New to Prado - buying 2nd hand

[Dangerbarnett Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Dangerbarnett]

Hi all,
I’m new here so any help and advice appreciated!

I am looking at buying a vehicle to tow a horse box (small one with one or two horses) and have decided a Prado is the go.

I have about $15k to spend, so looking at an older (10+ years) higher mileage car. They seem to be around the 250k km to 300k km for that price. I’m looking at a diesel version.

Firstly, are there any concerns on the auto boxes for towing? Would you go manual over auto?

Secondly, are there any considerations buying a Prado with this mileage? I have heard about the injectors (should these have been done by 250k km? Would they need doing a second time?) and anything we should be looking for upon an inspection?

ANY help much appreciated! They are fine looking vehicles!

[Gurilla Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Gurilla]

All injectors will need to be done one a diesel car at sometime but the d4d more often ? At those km would have had the originals changed so new set should be a lot better..

km wise ? They are good engines if looked after my father in law has the first 1kd that came in the prado late 2006 and his got over 390,000km injectors had been done few years back and timing belt twice 150,000 and 300,000

mechaniclly if had all oils changed on shedule or before should be fine just other parts may be aging ? The bushes suspension etc

the auto is is a good box if you can get the 5 speed shouldn’t have many issues just change the oil when you get it and probably just do all oils to be safe and know where you stand with the car they are a good engine I pulled a car trailer with car on it easy with the in-laws prado his is a manual though

And a car with those km too it shows they have been looked after to get those km or driven long distance wich is better then around town for a diesel..

im sure others will comment

[Dangerbarnett Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Dangerbarnett]

Thank you! That’s really helpful info

[IanLR Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close IanLR]

Hi

i have a 2007 120vx diesel with 235,000km. Bought new and serviced on schedule by Toyota either Sci Fleet woollongabba or kedron and for the last 5 years Toowoomba Toyota.
its the nicest and most expensive car I have ever had or will have now that I made the decision to keep it for another 5 plus years.

i had the injectors replaced free at about 110,000km.
engine mounts and alternator replaced about 150,000km
lower control arm bushes replaced at 230,500km.
cracked fuel filler pipe at about 220,000km

i have had believe it or not only 2 roadside puncture tyre changes, both within a week and only a few weeks ago. Both also were sharp bits of gravel. Tyres were legal but close enough to replace which i did.

i tow a lot - camper trailer, box trailer and car trailer.

50mm suspension lift at about 150,000km because i wanted the lift. Original shocks and springs were still ok.

issues are minor like frayed steering wheel leather, radio on switch faulty in that it comes on by self, driver leather seat stitching came apart but seat cover and cushion fixed that, low beam headlights dull partly because i drive with lights on but also plastic light covers are glazed from abrasion.

i have posted elsewhere about my vague feeling that i need a auto trans service. I will also be installing a trans cooler. I will get both done by a specialist auto trans shop.

i also gave a vague feeling that my radiator is either blocked up with grass seeds or needs a good flush. I say this because lately the scanguage shows my coolant temperature often a few degrees higher that the long term normal of 87 degrees.

so overall I think a good run and I would have a clear conscience selling it. Naturally I the service records of every service ever done.

ian