120 Prado, has been towing a caravan (not sure the size)

[Ryan Morris Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ryan Morris]

Hey all,

Firstly, thanks for all the insights on this site, very helpful and informative.

I am just about to buy my second Prado in 4 months (first one had a 200,000km haircut- a story for another day), and I am treading a little cautiously this time around.

I have identified a great car, one owner, 90,000kms, the car looks very tidy, 09 120 Series, D4D Auto. The only concern I have is that it has done quite a bit of towing. I am not sure the size of the caravan, but is has been all over the country. Is this something I should be concerned of? Does towing add any significant 'age' to the vehicle?

Many thanks,
Ryan

[Guest Close Guest]

Is there a brake controller or signs of one previously installed?

[Ryan Morris Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ryan Morris]

Thanks for your prompt reply, I can only ask the question...

Here is a picture of the towball/Socket
http://postimg.org/image/w5c5t752t/

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

If it is private sale ask the owner, if it is through a dealer then find the original owners details in the book and track them down and then ask the question. If it is a dealer car then ask for the transmission fluid to be changed if you buy it and ask for the injector feedback values and an oil sump suction screen inspection. Look for more information in the 120 diesel area if you haven't looked already.

[Ryan Morris Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ryan Morris]

Thanks MJRandom, it looks like the brake controller was installed, although is now on his new vehicle.
I will contact the Prado dealership where thsi vehicle has been services regarding the other q's
Thanks for your help.
Ryan
re the 120 Diesel area (and in particular preventative maintenance) seems like a it gets quite 'heated' in there !

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

Ryan, spirited is more the word!

[Guest Close Guest]

Standard Toyota towbar, with what looks like an Anderson plug for power. Possibly towed a van or maybe even a camper trailer.??

Just ask the questions from the owner.

[Ryan Morris Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ryan Morris]

Car is looking OK... however I have contacted Toyota for thee service history it had an engine rebuild at 60,000kms under warranty (new block).
So the new engine only has a fraction of the mileage i originally thought! Suspension is also only a few thousand kms old!

thanks for your help all.

R

[Guest Close Guest]

Better check the engine carefully then.

[Ryan Morris Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ryan Morris]

Thanks AMTS, is there anything i should be looking/listening out for in particular?
Do you think this problem could repeat itself?
Cheers,
R

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

Ryan find out why, I am guessing injectors/oil pick up blockage but get the details.

[Guest Close Guest]

New engine, new suspension. Hmmm.

I'd be having a mechanical inspection done on that one.. Just to be sure.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

When it's not original, its looking a bit sour.

[Ryan Morris Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ryan Morris]

Thanks guys, the mechanic has mentioned it looks like it was an injector problem, and they replaced all injectors and rail. Timing chain as well.

The original suspension has been put back into the car as he sold the lift kit separately.

Will look into a mechanical check in the meantime, just in case.

[gspy4u Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gspy4u]

ahhh it's a transformer - stay away from it

nah just kidding

as far as towing goes I wouldn't worry too much about it as even with a large van (ours is over 2t) it doesn't bother the prado at all

The only concern is the engine rebuild and if it was done properly, am always a little worried about rebuilds as it all comes down to who did it and how well they did it if you are going to get any problems later down the track (oil leaks, etc).

I'd definitely be getting the price dropped because of the rebuild and I would get them to throw in some sort of extended warranty for piece of mind. If the price is right though it shouldn't be a problem as long as the rest of the car has been looked after.