Latest Prado Common Rail Diesel - Any views

Dave
I purchased a VX model in 2/07, because l wanted the traction control. looked @ several models, before deciding on the prado. pathfinder, new pajero, disco 3. size of the fuel tanks, strong build & dealers around the country won me.

has now done approx. 13,000k. economy wise, with full tanks, did trip from perth to margaret river, visited wineries, as u do. back to perth, run around perth. at 3/4 of the tanks, say 135 litres, did 1440km, say approx 9.4 litres per 100km. for a new engine I would say that's great.
towing, towed camper trailer perth to exmouth, just under 11 litres per 100km. travelled @ approx 110km outside of the metro area.( don't tell the boys in blue)

all in all, i am pleased with the prado, couple of minor, downside, points, which I can live with. But, as with most vehicles, it's a compromise.
good luck Tom.

Dave
Have had my D4D since Feb 07. Travelled just over 24,000km and have averaged 9L/100km so far. This is based on about 75% freeway travel & 25% city/4WD use.
I keep very accuarate records.
Speedo inaccuracy of about 4% (shows less that actual travelled). Thus economy is really better I have shown.

Really happy with the power compared to previous diesels I have had.
There's room for adding an aux. battery with the diesel.

Haven't towed yet. Hoping to take our new Kimberley Karavan out on this coming weekend however depends on weather conditions.

I have no problems however a lot of people have very poor wear out off the Dunlpo Grandtreks they come with. I have 15% wear so far so I'm happy.
Aslo rear diffs have popped up occasionally with a problem.
Try looking at www.pradopoint.com/index.php
Its great site and yo will se a lot of pros and cons.

G/Day Dave, just clocked up 10,000kys,last tank 1856kys for 171 litres mostly highway,I dont drive for economy,so you could improve on this, running 265/70/17 ATR cooper LT Tyres, low noise levels in cab ,smooth ride,plenty of get up & go ,it will cruise well above the speed limit , if you so desire.September will be first 1st trip of the black stuff, so can not comment on gravel & corrigations.with option pack cruise control & abs brakes.Friar

Dave should read GX D4D Auto with option pack.Friar

The fuel usage figures are fine around town and highway, but does anyone have any REAL figures, such as towing a large boat or caravan on a reasonably long trip. Sorry but towing a camper trailer won't necessarily provide the same wind resistence, etc. to give a true test of economy when towing.

I can get the 9.5 to 10.5L/100 km from my old 95 series TD as long as I take the roof rack off and don't tow.

03/07 Auto D4D GXL Prado.

Couldn't be happier.

Started with a new Kia Sorrento 1.5 years ago... and regretted it everday. Couldn't keep the fuel consumption < 13.5L / 100km and typically getting 16-18L.

Sold that and got the Prado a few months ago. 100% city driving so far. Air Con on 50% of the time, not afraid to give it stick, have Rhino crossbars and Bullbar on, stock standard Grandcrap tyres as well. Economy started at 10.4L / 100km, been steadily going down, and at 7,000km has setlled down to 9.4L / 100km in the city.

Instaled an Eclipse all in one AVN Sat Nav for $4K. Combined DVD, Sat Nav, Reverse Camera & I-Pod control through touch screen.

Solid build, you can feel where the money has gone into. If I were to be critical, I'd say it's a lot of money for what you get. For the price, I think its a travesty there isn't at least a trip computer and most importantly, rear a/c ducting.

Can't wait for summer to camp and fish on the beach and for our baby to grow so we can take extended holidays.

I'd never buy a large sedan or 4WD in petrol again.