Buying a diesel prado, 90 series

[Morgan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Morgan]

Hi guys, first post, very cool site

I'm just after a little advice about the 90 series prado. I’m looking to buy one.

So my question would be what to look for in terms of wear and tear and how much is too much for a 90 series 2002 turbo diesel GXL,roughly 270,000km on the clock with a service history. Serviced every 10,000km, which according to everyone iv spoken to is fine if its not driven hard(what ever that means), thoughts?

And is it even worth while or should I be aiming for less km?

Any advice would be appreciated

Cheers,

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

I brought a petrol 2000 GXL with 260k on the clock and still going strong at 305k 6 months later ;-)

New clutch was needed but all good after that...

Hoping for another 100k or so yet!

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Yeah dont get to excited over the 1KZ diesel Morgan, I have had 3 prados, (one which I have now, 120) At those sort of klms the head if it went would have been repaired and shouldnt show its ugly head again. Every 10k is really to long for changes. You dont say how much so with those sort of klms I hope its reasonable. Oil and filter should be done every 5 really. After having both petrol and diesel I wouldnt go back to the diesel in a 90 especially if its auto. Personally think there gutless, not economical for a diesel. For a heap cheaper you can get a good low klm petrol in Grande with all the gear, traction control, airbags, and not to bad on fuel. Just to give you an example I had the same gear on both, OME suspension, ARB winch bar, upsized tyres (higher profile 75 for memory), cargo barrier etc. At allowed speed limits the best out of the petrol was 12.2L per 100, the diesel was 11.2 this was at 100k push both to 110 and the petrol was the same the diesel would jump to 13, towing camper the petrol was 12.8 the diesel 14 at 110k. Get a hot humid day say after a storm and the diesel would jump to 15/16 at 110, around town the diesel was approx 14 the petrol 17.2. At the time I couldnt afford the 120 in a D4D do got the V6 4L which is a ripper of a motor, and the last 3 trips to the familys place up north have given me 11.8 tiwce and 11,6 and I dont hang around. Now weigh up the cost of extra servicing of the diesel, the parts for a diesel seem to be 1/3 dearer for filters (dont know why) and if like one of the members (Pete) on here now who has to put 4 new injectors into his D4D and is looking at 4k to replace them the diesel doesnt seem to be that cost effective. Yes the diesel will hold its value better so resale will see you lose more on the petrol but if buying second hand like you are (and like I did) you will pick up a good one for a good price if you shop around. And at the moment petrol is around 1.15/1.20 here in Sydney diesel $1.36 at discount price !!!! Obviously there is always huge fluctuations with the petrol where as diesel doesnt seem to go up and down and jump around as much as petrol. Now after all that just to confuse you if I had the $$$ I'D still buy a 200 series twin turbo diesel without fail lol....Mate just my opinion and plenty of people on here that are happy with there 1kz's, I certianly think the manual leaves the auto for dead and has better gearing which I have heard will definately give you better economy (from what I heard around 10/11L per 100....Drive both and see what you think is the best way. I went out with a day trip with some of the guys on here and there was 3 other petrol 90's and left me for dead on every hill in there petrols.........Cheers Steve.............This was my 01 Grande

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Had these klms on it when I sold it

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[lockedup Member Find all posts View Profile Close lockedup]

personally, id be freaking out buying a 1kz with that many k's. also, you def would be lacking in power by then. if its not the head then turbo or fuel pump... i had one and got rid of it at 212000km but i could have kept it i spose and just repaired it if needed. I just hated the slow are diesel with manual - felt like i was driving a semi. A slow semi! And i had a dp chip and a mandrel bent exhaust...

I will go a petrol auto next time for a 4wd or a big turbo diesel patrol or cruiser. Dont get me wrong - in the bush it was great and pretty economical. and the long range tanks would see me through a big trip where my mates would be pumping fuel into their rigs.

1kz with 150000km on it or under is my opinion...

chris

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

I will go a petrol auto next time for a 4wd or a big turbo diesel patrol or cruiser. Dont get me wrong - in the bush it was great and pretty economical. and the long range tanks would see me through a big trip where my mates would be pumping fuel into their rigs.

Don't get too excited about Patrol Turbo Diesels, Cruiser TD's yes. Your chipped 1KZ would have blown the doors off a 4.2 TD GU Patrol. 4.2 TD 100 series on the other hand...

Speaking of which, PP member, ########## has fitted a 100 series TD donk (1HD-FTE) to his 80 series cruiser. Toyota's finest Diesel engine fitted to Toyota's most capable chassis. Makes me very jealous.

[gphcald Member Find all posts View Profile Close gphcald]

I have a 2001 TD manual with 280000 on the clock, i service it every 5000 km religously. very happy with it, totally stock apart from suspension (2 in lift) the problems are some heads crack, but from what i hear it is in the 100000km or so mark. I get my injectors and pump serviced every 100-150000 by Berrima diesel, a dollop of flashlube every tank. a mate of mine has the same motor in his hilux (with the prado intercooler put on) and had over 600000 and still going good.
Personally when time comes to replace it will be either with a 120 with the KZTE as i have heard and seen the issues with the new D4D motors (both the 4 cyl and V8s)
Yes the D4D has more power but I find the diesel suits me better
It is up to personal choice

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

I think that manual seems to make a big difference gph, the theory was it was the autos that were cracking (what I read on different forums) well the hilux's in 1KZ form didnt come in auto so that throws that theory out the window. I think its hit and miss and luck as to wether you get a bad one or a good one. And your correct again it seems as you said between the 100k mark and 150/160 mark, mine was 103k and as mentioned service record on mine was like yours in regards to oil and filter changes and I ran the diesel lube in it as well. In a manual I think they are a heaps better performer then auto, and agree with you on the D4D. While I didnt have the $$ at the time to buy a D4D without borrowing money (something I didnt want to do but was nearly tempted) Im glad now I have the 4L petrol. Toyota need to lift there game big time, there falling well behind but surprises me the hilux is still the best ute in sales, still got a bloody 4 speed auto in them and the least amount of torque, give me a triton, ranger or BT any day. Cheers Steve