4.0 Prado or 3.0 TD - Help

Take both for a drive !! If your gonna keep it for a long time, go the diesel !!

Hi Slammer

The weekly fuel costs of the diesel are lower - but there is less than
5% true life cycle cost difference, so in reality if you can afford one
then you can afford the other.

We all have different values and you have to decide on what are yours.

That model Prado diesel is one of the slowest cars you can buy and I
see that as a saftey disadvantage , they also have a poor rollover angle
figure, and are noisy.

But I have a friend with one and he is happy to amble along, he is never tempted
to overtake in situations requiring some speed, and the
great range means he always buys fuel at city prices.

Robin Miller

If you do regular beach runs, I'd go the petrol. You'll be much happier with the power. Also more pleasant around town. Although the diesel is more economical I don't imagine there is too much stop-start traffic in the Pilbara to give you high fuel consumption with the petrol model.

Rob

From memory, the TD fuel economy is about 12lites/100km, and the petrol about 14litres/100km on average. Of course the TD needs an oil change every 5000km, whilst the petrol only needs a change every 10,000km.

I'm not sure what the price of fuel or servicing will be up in the Pilbara, or if you'd be doing your own servicing (which would improve costs).

As mentioned, the TD is not the quickest vehicle around, but adequate, whilst the petrol has no power issues (and is better on the soft sand because of that). Both have 180litre tanks, so I doubt range would be an issue.

Either vehicle would be fine for your use I'm sure, but you'd probably find the petrols cheaper to buy, and more available for sale to choose from (although that will depend on where you're going to purchase from - definitely the case here in Perth though).

Had a friend go through the same thought process recently. He ended up buying a petrol, as they were cheaper, had many more to pick a decent example from, and suited his purposes (mainly used around town, and for getting to fishing spots over sand).

Hope the info helps.

Buy a Kia Sorento.

Less than $40000 for a new one.

Slammer, I purchased a new Prado D4D in feb 07. just did a trip from perth to exmouth 4/07. towed a hard cover camper trailer, approx 850kg all up. towing just under 11lt per 100km(110kmph), cruising without camper approx 9.5lt per 100km. had enough power to tow & drive on the beach. I reckon its a great vehicle, streets ahead of my CRD grand jeep. if u can afford go for the new CRD diesel. I found the diesel prices cheaper than petrol @ the roadhouses up north not sure if its the same in the pilbara. 180lt tank helps. will be doing a trip to cape leveque in july07, so the economy will help. good luck Tom.

We were in a similar predicament, further confused by the rumours of the new D4D that was on the way as we were buying a newie. Couldn't get any confirmation to release date so had to make the decision based on the old diesel and after driving both it was a no-contest due to the fact the car was going to do the majority of it's work around the city (Melb). For us, the diesel was rough, noisy and smelly not to mention seriously slow. Way too slow “off the mark” for me to put up with around town (we were buying an Auto). Once up to speed, say 50-60kph it was fine. I had driven my father-in-laws manual 90 series TD on many occasions and had thought I could live with how slow that was but I think the auto takes away the ability to add a few revs into the equation. The father-in-law has upgraded to a new D4D (manual) TD and based upon driving that the other week, I would still pick the petrol for my circumstances. IMO, fuel ecomomy is over-rated and over-considered in the total ownership of a vehicle.

My petrol is averaging 15.3L/100km which has been mostly city commuting, with a few weekends towing our wind-up camper and one run bringing the in-laws full van back to Melb from Lakes Entrance where it did suck fuel like it was free drinks at the Xmas party! Last weekend I did a 300km run (50km to get out/in of Melb, rest 100-110kph hwy) and I had about 12L/100km on the gauge.

Having said all that, have you considered a Subaru. Had an Outback (manual 4cyl) before the Prado and would recommend for what you have said you intend to do if the kids aren’t full size yet (rear seat width would be a bit narrow for 3 decent sized teens). Much better in every way except towing ability and offroad work. Would still have it if didn’t ‘have’ to tow camper which was marginal for the Subi.

Cheers, Nige

Hi Slammer
I agree totally with "Member - Tom V (WA)".

I also took delivery of a new Prado D4D in Feb 07. Cruising (about 75% highway) I have already done 10,700km and I am averaging 9.07Lt per 100km after 7 fills.
I had a 2005 Mitsubishi Magna before which I though had excellent acceleration. I have no problems at all with the D4D accelaration. The D4D is a long way forward from the two previous Diesels I have owned.

The Diesel is far better suited to towing however if its only a small boat either will do the job easily.

Not sure what you mean by CRT model. Maybe i'm missing sowething as I only know of the GX. GXL, VX & Grande. My mate has the Grande 2007 4.0 Petrol and he tells me he is averaging over 14L/100km however it is mainly city use.

Best bet is to test drive both then make up your mind.
Best of luck

PeteS

Id go the petrol model, we have a D4D powered Hilux that has been chiped and it is great to drive, it's easier then our Subaru.

Seeing you are going for an 03-05 model Prado I would have to say get the petrol, the old diesel they had was S L O W .

In that models the fuel consumption was about a litre differance, the V6 4lt is a really good engine with ample power and exceptional fuel economy and very refined.......the old diesel was inefficent, lacked power and noisey.

If you get the petrol manual it comes in a six speeder or 5 speed auto and I think the diesel only had a 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto.

Expect about 12-14 litres around town and about 11 to 13 litres on the hiway, in hard going stuuff expect about 14 to 17 litres.

For comparision we get about 9.5 to 11 litres aroun town and on the hiway, if we tow or go off roading about 11-12 litres.

Get the petrol you will not be disapointed.

Regards Richard

Mate has the 04 model GXL petrol. They are still a 4 speed auto dont get the five speed till 05 and a few little extra's. Mt mates flys 179kw but if pushed hard will drink it to match but that would be expected. The only thing that annoys him is the exhaust flutter which can be heard if putting the boot into but that is common on all on the V6 petrol motors and not a thing to worry about, still on the current 05 upgrade. I think its 80cruiser on here that has the current shape but with the old 1kz motor he said he was averaging 14Lper 100 round town but has just put a dtronic in it so he will see how he goes with economy and upgrade of power. He will be doing a desert run in a week or two and will no doubt fill us in on how he goes for fuel. Regards Steve M