petrol Toyota prado

Assuming its the V6 and not the 2.7, you'll probably get 13-15 l/100k under highway driving. Consumption will be more if you load it with extras.

Translates to 900-1000km from the 159 litre tanks. They can cross the Simpson from Oodnadatta to Birdsville without jerries.

I have a 2001 Grande 3.4 auto which has done 125,000km and all is going well. I too had an opportunity to purchase from a friend and I too wanted a diesel, but I decided to take it, as I knew it had not been off bitumen and had never been in 4wd. I have no regrets.

They are not the best tower, but do the job OK. I only have a small van (14 ft) and carry quite a bit and I get 6km per litre, that is about 16 Lt per 100 km. The diesel would be more economical, but considering the higher cost of diesel it probably works out about the same, although I suspect the diesel would perform better on hills etc.

If you have any other questions give me a direct email at bacdj2@yahoo.com.au.

Brian DJ

My sister and BIL did the Anne beadell in there 4.0l towing a camper along with a freind with the 3.4l also towing a camper. From memory the 3.4 got about 21lp hundred and the 4.0 about 22 lphundred

For info, our local Toyota dealer publishes a list of costs of reccomended service of every current Toyota vehicle. For the 120 series Prado for the first 100,000 km they reckon the 4.0 Prado petrol is $3714.55 and the 3.0TD $4080.40 (that is NOT including the interim 5,000km oil changes if carried out). Diesel costs more than petrol. Diesel goes further than petrol. Diesels are supposed to "last longer" than petrols, possibly a consideration if you are buying second hand, or if touring range is a major consideration. Diesels have lower down torque, tend to be "less fussy" in heavy work, (lower revs = less stress o the ears). Diesels have much lower fuel consumption in heavy country or when pulling a caravan/heavy trailer. Overall I'd say there's not much in it, pertrolv diesel. Comes down to personal preference.

I got a petrol RV6 (3.4), 2000 model and have gotten 10.9L/100km without cargo and sitting on about 95km/hr (except when I would otherwise be holding up traffic), and taking into account fuel transfer between tanks and that i had GXL wheels on it. Was using premium fuel and driving with a very light foot all highway.

So not that i do this regularly but if you put your mind to it the fuel savings are there.

I also wanted a deisel but couldn't justify (or afford) the extra $5-10 thousand, that buys an awful amount of fuel. I ended up with a 98 Grande petrol and I normally get 13L/100km on th highway, 100km/hr. Touring around the (good) high country roads I get 15L/100km which I'm impressed with. Mine has a 2 inch lift with BFG A/T tyres and use premium unleaded. I've only done about 2000km since I got it and the last ownder didn't use premium - they reckon it takes 3-5000km of using premium before the 3.4 'accepts' that you're using the good stuff, changes some settings and you begin to reap the benefits of premium, I'll post here if I notice changes after this time.

Cheers,

Mark.

I have a 2001 petrol prado and was in much the same boat as you , was after a diesel however this came up and as I knew the history ( no offroad work) so I took it. Around the city I get about 15ltrs/100kms , out in the country sitting on 100 with only two adults a overnight bag each I recently got 11.7ltrs/100 (the best I have got out of it ) Towing a 14" Coromal poptop caravan back from Shark Bay we got up to 17.6 ltrs/100km. I'm happy with the vehicle and find the fuel consumption is in relation to how you drive it, especially around the city.

jschacher,
I had a 1999 model V6 and did 206,000 klms trouble free, and did trips into the outback and never carried extra fuel, a great vehicle and only sold it as I wanted to update

cheers Peter

Go for it. And if you find the price of Petrol is getting a bit too expensive you can always fit LPG ;) I done remote Simpson desert with some extra jerries without any problems.

hello,
Just for interests sake when using a Prado for towing a caravan.
I travelled to Exmouth last year with friends who were towing a 16ft single axle poptop only two up.
I used my 96 80series auto petrol 4.5 towing a 18ft tandem poptop with two teenagers, my wife and myself in the car and consistantly got better consumption than my friend in his 99 prado auto 3.4 V6. An example I recalled was about 5 ltrs less used in the trip from Carnarvon to Maniliya roadhouse where we topped up.
We travelled at 90 to 100 kmph mostly.
I know this is off topic slightly but just added it for interest if u want to tow.
Regards WestozAL.

Agree with what others have said. Certainly higher fuel consumption in petrol, but you need to keep that in perspective, for the reasons others have given.

We had a similar dilemma when looking last year for a 95-series Prado. I would have liked a diesel, but they weren't easy to find and cost several thou more than petrol equivalents. Ended up with 2000 VX with 95k on it for less than any diesel model.

Is the 99 model you are looking at the update one (fog lights in bumper etc)? Not much difference in the GXL, but VX and Grande models from 99 on had ABS & traction control, which I think are worthwhile. (Also other things less significant, like 6 stacker CD, climate control A/C with rear outlets, etc). Airbags were standard on VX and Grande, but optional on RV and GXL. TC not available, even as an option, pre-1999 or on RV or GXL post-1999. Without TC, rear diff lock would be worth considering (the LSD is useless).

I have been very happy with ours. It is rugged and reliable, easy to drive, comfortable and surprisingly capable off-road, even without suspension mods. 159L tanks are a great feature. Fuel average is about 14L/100km overall, from around 11.5L/100km hwy cruising to 25+ on low range tracks.

For outback trips, consider budgeting for things like new tyres, snorkel, bullbar, driving lights, suspension upgrade, cargo barrier. I would also look at a reversing camera or sensors (visibility is poor). We got Sand Grabber mats and they have been handy too.

Two cheap mods that are worthwhile are diff breather extensions and changing the electric window wiring so that they work without the key in the ignition. See Land Cruiser Owners On-line for more on this, and lots of other helpful info. (Well done Phil and others!)

Good luck!
Des