looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

[Andyt Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Andyt]

G'day all,

I am moving up to Weipa mid to late this year and thought I would start the search for a decent VX (got 2.5 year old who may spew!) so I want the leather. I am right in picking something like the prado for value for money that will do everything and anything up north ?

Just wondering though is it worth spending the extra on the diesel ? Not going to do a lot of towing, a little 4W driving especially when i get up north, but on average the diesel's an extra $10k! Also, do people recomend paying the $4.5k to get the factory sat nav put in it or just buy something after market. Gotta have blue tooth and ipod etc ?

If it's a diesel, I am concerned with spending potentially $55 - $60k on one with 50-80,000 kms on it... Should I be ?

Does it make a big difference in everyday driving with a 2-3" lif kit, chip and a snorkel ? still want ride comfort but feel they would breathe a little better with the snorkel ? Do chips help economy at all ? they have in previous sedans that I have had..

Also, in VIc now so is it better to buy here, or I could get a better deal up north and then not have to freight it up or drive it up.. Big drive to weipa from Vic !

If anyone has any opinions and can be stuffed replying to all my indecision, it would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers, AndyT

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Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

You don't have to buy a VX to get leather. A trip to the motor trimmers will get you leather if the GXL is all you need.

The factory satnav is good because the response is instant as soon as you run it. Other portable GPS systems will take a while to lock onto the satellites. But the portable ones have more features and much lower in price. Some will have bluetooth. Save your money for the lift, or alternatively, get the Dig_Options TP09X1 unit. viewtopic.php?f=28&t=6223

As for ipod connectivity, the year models you are looking at should have an auxiliary input port on the factory radio.

If you're not towing a lot, then the v6 is pretty good. In some cases, a diesel might be cheaper on fuel but then there is the servicing and the premium in the up front cost. Do your sums and you will probably find that a V6 would end up being cheaper in the long run if you don't tow or do high kms.

[Andyt Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Andyt]

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

Thanks for that. very good advice and have thought of the upfront extra and servicing componant.. I like the idea of putting a new fabric on the inertior too.

Thanks a lot. Cheers,

[Andyt Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Andyt]

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

If I am looking at a petrol, should I be concerned with buying one with 40-60-80,000 kms on it if it's a 2008 ? What sort of things should I look for when i am looking a them.. Are there any tell tale signs of off roading by looking underneath or just get it RACV tested ?

Any advise would again be apprecaited.

Cheers, AndyT

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

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

If you're just after the leather then take amts advice as the vx toyo leather is crap. Mine is wearing like buggery.
With the OME springs and Nitro shocks that I've got you will feel every bump on the road so if you don't intend on doing much off-roading and don't need the lift then stick to std suspension.
A check in the engine bay's nooks and crannies for residual dirt will tell how much off-roading it has done as I find it impossible to clean mine completely.

[Andyt Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Andyt]

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

Thanks Ozpat. interesting about the leather wear.. My brother in law has one and the leather hasn't showed any sign of wear at all...


Can anyone comment on the km's please - petrol with 50k 65 or 80k km's on it. Should I be buying with lower kms ?

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

regards the Kms, i have a diesel (2009) but dont imagine that 80k on a V6 will cause you any trouble so long as it has a good service history and the price matches the km's.

I disagree with ozpat regards the suspension, i have the OME 2" lift, i replaced the originals with only 300kms on the clock and find it a much better ride than the standard springs and shocks. Just be sure your springs match the load you intend to carry, heaps of info in the suspension section you can read before making a decision.

Living in Wiepa (we visited earlier this year) you wont have to travel to far to find water crossings especially if you head up to the tip, a snorkel would be cheap insurance living in the tropical north. Likewise there are plenty of places up there that a lift would help you out as well.

lots of pro's and con's for petrol versus diesel, although more expensive to buy a diesel you will get a better resale when it is time to sell, and probably sell it easier if it is getting up in the k's.

If your reason for leather seats is because of the spew factor only, scotchgaurd is a cheap insurance policy, or canvas seat covers until the little tacker gets a bit older.

Cheers Andrew

[Andyt Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Andyt]

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

Thanks Andrew. I don't think I will be doing too many narly river crossings up there, but I certainly do intend to meet a few blokes up there that know their way around and go and explore a little with common sense and hopefully little damage until I learn the car and it's and my own capabilities. I go ok on the road and on road bikes on track, have driven rally cars a little and did ok, but complete accept that 4WD is a different kettle of fish. You buy one to enjoy... not to swamp!

will definately keep in mind the lift and the snorkel. They are two things that I think I will need. Still happy with the petrol I think and might start looking at more GXL's with low kms and take it to the motor trimmers as amts said. looking at quotes now prior to purchasing.

Thanks for the feedback,Much appreciated.

Cheers,

AndyT

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

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

Don't get me wrong about the suspension. When I'm loaded to the hilt and near my gvm the ride and handling is far superior than standard. That's what I got the OME for, but as daily driver with no load all I'm saying is it's much harsher than standard but I can live with that. Maybe aj has the softer springs. Like he says you need to match your intended load.

[Rusty62 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Rusty62]

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

If you are going to Weipa you will be doing water crossings. I would have the snorkle as number 1, suspension number2, tyres will need an upgrade while your at it.
We have just come back from the cape (july 2010) and needed the snorkle mainly for dust, but was great security for the river crossings.
Interesting how different people feel about the leather. I have a 2008 VX and had a 2006 GXL for 3 years before. The leather is more comfortable (for us) but one word of warning, always park the car with the sun on the back. The seats get that hot they don't cool down. I drive the car for work (sales rep) and get in/out of the car all day. Car is now 21 mths out and showing no real signs of wear.

As for the petrol deisel, it comes down to your figures. If you get the travel bug it can be a long way between fillups if you don't carry extra fuel. We made a couple of changes to our trip and backtracked due to river height and just made it to Lockhart. We don't carry jerry cans.

Whatever you buy, GXL or VX , petrol or deisel it will do the job you need.

Rusty.

[Andyt Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Andyt]

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

Thanks Rusty.. I have since also spoken to a mechanic from Weipa and he said a similar thing... Snorkel, lift ( suspension) and tyres are the most important thing. Looking at the GXL now and seat covers will more than do the trick for a little while until we settle down the coast a little and go buy a nicer car that won't get wrecked! I want to do some exploring so spending about $30k now and I won't be too stressed if it gets a bit of damage.

Thanks again, happy 4WDriving and touring!

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

Re: looking at VX 2007-2009 Prado D4D - Not the new shape

Forget the leather in Weipa unless you will be working in air con. and jumping in the Prado under shade. Yep the Toyo. air con. is great, but if you you jump in the car after throwing the cast net, playing sport or just walking down the street, you cringe a little sitting on leather. Petrol/diesel? How many kms. are you doing? If you are driving back to a base (i.e Cairns) diesel wins hands down. For a town car and driving some flat tracks 100 km from town, I haven't owned one, but the petrol is quick. All things said and done, you won't be dissappointed with your choice!