landcruiser prado

Depends on a few things. The 3.4 will suck a fair bit of juice, search the forum for prado fuel consumption to get some figures, but I think you'll find it around 15 L/100km in the city and 13-14 on the highway.

Both the 3.4 and the diesel (3.0 turbo) are decent towing vehicles, but if you're going to do a fair bit of towing, the diesel might be a better choice. Keep in mind that diesel models weren't sold in Australia until 2000. They are more expensive than the V6s. I wouldn't expect to pay any less than $30k for a diesel and probably closer to $35k or more for a decent one in the 00-02 vintage. 3.4s are a lot cheaper and there are millions of them around.

The V6 needs services every 10000 km whereas the diesel is every 5000. The diesel will have better fuel economy but diesel is more expensive than petrol in most places so that's a toss up.

Off roading they are both very capable vehicles. Not much difference except I'd say the V6 would chew a lot more fuel off road than the diesel, but that's only an assumption.

Also, don't forget the 2.7, 4 cylinder petrol. Not too many of them around but a very good engine and cheaper than both the V6 and diesel. Power is similar to the diesel, but it obviously lacks torque so probably wouldn't be the ideal towing vehicle. Better fuel consumption than the V6, and 10000 km services. You should be able to get a decent 2.7 for under $20k if you look around.

Other than that, search the forum, this topic has been discussed many, many times and checkout www.redbook.com.au for model details and average pricing etc.

matt

Try here
PRADO INFO
May give you some idea.
The 3.4 v6 is very reliable bar dash rattles. Nothing that can't be sorted out.
Plenty out there that have never been off the black top.
Hope this helps
120scruiser

For off road and towing the Turbo Diesel is the go. If you want highway performance then the V6 is good, and the expense of fuel consumption.

Looking for a TD that's ready to go - check theTrader sectionof this site for one.

Dave