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Hi guys,
I am weighing up options for my Prado purchase, it will be my first 4WD and I am looking for something which will be capable off-road (though I will be using as a tourer, some beach driving but probably no real serious off roading) but comfortable as a daily driver. I have listed below my current options list, and the pros and cons I see in each, I welcome any and all input. Primarily I’d like to know if I am missing anything or making any incorrect assumptions, i.e. if there was an improvement in spec on the J120 in 2007 that I don’t know about, or I am incorrectly assuming that a 2005 Grande doesn’t come with reverse sensors etc, or just other things I may not have considered. Please jump in if there are particular pitfalls with any of these that I should be aware of or be careful of when buying high km vehicles, or if there are pros which I haven’t added for each.
In terms of my criteria, I am looking to minimise running costs (i.e. through minimising total fuel and servicing costs), Bluetooth connectivity (for streaming music, hands free phone calls, etc), reverse sensors, safety (air bags),
2005+ J120 VX or Grande Petrol with LPG (either already converted or I will convert, going for 2005 plus because of upgraded gearbox to 5 speed auto)
Pros
Low initial purchase price, more money for upgrades such as bull bar, lift kit, tyres, roof racks, dual battery, fridge, LPG conversion, etc. More power than diesel and lower servicing costs (less frequent), and lower fuel costs with LPG.
Cons
Typically high kms, low tech (no proximity entry, no reverse camera?, no steering wheel controls for volume phone etc, no iPhone connectivity? etc), more complexity with LPG – more that can go wrong and cost money. Need to buy VX or Grande to get the 6 air bags.
2008+ J120 VX or Grande Diesel D4D (going for 2008+ as I am lead to believe there was an injector upgrade in 2008 on the D4Ds – though I have not verified this)
Pros
Fuel efficient diesel, lower initial purchase price than J150 leaving money for upgrades.
Cons
Typically higher kms, potential issues with early model D4D engines. Need to buy VX or Grande to get the 6 air bags. Not that much cheaper than J150.
2009+ J150 GX Diesel D4D (going for the GX model because I do not need 7 seats, and I prefer the extra boot space).
Pros
Fuel efficient diesel, more tech/comfort upgrades, aesthetically better, safety. Driving assists,
Cons
Still no reverse sensors/camera or steering wheel controls, higher initial purchase price, potential injector issues, higher servicing costs of diesels over petrol. Would have to purchase high kms and/or poor condition vehicle to afford this model. Smaller wheels (higher cost to upgrade).
Thanks in advance!
I am weighing up options for my Prado purchase, it will be my first 4WD and I am looking for something which will be capable off-road (though I will be using as a tourer, some beach driving but probably no real serious off roading) but comfortable as a daily driver. I have listed below my current options list, and the pros and cons I see in each, I welcome any and all input. Primarily I’d like to know if I am missing anything or making any incorrect assumptions, i.e. if there was an improvement in spec on the J120 in 2007 that I don’t know about, or I am incorrectly assuming that a 2005 Grande doesn’t come with reverse sensors etc, or just other things I may not have considered. Please jump in if there are particular pitfalls with any of these that I should be aware of or be careful of when buying high km vehicles, or if there are pros which I haven’t added for each.
In terms of my criteria, I am looking to minimise running costs (i.e. through minimising total fuel and servicing costs), Bluetooth connectivity (for streaming music, hands free phone calls, etc), reverse sensors, safety (air bags),
2005+ J120 VX or Grande Petrol with LPG (either already converted or I will convert, going for 2005 plus because of upgraded gearbox to 5 speed auto)
Pros
Low initial purchase price, more money for upgrades such as bull bar, lift kit, tyres, roof racks, dual battery, fridge, LPG conversion, etc. More power than diesel and lower servicing costs (less frequent), and lower fuel costs with LPG.
Cons
Typically high kms, low tech (no proximity entry, no reverse camera?, no steering wheel controls for volume phone etc, no iPhone connectivity? etc), more complexity with LPG – more that can go wrong and cost money. Need to buy VX or Grande to get the 6 air bags.
2008+ J120 VX or Grande Diesel D4D (going for 2008+ as I am lead to believe there was an injector upgrade in 2008 on the D4Ds – though I have not verified this)
Pros
Fuel efficient diesel, lower initial purchase price than J150 leaving money for upgrades.
Cons
Typically higher kms, potential issues with early model D4D engines. Need to buy VX or Grande to get the 6 air bags. Not that much cheaper than J150.
2009+ J150 GX Diesel D4D (going for the GX model because I do not need 7 seats, and I prefer the extra boot space).
Pros
Fuel efficient diesel, more tech/comfort upgrades, aesthetically better, safety. Driving assists,
Cons
Still no reverse sensors/camera or steering wheel controls, higher initial purchase price, potential injector issues, higher servicing costs of diesels over petrol. Would have to purchase high kms and/or poor condition vehicle to afford this model. Smaller wheels (higher cost to upgrade).
Thanks in advance!