New Prado

" I know the Pajero doesn't exactly look a worthy offroader"
The prado doesnt exactly look a worthy offroader" either. But as you yourself state, looks can be decieving.

New Prados are plenty capable as a 4wder...
Few went up Mitchells Flat and up Mt Skene on weekend, showed up lots of 80 series and 100s that were there!

Playin in the snow with Prados

Personally, plastic chrome on Pajs makes them look like crap compared to the older model, which I quite like the look of.

Here are a few comments on the Prado through research, not from experience.

Caveat - Depending on the model, as the Grande (additional 18k) has a heap of techno features (and other bits) where as the GXL does not. Therefore the comments below are of the GXL not the Grande to compare apples to apples

+ Pros
- cons

+ Long range fuel tank size 180ltrs
- Low ground clearance in the middle due to the side step 220mm is less than the older model 235mm (But it was the best on the market on the previous model now it is back to the pack)
+ More powerful engine and power specs
- Approach and departure angle is a little shy apparently
- 17” wheels (short term issue – until more tyres become available)

These were the only performance issues that the critics have come up with, that I could find. All of them can be fixed with additional work and not too expensive.

I is a little disappointed that there was not a version / model that has the added DAT features that could be optioned onto the GXL without getting all the unnecessary / expensive things that the Grande has ie Sat Nav, Sunroof, roof rails, centre fridge, leather, etc.

I think the GXL looks like a package though. Proof will be in the pudding.....

Where do you get replacement tyres in 17" once you leave the black top?

I own a 2003 KZJ120 GX Prado Tdi Manual

I moved from a 3.0 GU -> this.

The Prado is a far superior vehicle than the GU was. It wins hands down.

The slight 'lack' offroad compared to the Patrol is long forgotten after you drive it the 3-400 kms after you had trouble for just the few meters of driving you needed the Live axle setup of a patrol.

Suspension options are endless inthe prado, mine getting lifted in the next couple of weekes with adjustable Bilstein struts and King springs, should give me 3 inches of adjustable height in the front end.(this setup is going on my vehicle over the next 3 weeks in stages.)

The New Prado is a lot stronger than the old model, from the chassis, front end, front diff and CV's , and body. The Front diff uses the same rear carrier as the 80 series but with beefed up bearings etc.

I have loved mine so far and couldn't see the reasoning for a gxl or grande (i had the cash, but bought the GX as it had no chrome crap, no plastic flares to tear off (I have rubber flares now on mine) i was not interested in alloy wheels and did not want ABS.

The GX is by far the pick of the bunch for offroading, and still have electric windows and al the 'features' you could desire.

I have fitted 16x8 ROH Trak II's to mine, with 285/75/16 Interco TRrxus, only a slight grind to the brakes (2 - 3mm of moulding needs to be trimmed, which isn't structural to the braking) and a little cut to the bumper (until i pickup my bullbar.

I fitted the Dual batterys last night, flares go on saturday, and snorkel next week with Springs :)

Rodney.
You dont say if you are considering petrol or diesel, the tests that have been done indicate the prado is the better petrol car, and the pajero is much better as a diesel car, the research on accidents are showing a higher rate of rollovers with the prado compared to the pajero, same as the older models. Eric.