Few observations from a newbie

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

Hi all, my first post here. I am in the market for a Prado having never owned a 4wd myself. I went and looked at a new Prado yesterday after looking at a few 120series the other week.

One of things I noticed on the 150 series was the back seats folding into the floor. Pretty neat design however I don't have a need for the seats and now they are kind of built in and take up a fair bit of space. I thought that was a negative.

Also sitting in the drivers seat the way the corner of the bonnet kind of flares up seems to reduce your visibility on the front corners more so than the 120 series. Maybe I am just imagining it.

Also the power socket in the back is 220v instead of 12v. I would have thought that most peoples gear like fridges etc would be setup for 12v. Is this a problem for people or do you basically just run your fridge on 220v mode?

I would normally buy secondhand but the price of the 120s is so high thought I would check out the new model. However these couple of issues kind of put me off a bit.

cheers
Brett

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: Few observations from a newbie

Also the power socket in the back is 220v instead of 12v. I would have thought that most peoples gear like fridges etc would be setup for 12v. Is this a problem for people or do you basically just run your fridge on 220v mode?

I would normally buy secondhand but the price of the 120s is so high thought I would check out the new model. However these couple of issues kind of put me off a bit.

cheers
Brett

You need to consider what target audiance Toyota are trying to sell to. Yes, if you look at this site then the 12v is certainly used for running a fridge altough most people will install a dedicated 12v supply to a permanant 12v power source as the regular 12v it basically useless as it is only available when accessories are on and the cable size is a little on the crap side.

As you drive around ahve a close look at the other 4wds around and try and work out in your head if these are for travelling/touring/4wding or just a large family car. Then when you work that one out have a think about what are the "typical" accessories these guys would run. I suspect the main use of the 220/240v is really for recharging batteries for mobile phones, laptops, cameras and videos. I wouldn't recommend running a fidge off it it as the power supply cables are to thin and will produce a lot of heat and potetnally pop a fuse or melt insulation (maybe a little extreme there but could happen).

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

Re: Few observations from a newbie

Welcome Spooky... and from an owner of a 120 upgrading to a 150... see my comments which are close to yours!

viewtopic.php?f=45&t=10385

Cant help thinking..if i could have bought an auto 4 door 79 series...................

Still making the best of the 150.. it will grow on me no doubt! just hope it keeps its value like the 120 did!!

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

Re: Few observations from a newbie

How easy is it to remove the 3rd row seats permanently and to make the space usable ? Anyone tried?

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

Re: Few observations from a newbie

How easy is it to remove the 3rd row seats permanently and to make the space usable ? Anyone tried?

It's quite easy to remove the 3rd row seats, probably takes about 30mins.
Although I haven't got around to making the false floor yet I have covered the exposed area with felt underlay and carpet over the top to give it some sound deadening.
I'll be getting a cargo barrier in the new year once the credit card stops smoking :shock: and then starting work on the false floor, storage drawers and fridge slide.
There are a couple of other owners on here that have removed the seats as well.
Dobbo