New Sydney buyer for 90 series

[Purdy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Purdy]

Hi guys,

Well have decided on the 90 series Prado for our next family car. I want a 3.4ltr on gas (lpg). Has to have ABS and 8 seats.
Have done a bit of internet research and found out the following things:
- Everybody has said don't buy a used prado already converted to lpg. Buy a well looked after petrol one and convert it yourself.
- There are two lpg options for the prado. Conventional and vapour, with over $1000 between the two systems. Has anybody had any experience with these two systems on the prado? Pros and cons for each.
- Only the VX and Grande came with ABS in the 90 series?
- Do not want air suspension. Does VX have air suspension or only Grande?
- Has to tow a 1.5t caravan. Does auto come with transmission cooler?


So I believe I want a used 2000 to 2002 VX prado. They seem to be on the market for around $10,000 with about 150,000 on the clock. I will spend the extra to get it converted to lpg myself.
Any other points I should look out for? Going to test drive 3 this weekend.

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

Timing belt is due at 150 xxx km. Make sure it's been done or use it as as a bargaining chip

[Purdy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Purdy]

Timing belt is due at 150 xxx km. Make sure it's been done or use it as as a bargaining chip

Thats great advice. Thanks for that. Do you have an approx on cost of timing belt change? This will help on getting price down if not done.

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

Thats great advice. Thanks for that. Do you have an approx on cost of timing belt change? This will help on getting price down if not done.

Usually do water pump at the same time. At least $800 but I'd expect closer to $1000.

[brissy Member Find all posts View Profile Close brissy]

hi I have a 2002 VX on lpg bought it a couple years ago with 165k , it has the ABS and traction, the transmission just has a standard cooler ran through the bottom radiator tank , I put a F250 transmission cooler in line before the radiator cooler for extra cooling, look at the top of the radiator they go green and brittle at that age , I would replace it anyway for piece of mind
- no air suspension in our VX
- check the colour/ smell of the power steering fluid , as well as the transmission, I ended up flushing through both after purchase and also added a small cooler to the power steering return line as well as a magnifine filter , to keep it clean and cool . I had seen a few people having to replace/ rebuild the steering rack-$$$
good luck with the search

[rayray17 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rayray17]

Hi purdy, sent a pm . have one for sale if interested.

[cmac.no1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close cmac.no1]

Hi Purdy, I have a 1997 Prado with low kms for sale as well, will send u a PM