Considering a Prado after a life of Jeeps

[Rosie Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Rosie]

Hi guys, some of you might know me from the Perth4x4 scene. I've spent the last 6 or 7 years building two big Jeeps for more hardcore/comp type wheeling but seeing as I spend most of my time in Lancelin and Wedge Island now days I'm looking for something more conservative and comfortable for the highway.

I've always like Prados and for years have said my next car will be a 120 series so I'm doing my homework to work out whats going to suit me best and what is most reliable. After spending so many years modifying and fixing cars i've lost interest and ideally want something reliable which i won't hardly need to touch.

So far I've been completely put off the Diesels with heaps of threads about injector problems, oil delivery issues and expensive repairs. The 4.0L Petrol will probably suit me perfectly as the towing I do is normally only a Jetski or small boat so the economy shouldn't be too bad. I want something with under 100,000kms and with my budget of $25k - $35k I believe I should be able to find a pretty clean vehicle.

Any advice would be great on the best years to buy etc. My main concern now is the commonly cracked engine mount at the chassis which has now made me sceptical about the Petrols. Was this rectified anywhere?

Anyway, I'm sure you'll be seeing a bit of me around here now.

[Guest Close Guest]

The diesel injector issue is probably quite rare considering the amount of D4D's sold. You would need to be aware of what to check and budget for injector replacement every 80,000 to 120,000km.

As for the petrols, look for the 5 speed mainly because it is slightly better for fuel efficiency and it has OBDII ports. The engine mount issue has surfaced a couple of times here on Pradopoint, but will probably be classed as a rare occurence. The V6 is a great motor and it hasn't given me any grief. I would aim for 2005 onwards. If you can, look for GXL with the option pack that will include traction control. Also the later model GXLs include rear AC.

[awwricecracker Member Find all posts View Profile Close awwricecracker]

long time rosie!

petrol uses more fuel, costs less to buy for what you get and has power out the box that you can use without starting a fire.
I got an 08 a while back, only dramas have been self inflicted, they're a very capable rig for how comfortable they are.

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

Hi guys, some of you might know me from the Perth4x4 scene. I've spent the last 6 or 7 years building two big Jeeps for more hardcore/comp type wheeling but seeing as I spend most of my time in Lancelin and Wedge Island now days I'm looking for something more conservative and comfortable for the highway.

I've always like Prados and for years have said my next car will be a 120 series so I'm doing my homework to work out whats going to suit me best and what is most reliable. After spending so many years modifying and fixing cars i've lost interest and ideally want something reliable which i won't hardly need to touch.

So far I've been completely put off the Diesels with heaps of threads about injector problems, oil delivery issues and expensive repairs. The 4.0L Petrol will probably suit me perfectly as the towing I do is normally only a Jetski or small boat so the economy shouldn't be too bad. I want something with under 100,000kms and with my budget of $25k - $35k I believe I should be able to find a pretty clean vehicle.

Any advice would be great on the best years to buy etc. My main concern now is the commonly cracked engine mount at the chassis which has now made me sceptical about the Petrols. Was this rectified anywhere?

Anyway, I'm sure you'll be seeing a bit of me around here now.

I think you worry too much. Buy a low km example owned by a wealthy old lady and if something goes wrong then deal with it at the time.

Nothing is perfect and you can't avoid chit happening. Life's too short, it's just a car and 99% run long and trouble free so go get one and enjoy it.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Just go for a 2007ish petrol u will love it. No probs.

Even the worst prado with problems, Gotta be better than being used to J.E.E.P

Enjoy