Doodle posted:

Hi Notso,
Unfortunately my finances are limited to 2003 - 04 models, so waiting for a new model is not an option. I do think highly of the Pajero 3.2l diesel with the trip-tronic auto, but even with a long range tank it can't equal the Prado range.
Thanks for the reply.
Doodle

awill4x4 posted:

Yeah, but we've also seen pics posted here of a diesel variant doing exactly the same thing and burning to the ground.
Regards Andrew.

Notso posted:

Yep, a lot of the diesels have catalytic converters now so it's a problem with them too.

sam_84h posted:

my understanding of the two is that the petrol engines run hotter than the desiel, I could be wrong, I believe the Turbo heats the desiel up any way...

DaveNQ1 posted:

Doodle,
Sorry mate i was writing my reply when you said you were looking secondhand.
Definately comes down to what you want to do with the vehicle and only you can make that decision. If not doing bleep loads of towing i believe the vehicles running costs are fairly similar.

Cheers
Dave

Doodle posted:

Good question Disco Driver. I had the V8 Disco 1 for 8 years now and it hasn’t let me down. Mind you, I look after it mechanically. The only drawback is the 500km range and much less in heavy going. The TD5 is a brilliant motor and very economical and I haven't totally ruled it out, but I’m just thinking it’s time for a complete change. SWMBO and I love traveling in this vast country and will have time to do more. The biggest thing we tow is a CT which is less than a ton loaded, and only if we plan to stay in one spot for at least 5 or 6 days. Mostly we prefer a touring tent. We do get to some remote areas and I’m sick of having to take the trailer just for extra fuel.

I hadn’t even considered the Prado previously. In fact I never thought much of them until I started to research what would be the best vehicle for when I retire in a year or two at the most. The Prado came down to being one of the more reliable and economical vehicles for long term use. I originally did not even consider petrol until I found out the fuel consumption of the 2 Prados were basically the same. If the economics are similar, I’m thinking the petrol may be the better choice…….. or bite the bullet and wait for the new model!

I’ve driven many diesels but never owned one. Companies I worked for used diesels mainly for safety issues and because they had a lot of other equipment powered by diesel. Are there any other real advantages with the diesel?

Cheers,
Doodle

Member - Axle posted:

Why??.

Member - Craig M (VIC) posted:

Doodle,
At the risk of starting a string of follow ups,(and for all you potential writers I'm not playing)I went through exactly the same thing last year, and finished up buying a 03 V6 petrol Prado. I wish I'd kept the figures, but when I calculated the difference in purchase price, servicing and fuel usage, I worked out I'd have to drive the vehicle something like 10 years at 15000km per year to make up the difference, if I bought a diesel. From memory the fuel usage is about 2litres per 100k more for the petrol. I am very happy with my purchase, and have used it off road a lot (incl. SW qld., and nthn SA towing a CT). The only thing that frustrates me is the idle speed - makes it difficult when going over rough terrain. There is certainly a higher risk with flammability of petrol.
Having the range is fantastic.
Good luck with your choice.
Craig.

madfisher posted:

Hi Doodle
I would be guided more by the condition and service history of the prado you intend buying. The deisel motor has an excellant record of reliabity. But toyota petrol motors often last as long as most diesel motors.If a turbo diesel goes bang you will wipe out 10 years of fuel savings.
good luck in your search
Pete