Toyota Prado question.

This is best asked on
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/90scool_aus/
or
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/90series/

There was a post recently here about 90 series feedback. Have a search, can't remember the post number.

Locallaw,

I have a 2001 TD Prado and am very happy with it. It has done 75,000km although not too much off road and I have had very few problems with it. It does seem to wear front tyres unevenly and I have talked to other Prado owners with the same problem. I now make sure I rotate tyres regularly. I will be replacing the suspension shortly as I am doing the gulf next year but it is sagging at the front and has always been a bit soft.

I get what I consider good fuel economy - 11l/100km on highway, 12-13 around town. It has plenty of grunt and was great for towing my 5.1m fibreglass boat throughout Tassie (i.e. lots of hills and bends).

Like I said it has not done a lot of offroad so I can't comment too much there but the only real worry I have is the dashboard shakes that this model Prado is renown for.

Only 15minutes ago I bought a 2001 Turbo Diesel GXL auto prado with 218000km's, had it checked out by my regular mechanic he was very surprised as to its good condition, in fact he could only find minor things wrong, said the gearbox,motor and turbo were perfect.
Dave

The Prado TD is a good all round performer, and reasonable economy (up to
11 km/L). Many mechanical parts (not suspension) are similar to the Hilux.

The Prado TD has the heavier manual gearbox than the 3.4 V6.

There's more power to be had if your that way inclined.

I'm happy with mine, but alas its end of lease and has to go - pretty much kitted out.

Dave
prado_95@yahoo.com

hi locallaw

late reply - have been up to Cape York for last 4 weeks in our Prado TD 2001 Auto.

Car was great for the whole trip. I will post a more detailed report eventually but we kept up with Patroll, 100 series and 2 80 series (all diesel manual) no problems. did all the Telegraph track including Gunshot. Corrugations were a pain with the dash rattling a lot but otherwise OK.

If you want to do any travelling on rough roads, terrain you will need to a suspension upgrade to heavy duty - both springs and shockers - but this is true for nearly all 4wds I believe.

Only downside of the trip at all - we are a family of 5 and for a long trip I think the Prado is a bit too small if carrying all gear in or on the car for this many people. I would suggest a max of 4 people and miminal gear 2-3 people ideal.

Good Luck