My first Prado, plz help

[mystq Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mystq]

Hi everyone,

I know im new here, go easy one me

I'm about to go out and purchase my first Prado. I drive one for work (2003 gxl ) and is a very capable vehicle. It's a diesel and I think I should go for a diesel model and not the petrol, have seen quite a few people complain about the fuel consumption for the petrol model.I have roughly $23000 cash and my trade in (2002 Hyundai accent) For the money what should I be looking for, I don't want to look to high
I would mainly be using the vehicle for going bush for a few days
( Me and the missus both do 5/5 ( 5 days on 5 days off)
Thanks for reading,

Richard & Danielle.

[Signature035 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Signature035]

Welcolme Richard & Danielle

Depends on wether you are going to put money in on top as well........Redbook puts the Accent around $7,000 ? + $23,000 gives you $30,000, which would probably get you a 2004 petrol but I believe you will fall a bit short for a diesel. (possibly a GX?)
The other alternative is to go the 90 series.....with lots left over to upgrade.
Either way, great decission.

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

You could try checking out carsales.com.au.

[Guest Close Guest]

I am not going to allow another diesel vs petrol thread to start.

But I find the Petrol consumption excellent.. Plenty of threads you can search to see the figures I constantly get.

Just got 11.5 litres per 100 on a fairly heavily laden trip. Constant hi 12's early 13's around town.

[mystq Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mystq]

Thanks all, I was looking at a 1998 Toyota Landcruiser Prado VX Grande 4x4 Wagon origonal owner and serviced since new, $16,990 does this sound like a fair price
( car is in IMMACULATE condition)

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

From what i've seen of 98 models ... they were, and if in good nic, would think still are, a good vehicle. What if you were to post your query under
the General (90 Series) heading. Maybe read some of their reviews.

One thing i think the 90 series have going for them, you can go anywhere and if you've only got 16k or so invested, you don't worry about a knock or scratch. Some good deals around at the moment, so good luck.

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

I own a 98 GXL and so far with 170,000klms on the clock ive had no problems. The Grade on the other hand have alot more gadgets on them and more to playup in the future, but the decsion is yours. Beats buying a Pajero anyday :lol:

[mystq Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mystq]

Thanks for all the help. Will be heading up on the 2nd of next month to pick it up will post pics when I get it, then on to the mods

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

I just sold my 97 VX Grande for $15,500. Took a while too. It had done 200,000km and in mint condition. Only thing I ever replaced ( other than filters etc) was the starter motor, apparently they are a common issue.

Mystq, You don't say what kays the vehicle has done. With avg kays (20,000 per year) these prados are super value. Reliable as. but I always check out how a used car runs and drives, among other things, to see how it has been treated.

[mystq Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mystq]

Hi,
might be heading up today to get it instead of the 2nd.
can any one tell me how to tell if it's an import model?
cheers
Richard and Danielle

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

Mate, i'd be wanting to research the vehicle quite carefully before handing over my money. Just think; it might have been thrashed by a PP'er :lol: Have you seen where some of these guys take their toys.

Seriously though. I would at least do some research through REVS as well as through the relevant Gov't agency (Transport dept or similar) - you can check ownership history. Also, i would be CERTAIN to get a thorough mechanical AND BODY check done - and NOT by the mechanic suggested by the dealer. You should be able to find out who owned it previously; give them a call. The dealer should be able to give you this information - if he won't :evil: :evil: should set off warning bells.

Just me sticking my nose in :? Hope it works out well for you and the vehicle is a great one. By the way, you didn't mention how many Ks? or whether it is diesel or petrol.

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

All good advice Bear - I just purchased a 2004 Prado and without even thinking I was keen to hand over the money until someone with a steady head told me to do some more research.

www.rac.com.au has a good generalised guide for purchasing a second hand car and what to consider - well worth it for peace of mind.

[mystq Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mystq]

Thanks all held of after all the advice, But dam it was nice!!!