Newbie needs help deciding which Prado to buy!

[whitebeach Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close whitebeach]

Hi All,

Hope some of you can help me decide which Prado to buy. Either a J90 or J120. Either diesel or petrol, either manual or auto.
I don't have a lot of money, but at a push round $17K. Of course if I can find a J90 diesel(?), for $12 so much the better.

Truth is I really don't know what the weaknesses are with either model, or engine. I owned a Landcruiser 80 series once and have other 4x4, but never a Prado. I live in Tasmania and will be going on a long trip around WA and NT. I may be towing a small tinny. I am not a hardcore 4x4er, but I don't want a soft roader either. I suppose it comes down to which engine and which trans. Which will cost the least to run on the inflated gas/petrol prices etc.

Many thanks
John

[Palmer Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Palmer]

I'm a fan of the 120, but that's probably because that's what we've got and we are pleased with it. I like our auto, but it really comes down to your personal preferences on that I reckon, a mate loves his as a manual.

[whitebeach Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close whitebeach]

I'm a fan of the 120, but that's probably because that's what we've got and we are pleased with it. I like our auto, but it really comes down to your personal preferences on that I reckon, a mate loves his as a manual.

what kind of litres per 100 k's do you get? do you have a diesel?

[Guest Close Guest]

You need to factor in servicing costs and purchase price into the equation. Diesel are more expensive to buy, service and has a higher price at the pump.

[Palmer Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Palmer]

what kind of litres per 100 k's do you get? do you have a diesel?

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you, but I get around the 11 - 12 L per 100km from our diesel. It seems to use an extra half to one L / 100Km since the ARB roof rack went on. The wife is main driver and (being an ex-rally navigator & some time driver) she doesn't drive for economy!!!

[Antman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Antman]

Hey Whitebeach
I own a 2001 90 series 3.4L petrol, automatic. Get 14/15 L /100 round town. Before I put light truck tyres on was getting 13/ 14 L /100.
Towing our 2 tonne van gets 20 - 21 L/100. Car is very easy and relatively cheap to service. I don't know of any specific issues when looking at the 90 series so can't help out on that front. I do know that mine hasn't skipped a beat since i have owned it - had for 7years and just now going to sell it so i can a diesel for towing.

Let me know if you have any specific questions re the 90 series im happy to answer if i can.
cheers
Ants