Long term touring reliability

[rptdprado Member Find all posts View Profile Close rptdprado]

Hi Guys,

Now that the Prado 150 has been out for a year or so I'd like to get some feedback from some of the early adopters who have managed to get some real 4wd touring in over the past 12 months. What I'd like to hear is honest views on how the new 150 performed, fully loaded and if you have seen any issues with any build quality issues, things falling off etc i.e is the new Prado as rugged as the older versions. I've just updated from the older 90 series, which was a great reliable car, so keen to hear from owners on the good/bad with the new Prado.

cheers

[Schniff Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schniff]

Re: Long term touring reliability

My Prado was a Dec 09 build so I was an early adopter. It copped a belting through the Kimberley and back in July. I've also done a few trips to the Flinders.
Casualties on the Kimberely trip included 3 UHF whips (do not get a GME 4018K1) and a spotlight mount. I had no punctures (Cooper ST-C).
Nothing OE on the car broke and the interior was as tight as when it was first bought it. As a comparison my 07 Pajero developed rattles after its first trip.

The mudflaps are pathetic and I have copped a large amount of stone damage on the rear bumper. This would be something you should address at delivery or shortly after with replacements. The only other complaint is that the silver plastic trim is prone to wearing, but those pieces are easily removed and could be resprayed.
I would say that you are pretty safe with your purchase. IMO build quality Prado>>Pajero>>>>>>Pathfinder.

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

Re: Long term touring reliability

Hi Rob

We have a December 09 and have done about 20000k's so far. My wife drives it to work and back about 8 k's a day so 80% of our use is touring and off roading. We did an 8500k trip in October through most of NSW and SA and it performed faultlessly. We're setup so that we can pull up and be setup in 10mins.

Our mods are ARB Deluxe steel bar (hit a roo, no damage), IPF 900XS lights, OME suspension, Firestone air bags, Mickey Thompson ATZ's, towbar, GME 3440 UHF, dual batteries, Rhino roof bars, Foxwing shade, Hema GPS, Black Widow drawers, fridge drop slide, tinted windows, Sandgrabber mats.

Still a couple of more mods to go but we are extremely happy with the reliability and to date no problems of any consequence.

Regards, Richo.

[rptdprado Member Find all posts View Profile Close rptdprado]

Re: Long term touring reliability

Thanks guys sounds great as expected.