Buying new prado vx needing feedback

[Ritchie Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ritchie]

I am having endless debate with hubby, we own a landcruiser 70 dual cab and a 200 landcruiser. Our 2 boys are quite young and we are looking at updating our Cruiser 200.

I have always wanted a prado - and hubby is trying to convince me otherwise. We still have his V8 70 series, so we can use that for towing a van one day ( haven't got one yet). All my driving consists of is going to work, town errands and beach use. And towing our boat.

Hubby seems to think the new Prado have less power (diesel) but I guess I'm just wanting reassurance that this is a reasonable compromise and I'm not 'going backwards' like hubby seems to think!

Please tell me a prado is a good compromise considering I don't think we need 2 X V8 4x4. (Or the V8 vintage car - but that's a whole other story!)

Thanks

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

I am having endless debate with hubby, we own a landcruiser 70 dual cab and a 200 landcruiser. Our 2 boys are quite young and we are looking at updating our Cruiser 200.

I have always wanted a prado - and hubby is trying to convince me otherwise. We still have his V8 70 series, so we can use that for towing a van one day ( haven't got one yet). All my driving consists of is going to work, town errands and beach use. And towing our boat.

Hubby seems to think the new Prado have less power (diesel) but I guess I'm just wanting reassurance that this is a reasonable compromise and I'm not 'going backwards' like hubby seems to think!

Please tell me a prado is a good compromise considering I don't think we need 2 X V8 4x4. (Or the V8 vintage car - but that's a whole other story!)

Thanks

I have posted a thread about towing with the 2.8l. Its a great engine and seems to be fine towing 2t caravans. Great on the beach and a great all rounder. VX is the perfect match for those wishing to use offroad but not wanting to spend 90k or more.

[REN470 Member Find all posts View Profile Close REN470]

I've got the 3.0L TD and if I had my time again I'd go the 200 series, in fact it's 2 years old and I will move it on in a year and get something else. The 3.0L is ok but lacks a bit of go for me and I don't want the petrol

[drew_1 Find all posts View Profile Close drew_1]

I agree with your husband, going from a 200 to a Prado is definitely a downgrade. The petrol's ok but have a drive of the diesel and you'll see why the 200 is a far superior drivetrain

[Lski Member Find all posts View Profile Close Lski]

It all depends what you want out of a 4x4. I drove the new 200 series when I was looking and yes it's nice, has good power delivery and roomy, but was overkill for what I wanted and needed and that is why I bought the 2.8 prado. It's a great all round truck in my opinion.

[Harfir Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Harfir]

I can agree with both sides. I purchased the Prado VX 3LT TD brand new in May last year and is a beautiful vehicle and I love it. We also tow a 2.5 Caravan and tows it quiet well but you do know you have it on the back when towing up hill. Otherwise there is enough power for me when not towing, fantastic fuel consumption even when towing and has the luxury of the up market vehicles. The point you need to clarify is do you want the bigger 200 series which taller, wider, bigger ( a mini Truck) all over but with a lot more power or the Prado which is smaller, better fuel consumption and will do every thing the 200 series will do and great on the beach. If I had my time again I may have gone for the 200 series only because of towing the big van and right on our towing limit but that would have been another $30 grand. Other then that the Prado is a great choice.

[Guest Close Guest]

Depends how long each trip is around town, the proportion of towing vs not towing, how heavy the boat is, etc.

The running costs of the 200 would be higher and is overkill for a young family of 4 to drive around town.

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

Similar story here when I was looking to downsize my 2011 200 GXL to a new VX Prado late last year. I had convinced myself the 2.8 Prado would be fine to take me to and from work each day, but the good wife said every time I saw a 200 I would be jealous. She of course was right, so I got a MY16 200 VX. Once you have had the bigger car, it is hard to go back to the Prado, as good as they are (I had a 120 for 5 years).
Good luck.

[Ritchie Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ritchie]

Thankyou everyone for your feedback! I ended up deciding on a Toyota Kluger - for what I use the vehicle (work & daycare run) it would be a pure waste at this stage to get a large 4x4. In a few years time without baby seats/prams and the kids old enough to climb in themselves I'll consider a bigger car. Maybe by then we will be able to do some serious caravanning and take 3 months off before our kids start school. But we will still have the dual cab in between now and then! Thanks so much!!!