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Hi all - GREAT forum - have only been reading for 2 days but have learned so much!
My Dad has had a Prado (2001, GXL) for 4 years, and I'm finally considering buying my own.
Hummed & hawed about the 150 series, but then decided to wait 12-18mths to see if any issues surface that need to be resolved, and how the new models perform with the test of time.
So... currently searching hard for a 2008 Grande... initially looking at diesel, but now thinking V6 petrol.
As a Prado-lover, but novice first-time buyer, I would REALLY appreciate any advice/opinions etc on the following:
1. Spoke with an ARB salesman yesterday that said they could NOT modify the suspension in the Grande (or the new Kakadu) due to the hydraulic components. He said it wouldn't take long for the original suspension to start to suffer under moderate vehicle loads and off-road use. Suggested buying the GXL or VX and up-speccing it..
2. I know a lot of serious (?!) 4DW-ers say diesel diesel diesel.... but I would love some opinions from those who are pro-petrol and who do a lot of off-roading and towing.
Just to put you in the picture wrt my current/future plans: I am travelling the east coast of Australia (north) from April-December 2010, with minor 4WD-ing planned - just some beach access and non-challenging bush/forest paths.
After this, as my own experience increases, I will be looking to do more serious off-roading, and want to up-spec my vehicle for off-road towing (camper-trailer) and some down&dirty fun!
So the big decisions are - 1.Grande or VX and 2.Petrol or diesel?
Thanks for your advice guys!
My Dad has had a Prado (2001, GXL) for 4 years, and I'm finally considering buying my own.
Hummed & hawed about the 150 series, but then decided to wait 12-18mths to see if any issues surface that need to be resolved, and how the new models perform with the test of time.
So... currently searching hard for a 2008 Grande... initially looking at diesel, but now thinking V6 petrol.
As a Prado-lover, but novice first-time buyer, I would REALLY appreciate any advice/opinions etc on the following:
1. Spoke with an ARB salesman yesterday that said they could NOT modify the suspension in the Grande (or the new Kakadu) due to the hydraulic components. He said it wouldn't take long for the original suspension to start to suffer under moderate vehicle loads and off-road use. Suggested buying the GXL or VX and up-speccing it..
2. I know a lot of serious (?!) 4DW-ers say diesel diesel diesel.... but I would love some opinions from those who are pro-petrol and who do a lot of off-roading and towing.
Just to put you in the picture wrt my current/future plans: I am travelling the east coast of Australia (north) from April-December 2010, with minor 4WD-ing planned - just some beach access and non-challenging bush/forest paths.
After this, as my own experience increases, I will be looking to do more serious off-roading, and want to up-spec my vehicle for off-road towing (camper-trailer) and some down&dirty fun!
So the big decisions are - 1.Grande or VX and 2.Petrol or diesel?
Thanks for your advice guys!
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