2018 Prado

[RobP69]

Many a dealer expressed to me that the Prado has been over engineered for years and that the change to increase its tow capacity was a mere formality? I have done little to follow this up due to having no requirement to tow however I would like to see a 6 cyl some stage in the future when I do intend to pull the home along with me

[Snouto]

I have a friend who has just test driven one and the dealer told him it is 3 ton rated for towing but I doubt it with only cosmetic changes to this one and still with the smaller engine.

It is indeed a 3tn tow. They made changes to the cooling system that gave them the extra boost.

[Rexdog12]

I hope is has a 3t towing capacity, if so I am sold

I have a friend who has just test driven one and the dealer told him it is 3 ton rated for towing but I doubt it with only cosmetic changes to this one and still with the smaller engine.

[120D4D]

I am not doubting that issues have been experienced by some owners, but my DPF has been fine (has had the firmware update) and auto 6th gear seems to be deployed as expected and sometimes even at around 60kph (which is not that useful really). Also - I know that the 2.8 is no rocket ship (LC200 4.5 feels a long stronger) but it seems to get better as it runs in and for me it performs fine. However I don't have any heavy accessories or trailer/van.

6th gear at 60km/h?? Based on mine that'd be around 300RPM!!!

[OzDriver]

I am not doubting that issues have been experienced by some owners, but my DPF has been fine (has had the firmware update) and auto 6th gear seems to be deployed as expected and sometimes even at around 60kph (which is not that useful really). Also - I know that the 2.8 is no rocket ship (LC200 4.5 feels a long stronger) but it seems to get better as it runs in and for me it performs fine. However I don't have any heavy accessories or trailer/van.

[JohnLynn]

Sorry no personal experience of this 6th gear issue as I have a manual but I have read posts on here like these:
"is your box engaging 6th gear? My box needs to really be coaxed into 6th gear by really pulling back on the throttle when reaching the desired 100/110/120km speed, and drops back to 5th at the mere suggestion of an incline, which then results in another coax into 6th once on flat surface again."
and this one:
"Toyota wont admit its an issue. 6th gear may as well not be there"
and this:
"At 100km/h my sits at about 1550rpm, putting on cruise control locks in in for me when it won't lock in with the foot pedal"

I haven't had any trouble with my DPF either but have read posts from people who have so I thought questions like these may help the word get back to Toyota that not all of their customers rely on reading a glossy brochure.

[Snouto]

There seem to be a lot of people visiting dealers with a view to buying a new Prado, so I do urge everyone to ask a few questions including "how old are the maps in the navigation system" and "are the DPF issues fixed" and "will the auto version select 6th gear" This would be a good opportunity to make Toyota actually listen to customers.

Wait, the auto wont select 6th gear?!

[JohnLynn]

There seem to be a lot of people visiting dealers with a view to buying a new Prado, so I do urge everyone to ask a few questions including "how old are the maps in the navigation system" and "are the DPF issues fixed" and "will the auto version select 6th gear" This would be a good opportunity to make Toyota actually listen to customers.

[Snouto]

Being from the UK I only ever had manual cars. In fact the first auto I ever drove was my first visit to oz in 2008. Since then it’s been auto all the way. I’m too lazy for manual, screw that nonsese!

[OzDriver]

Full review of 2018 Prado at http://www.caradvice.com.au/600826/2...kakadu-review/

[aronm]

The age old Man vs Auto discussion...

I love Manual, but horses for courses. I have a weekend car that is manual that I have fun in. The 4x4 is for commuting and touring and general purpose. Means Auto is the go. If it was my ONLY car I would have a dilemma on my hands I think, because I do love a manual...

[MalG]

Go to another dealer, that is just BS. I've had two new Prado 150 GXL manuals - a 2013 facelift and a 2015 last of the 1kd's. My dealer called around to others to find my colour preference both times and I had delivery in more than 3 weeks. You might have to wait a bit longer for a 2018 until the initial demand subsides, but don't be tricked thinking it's a factory order.

Be persistent and go the manual anyway - i don't get it why the world's gone soft and dumb with everyone buying autos when there's a choice of a stick shift

You obviously don't sit in Sydney traffic - good luck with a manual then.

[edwardziad]

I am not a dinosaur, I take advantage of technology which make my life easier.

[krypto]

On sand I'd pick an auto over a manual everyday.

[Kygar]

Go to another dealer, that is just BS. I've had two new Prado 150 GXL manuals - a 2013 facelift and a 2015 last of the 1kd's. My dealer called around to others to find my colour preference both times and I had delivery in more than 3 weeks. You might have to wait a bit longer for a 2018 until the initial demand subsides, but don't be tricked thinking it's a factory order.

Be persistent and go the manual anyway - i don't get it why the world's gone soft and dumb with everyone buying autos when there's a choice of a stick shift

Good points Drew.
I love driving a car, not letting it drive me.