Sambo replied:

Dave, I would suggest if your looking at a 2nd hand diesel Prado that one of the main things you look for is a up to date service record. I currently own a 2000 Prado TX and am extremely happy with it. The only thing I would suggest checking is the CV boot covers (they have a history of deteriorating rapidly) and if buying from a dealer have them replaced if they are cracked, aside from this you would be buying one of the best diesels on the market in my opinion. As for fuel economy I constantly get 10litres per 100km or better and it has never missed a beat. Cheers Tony

Sambo replied:

Dave, the oil on the transfer case is probably from sweating not leaking so I would be concerned about that. My figures are about a 50/50 mix of both. The worst figure it has ever returned is 12.5l and that was 4 adults fully loaded plus towing offraod camper trailer. The TX is a magnificant vechile and I would defiantely buy it if everything is in order. The Diesel Turbo Prado was 4wd monthly's 2000 4wd of the year, 2nd last year and 4th this year, would have been second again only that it suffered a front diff failure (havent heard of this happening before) and missed out on one section of judging, still came second in class minus results of one section. The only 4wd judged better is petrol Landcruiser and considering its competition I think that is an exceptional result. On the Ramp test it scored better than the live axle patrol only beaten by Landcruiser not bad considering it has IFS. Glad to have helped if you need any other info my email is tony280576@hotmail.com. Cheers Tony