Looking to buy - 40-45K

[JoeByrd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JoeByrd]

Hi, first time poster.

I currently have a 4x2 Ranger, and looking to buy my first 4WD.

I am looking to buy a pre-owned Prado. My budget is around 40-45K, and any help would be appreciated, please.

It must be a manual.

I have found a few in this price range from 2015 (2.8l diesel) between 50,000-100,000 ODE.

Questions
- Have the injector issues been resolved with the 2018 ECU update?
- I would be taking it camping often and would be interested in sleeping inside the car in winter. How far flat to the middle seats go? I read somewhere that the GX seats fold further flat then the GXL?
- Is a "Toyota Certified" pre-owned vehicle really that trustworthy (ie, could I commit buy one interstate before having a look at it)
- Would it be worth the extra 20K to buy a brand new one?

My usage
- Live in the inner suburbs of Melbourne
- Would drive around 12,000km a year
- Camping/4wd 4-5 times a year + additional long drives (holiday house) on top of this

Anything else I should consider?

Thank you very much.

[Trev_wants_a_prado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Trev_wants_a_prado]

Why a manual? Limits your options in the used car market.

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

The 5 seat GX certainly does have a better seat folding setup with a full flat floor with seats folded.

[JoeByrd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JoeByrd]

Why a manual? Limits your options in the used car market.

More fun to drive in my opinion. No other reason.

[JoeByrd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JoeByrd]

The 5 seat GX certainly does have a better seat folding setup with a full flat floor with seats folded.

Is this a standard rule across all releases?

[RedAdventureWagon Member Find all posts View Profile Close RedAdventureWagon]

Is this a standard rule across all releases?

From memory my 2000 90 series GXL (8-seater) has a flat floor between mid and rear rows. There are small 'voids' for seat connection points, and of course if you add child restraint anchors these also detract from the 'flat floor' side of things.

[GEEEXL Member Find all posts View Profile Close GEEEXL]

prob mid 50k for a GX brand new

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

Is this a standard rule across all releases?

the 5 seat GX is only available in the 150 series. The 120 series GX are all 8 seater. There was a 5 seat model when the D4D model 120 series was released which was badged ( although it had no badge) as a Standard.
If looking for a 150 GX I would suggest getting a facelift model ( post 2013/14). It benefit from additional GXL features not found on the early 150s like steering wheel controls.

Late model GX can be found reasonably priced.

Not sure about a manual model! I have owned 3 Prados 2 autos and a manual. The manual in between, the auto is so much nicer to drive and better towing.