mitsi vs patrol vs toyota (landy vs prado)

you think thats old for a 4x4 ?? ok i must drive a dinosaur lol
witch one you like to drive the best? pick a colour & away you go .All modern 4x4 really are no better than the other it is just personal choice .I prefer the patrols 4.2 but i all so like the toyo L/C. But the patrol is less complicated in the engine department which is something i like in the bush. ...666toy

I've done four big trips.... each vehicle about 20 years old.... '97..... just broken in. Don't understand....

Good you brought this up whitedog. I have a 97 multivalve turbo diesel GXL L/C, which I only use on long trips or sometimes when I go to town .It sits in the shed under a sheet when not being used., and still has the original Grandtrek tyres on it, even though are about had it. About 6 weeks ago some tourists in 4bys were in the pub when I called in for a slab and I happened to be in the cruiser. One of the tourists commented about how it looked for an 80 series and when I said it only had just clicked over 70000 kms, he had to go and have a squizz at the speedo to beleive me. I stopped and had a beer with them and in discussion said my wife and I had recently purchased an off road camper van and were going to travel over to the West for a break next May. I was told by one of these Melbournites I had better buy a new cruiser before I go because my 80 series would fly to bits on a long trip!! Incidently, this bloke was driving a 3 litre 2002 patrol. He said my vehicle was too old. Am I biased or which vehicle would you go in, or was he right in saying the cruiser was too old? Regards Nick

Hi Whitedog,
As with you we are 2*3 and are looking to do some extended family outback travel in 2009. Being 6,2" and having 3 boys that look like going that way, selection of vehicle just aint straight forward. Rear seat leg room is a major consideration.
Looking the current vehicles I'd have to say a trol - possibly 3 litre. As you would know by watching the forum both the 4.2 current 5th gear prob and 3.0 earlier models blowing motors, have their problems.

I prefer LC ergonomics but the only way to get a TD is to spend too much moola. The only real lc option for me is the poverty pack (rigid axel front). But this is a fuel hungry no turbo beast. From what I have seen the after market turbo's don’t cut it like the factory one. I think that mostly these vehicles as second hand will be ex gov/mine/rental - not so ideal. I think there is a crowd in Perth who can fit a blower to the motor tho (tempting).

From what I am told, don’t get an IFS toyo LC if you want to go bush, the diff will most likely brake.

For my timing I think I'm better to sit and look for a bit. It seems there are new LC, Pootrol and Defenders due out over the next 12ish months.
If you can wait to new models arrive, late model second hand units will drop in price compared to now.

So if I had to do something now, I'd most likely go a very young second hand 3.0 trol.
I do like the 4.2 and would go that way if the fuel bill aint such a problem (esp if your not towing – that’s where the 5th gear problem arrives) - tis a better off road option.
If you get a trol allow the cash for at least 2" of lift. they are too low stock.
IMO the trol forward cabin is pretty ordinary, I have been spoilt to date with discovery ergonomics. The troll read seat leg room ant to bad.

Sadly it seems the is no clear answer with out some compromise.
All the best
Paul.

Hate to see what you think of people still travelling the outback in G60/MQ's and 40/60 Series cruisers.

Can't see the logic in trading a '97model (that you've probably owned from new?) on an ex gov vehicle. Virtually guarantee yours will be in better nick than a second hand, flogged to death ex gov job.
Mate of mine just bought one of that vintage ('97,3lt turbo import model) to get ready for his next major desert trip.

I met a bloke on the Canning this year driving a 1971 petrol Landy. It was still going strong.

I only upgraded from a 1978 Datsun Patrol recently to my '94 Patrol 4.2. The old G60 had 500,000+ on the clock. The GQ now has 328,000 on the clock and running sweetly. In a previous life I had a petrol FJ55 Landcruiser and it came to the end of its life(mainly rust) at 560,000km

No need to change yet unless you have the urge to.

What miles (oops - kilos) you got on the prado?
I am looking at another trip next year in my 96 pajero with 270,000k and wondering about doing some maintenance first.
At leat I know the life it has lived, and when things were last serviced, so have an idea which items to double check. For a couple of thousand in maintenance (max) over the next 6 months it will be very reliable, with every thing I need.
Not looking forward to starting again with another car (in maybe 5 to 10 years) installing long range tanks, tow bar, tyre pump, CB radios, bullbar with lights, rear shelf, better suspension, heavier duty tyres, another roof rack etc.
Suggest you make a list first and price it out to see how much it will really cost you.
Have you checked with your mechanic as to what might need doing on your car for the trip?
If you have some major rust in the body, I could understand it.

I couldn't guide you in regard to a replacement vehicle, it is a very personal choice. I spent 6 months finding the pajero, with the family with me trying all sorts of vehicles. Tried LCs, patrols, pajeros, prados, discoveries, pathfinders etc, all the major choices. Boys looked at the back seats, wife checked out the front for comfort, we all discussed various aspects, and I fed in suspension and mechanicals with a little help from the boys (15 & 11 then) till we made a final choice. Discovery got discounted very quickly by the boys not liking the back seat and floor angle for a long trip.

If you decide a new on is the go; The new prado Td 3.0 just came out, it is a great drive, much more powerfull, and much quieter than the old one.
126kw 410nm(1600-2800rpm).
5 speed auto, or 6 manual.
Resale and reliabilty is allways a strong point.

Thanks to all responders, it was a great help. You're right I should use the one I've got. I would prefer a diesel for the pulling power but I must say, pulled a very full camper & roof rack right round NSW in 03 & the Prado did not miss a beat.
Gunna put the beast into the shed & spruce it up. Thanks guys.
Great site, keeps me up past my bed time reading the forum.