Your thoughts please - should I buy it?

[JohnApthorp Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JohnApthorp]

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to this sort of forum so if I make a mistake - please don't shout at me.

I currently drive a toy 4WD - a 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara. If it was a cat, you would say it was on it's 9th life - time to get a real 4WD & not a toy.

The car I'm looking at is a 1999 Prado - "Surf" edition. 3.4ltr Auto with 220,000kms on the clock & the buy it now price is $13000.

Several questions come to mind:
Are there any known, major problems that I should be aware of?
What sort of fuel economy could I expect on the highway @ 100kph?
What are peoples thoughts about this model in general?

Thanks in advance,
Gary 0406178729

Extra - Thanks to Simons reply - this is the "Snowy" model & not the surf. My mistake.
Cheers.
Gary.

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

Gary,

Im new here as well, but have been doing some reading for a little while now. I have no idea what a Surf pack is, never heard of it. I always thought they were Hilux Wagons (4 runners). That aside, for $13,000 there are plenty of cars out there with less kms on them. For example:

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...99&sort=~Price

that one is the top spec model. There are plenty around with either less kms or less money. If it were me I would maybe hold off for a bit.

As far as fuel economy or common problems go I cant give a good enough answer. May I sugest having a look through the 90 series section of the forum. You will be able to find all the answers there, this forum is very well laid out and easy to use.

One more thing, its probably a good idea to add your location into your profile, so people know where you are. Makes it a lot easier when they are helping with an issue or offering advice on something.

[sbclover Member Find all posts View Profile Close sbclover]

Sounds like a grey import. Price is too much. If it is an import leave it alone and walk away.

Sean

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

Maybe it's a model that has been through the surf.

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

I have the same model but mine is a manual and now it has clicked over 240k and all i have done to it apart from minor upgrades is serviced it eg filters plugs oil brake pads timing belt, other than that not a thing has been done to it no clutch replacement no radiator hoses no fan belts yes they are a bit thirsty roughly 13.5 km / 100km unloaded but being "maintenance free " compensates the fuel costs and yes it still goes strong

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

I had a 1999 3.4l and it was a great car.
13000 sounds a little high, maybe not from a dealer. I have not heard of the "surf " model though.
No major problems I can recall but they do have starter motor problems. The contacts in the starter motor wear out and need replacing.
This is a minor fix but so many mechanics would rather replace the whole starter motor at over $500 when I just replaced the contacts for around $50. Good as new.
VERY reliable 4WD.
cheers.
G.

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

Edit

Appealing to some but not everyone, reasonably safe, moderately comfortable but like all used cars they are subject to former owners care and attention. A poorly kept example usually goes for between 7,500-12,000 depending on year, model, motor, options, servicing and modifications.

Should point out here that my wording was poor, ' poorly kept examples usually are about 7,500 - 8,500, good examples between 9,000 and 10,000 very good ones between 10,500 - 12,500'
Wouldnt pay more than 12,500 for a late model 2001 or 2002 in very good nick with around 190,000 kms tops.

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

Hi?

Looking at the price, i would suggest you hold off a bit and search the market for similar examples or bargain little bit more. look for dints on the engine bolts to see if engine ever re-built, ask to see if Tranny ever replaced or re-built, drive with it or have someone drive it with good engine, tranny knowledge.

My recent aquisition gave me alot of problem (mostly hidden and ticking bombs) rack and pinion was shot on a very cold morning.
then the front diff overhaul. recently had a fuel line issue. So it's always better to hold off and check the item thoroughly.

Regards Gantulga

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

I had the Snowy, like all Prados it's a good machine. However I wouldn't pay $13K for it, you should be able to find cheaper ones on the market. As has been pointed out they are very thristy, so I wouldn't pay anymore than I had to as the savings will be needed for the fuel.

[John Member Find all posts View Profile Close John]

Grey import. I would avoid it.