What to buy: 120 series or 150?

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

I think you need to drive them both and then make up your mind. I would imagine that later in the year and especially next year they availability of 150 will increase. Lot of leases will have their two years up.
One thing to consider is that they are having trouble getting enough new 150`s out of Japan. That may well be keeping the price up a bit in the second hand market. But if you buy one and keep it long term does it matter?
I thought the 120 was ugly when it came out, not as bad as the 150. But the beast has grown on me.

There is definitely improvements the 150 has over the 120. Some of them may be important to you.
Its stronger body, bigger, but heavier, the suspension was adopted from the 120 but has been modified. Its a safer car to be in in an accident, has bigger brakes and more airbags. More stuff inside from the inverter to bluetooth and its better for rear passengers. The electronic aids are very useful in the bush.

If it was me I would rather get the 150, patiently look for a good one, no need to rush. I think its a better base to start from. Then slowly over time add the mods as funds become available. Mods is always interesting, because what you really need or what you think you need to give you the confidence to go out are often two different things.
I would only be fitting new shocks, something like Bilsteins and then raise it around 25mm with Lovell or King springs. Dual battery and snorkel.
I wouldn`t bother with bullbar or winch. I am not interested in turning the Prado into a mud digging bushpig, its too easy to damage it and I don`t play in mud holes for the sake of it.

I have done 25000km now and the car is rolling a bit more than it used to, seriously considering a set new of shocks and might as well fit springs while I am at it.



Just re-read your first post, may I ask why so may mods?

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Just re-read your first post, may I ask why so may mods?

I find all these what to buy threads quite interesting, all the different opinions and different reasons, petrol/diesel, auto /manual, 120/150.

Will be interested to read Dreamers answer to your question Maxjj, but my question is what mods in his list do you think are excessive (if that is the right term to use)
It seems like a pretty standard sort of a list to deck out a Prado to tow a CT around Oz to me. The lockers are the only things that seem a bit lavish to me, but then again I think lockers are worth their weight in gold if you want to tackle something a bit tougher.

Cheers Andrew

[LargeInAPrado Member Find all posts View Profile Close LargeInAPrado]

i went through the same process 4 months ago, a low k 120 series or a 150 series new or 2nd hand...

I found a 150 series for 50k with circa 10k on the clock, why would i have bought an out of warranty 8 year old model vehicle even if it was marginally better looking. And because of that all the 08-09 low k diesel 120's i looked at in comparison to the 2nd hand 150 were overpriced in my opinion and actually some were asking more ?!?

[Kakadu_john Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Kakadu_john]

Looks are certainly subjective though prados never grabbed me UNTIL the 150 came out then I liked them. I always look at look at it if I can afford the newest model buy the newest model, I can't think of many manufactures the spent millions of dollars to make the new model a step backwards. Give it a couple of years as well and resale will be higher on the newer model.
I always find car forums a hard place to get an unbiased opinion as 120 owners say get the 120 and 150 owners say get the 150 surprise surprise lol.

Good post Kakadas, It happens all the time, not just with Prados but all car makes. i'm surprised some have said that the interiors are much the same though. I've been a passanger in a Grande and I'd say there's no comparison between the two to be honest. I wonder how many people have had a good close look at both or simply look at a few pics or see one drive by or peer through the windows at the parking lot. To the OP, if you're concerned about price you may be better off going for the cheaper option. They are still a good vehicle. When people start mentioning price and that they don't really want to pay the extra, they rarely do.

As I see it, the 150 is better in all ways bar one. The fuel tank. Many reasons for, one reason against. Does the reason against affect me? No. If on a long trip (15 hours etc). I welcome a pullover to take a leak, stretch the legs and fill her up. But I don't think ther's a very big difference after you factor in that the 150 is more efficient. Way mre tricks and comforts in the Kakadu than the Grande reflected in the higher price.

What you need to decide first is how much you will spend. Then compare what you will get for your money from each. Unless money isn't an issue, then I say go the 150 and get the Kakadu. I did and didn't regret it.

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

I also went through the same agonizing decision and came to a similar conclusion as LargeInPrado. I drive both for work and in my opinion the 150 rides better, has much better seats and safety features, and includes rear air in the GXL which was important for us. The space loss with the rear seats gets partly compensated by the great flexibility in the 3 way split back seat. I thought the 120 was much better looking but I now definitely prefer the 150.

Also why spend nearly the same amount on an older car, 120s have really kept their value which is great but I got my new 150 for only a few thousand dollars more that an equivalent 120. Getting a new car also allows you to opt for the 6 year factory warranty.

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

Hi all,

This is my first post. I’ve been lurking for a while – partly because I haven’t bought my Prado yet (hence the ‘Dreamer’ tag).

I’ve had a plan for some time that includes buying a Prado. I retired about 12 months ago and bought a camper trailer to drag around this great country of ours.

Whatever I buy I will be modifying. My wish list includes; Bull bar with winch, 2” lift, front and rear air-lockers, dual batteries, snorkel, diesel chip, 3” exhaust, drawer system, fridge and a few miscellaneous bits and pieces.

Will be interested to read Dreamers answer to your question Maxjj, but my question is what mods in his list do you think are excessive (if that is the right term to use)
It seems like a pretty standard sort of a list to deck out a Prado to tow a CT around Oz to me. The lockers are the only things that seem a bit lavish to me, but then again I think lockers are worth their weight in gold if you want to tackle something a bit tougher.

Cheers Andrew

Basically, this is just my opinion of course; if you are going to tour around OZ with a camper trailer as your main objective mods like a chip or 3" exhaust seems to add little value. Its also money you are unlikely to ever recoup at selling point. If you want the horsepower get the V6.
Same with a bullbar and winch, ie hanging anywhere from 60kg up to 100kg depending on what sort of bar, on the front of your car because you may need it. You can spend 3 grand here easy.
Take a couple of snatch strap, a shovel and some maxtrax instead. Slow down to 80km if travelling at dusk or dawn.

Drawer system is nice I have got a Black Widow system from previous 4wd that I need to get a new wing kit for and then I can install it in the 150. But its easily a couple of Grand $$ that you could be spending on the holiday.


For me fridge, dual battery and Snorkel, with a bit firmer springs, slight lift and decent shocks are a must have. Draws are good if you got the spare cash. After you have done a big trip or two and you really think you need winch, bar diff locks, driving lights then fit them by all means.

I did a couple of 10 week trips around OZ in the Jackaroo and been to most places except Cape York, I live in Gippsland and have done a fair bit of touring in the high country.


With a 1-2inch lift kit and good shocks, decent tyres and snorkel and a load of common sense where exactly couldn`t you go?
You will not get an argument from me that front and rear lockers aren`t great to have, but reality is that most of the bad tracks are either closed or have been modified or are seasonally closed.
Where would you go when touring around OZ with campertrailer that diff locks and chip with 3"exhaust will make a difference in you getting there or not.

I reckon if you want to do that stuff buy a V8 diesel Landcruiser tray, fit it out for real and build a proper off road truck. One where you don`t mind getting dints, scratches and the odd bend panel.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

As I said max i find these threads and the different opinions interesting! No one is right or wrong as they are just opinions. You are obviously basing some of your comments on what you percieve to be value for money, which is fair enough. However I would come at things from a completely different viewpoint in the value for money stakes. We have done a fair amount of travel nowadays and the best memories we have, the ones we always talk about and look back on with the most fondness are; those things that we achieved that required us to push ourselves or our vehicle just that bit more than we ever had before. That might be the time we hiked through water neck deep to keep going up the gorge to get to the secluded waterfall that no one else made it to, or the exhileration felt for the 10 seconds that the lockers really did there stuff and we drove somewhere we never thought we could go!

Travel and 4wdriving and life in general is not only about the moment, but the great memories you get from the things you do. I have or most likely will end up with all the mods Dreamer listed, the confidence I get from knowing I can tackle situations without fear of failure or damage allows me to accumulate more fantastic memories everytime I venture somewhere just that bit harder. Those memories are worth every penny I have ever spent, and if when it comes time to sell the Prado i don't recoup my costs, well so be it, the memories have already paid for it all.

Just my opinion of course.

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

fair call and can relate to all that that you are saying. What I am getting at though is that there is the perception out there than unless you got the " real mods" you couldn`t go out there enjoying yourself. Simpson desert, Cape York and numerous other trips or on your doorsteps without needing those mods. Mate in his 90 series Prado has been everywhere and still runs standard springs and shocks, no bullbar but has a snorkel to reduce dust intake.
If I wanted to do what you are suggesting above I would just build a specialised truck for it, the Prado isn`t it. There just isn`t enough front and rear clearance and side protection.
I use the 4wd to got to places, if I have to 4wd to get there so be it, but I don`t 4wd drive for the sake of it. To be honest I get easily bored cruising up and down 4wd drive tracks. I do love the Simpson Desert however, its good for the soul. I love all the deserts and the 150 eats sand for breakfast. But that is hardly challenging these days, it was when I went with dad in his manual MQ Patrol 25 years ago, but not these days.
I have seen what happens in river crossing when it all goes wrong and while I don`t shy away from them, I am careful. I am not interested in filling the cabin with water.

My special places are all based on great views, great campfire, great camp food, great photo opportunity. I guess I have spend more money on lenses for the camera than on 4wd mods.

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

All gizmos and comfort aside, i owned a 120 for nearly 5 years and now own a 150.... the 150 is definately a better looking vehicle than the 120.

[Dreamer Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dreamer]

Hi guys,

I’m getting a lot out of your comments, thanks.

My list of modifications basically fall into two groups; essential and desirable. I would say dual batteries, snorkel, suspension upgrade, bulbar/winch and fridge are essential and air lockers, drawers, chip and exhaust are desirable.

I expect to be travelling a lot without other vehicles along, so a winch and lockers will just give me that extra peace of mind when I’m in difficult country. A bit like having to fork out big dollars every year to insure your vehicle – Murphy’s Law dictates that you’ve just got to have it.

My wife and I have done some serious walking (e.g.; the 230km Larapinta Trail out of Alice Springs) and would like to revisit some of the campsites that are accessible by 4WD. Add to that the Bungle Bungles, the Simpson Desert, Canning Stock Route and the whole of the Kimberleys and there are some real challenges ahead.

My camper trailer weighs in at around 1500kgs and I feel that the extra power and torque gained by adding a chip and exhaust upgrade will be money well spent even if I only need the extra power and torque occasionally in extreme situations.

My list of mods is going to happen whatever vehicle I end up buying. I know it sounds like a lot of money to spend in one hit but I prefer to just do it – get the car ready and hit the road. I may also be able to negotiate a better deal if I’m going to get everything done at the same time.

Looking through CarSales.com I would guess that a 120 series is generally about $5000 to $7000 cheaper than a similar age and spec 150 series. But, as I said earlier, my final choice may well come down to what vehicles are available when I’m all cashed up.

Cheers,

Dreamer.

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

If your doing big trips I think the chip and exhaust will benefit through more towing torque and better fuel economy so over the long run should pay for itself.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Sounds to me like you have thought it all out fairly well dreamer, you seem to have a pretty good handle on what you want and why you think its a good way to go. I will look forward to seeing the end result when you decide which way to go.

Cheers Andrew

[adamr7 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close adamr7]

I sold my 120 Series for a 150 Series and it has taken some getting use to. The 150 is far more comfortable, is quieter and gets better economy. It was hard to say goodbye to nearly $15000 worth of accessories and start with a bog stock standard GXL, but hey, thats half the fun. I do love the look of the 120 series, but the 150 is growing on me, and I think they look great fully accessorised. The 150 has far more creature comforts, the family is certainly happier with the new truck. I think in another couple of years the 120 series is going to look a bit old hat, but if youre happy, this probably doesnt matter. I think long term, the 150s value will probably stand the test of time, there will eventually be a widening gap between the 2 series, whereas at the moment there is very little differnce between a late 120 and an early 150. I battled the same decision for a while and made the decision to go with a 150, and all things considered, feel I made the right decision for me.

[LargeInAPrado Member Find all posts View Profile Close LargeInAPrado]

just go to the auction and buy this

http://www.manheim.com.au/pcv/items/...=SearchResults

[lockedup Member Find all posts View Profile Close lockedup]

The trips your doing I'd go the 120 series, and spend every last possible cent on the mods you'll need to go the places you want to go. You listed a few mods but wait til your packing and see all the extras that pop up on the wishlist! Some people are after a newer stockish car. I'd prefer a well modded 120 series and so would u with what you hav planned for her. Cheers