What rig to choose??

What do you want it for?

Why not go drive them all, that will usually answer your own questions.

They dont make Jackaroos anymore I thought?

YMMV

your decision but remember to take into account wheather you are going to be towing and what size/weight and what distances. I own an 80 series 4.2 natural and tow 1.9tn van with no trouble except on hills of course. Personally, Id go the toyota, either l/c or prado.

Bob

No point getting a whopping big cruiser if you don't need the space. The Turbo diesel Prado would be (IMHO) the pick of the mid sized 4by's at the moment.
Take one for a drive & see if it fits your bill.
Craig
HZ105 croozer

If cost matters then you go through the process of deciding Petrol/Diesel, Big/Medium, Handling/Off road ability. Then personal preference between brands. If cost doesn't matter go out and buy a L/C turbo diesel anyway.
Both the (available) vehicles you mention are excellent products but vastly different in their strengths and weaknesses, and the engineering solutions they adopt. I'd personally have a diesel before a petrol anyday, so would opt for the auto diesel pajero ahead of the 3.5 petrol. Both are vastly more economical than the petrol Toyotas (either V8 or six). The Paj doesn't have the rail chassis of the Toyo - it's monocoque, so lighter and a lower centre of gravity. The Toyo is quite a bit bigger so will carry more. It doesn't handle as well on the road, but is generally regarded as more capable off road.

Take a test drive in a DID Pajero. Best of the bunch IMHO. Will tow as well if not beter than a LC.
Back to back test drive with a Prado will leave you wondering why Toyotas are so expensive........

Yes I'm biased............
John

This is sure to start a war.....

From the relevant web sites:-

Pajero DID
Maximum power 121kW @ 3800rpm
Maximum torque 373Nm @ 2000rpm
Kerb mass (kg) 2180
Ground clearance (mm) 225
18 KG/KW
RRP $56990

Prado
Maximum Power 96kW @ 3600rpm
Maximum Torque 343Nm @ 2000rpm
Kerb Weight (kg) 2170
Ground clearance (mm) 207
22.6 KG/KW
RRP $52660

LC100 GXL
Maximum Power 96kW @ 3800rpm
Maximum Torque 285Nm @ 2200rpm
Kerb Weight (kg) 2325-2370kg
Ground clearance (mm) 210
24.6 KG/KW
RRP $61990

LC100 GXL Turbo
Maximum Power 150kW @ 3400rpm
Maximum Torque 430Nm @ 1400rpm
Ground clearance (mm) 210
Kerb Weight (kg) 2510-2550kg
17 KG/KW
RRP $70990

No brainer. The turbo cruiser is a more powerful beast and marginally better power to weight than the Pajero.
Unless your going to be doing a lot of heavy towing (or you win Lotto) you can't beat the Pajero.
IMHO

John

This may seem left of centre but have you considered landrover Discovery. Have taken delivery in last few months and have to say it has exceeded my expectations in both performance and build quality. Tows my 17'6" tandem with ease, excellent vision and great off road. Every vehicle has its compromises but this package is good. Diesel Auto and some pretty good run ou deals on