New Prado

Heard that myself yesterday, same motor as the new hilux, I was told next month but either way would be worth the weight, be some good sales on to shift the old model. Regards Steve M

In Jan 2006 paid $49,990 drive away no more to pay for new 120 series Prado TD auto. Toyota winch compatible bull bar & tow pack was extra. Note: the wiring loom for the tow bar must be genuine Toyota with relays etc or you will get indicator flasher & possibly central locking and alarm(if fitted) problems. Recently got back from 12,000 km trip to WA towing Jayco Heritage tandem 18 ft. caravan. Been to High Country, Robe, etc. on separate trips. Cruise at about 95kph. Keep meticulous records. With 90% of total work towing or 4WD have averaged a tad under 15litres per 100km. Fitted twin front towing/snatching points at front from ARB as no proper points on basic vehicle - haven't needed to use them yet but never know when I might need to pull a Patrol out by reversing.
We didn't wait for the new common rail motor as we saved some $7K on the tried and tested simpler to repair motor & figured out that even if the new one average 15% better fuel consumption it would take many years to claw back that $7K, even if the new model base price did not go up over the old model, ha.
As the Prado TD had heaps more uumph than our previous 4WD and I am not in a tearing hurry we were not lookng for another 10-20% more power than a common rail motor. Love the low down torque of the Prado, seems to chug along at 2000 rpm most anywhere in various gears. The auto box seems to lock up at 82kph dropping the revs from 2000 to about 1700, and then run gently back up to 90-95kph and 2000 rpm.
Each to their own - Enjoy!

Arkay,

That explains the relays clicking I hear in the back of mine when the turn indicators are on.

I agree with the sentiments regarding not being too concerned about having the latest and greatest. What I'd be concerned about is how much more the new model will cost? Sure, there's speculation of $7 to $8k, but who really knows? The new TD has been "coming out in September/October" since 2004 according to a couple of dealers I spoke to in the past. Who says it'll definitely be out this year :-)

Larry, I'd shop around on the price. I got my 05 for just over $47k with factory bar/tow pack/covers/dust deflector thingamy/cargo barrier/reversing sensors. Admittedly it was via novated lease arrangement so you get it at fleet rates.

I know there's other TD's on the market with more torque/power, but I'm quite satisfied with the allover package and its reliability so far.

Gday John R, I know this thread is a bit old, but i was just wondering who you purchased your vehicle thru to get that price.

Its just I will be updating my novated lease shortly.

Any reply much appreciated.

Thanks

Brad

Gidday Brad,

Our company uses Fleet Australia. My vehicle was delivered by Castle Hill Toyota, so they must have had the most competitive quote..

I did get a quote from Chatswood Toyota (they're on Fleet Aust's list of preferred dealers) and they were reasonably close. There's a limit to the amount of haggling you can do, but I'm sure if I'd gone back to them they would have "sharpened their pencil".

Another factor affecting price is when you buy. I ordered mine in May for a June delivery, so being in the second last month of the fiscal year may have had some bearing on the price.