My first Prado (help needed)

[smithy78 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close smithy78]

Hi guys,

I am about to start looking for my first 4WD and have been won over by Prado. I am a holden man from way back but it funny how things change with a bub on the way. I am really pumped now as I have found myself on the net reserching and checking them out at every set of lights. MY GOD I cant beleive how many Prado's are on the road and also am very very very impressed by the car itself. my budget is around 12k but can reluctantly go to 15k if the perfect car comes along and have set my targets on 1999 - 2002 . I was hoping to pick your brains on a few thing to help me out,

How many kms is usually expected from a v6 engine before rebuild is on the cards (using a well maintained car as example )

How is the V6 on petrol ? I also have a ski boat that will be towed reguarly but will mainly be town driving, i have read alot of people saying they are thirsty but compared to what ? Corolla or Hummer ? I dont mind if they are in line with a commodore but does anyone know if they use more than that.

is there any particular model between 1999-2002 I should stear clear of OR any particular problem i should keep an eye out for?

any feed back is greatly appreciated and anything I havnt asked you may find of importance as I cant wait to get started looking for my Prado and get on here discussing upgrades with you guys. ( I already know where the 2nd row cup holders are now)

BYE BYE Commodore hello Prado

Cheers Shane

[K & M McF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close K & M McF]

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

Manual 3.4 V6 around town 14.5 litres/100 km. Towing a very large boat (bigger than a ski boat), 19 l/100 km. I do not accelerate hard, but always keep up with the traffic. Fuel economy is more than reasonable provided you do not drive it like a racing car!

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

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

AFAIK there is nothing to be worried about in the 1999 to 2002 bracket. As for fuel consumption, I get around 15-16L/100Km on E10, but I probably drive a little more aggressively than K & M McF.

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

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

Hi smithy78. A prado will put a grin on your chin. They are great. In NZ diesels are the go - much cheaper to run over here and command higher prices (a 3.4 V6 90 series up to $5 grand cheaper). Diesel economy around 9.5 - 10 litres per 100km combined city/highway. Longer highway trips at 95 - 100 kph can get down to 8.5 - 9 litres per 100 km. Towing a heavy trailer can get up to 13 litres per 100 km. The auto gearboxes can be expensive to repair but so can the clutch on a manual if the variable-mass flywheel needs replacing. I have a KZJ95R and I love the manual (just clicked over 200,000 on original clutch/engine. No grief apart from steering box overhaul and I love it. Cheers, Derb.

[smithy78 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close smithy78]

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

cheers all very much appreciated. I must say im enjoying the reserch on Prados : just have to get out and find mine now: hopefully this weekend ill be driving my very own

[smithy78 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close smithy78]

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

anc anyone assist with my question about the life of the engine ??

[Davo68 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Davo68]

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

316,000. Regular service every 6000-8000 kms. Two starter motors and normal wear /tear (brakes,tyres etc) and still going strong. No oil leaks. 3400 v6 auto

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

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

Similar to davo,285000 no leaks ,no oil use ,1starter motor,plenty of brakes,still going strong
Russ

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

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

anc anyone assist with my question about the life of the engine ??

As long as it is serviced regularly and correctly, you should see over 500000 k's before you would even think of a rebuild.

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

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

250k owned it from 196k so far ive done starter motor, steering rack,half moon seals had an oil leak inlet manifold seals, and im about to do the cv's , belts, and rear brake pads service every 8-10k when i can be bothered :roll: 3.4 v6 auto

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

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

AFAIK there is nothing to be worried about in the 1999 to 2002 bracket. As for fuel consumption, I get around 15-16L/100Km on E10, but I probably drive a little more aggressively than K & M McF.

:shock: didnt think you could use E10 in 90 series

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

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

AFAIK there is nothing to be worried about in the 1999 to 2002 bracket. As for fuel consumption, I get around 15-16L/100Km on E10, but I probably drive a little more aggressively than K & M McF.

:shock: didnt think you could use E10 in 90 series

Yes you can, but use E10 for highway use and the higher octaine non ethenol fuels for city driving, check out the thread for E10 or Higher.

[smithy78 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close smithy78]

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

Thanks all

[g.t Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close g.t]

Re: My first Prado (help needed)

There was a thread a while back with people posting the k's they had done on these motors. No one mentioned any popping and a fair few were in the 400k+ region.
Mines on 215k and running mint, they are pretty tuff motors from what ive seen/read.