2018 Prado

[Grinbot]

I hope the new model doesn't have SCR/AdBlue, and I don't think it does because I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere. I guess it's probably not something they would do for just a face lift update.

It's nice not to have ~20 L of extra fluid in the car (weight), or worry about keeping it from running empty (not a big issue). One less source of complexity/issues. Everyone wants a cleaner environment, but it's about choosing trade offs. A Yaris would be a much cleaner option than an SCR-fitted Prado :-).

Good info about SCR/AdBlue here: https://practicalmotoring.com.au/4x4...reduction-scr/

[Snouto]

This is all fascinating stuff to me, thanks for the information. I was aware of the dpf but not the scr; just so I’m clear, does the current Prado employ SCR? I’ve seen nothing in the 2018 brochure to suggest the refresh does, although to be fair the brochure is hardly a technical document.

[JohnLynn]

Yes you are right, I have looked at the UK Toyota website and under the banner "Toyota loves a cleaner world" (except Australia (that was a joke)) it says "Our latest Euro 6 diesel engines fitted in the Hilux, Land Cruiser and Proace models, all use adblue"
I wrongly assumed that they had a more modern engine to comply with Euro 6 but it looks like they have just fitted an adblue tank and SCR.

[prado R83D]

I'm not sure where you get your conspiracy theories from.... Toyota sells Australia "old" low tech engines.

Just checked Toyota europe and the Diesel engine you can buy over there is the 2.8l d4d. It didn't have the engine code but I'm pretty sure it's the exact same engine we buy over here.

Not sure how they comply with euro6 standards but my guess would be adblu since their dpf doesn't currently meet that standard over here.

[JohnLynn]

I only chose to highlight the fact that Toyota use the Euro 5 engine for Australia, I presume that the Euro 6 version which has been sold in Europe for three years is a more modern engine. Possibly better, who knows? You are right though about the possible demise of the diesel, there is much controversy in the UK at present as a few years ago diesels were thought to be the answer to the problem of CO2 emissions as they are more efficient than petrol. Consequently the government encouraged diesel sales. Unfortunately now that NO2 and particulates are regarded as a heath risk we have the opposite happening with many fed up owners of modern diesels.
Not all Euro 6 car engines use adblue, my wife has a 2014 Audi A3 2.0 litre diesel which doesn't and as far as I am aware the DPF is situated close enough to the engine to be hot enough to regenerate passively.

[prado R83D]

I'm not sure as to why people want a euro6 compliant vehicle. You get the adblu system which is another complication for your Diesel engine. Just one more thing that can go wrong.

Euro compliance is killing off Diesel engines.

[bretthar]

So why do they only offer the auto with 3T towing and the manual is still 2.5T considering I've read quite a bit about the auto overheating when towing 2.5T, surely the manual box is up for another 500Kg considering all else is the same. Mind you I'm towing 2.5T with a 2014 3L and it struggles on the hills , not sure I'd even want to tow 3T

[Desirable4Driving (D4D)]

That lines up with what I was told for the GXL - the dealer apparently discounted the on-roads and offered me the $62990 flat (before I haggle for more). Will be interesting if others experience the same.

The GX is a really good value vehicle now with the standard safety kit, 9 speaker stereo, GPS, fancy odometer etc. great base for a build up of a touring vehicle. it was only 3 years ago we were buying the GXL with less kit then the my18 GX and paying 60k.

[Snouto]

Got sent this from dealer:
GX 5 Seat Manual RRP $53,490; Auto $56,490
GX 7 Seat Auto $59,040
GXL 7 Seat Manual $59,990
GXL 7 Seat Auto $62,990
GXL + Premium Interior 7 Seat Auto $66,490
VX 7 Seat Auto $73,990
Kakadu 7 Seat Auto $84,490
PLUS Onroads

That lines up with what I was told for the GXL - the dealer apparently discounted the on-roads and offered me the $62990 flat (before I haggle for more). Will be interesting if others experience the same.

[MalG]

Got sent this from dealer:
GX 5 Seat Manual RRP $53,490; Auto $56,490
GX 7 Seat Auto $59,040
GXL 7 Seat Manual $59,990
GXL 7 Seat Auto $62,990
GXL + Premium Interior 7 Seat Auto $66,490
VX 7 Seat Auto $73,990
Kakadu 7 Seat Auto $84,490
PLUS Onroads

[bigowenb]

Thanks! Yeah about the build date, asked the young bloke I spoke to at the second dealer and he reckoned around April for the first 2018 builds. To be honest though he was only a trainee so I was taking everything he said with a fist of salt.

I’d love a Kakadu but the price is well outside my range. I may have been able to convince the wife to go for the VX but without KDSS it’s not worth the extra $11k for the leather seats, auto windscreens and cross traffic sensors, although the 360 camera looks nice.

I’m pretty hopeless when it comes to haggling but one thing that would help is knowledge of what a realistic purchase price is. Assuming the quote I received is standard (I didn’t even have to ask for it, after all) what would be a good target price? Is $60k realistic, or is it a better strategy to get as many inclusions as possible?

From my experience new year Japan built Prado's arrive last week of Feb and Thai built Hilux's arrive last week of March.
It's always good when haggling to keep it nice (nobody likes to be abused) and work between a couple of dealers, don't fall for the "this price is only for today"......and most of all, they're not your friend.

[bigowenb]

Yes Android Auto and Car Play could be easily included but they never will because it is Toyota policy not to allow Google or Apple anywhere near their vehicles.
How could Toyota charge over $300 for a two year old map if customers were able to see a current and up to date version? While I am on my favourite subject again I would urge all prospective customers to ask the sales person how old is the navigation in a brand new vehicle. It does look like the shape of the head unit has changed though? the screen looks a little bit higher but still small and as pointed out already a DVD slot?
I couldn't see from the brochure if the engine is still Euro 5 emissions standard, this could be another question to ask the dealer, being mindful of current DPF issues. If it is still only Euro 5 it would reinforce my suspicions that Toyota treat the Australian market as a soft touch. Remember that it has been illegal to sell a new Euro 5 vehicle in Europe since 2014.

All valid points however, in fairness not unique to Toyota. Mazda is notorious for selling new vehicles with up to 3 year old maps and ALL manufactures are having DPF issues, a look at other brand forums will prove my point......and as for worrying about Euro emission standards, thanks to them there'll no diesels available OS in 5 years anyway.

[SFB77]

Hi SFB77 are you saying you have ordered a 2018 GXL and can receive delivery of it by next week? I was told I wouldn't be able to get one until Jan 2018 if i ordered when they officially launch in Early Nov 2017

Hey mate, thats correcf. Will pick up mid/late next week. He told me they have sold over 100 so far across their dealerships (3). And he believed first shipments were almost gone and then after that anyone ordering would have to wait till Jan/Feb. while I agree not alot has changed i do believe these will sell well as they are offering something thats never been offered before on any previous model...LEGAL 3 tonne towing with GCM OF 5990 straight from the showroom floor with no mods which actually appeals to alot of people. But kills the value a little of previous models.

[Snouto]

I bought my very first Toyota in late 2015 a manual GXL, at the time I presumed that being a new car it would have all the bells and whistles and be very up to date. At the dealers I excitedly entered my address in the navigation system to drive home and was amazed that my estate didn't exist even though it was built three years previously.
I have been moaning about this ever since! What made me irritated about the issue was Toyota's attitude. I spent months complaining to Toyota "guest experience centre" WA consumer protection, a senator and as many "high ups" as I could find.
Eventually a "new " map was released which was given to me (to shut me up) but it was two years old when released by Toyota.
There is nothing a customer can do about this as the head unit is locked down to prevent adding your own software, a video in socket was removed in 2015 to prevent an interface being connected.
All new cars sold in Europe have had to comply with Euro 6 since 2014, they will probably introduce Euro 7 soon. My cynical mind thinks that if Toyota have a lot of Euro 5 engines which I guess are cheaper to make then they will "dump" them on to markets that haven't changed their regulations to demand Euro 6.

Thanks for that, interesting stuff. I can understand your cynicism but if I may take a Devil's Advocate position for a moment, if the Aus government only legislates Euro 5 requirements then shouldn't it be them receiving your ire? Of course it would be wonderful if Toyota did the "right thing" but in the world of business, the "right thing" tends to be whatever makes business the most money. I can't find specifics but if the Japanese emissions standards are similar to Euro 5 then - as you suggest - it would presumably be cheaper to keep making them to that standard.

As for the GPS fiasco, that just plain sucks. Nothing like taking away that new car feeling with something as crappy as out-of-date GPS maps. Good on you for fighting the good fight.

[JohnLynn]

Thanks for the tips.

I believe it's a CD slot in the dash, with the Kakadu having Blu-ray in the back.

As for GPS, the brochure states "Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks and offers some coverage in regional areas.". Make of that what you will, but it's not exactly giving much away. I had no idea Toyota would charge $300 for an out of date map but just so I'm clear on what you're saying, are we talking about a paid-for update to the in-car map software that costs $300 but is horribly out of date? Because that sounds ridiculous and possibly dangerous.

As for emissions, like you I can't see any mention at all in the brochure. What rating should we be hoping to see in the new models [edit: Euro 6 perhaps, but according to the Government website Euro 5 is still the current standard]?

I bought my very first Toyota in late 2015 a manual GXL, at the time I presumed that being a new car it would have all the bells and whistles and be very up to date. At the dealers I excitedly entered my address in the navigation system to drive home and was amazed that my estate didn't exist even though it was built three years previously.
I have been moaning about this ever since! What made me irritated about the issue was Toyota's attitude. I spent months complaining to Toyota "guest experience centre" WA consumer protection, a senator and as many "high ups" as I could find.
Eventually a "new " map was released which was given to me (to shut me up) but it was two years old when released by Toyota. as far as I know that is the latest issue and I expect it to be fitted in the brand new vehicles. Yes they do charge $300 for a new sd card with this map on!
There is nothing a customer can do about this as the head unit is locked down to prevent adding your own software, a video in socket was removed in 2015 to prevent an interface being connected.
All new cars sold in Europe have had to comply with Euro 6 since 2014, they will probably introduce Euro 7 soon. My cynical mind thinks that if Toyota have a lot of Euro 5 engines which I guess are cheaper to make then they will "dump" them on to markets that haven't changed their regulations to demand Euro 6.