REVIEW : 150 Diesel Auto GXL 7000k (5 1/2 week)

[LaoK User account deleted at own request. Find all posts View Profile Close LaoK]

Re: REVIEW : 150 Diesel Auto GXL 7000k (5 1/2 week)

I have a 3L diesel Kakadu and it seems to opt for the highest gear possible. The engine is strong and lumbers along in 5th at about 1600rpm. However, there are times when I want it to kick down and it doesn't so I shift to Sports mode and pull it down. This annoys the wife who thinks that I should leave it alone and remain in D. From what I have read in the manual the automatic transmission adjusts to your driving style when in D (AI). So if I have been driving like an old f*rt (which i am) then it programmes itself accordingly. Then when hoon in me comes out the auto shows lag and disappoints. That's when I go for "S".

I like the diesel engine though; it is my first diesel. It's not quiet but I like the torque that a diesel engine has. I can live without the acceleration of my Commodore.

Yeah the Owner/User manuals are heavy reading. I have read them twice and am still learning about this vehicle. Some clever bugger designed all the electronic logic for this vehicle. The warnings - displays on screen and audible beeps - (Toyota's litigation fears) are annoying but we just have to get used to that.

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

Re: REVIEW : 150 Diesel Auto GXL 7000k (5 1/2 week)

first time I have seen this thread, nice review Hoges.
My first Prado and my first auto.
The auto is too slow changing down and it appears to be set up to max fuel economy.
I haven`t had any auto temp issues after 13000km, mine is built April, from memory. But if I get on a windy steep road even if it wants to stay in top I flick it across to manual. It gives me more control, I can steer a bit with throttle and when I want to accelerate I don`t have to wait for it to sort itself out. I would like it to have a sports button that sharpens up the response from the auto.

If there is any brains in the auto, mine must be asleep or busy driving all the stupid bells and chimes, but then I am driving a car designed by the people that created the Avalon and Aurion. Driving dynamics master pieces that they are.

Other than that its a great car, can appreciate the issues of space with the last row of seats, but have no regrets, love the car.



Would like to see a 6 speed auto, there seems to be a hole between 4th and 5th. It does have plenty of torque, there could always be more, but once the revs are up it holds on ok. It could definitely do with a bit more horsepower though, would love to see a twin turbo V6 with 160Kw + and 500Nm + and 6 speed auto. Noise aside, the engine/auto combination in the Pajero does a better job, now to wash my mouth out.

[Hubble80 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hubble80]

Re: REVIEW : 150 Diesel Auto GXL 7000k (5 1/2 week)

Ok, inside we have a single start button; push once for Accessories, push again for On, then depress the brake pedal, push the button a 3rd time and she starts up. Jazzy. Again, the remote fob stays in my pocket. The front seats in the 150 have less padding than the 120, well at least to my bony, narrow ass they do, however the seats in the 150 aren't uncomfortable. The longest drive I've done so far is 7hrs, and I felt fine when I got out of the vehicle. The height adjustment of the drivers seat is a nice touch though. I like the dash layout and the controls are easy to read and reach. The features of the trip computer are good, such as range until empty, L/100ks etc. Not quite a Scangauge but working on it...maybe. One thing with this though, I have noticed, as have others in this forum, that the readings are inaccurate.

Hoges...

Great review and a great insight for me as I am considering upgrading to the 150 in June 2011. I noticed your comments about the seats. I am intrigued. I am also about 6'2" and when I drive long distances I tend to get a sore tailbone as my wife does occasionally also. I am wondering if you have ever gotten this and if it is improved or worsened in the 150? Look forward to reading your comments.

Pete

[Hoges Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Hoges]

Re: REVIEW : 150 Diesel Auto GXL 7000k (5 1/2 week)

Great review and a great insight for me as I am considering upgrading to the 150 in June 2011. I noticed your comments about the seats. I am intrigued. I am also about 6'2" and when I drive long distances I tend to get a sore tailbone as my wife does occasionally also. I am wondering if you have ever gotten this and if it is improved or worsened in the 150? Look forward to reading your comments.

Pete

Thanks for the feedback on the review.

As for the seats, I guess I have gotten used to them, even after an 8 hrs day on the seat I feel ok.

After 11 mths and 59,000ks, I wont be choosing a Prado as a replacement vehicle. This is for a number of reasons, being:

1. Lack of space - with a 40lt Engel and home made storage (read drawer set-up without the drawers) there's not much space left in the rear for luggage etc. Having said that, I was able to fit a table to the inside of the rear door which has been great, and also serves as a nappy change table for the baby.
2. Lack of ground clearance - the 150 GXL Prado in standard trim is a soccer mums vehicle, and while capable enough off road, it does lack ground clearance. Having said that, it does stick to the black top and is very predictable, even with MTZ's fitted (by the way, a great tyre and reduces the instances where I have needed to engage low range, they make that much of a difference).

I will most likey go to a Hilux with drawers/canopy w/bars for the roof cage, as the extra space this offers will suit me. I realise it may not handle on the road as well as the Prado, but I anticipate a trade off when off road. It runs the same drivetrain as the Prado, and after my current issue with the Prado http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=11596, I may need to reconsider and choose another manufacturer.........

On a more somber note, I have just watched the news and my thoughts are with those effected by the floods on the east coast and the fires in the west.

[PhilB Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close PhilB]

Re: REVIEW : 150 Diesel Auto GXL 7000k (5 1/2 week)

It was interesting reading the info in this thread and a very good review of the prado. I am buying a Prado GX mainly because I didn't want to have the reduced space due to the third row in the GXL. The fact that I don't get the luxury extras doesn't bother me as all the technical aspects appear to be the same as the GXL, except for the size of the wheels. However, I can replace them at a cost. I am interested to know if anyone knows of any difference between the GX and GXl other than the wheels and the extra luxury items.

I will also question the toyota people about the A/T over heating and the lag in the A/T at certain times. Once again, a very good review. posting.php?mode=reply&f=45&t=8224#