buying advice needed.

[jinx 32 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close jinx 32]

hi all, 1st time poster.
i'm looking at purchasing a 120 series prado being surfing this site as well as car sales for pricing so need some advice.
i'll be looking at using it for camping trips no serious off road and will be used around town, i'm looking at keeping it around 10 years and during that time would be lucky to put 50 or 60,000 km's on it.
my budget can be anything up to 30k don't no weather to go for a mid price GXL around 15-18k with around 150,000 - 200,000 k's on it 2003-2005 , or a low mileage later model with around 110,000 k's on the clock 2007-2008 model, any advice appreciated, would prefer a petrol model.

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

Hey,

Buy an 08 if you have the budget.

08 onward petrol 120's don't have the head gasket or timing cover oil leaks that earlier models can experience.

There are other benefits as well, steering wheel controls for the stereo etc.

Best

Mark

[jinx 32 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close jinx 32]

would you recommend any particular spec, GX, GXL, VX, OR GRANDE???

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

would you recommend any particular spec, GX, GXL, VX, OR GRANDE???

Hey,

If you have the coin, the VX is worth it for the traction control, dual zone a/c etc.

Only downside with the VX is the leather seats can show their age quickly, the cloth seats in the GXL are a bit more hardy.

I personally wouldn't get a Grande unless I knew it already had the coil conversion done in the rear, as the hydraulic airbags can blow....sometimes in remote northern locations! ...plus more articulation to be had with a coil setup!

Best

Mark

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

Both GX and GXL were available with option packs that brought stability control etc. Not common but worth getting over an equivalent without if you don't opt for the VX.

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

best to view and drive different models imho. From my biased pov I'd get a Grande which was stock there are plenty still around in good nick and low kays. The grande has all bells n whistles. I have a 2003 petrol grande with no leaks, leather seats which the better half loves (i put canvas covers on them when getting dirty at work). The grande is more capable then alot think. Expect to replace airbags 8-9yrs (mine lasted about 10) and i replaced with Originals after trying aftermarkets. The originals i got online for under $500 and fitted at home. I can tow my boat, camper trailer or work trailer and the airbags auto level so you get the same ride height brilliant. The traction control is excellent for offroad. I've had some decent articulation and never "popped an airbag" out of its mount. (vs springs in rear).
They are all decent and capable vehicles so try then buy one with low easy k history. good hunting.
Also i have seen a few with upgrades like bullbars ,snorkel etc which have never been outta town.

[Guest Close Guest]

I personally wouldn't get a Grande unless I knew it already had the coil conversion done in the rear, as the hydraulic airbags can blow....sometimes in remote northern locations! ...plus more articulation to be had with a coil setup!

Best

Mark

Oddly, there are more Grandes on the market than VXs, and as a result, the Grandes are listed at a lower price than VXs. I'm nearly done with the Grande coil conversion

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

Oddly, there are more Grandes on the market than VXs, and as a result, the Grandes are listed at a lower price than VXs. I'm nearly done with the Grande coil conversion

Hey,

Wow, that's crazy!

So does the difference in second hand Grande/VX price equal the cost of your coil conversion?

...I'll be very interested to see the final setup and what type of geometry you achieve!

Best

Mark

[Guest Close Guest]

Hey,

Wow, that's crazy!

So does the difference in second hand Grande/VX price equal the cost of your coil conversion?

...I'll be very interested to see the final setup and what type of geometry you achieve!

Best

Mark

It will just be the price for a new pair of springs.

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

Not that uncommon. The VX thing. When we bought the 150 I wanted a VX. None available. No discounts. Pricing was higher than a choice of Kakadus.

[craigm Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close craigm]

Oddly, there are more Grandes on the market than VXs, and as a result, the Grandes are listed at a lower price than VXs. I'm nearly done with the Grande coil conversion

You coil conversion isn't been "field trialled" up the Cape at the moment by any chance is it???


Sent from my iPhone thingy

[Guest Close Guest]

You coil conversion isn't been "field trialled" up the Cape at the moment by any chance is it???


Sent from my iPhone thingy

Yes although it was an impromptu trial. The spring rate is inappropriate for the weight. A HHD version is in the pipeline.

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

Yes although it was an impromptu trial. The spring rate is inappropriate for the weight. A HHD version is in the pipeline.

Hey,

Was there a rear wheel carrier on this Prado, is that why too much weight?

Best

Mark

[120D4D Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 120D4D]

You coil conversion isn't been "field trialled" up the Cape at the moment by any chance is it???


Sent from my iPhone thingy

And by 'field trialled' I take it you mean 'thrashed'?

[Guest Close Guest]

Hey,

Was there a rear wheel carrier on this Prado, is that why too much weight?

Best

Mark

Yes, twin wheel carrier.