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close butane8]

Is there anything else I need to add? ...............Any help, tips, tricks and advice greatly appreciated.

nice buy mate, just keep a eye on the dash for cracks,
(05' is in the middle of the fault range for cracking dashes)

check under the rear door seal for rust,

, hope the wife see's the wisdom in your choice.. cheers butane.. enjoy

[Smithy - 120 D4D Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Smithy - 120 D4D]

I would put a compressor under the bonnet if you have the room, as well... Congrats on the purchase!

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Compressor-under bonnet or moveable, plus recovery gear. My 06 VX also has a snorkle. Unless you are into serious rock hopping the traction control will do it all so save on the diff lock. It is set up pretty much like mine [111000 km]. it will go anywhere in silence and with heaps of go if you push it. Enjoy. Neil

[shakergt351 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close shakergt351]

Snorkel, lockers, drawer system, air compressor, roof rack and maybe a chip.

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

Thanks for the replies and welcome. It sure is a very nice vehicle to drive. I'm very happy with it so far. I can't wait to have a play in it.

So I have a few things to shop for. Maybe I should do that before my beloved gets back?

Can I ask what a chip would do for it? Is it just a performance thing? It certainly has plenty of poke as it is.

Is there any sort of preventative measure to stop the dash cracking?

I found some info on this site about recovery points. I had a look under the front and theres a couple of plates (with holes) bolted beside the tie down loops on each side. They appear to be part of the bullbar install and fit the description of recovery points. Do these pass muster for PP gatherings? I will add some pics later.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

A chip will give you more power and torque but in doing so takes away some of the conservative nature of the factory tune. I am not someone who thinks chips are a good idea but if you want a more aggressive tune by all means find someone who has a rolling road dynamometer and get a tune rather than a piggy back chip.

Snorkel is a definite (I missed that initially). Enjoy your new toy!

[butane8 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close butane8]

b4 u chip

boyz will help me out , ( cant think of the product name ) but beers are kickin in,,,,

there is a throttle adapter , plug in style that lets u adjust the response of the throttle , same donk , same factory chip
but allows variation of the delay or speed up the opening of the throttle body.. cheap solution if you want to spend more fuel

cheers butane

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

boyz will help me out , ( cant think of the product name ) but beers are kickin in,,,,

there is a throttle adapter , plug in style that lets u adjust the response of the throttle , same donk , same factory chip
but allows variation of the delay or speed up the opening of the throttle body.. cheap solution if you want to spend more fuel

cheers butane

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...-special-price

How's that butane...

Wes

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Just think of baked beans Butane.

[butane8 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close butane8]

wind booster

very funny mate. would get this b4 a chip , ive got a v6 tho?
thx for the re-call, cheers butane

u2 wes