Looking at buying '11 GX in WA - questions

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

Gday. Looking at buying manual prado's under $40k. Having never owned them before I'm not too fussed by the fact I've mainly be looking at GX rather than GXL. Seems that WA is the mecca for 2010-2011 GX's within my budget range, followed closely by Qld. Presuming it's not a coincidence they are both mining states.

So, my question/s to those in the know. Should i be concerned that the best deals i can find are in Perth? Naturally ex-mining fleet / lease vehicles are not going to have had the TLC many of you would have divulged. However full service / log book histories available on most. It seems i can find things around the same price ($35-40k) in the west equivalent to eastern seaboard (NSW/VIC) vehicles but with HALF THE KM's. Is this going to be a factor of the sheer number of vehicles available, the fact they are flogged out ex-mine cars, or both?!

My thinking is that if i just go into looking in Perth expecting whatever i'm looking at are ex-mine, knowing that the lower km's might have been harder ones, and just try to do the best i can because for the chance of picking up a 'bargain' I find it hard to go past it.

All / any thoughts / advice appreciated!

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

Miners = no bargains.
Lower km is because many are housed in remote locations close to mine sites, so they go to/from each day, and some never leave the mine site at all, just thrashed around the pits.

I would never buy one from my companies fleet when they sell them, and we aren't as hard on them as many others. We don't care a rats about them because we don't own them.

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

There are differences in mining operations....

Depending on the operation, the pits is usually Landcruiser / Hilux / Ranger territory while Prado's reserved for Superintendant level +

If you are going down that path, check the undercarriage. It will show you how hard a life it has lead. My boss's GX has barely left the blacktop. The only red dirt it has seen is some of the back roads between sites. I would gladly purchase it given half a chance.

A good check would be to remove a side step bolt and see how corroded / difficult to remove it is. Steer clear of any that have been sprayed black underneath.

FYI - there is also an ex-thrifty sales arm http://www.ausvehicles.com.au/ - they keep the cream of the ex-rental Prados and wholesale the rest to dealers. Give them a call though, I doubt their web catalogue is kept completely up to date.

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

Thanks guys. Both points seem valid. Little bit of homework on whatever particular vehicle seems to uncover a few details - especially ex-rentals. Think I've got a winner. Cheers

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

Great advice, been really useful in my search, cheers Shodown