Read First before buying Prado 120 (2004-2006) - Spec Differences GXL vs VX vs Grande

[fin7]

First post so here goes
I’m in the market for a low km Prado 120 between 80k to 160k on the clock for around $25k. Let me know if this is possible?
I want to be as close to $25k as possible thus leaving me with approx $10k for a boat to hitch on the back. Needless to say if I get a Prado cheaper it means I will have more money to spend on a better boat

If you are Looking at buying a secondhand Prado 120 I thought the below might be useful.

Prado 120 Spec differences 2004 to 2006
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2004 (Sep) GXL – Specs available on redbook

2004 (Sep) VX – GXL Specs + Differences below
Adjustable Steering Col. - Tilt & Reach
Air Cond. - Climate Control 2 Zone
Airbags - Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
Control - Electronic Stability
Control - Hill Descent
Control – Traction
Electric Seat – Drivers only
Hill Holder
Roof Rails
Seat - Driver with Electric Lumbar
Sunvisor - Illuminated Vanity Mirrors Dual
Woodgrain - Inserts

2004 (Sep) Grande – VX Specs + Differences below
Adjustable Steering Col. - Tilt & reach (confirmed thks Peterpilot)
Air Cond. - Climate Control Multi-Zone
Alarm
No Audio MP3 Decoder (Can someone please confirm)
Control - Electronic Damper
Electric Seats - 1st Row (Front)
GPS (Satellite Navigation)
Centre consoled – Cooled (correction - thanks Peterpilot)
Leather Seats
Metallic Finish Inserts
Multi-function Control Screen
Navigation System - DVD Video
Optitron instrument cluster (thks amts)
Seat - Driver with Electric Lumbar (confirmed - thks PeterPilot)
Sunroof - Electric
Suspension - Air
Suspension - Auto Levelling
Trip Computer

2005 GXL – As per 2004 GXL + Differences below
Change to Leather Look - Steering Wheel

2005 VX – GXL Specs + Differences below
Factory Tinted Windows

2005 Grande - VX Specs + Differences below
Change to Leather Seats – Partial
No Factory Tinted Windows

2006 GXL – As per 2005 GXL
2006 VX – As per 2005 VX
2006 Grande – As per 2005 Grande


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I’ve excluded the 4 speed models as I wanted something with better gearing for towing. Engine Specs may be slightly different but I have not compared this. All the specs have been sourced from redbook which I have spreadsheeted and compared with the various iterations of the 120.

This has helped me make better choices as sellers are often pricing VX and Grande models higher so I just wanted to know what I was paying for.
Price varies between the 2004-2006 models so I also wanted to compare what extras I would get for a later model Prado.
In most cases for later models with the same Kilometres as earlier models, sellers have asked for more money although feature wise there is not much difference to justify the the $1k-$2k additional imo. This money is just paying for a later Year on the compliance plate.

Therefore I have tried to stick to low kms cars with good service history between 2004-2006 – with the model year being less relevant.

Let me know what you think of my first post - hope this is helpful for other prospective buyers

Hi, I'm a prospective prado buyer, looking at same price range and KM's like yourself, how did you go with your purchase and would you have any advice?

I've started a comparison spreadsheet which can be downloaded from here.
https://app.box.com/s/u1aoba0h8meptusxdv6g

Over time, it will get populated so that it is as accurate as can be.

[huyjtran]

Continuing my model year by year review

2007 GXL spec same as 2006 (Nov 06) GXL
2007 VX spec same as 2006 (Nov 06) VX
2007 Grande spec same as 2006 (Nov 06) Grande


2007 (Sep) GXL spec same as 2007 GXL + Multi-function Steering Wheel
2007 (Sep) VX spec same as 2006 (Nov 06) VX + Multi-function Steering Wheel
2007 (Sep) Grande spec same as 2006 (Nov 06) Grande + Multi-function Steering Wheel + Reversing Camera

2008 GXL spec same as 2007 (Sep) GXL - Prado Option Pack 1 available for Auto GXL
2008 VX spec same as 2007 (Sep) VX
2008 Grande spec same as 2007 (Sep) Grande

2009 GXL spec same as 2008 GXL
2009 VX spec same as 2008 VX
2009 Grande spec same as 2008 Grande


*Above only applies for standard equipment options I have not reviewed engines or mechanicals for differences

[Steve M]

Don't forget if you go the option pack on the gx or gxl you can obtain the curtain and side seat airbags.....cheers Steve

[huyjtran]

"Chrome Tips" I have listed as Metallic Inserts etc
Airbags remained unchanged from Prior year Prado 120s with
GXL having only Driver & Passenger (Dual) - Airbags
VX and Grande adding Airbags - (Head) for 1st & Second Row Seats as well as Airbags - (Side) for 1st Row Occupants (Front)

[Steve M]

The other thing also is the chrome tips on the vents where you move the air direction up down or left and right......No mention of side airbags or curtains...Cheers Steve

[Steve M]

""Appears Steering wheel controls do not appear until 2007"" yeah pretty sure your correct with that as my mates 07 did have them and his was very late 07...Cheers Steve

[Hutch]

Thanks Steve
From Redbook - Which is not gospel
Appears Steering wheel controls do not appear until 2007 (Sep 07 Build)

That is correct.

Hutch- Prado 2012 petrol with the TJM Catologue.

[huyjtran]

Thanks Steve
From Redbook - Which is not gospel
Appears Steering wheel controls do not appear until 2007 (Sep 07 Build)

[Steve M]

What it also doesn't mention is the steering wheel controls for the stereo.......Cheers Steve Electric Seats - 1st Row (Front) (previously drivers side only) TRUE

[Steve M]

Removed - Control - Hill Descent (Can someone please confirm), my mates 06 still has it.... 06 specs, mine is an 05 GXL what mine doesn't have, Air Conditioning – Rear, Roof Rails (first time included in GXL), Tinted Windows - Extra Dark/Privacy this is from an 08 VX notice the down hill assist (dac) in place [IMG][/IMG]

[huyjtran]

Continuing my Spec Comparisons below are the differences between 2006 vs 2006 (Nov 06 build)
Lots of cosmetic changes

2006 (Nov) GXL - As per 2006 GXL + Differences below
12V Sockets – Auxiliary
Air Conditioning – Rear
Antenna - in Rear Glass
Armrest - Front Centre (Shared)
Armrest - Rear Centre (Shared)
Body Colour - Door Handles
Cargo Tie Down Hooks/Rings
Chrome Door Handles – Interior
Chrome Door Mirrors
Clock – Digital
Courtesy Lamps - in Doors Front
Courtesy Lamps - in Doors Rear
Cup Holders - 1st Row
Cup Holders - 2nd Row
Cup Holders - 3rd Row
Door Pockets - 1st row (Front)
Door Pockets - 2nd row (rear)
Footrest - Drivers
Headlamps - Clear Lenses
Headrests - Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
Headrests - Adjustable 2nd Row x3
Headrests - Adjustable 3rd Row x3
Illuminated - Key Ignition Barrel/Surround
Illuminated - Switch Panel (Window/ Locking)
Limited Slip Diff - Centre (4wd)
Metallic Finish Centre Console
Metallic Finish Door Inserts
Metallic Finish Inserts
Metallic Finish Instrument Surrounds
Metallic Finish Switch Panel
Roof Rails (first time included in GXL)
Seatbelt - Adjustable Height 1st Row
Seatbelts - Lap/Sash for 8 seats
Sunglass Holder
Tinted Windows - Extra Dark/Privacy

2006 (Nov) VX – GXL Specs + Differences below
Air Conditioning - Pollen Filter
Electric Seats - 1st Row (Front) (previously drivers side only)
Leather Look – Handbrake
Leather Trim – Partial
Seat - Height Adjustable Driver
Woodgrain - Dash Board
Woodgrain - Inserts in Door

2006 (Nov) Grande – 2006 – VX Specs + Differences below
Audio - MP3 Decoder
CD Player - 4 Disc in Dash (GXL and VX CD Stacker - 6 disc In Dash/Cabin)
Centre Console - Cool Box
Compass
Digital Sound Processing??
Navigation System - DVD Audio
Navigation System - DVD Video

[Steve M]

If it was private then I would say its insulting trying to screw some one that much (mind you people will do it, Ive had it done to me) but being a car yard, you screw them as much as possible. At the end of the day they will only say ""sorry mate"" then you walk and if they are willing to drop some more they will say to hang on etc and do the usual "let me talk to the boss" crap then if its still no good you walk, they have the price they need to get. If your happy with the price and its what your willing to pay then all good. Yes you are correct a lot of people don't mention the option packs which in some ways is good as they are a good deal and you get all the goodies with a lower price. When I bought my 90 diesel grande it was cheap cause the lady used red book but based it on the petrol prices. I never use to haggle, I just walked in payed the price and walked out all happy. These days I will haggle depending on what it is. If its a tradie doing work I just pay the quote and get on with it as I wouldn't have a bloody clue what plumbers, sparkies etc charge these days and at the end of the day I need the job doing....We all know car yards will screw you every which way they can if you let them, and some people get sucked in unfortunately but that's just the way it is.......My mate just bought a SR Hilux brand new and paid over 50k for it, He could have got an SR5 for what he paid for the SR but he just went out and bought it and turned up in it. I wouldn't ever say anything to him or insult him. He loves it so he's happy and I reckon the sales man was to....Cheers Steve

[mjrandom]

Certainly take the option packs into consideration. My 07 120GX D4D auto had option pack 2 fitted. The driveline was identical to a VX or Grande and the interior had the full complement of airbags and aircon outlets etc. the brochure is the best guide.

[huyjtran]

I have heard that there are option packs added when people purchase the prado. Problem is on sites like carsales people forget and go with the automated listing and forget to mention option packs. The only real way of finding out is by inspection.

$5k down sounds like a substantial haggle starting point. I have only been looking at around $27k to haggle down to $25k but from what you are saying maybe I should look at around $30k and haggle down to $25k. I probably need to some more cement.....

You don't think a $5k or in other words 15% price drop is insulting or at time wasting? Maybe I'm too nice?