'09 120 or '09 150 D4D?

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

Hi all,

I know the 120 v the 150 thing has been done to the death and I did a search first but couldn't really find much specific to my query (possibly my work computer causing issues with its security filters etc). If someone knows where this has been discussed already please enlighten me. Otherwise, I'm wrestling between an '08/'09 120 GXL D4D or an '09 150 GXL D4D, both autos with around 65,000kms on the clock and both around the $38k-$42k mark. I know the 150 has a few extra safety features eg: extra airbags, stability control etc, but I gotta say I really prefer the style of the 120 plus its larger fuel tank. However, looking at it purely objectively (if that is at all possible) and casting aside subjective likes/dislikes, which is the better buy? The last of the 120 series or the first of the 150 series?

Out there for your thoughts.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

For the roughly the same $$ and klms Id go the 150. While personally I like the look of the flares on the 120 the 150 certainly has grown on me and if I had the choice of the two Id go the later model. Also better for resale down the track being the newer latest shape. Both have there pluses and minus's but both also great vehicles. At least with the 150 you wont be replacing the dash pad at some stage (couple of grand there) plus as you already mentioned you have the extra safety features. Just my opinion but I would go the 150....Cheers Steve

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Hi all,

looking at it purely objectively (if that is at all possible) and casting aside subjective likes/dislikes, which is the better buy? The last of the 120 series or the first of the 150 series?

Out there for your thoughts.

Given you are comparing 2 vehicles of the same spec with the only real difference being 120 v 150 for around the same dollars then it seems to me the market is suggesting there is not a lot of difference value wise.

If the market isn't valuing one much different to the other then it really comes down to personal and subjective thoughts as to which is best. Assuming you buy one and keep it for say 5 years, either way when its time to sell they are both 10 years old and neither will be the current model at that point.

So really value is going to be in your eyes, how much value do you place in the looks and fuel tank of the 120 over the extra bells and whistles on the 150? Think about things like the 3rd row seats, easily removed/replaced in the 120 giving more space in the back and 8 seats if you need it, Not so easy in the 150.

I am extremely biased in this respect, I bought just about the last 120 sold in Australia, I easily could have waited the 2 weeks and got the 150, but I didn't like or want one at the time and nothing I have seen or read since has changed my mind. I don't think there is any right or wrong answer. I read reasons why people like this or that on newer / higher spec models and I think to myself WTF? But that's just because I value things differently to other people, I am right, but only for me, not necessarily for others.

Cheers Andrew

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

If you're worried about resale get the 150. If your keeping it for a few years, maybe this isn't an issue.

I looked at the early 150's at the time but they were at the top of my budget. I ended up with an 08 D4D GXL with a few mods already for less money which was bonus (poly air bags, dual battery and monitor).

There's a few extra gizmos in the 150, but like AJ, they didn't swing it for me, and the few grand saved went towards extras. For me, the running gear is virtually identical so capability is similar (i don't have Traction control), the 120 has an extra 30litres fuel (that's one less Jerry can), the 3rd seats come out in less than 2 minutes, and stay out unless we are using them (less weight in the car). The 120 has a top mount inter cooler, the 150 a forward mount which is a plus or minus depending on who you talk to - There was some conjecture that this might be leading to issue with the injectors. I think the 120 has a bit more space under the bonnet to mount up stuff.

Then it was purely subjective. I prefer the look of the 120, and I like the fact the H/L lever is a lever, not a switch. What can I say, I like the feel of short stick in my hand!

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

The 120 has a top mount inter cooler, the 150 a forward mount which is a plus or minus depending on who you talk to - There was some conjecture that this might be leading to issue with the injectors.

Not really much conjecture, one person decided this was the issue after another member swapped over to a front mount intercooler on his 120, there was no fact or research or testing, just one persons theory. Which I think time has shown that theory doesn't hold any water.

Cheers Andrew