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My brother, a truck diesel mechanic suggested I do these things as I have bought a 2011 150 series Prado with 60 000 kms on the clock. Unfortunately I received the vehicle without its service history, apparently it doesn't have one I was told. I have posted his suggestions of things I should to do to it if someone out there is also interested. These are merely his suggestions, you may or may not agree with all of them, you may also add your own suggestions if you want.....
"Change the gearbox (manual) or transmission (automatic) oil just so that you know it is new and not contaminated in any way. Do the same for the break fluid, Then its all done and you never have to worry about it again. It may be over the top, but you never know what some clown may have done previously. Check the break rotors and pads for wear, no need to touch unless they are worn. Any Break place will typically give you the old ‘free break inspection’ because they hope to either sell you something or get your loyalty when it comes to repairs.
Now I do not know how your model drives the timing but the previous model has a rubber timing belt. I would check when they normally get changed based on kilometres and if close rather than far to this distance get this changed. This is probably one item on the list I would give a higher priority to and keep in mind it will be more expensive, phone around for quotes and definitely get one from the Toyota dealer, they obviously would be the best to change this item if they aren't too much dearer than everyone else. Belts that aren't near perfect in these vehicles can make a reasonable difference to the cars performance and fuel usage.
When and if you get the timing belt done get the tune done. Get a tune done regardless. This one is important. Again I would prefer to use the Toyota dealer for this one as they ‘will get it right’ or at least you hope so. The tune on these vehicles for your everyday mechanic is high risk unless they do them all the time. There can be a bit involved if adjustments are necessary. I would highly recommend a Toyota Dealer for this one and a tune is very high on the list.
As this car has very likely traveled some very rough roads the wheel bearings would have copped a hiding. The break people could also inspect the bearings, but I would probably be more inclined to have them lift the wheel off the ground and do a feel test. This test should only be done by ‘an old timer’ mechanic would knows what to feel for, look for and has a very good idea about what they are doing. A novice will not have a clue. They may look like they know but it is highly unlikely.
Always when getting your vehicle seen to, demand that a mechanic that is very experienced works on it, not the apprentice or someone recently graduated as a mechanic. We often get this request at work and it is always adhered to, if they don’t ask it often goes to an apprentice and vehicle is at risk, high risk in most circumstances.
You could wash with some care the radiator fins externally if the have dust in them that has collected, this may not be the case but I would give it a rinse anyway, you will soon know if they have rubbish in them as some of it will start washing to the ground. If it is really bad the radiator must be pulled out to was external of the vehicle."
"Change the gearbox (manual) or transmission (automatic) oil just so that you know it is new and not contaminated in any way. Do the same for the break fluid, Then its all done and you never have to worry about it again. It may be over the top, but you never know what some clown may have done previously. Check the break rotors and pads for wear, no need to touch unless they are worn. Any Break place will typically give you the old ‘free break inspection’ because they hope to either sell you something or get your loyalty when it comes to repairs.
Now I do not know how your model drives the timing but the previous model has a rubber timing belt. I would check when they normally get changed based on kilometres and if close rather than far to this distance get this changed. This is probably one item on the list I would give a higher priority to and keep in mind it will be more expensive, phone around for quotes and definitely get one from the Toyota dealer, they obviously would be the best to change this item if they aren't too much dearer than everyone else. Belts that aren't near perfect in these vehicles can make a reasonable difference to the cars performance and fuel usage.
When and if you get the timing belt done get the tune done. Get a tune done regardless. This one is important. Again I would prefer to use the Toyota dealer for this one as they ‘will get it right’ or at least you hope so. The tune on these vehicles for your everyday mechanic is high risk unless they do them all the time. There can be a bit involved if adjustments are necessary. I would highly recommend a Toyota Dealer for this one and a tune is very high on the list.
As this car has very likely traveled some very rough roads the wheel bearings would have copped a hiding. The break people could also inspect the bearings, but I would probably be more inclined to have them lift the wheel off the ground and do a feel test. This test should only be done by ‘an old timer’ mechanic would knows what to feel for, look for and has a very good idea about what they are doing. A novice will not have a clue. They may look like they know but it is highly unlikely.
Always when getting your vehicle seen to, demand that a mechanic that is very experienced works on it, not the apprentice or someone recently graduated as a mechanic. We often get this request at work and it is always adhered to, if they don’t ask it often goes to an apprentice and vehicle is at risk, high risk in most circumstances.
You could wash with some care the radiator fins externally if the have dust in them that has collected, this may not be the case but I would give it a rinse anyway, you will soon know if they have rubbish in them as some of it will start washing to the ground. If it is really bad the radiator must be pulled out to was external of the vehicle."
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