New Prado

This has been covered some while back. The current model Prado uses the old indirect injection diesel (96kw and 343Nm). Overseas models utilise the new DDI 3l (as found in the Hilux 123kw and 343Nm) and is due into Aus in the near future - Toyota will probably not indicate as we are a good dumping ground for the old engine (Now approx 10 years old). Some writers, these may be on the take, do not even use the Prado in current comparisons as do not come near - peformace term- as the lates breed of DDI. The new model would come with 5 speed auto and 6 speed manual as found in V6 version.
Although I found my 3l TD Prado did what I required, I would be holding out so as to avoid a rapid depreciation in value.

AFAIK the new prado diesel will have the same engine as a current model
Hilux

Hi Nobby
I will offer some opinions
I have a July 2005 model TD auto Prado. It has just covered 12500km including an 8500km Simpson crossing extended trip. It is a very quiet and comfortable car.
It is underpowered and you notice this especially on the highway. It runs out of puff really quickly. It does have plenty of torque though and you notice this around town. I don't use cruise control unless its fairly flat as when in hilly country, for eg central coast NSW it wants to kick down all the time and it just revs. I just drive it manually and if it wants to drop in speed I just let it do the hills at its own pace.
Fuel economy is a little worse than I had expected. I got around 16 litres per hundred over the 8500 km trip. I expected it to be quite a bit better than that but in due respect it did only have 3500 km on it when I left. I do expect it to get better slowly.
It did the rough stuff with no problems at all and they love a suspension upgrade.
Try my site by clicking here for a little more info. I have to add some more but you may pick something up.
I hope this helps.
120scruiser

When you need the dual battey system try ABR

I've been trying to find out for some time about any upgrade to the TD Prado, but havent had much luck. I did see an article about the Tokyo Motor show on cars guide and it listed new toyotas for 2006, but there was no Prado. It now seems that what the dealerships are saying (no new TD Prado in the near future) may be right.

One thing I really like about my Prado is the standard 180ltr tank and the range it allows. The V6 is fairly good on fuel, but I'd like to see what range a diesel would get with 180ltrs. Also the low torque and engine braking of the diesel would be great offroad. I'm just hoping and waiting for a new oiler with a bit more go... Just not ready to change to a Pathy at this point.

We went away with 2 Prados and six 6cyl TD LandCruisers on the Hay River in the Simpson this year.

Best fuel consumption was a Prado with 110 litres.
Worse fuel consumption was also a Prado with 140 litres.
All the other LandCruisers were consistent at about 120-130 litres.

I don't know why but the 1KZ-TE varies a heap with its fuel consumption.

I'd be hanging out for the new motor, which has direct injection and much better consumption.