120 series petrol grande - buying advice

[Guest Close Guest]

Hi guys,

I had a 2003 diesel years ago, and have had an FJ for a couple of years since (its almost a Prado!). Looking to go back to the 120 series as I am buying a house and could use the change.

I've seen a few 120 series petrol Grande's for around the mid $20K mark. Just wondering if this is reasonable value (low kms), and if there is anything to look out for. One caution I have is with leather seat wearing, the other is with lots of older electronic gizmos and their reliability.

I do low kms - maybe 10K a year, so economy is not a major concern. Whats the feeling on extra dollars for TD when I am doing low kms?

Happy to hear any input guys. Good to be back on the pradopoint forum. The FJ forum (FJCC) is also pretty good, they even have a thread for which FJ they saw and whether the drive waved back to them. HAHA.

cheers

Alby

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

I had the same path as yours half year ago. So after 6 months, I think the main problems I should have checked and considered are:

- Rusted sunroof, can DYI fix using fiberglass if you can
- Old rear air bags (after 10+ years), I'm quite worry whenever we're on a long trip as It can cause problem any time. I'm thinking about buying a spare bags just in case or looking for unused bag from people who upgraded to after market bags or coil springs.
- You would loose all the sport/uncomfortable settings when replace the OEM suspensions, I didn't really feel the difference anyways
- The driver leather seat is a annoying to look at , it scratches and looks ugly. I had to fix it twice using Leather glue
- Cracked dashboard, obviously many people had this problem

A part from those, everything else is awesome

[Guest Close Guest]

Welcome Alby!

Stick with the petrol for the low kms. Not worth the extra expense in the purchase price of a diesel.
There are a few electronic gizmos but not that much: sunroof, self-levelling rear suspension, comfort/sport shocks, electronic centre diff lock.

Also see the What to look out for thread
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...o-look-out-for

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

Keep an eye out for a 120 VX, the sweet spot in the range. It has the traction and stability control, downhill assist etc. but does without the sunroof and air bags. For low km go the petrol- smooth and powerful and not too thirsty if you can resist the power! I had my VX petrol for 8 years / 150000 trouble free years before updating recently to a new diesel. Too many potential problems with D4D motor/injectors etc if buying second hand. Lots of info on here. If you go diesel budget 3-4K$ for the fix.

[Guest Close Guest]

The strange thing is that the VXs are rare and are mostly priced higher than the Grande.