landcruiser vs prado

Gday,
There is a lot more room in a Landcruiser??

A standard diesel landcruiser will be a lot slower than a turbo diesel Prado, if that's what you're comparing. I have a 3.4 petrol Prado and have driven a turbo diesel 80 series and that thing had some serious go and as mentioned the 80 series has more room.

Mark.

Both vehicles will do the job well so your decision probably just comes down to space & with a camper trailer you will have plenty in both. Despite previous wrong comments describing the Prado as a soft roader they are more than capable off road so trips like Cape York or the Simpson are no worries. The 80 series was arguably Toyota's best offroad Cruiser but with the 1HZ engine it's a bit slow when towing & as they haven't been built for 9 years finding a low kilometer one in good condition will be harder.
Cheers Craig............

A Prado might be Ok if you don't load it up too much. If you plan to carry a reasonable load then you will find the distance between the top of the rear axle and the bumpstops approaches a few centimetres. This will result in frequent bottoming out. Yes you can upgrade the suspension and I reckon it would be advisable on either vehicle but if you plan to do a moderate amount of off-bitumen work the 80 series will be a much more comfortable ride.
As for those who think that the 1HZ is slow-your dead right there, but on a tour around Australia who's in a hurry. And the 80 is significantly bigger.

I think the prado 95 may carry MORE weight than 80 series in standard form !

Regards Rod

Thanks for all the comments, as usual a mix of opinions but certainly some food for thought.

getmethehelloutahere

I have driven both Prados and Landcruisers. I am not impressed with either of them. They are uncomfortable. I hit my head on the roof and grab handle less in the landcruiser then the prado.

One of my in-laws bought a prado and was most unimpressed when bits started falling off of it. Yes it is a soft roader and useful for someone who drives off the bitumen occasionally but not good for someone who lives in the Kimberley.

Tjilpi

I had Prado TD for 4 years. Had zero problems. That vehicle did some of the roughest tracks in Aus - Madigan Line, High Country, many remote desert trips. My only suggestion is to upgrade the springs (I give the same advice for any 4wd).

Normally aspirated 80series is a very good vehicle too, but they are now a fair bit older than the Prado, so its harder to get one in good nick. Rigid front end is as strong as they come, but you'll have to spend a few more dollars on maintenance of the wheel bearings and swivel hubs.

Prado has greater fuel capacity, greater payload (on paper), and is easier around town because of smaller turning circle and good over bonnet vision. Prado has a single hinged tailgate, which lends itself to as fold-down table. Both have roof gutters. Both easily take a second battery.

80series is a little bigger, and about 250kgs heavier. 80series is wider, but Prado is a little taller. Space behind the rear seat is similar.

Depends on how much you're willing to spend. It will cost you $25k for a TD Prado. For the same money, you can easily get a good 90-94 TD 80series, or may even get a multivalve TD 80series (95-98).

And if you want to buy a lifestyle, rather than a car, get a troopie!