NEW PRADO

Yes, Ted,

But those electric rear seats would be worth it. And what about that front sensor thingy? You really need one of them. LOL

Kingo

Id rather buy a 200 series T/D for 80g's then spend that sort of money on a prado. While they are a great vehicle (have one myself) Id rather wait a few years and by one second hand thats ran the kids to and from school and save a heap in $$$.. Bought mine this year, 7 years old, 78k on it T/D Grande, one owner for 23k, was 63 + on road new.. If I had plenty of $$ or could lease it then yeah why not. I like the ones that run the kids to & from school then we get the better deal when they go to update.... Regards steve m

Had a good crawl over a couple myself but did not drive one Ted.

Interesting beast really , its a little early to tell but I suspect they will still have stability issues.

Nevertheless they deserve a fair examination and I looked at 2 at Nunawading Toyota.

A black D4D rego NUNA2 and a silver V6 VVTI.

The first thing that seeing them answered for me is that they look quite acceptable, they had the funny clear plastic bit sticking out of the headlight as per 200 series but I took a bit of time and examined them from all angles and I would have to say they look better in the field than on the brochures.

The curved girly look wasn't prominent at all in the black one.

A black 3lt Patrol was not to far away and I'd have to say it looked a little better but overall the Prado was pretty good.

On brochure performance the D4D's expanded torque range seems to have given it passable acceleration (12 secs to 100) but in the new V6 the petrols power appears outstanding, and with fuel consumption virtually matching that of a 3lt diesel Patrol.
Even though the Prado only now has 150lt its range matches or exceeds the diesel patrols.

Underneath though a series of flimsy looking protection plates is not confidence inspiring and appears to be softer than the Patrol.

I mostly compare the Prado to a patrol because they are now the same size wagons with similar weight height , width etc and the 200 series is now in its own larger class.

The Prado's electronics has grown now , with button start and USB input on the radio etc.

I think for those like me, looking for a long range touring wagon it would now be a tough call, between these New Prados and there matching Patrols at a 10k price differential.
The dealer had no concerns though and told me they have already sold 43.

In the diesels I can still see many choosing a 3lt patrol over the D4D given adequate engine warranty protection and what looks like a $15 price differential.

In the petrols , well we shall have to see the figures confirmed but the 11lt/100km approximate fuel consumption could open up a whole new sales market for Toyota.

Note - Modification for bigger wheels etc may become very legally difficult for Prado's now that they have stability control and a few issues like this might see the Patrols as a better long term investment for those taking them 4wding.

Wow uglier than a 200 series and way over priced to boot