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Hi all,
I'm searching for a second-hand auto LC120 GXL to replace the aging Rav4 and provide extra room. Primarily it will be my wife's daily vehicle and the weekend warrior for camping trips and a bit of touring / light offroading. I sold my LC100 TD a while ago and intended to purchase a new LC120 in 2009/2010 but have since decided to spend our money a little more frugally. I'd prefer a diesel (the D4D only) but am considering petrol only for the sake that a petrol model is considerably cheaper to purchase second hand. I have a maximum of $40k to spend, though around $35k is better. That said, I have two questions for those with more knowledge and experience than myself.
Firstly, I am looking at a 2006 GXL LC120 D4D auto with 54,000km on the clock. It's a country car and has only ever been used to tow a horse float around. I'm naturally cautious about vehicles that have been used for towing due to the wear and tear on the vehicle. Should I be worried about an auto diesel with fairly low to medium mileage thats used primarily to tow? What is the general opinion (I know its hard to comment without actually seeing the vehicle and knowing more about it, so of course a general answer is all I'm after)?
Secondly, what is the longevity of the petrol V6? Put it this way, a 2006-2007 LC120 petrol with an average of 40,000km to 50,000km is generally easier to come across at a far more reasonable price than the D4D. Having never owned a petrol 4WD previously (only the petrol Rav4 and we've had no end of issues with it, including replacing the engine 4 years after we bought it new) I'm unsure as to how long a well serviced V6 will last without causing issues (outside the unforseen of course). I've done plenty of reading on this forum and am happy that a petrol Prado would sufficiently suit our needs; given the lower servicing costs and minor difference in annual costs in fuel compared to diesel.
Any other tips while we're at it??
Cheers,
I'm searching for a second-hand auto LC120 GXL to replace the aging Rav4 and provide extra room. Primarily it will be my wife's daily vehicle and the weekend warrior for camping trips and a bit of touring / light offroading. I sold my LC100 TD a while ago and intended to purchase a new LC120 in 2009/2010 but have since decided to spend our money a little more frugally. I'd prefer a diesel (the D4D only) but am considering petrol only for the sake that a petrol model is considerably cheaper to purchase second hand. I have a maximum of $40k to spend, though around $35k is better. That said, I have two questions for those with more knowledge and experience than myself.
Firstly, I am looking at a 2006 GXL LC120 D4D auto with 54,000km on the clock. It's a country car and has only ever been used to tow a horse float around. I'm naturally cautious about vehicles that have been used for towing due to the wear and tear on the vehicle. Should I be worried about an auto diesel with fairly low to medium mileage thats used primarily to tow? What is the general opinion (I know its hard to comment without actually seeing the vehicle and knowing more about it, so of course a general answer is all I'm after)?
Secondly, what is the longevity of the petrol V6? Put it this way, a 2006-2007 LC120 petrol with an average of 40,000km to 50,000km is generally easier to come across at a far more reasonable price than the D4D. Having never owned a petrol 4WD previously (only the petrol Rav4 and we've had no end of issues with it, including replacing the engine 4 years after we bought it new) I'm unsure as to how long a well serviced V6 will last without causing issues (outside the unforseen of course). I've done plenty of reading on this forum and am happy that a petrol Prado would sufficiently suit our needs; given the lower servicing costs and minor difference in annual costs in fuel compared to diesel.
Any other tips while we're at it??
Cheers,
As for cost of ownership comparisons, I think you are quite correct. When I constructed a little spreadsheet to compare overall costs - the results were line-ball. Some cost factors are a little less apparent: For example, the V6 has a timing chain which should never need replacing, whereas (i believe) the D4D has a timing belt that requires regular replacement. etc etc
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