1KZ or 4.0 V6 120

[sheeks84 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close sheeks84]

Hi all,

Im currently in the market for a 120 series prado. My budget is $25K including accessories, so a D4D Prado is out of the price range.

Wanting peoples thoughts on buying the petrol V6 over a 1KZ diesel. I know the V6 trumps the diesel in all but the economy stakes, but what are the real world fuel figures like? And those that have owned/driven both can you share your thoughts.

Ive driven a few Hiluxs with the 1KZ and they were pretty slow even in a light hilux, so i can only imagine what they are like in a much heavier Prado, plus the fact they aren't that great on fuel for a diesel.

The V6 Prado i have in mind is an auto, does anyone have any thoughts on the whole manual vs auto debate? Ive always had manuals but am starting to lean towards an auto for the next bus, and i hear the V6 auto combo is a real sweet thing.

Im not looking for a bog hole bashing monster, been there done that with my last car which was a serious GU Patrol, just want a car that eats miles comfortably and does a reasonable job off road. Fuel wise my patrol was a 4.5 petrol so I'm prepared for the V6 Prado to cost a bit, but from what i can gather they aren't much worse than a Commodore station wagon on fuel.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Sounds like you are leaning towards a V6, you won't be disappointed. I haven't owned either, but regularly service both types. The 1KZ is a good motor, but a little slower like you have said. Go with what you're thinking, it will be a lot cheaper to run than the old pootrol and eat the k's a lot easier. Unfortunately I won't get into fuel figures, if you're a lead foot it will easily chew 18L/100Kms, if you're nice to it it will return 12L/100Kms, so somewhere inbetween would be fair.
As far as auto vs manual, the auto will reverse a trailer up a hill better, be better in some off-road places, be better aroung town and cruise on the highway fine, the manual will hold speed better down hill, cruise the highway nicely and just drive like a manual. Both are great choices, I would personally go the auto but the wife prefers a manual, so it's up to you.

[macaroon1 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close macaroon1]

I bought my 1KZ before I knew about PP, I don't come from a 4wd background. Ever since buying, I've slightly regretted not buying a V6 but where I came from all 4wd's were diesel. Fortunately I had the coin to make my 1KZ slightly more enjoyable ( Steinbauer chip, 2.75 exhaust) although I do drive like an old man. Tassie Tiger has made that switch and loves his V6, he tows too, maybe PM him?? I think it was partly it's pedestrian nature?? I don't do fuel figs too but I reckon the V6 would not be too much more than my 1KZ. The 95 series (1KZ) Prado was a fair bit lighter than the 120 and my Grande auto is heavier again. The 120 is really too heavy for it's small output.

I don't regret my choice, learnt to live with it, it's not a daily driver, just saying if I had my time again I maybe filling up with petrol. Having said this, I plan to keep her for many more years until new technology, they are cracking workhorse like engines! I'd go auto every day..

[Guest Close Guest]

I went with the V6 because I didn't think I was going to tow. Also, when comparing real world fuel economy figures there wasn't much in it. Then with 5K oil changes and timing belt on the 1KZ, it became a no brainer that the V6 was the better vehicle for me. The ability to just go when you put your foot down was a bonus. I can't imagine driving a manual up Hills off road. Much more comfortable and convenient in an auto.

If you want good fuel economy, leave it stock, but what's the fun in that?

[rogjil Find all posts View Profile Close rogjil]

I also went V6 auto did not consider either diesel. Besides driving up hills offroad, south east Queensland's great beach drives are much easier in an auto

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

Had 120 V6 and loved it, moved to a 150 facelift diesel and only like it, scared it will have injector failure at some stage and certainly is not as fast, used to tow a fair bit but not so much anymore, go figure, gadgets are nice on 150 but would have been happier in the 120 with updated stereo etc. 120 with tyres, awning, roof rack, antenna's etc brought it up to 14+L/100, compared to 11L in 150 with tyres and awning. Low 1 is great in D4D but in the V6 to be honest low 1 wasn't that bad either. In my mind now clear choice. Add more towing and could change the situation...

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

RE real world fuel figures. 10yrs/150k km of keeping fuel records on my 1kz revealed 14.0l/100km total average.
(D4D Facelift currently sitting closer to 12.0)

RE petrol vs diesel. Easy! I'll take my outboard motors, motorbikes and lawnmowers in 4stroke, and my 4WDs in diesel. Then again, ive never driven a V6 Prado....

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

We have a 1kzte. If i had my time again would i still get a 1kzte?

No.

[sheeks84 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close sheeks84]

Thanks for the advice people. Definately leaning towards the v6 auto combo, I only travel around 10,000 Kay's a year so the diesel vs petrol economy thing isn't a huge deal breaker for me, but being able to comfortably cruise loaded up with gear is. Does anyone have any experience with a lock up switch for the autos, just to get a bit better crawl ability on down hill sections?

[prado2004 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado2004]

I have a 1kz and love it, would change it for the petrol honestly. The manuals are a lot better then the auto 1kz's in terms of power and economy so go a manual

for $25k budget, it is meant to be!

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...o-For-Sale-NSW

[prado2004 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado2004]

We have a 1kzte. If i had my time again would i still get a 1kzte?

No.

why is that? i have a 1kz and if i had my time again i would get another. great trucks

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

For 10,000 km get the auto V6, try and get the 5 speed. If you do go for the 1KZ stay with the manual.

[macaroon1 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close macaroon1]

. If you do go for the 1KZ stay with the manual.

Yeah, I did say Auto....but as MJ says, IF u do go for the 1KZ go the manual, they are suited a lot better apparently. Was thinking you were erring the Petrol..

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

why is that? i have a 1kz and if i had my time again i would get another. great trucks

Oh look its a personal preference.
I find the 1kzte gutlesss for towing and the the heads crack.
Ours cracked at 240ks.
We fitted an AMC head and dont expect any more problems.
If your going to buy a 1kzte I recommend buying one that has had the head already replaced with a good quality one, not an ebay special as the problem will reoccur.
And did i mention they are gutless for towing?

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Have a look at the thread on this in the 120 section where a similar issue is being discussed.