Nubee Questions from a potential owner

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

Hi All.

am looking for a 120 series Prado 03/04 V6 model and am trying to decide between manual or auto. I won't be doing any major towing with it, just a LOT of city driving with the odd weekend run to the bush.

I'm leaning towards a manual as I'd expect better economy, and also the fact that you don't have to get the tranny serviced as often (less expense). Any opinions on my reasoning?

Also is there anything else mechanical wise I should be looking out for as I start inspecting cars?

Cheers, Markus.

[leachy_9 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close leachy_9]

Even if an auto costs you 1L/100 in fuel efficency that only equates to $375 /yr (based on $1.50/L & 25k). There are a number of threads here about people having issues with clutches and thrust bearings but very little about serious issues with auto boxes.
So I'd suggest you just decide whether you want to drive a manual or auto not worry too much about the dollars.
Leachy

[Fungi2003 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fungi2003]

Even if an auto costs you 1L/100 in fuel efficency that only equates to $375 /yr (based on $1.50/L & 25k). There are a number of threads here about people having issues with clutches and thrust bearings but very little about serious issues with auto boxes.
So I'd suggest you just decide whether you want to drive a manual or auto not worry too much about the dollars.
Leachy

Leachy is rite, get something your comfortable with. Both auto and manual transmission types are well built and reliable.

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

If you are doing a lot of city driving and a little offroad work I'd go the auto. But I am a bit biased. (5/2004 GXL Auto V6).

In the end it's what you are comfortable with.

Geoff...

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

Hi Markus, as Leachy suggests, the main issue is whether you prefer to drive a manual or an auto. Whatever your choice, I think you will find:
1. You will initially pay a bit more to purchase an auto but find it has better resale value and is much easier to sell than the manuals. So cost should even itself out.
2. According to redbook.com.au the auto is not supposed to chew any more gas than the manual ... If you check out their specifications on the post-Semptember 2004 models, the auto is supposed to be more fuel efficient than the manual.
3. In September 2004 Toyota released a 5sp auto and a 6sp manual ... supposedly better fuel economy and should hold their value better than the pre-Sept 04 models which had 4sp and 5sp boxes respectively. Especially as more and more 05+ models come on the market.
4. In the auto, the fifth gear adds to the pleasure of cruising, 100 = 2000rpm.
5. Can one of the mechanics help? As far as I know, the 5sp auto box is sealed and is only serviced if and when it gives trouble. That is, I don't think the gearbox oil is a regular maintenance item on the post Sept 04 models. You would want to confirm this tho.

You can probably spot my bias , but i do love driving the auto round town and it is great off-road as well. The low range auto box has to be experienced to be appreciated.

Good luck mate, hope you find what you are looking for.
Bear

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

Thanks for all your replies everyone. Much appreciated!!!

Will post up details of my new ride when I find it.

Cheers.

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Occasionally I take my wives little Honda Jazz into town rather than the Prado....
Then I get into traffic and remember I hate the manual!! Love it for the 'go cart' factor but every other aspect of the manual shift is oh so painful if you're crawling along at a snails pace.

[Shell Member Find all posts View Profile Close Shell]

must admit I've gotten lazy and love the auto with the stop start driving in the city.