Member - Bob posted:

Although the optioned-up one is more likely to have been hammered. Why not look at all available vehicles. Jackeroo, Pajero, Disco etc. Just because a friend has a Prado doesn't mean it will be the car best suited to you.

Phil P posted:

Petrol - Which is what I prefer

Oziexplorer posted:

I would go for the second hand Grande every day and put a bull bar on yourself and anything else you want. You already know the service history and they are a good model without problems.
You really have to look if you need a bull bar mounted winch, as when you need them they are in the wrong place or under water or something like that. I much prefer a Tirfor type hand winch as you can pull from anywhere onto the vehicle. Over these holidays I had to let a vehicle use my Tirfor to pull themselves out backwards because their winch was useless mounted on the bullbar under water. This is often the case.

Bob Y. posted:

Phil, With a saving of $20K to spend on accessories for the Grande, you'd still have some left over to pay for the first trip. A city vehicle like that with that mileage would be almost like new. And youknow the owner!!!

Would have to agree with Ozi on both statements above. Our company went through the winch phase about 12 years ago, I've been bogged less times since we stored the winches in the shed. Also you have that weight penalty hanging off the front, that you may only use once every 3 months, or maybe less. Oh what a fee....etc. Catch you all later...

Bob Y. posted:

Red book says:

98 Prado Grande average kms 105,000 - 125,000
Trade: $31,300 - 35,300
National average price: $34,600 - 39,700
price when new: $60,803

make that $30K, truckster!!!

Reckon he's got a deal with that mileage.

Sambo posted:

Truckster

Now at the risk of sounding like a smart a**e and knowing you are a nissan man I decided to check out the red book values on 98 GU Patrols, hmmm seems they have lost 16-31 grand in value over the same time frame as a Prado depending on private or dealer sale. That would seem to indicate a very obvious fact that all new cars lose considerable value in the first 5 years of ownership. But as most people are aware you lose less value as a vehicle gets older than you do in the early years. For the record I am a Prado owner and extremely biased and proud of my choice of vehicle no less than you probably are of your Patrol. Happy 4wding and dont take it personal just revving you up.

Cheers

Truckster posted:

Sambo,
as ya say you drive out the showroom, ya lose $5000 at least.

But I'll take $16k loss over $20-30k loss anyday, wouldnt you?

Which has more accessories available new and second hand?