TOYOTA PRADO RV 2000 model : 2.7 litre

Hi Dean

They really are to tall and narrow for my liking - but regarding there ability to go on sand they wil go better than you think at first as they are already relativiely light.

So much of sand driving really is getting your tyres down to 15 and keeping the momentum up , and you do not say, so I will presume its a manual. (auto is better)

Only last week I spent time on Stockton dunes chasing a 3.4lt manual version prado which overall probably did better than I did due to a better driver which is the main factor in this equation.

The V6 was a thirsty beast on sand but the 4 cyl seems to pull as well as the V6. Keep in mind the V6 (3.4l) requires the timing belt to be changed every 150,000km. AFAIK the 4cyl has a chain.

Hi,
I have had my 1998 Prado 2.7 3rz since new and I would never contemplate getting rid of it. Has never had any issues and tows a
5 metre boat fully loaded around the rough NT roads no dramas at all. Fuel consumption doesn’t alter very much but they only have the one tank unlike the V6 which has the twin tanks. I have been told however it is quite easy to fit the second tank from a wrecked V6 and using the original pump and pick up assembly just set it up to transfer the secondary fuel to the main tank. The tank brackets for the second tank are already on the vehicle. The eight seats are great for the kids and as stated no timing belt and servicing is inexpensive and done with ease with one exception the fuel filter which for some reason is situated under the engine air intake and you need a crows foot spanner to undo the metal unions on the filter. Plenty of aftermarket options are still available and extra wheel rims are not hard to find if you are contemplating doing a long trip.
Second hand parts if you require them shouldn’t be a problem as the engine and gearbox is the same as what is used in the same model hilux which from what I believe has had a good reputation. Just make sure if you purchase it that has had the recalls for the rear axles and ball joints done. You can visit www. recalls.gov.au for further information. This vehicle should bring you plenty more years of enjoyment.

2.7's in my opinion go as well as the 3.4 and not as thirsty I have had one outpull me going up mooney mooney here in Sydney. I had the 3.4 and was a great car till I put it on LPG (another story) the rv's dont have as many bells and whistles as the GXL and upwards but probably less to go wrong. Even 80 series cruiser rims fit the prados which give you a wider stance but as they are 8inch wide the rv's only 6 I'm pretty sure it would make it ilegal but the 7 inch from the GXl and upwards wouldnt be a problem as long as mentioned above you have flares to cover them up (available from ebay). For $15k you would definately get a V6 easily, gxl even, grande maybe maybe not, I sold my 97 grande with bullbar etc for $16500 with 176k on it, I have diesel 90 grande now with 103 on it and might I add a blown head (common with 1kz). I reckon the petrol went heaps better on the sand as you could rev it more,where as the diesel dosent rev so you lose momentum on those big dunes. 2.7's if the same as the hilux's DONOT like LPG, guaranteed to do the head . I would have no hesitation on owning a 3.4 again or 2.7. I know Robin doesnt like them due to their stability but at the end of the day comes down to drivers experiance and /or stupidity. Of course the cruiser or patrol would be more stable at a 40d slope but hey I have seen in my time plenty of cruisers and patrols on there side too, plenty of troopys used by travellers as well especially Frazer, even they manage to keep upright, well most any way half dont even know to drop pressures down. Go the Prado you will be happy just dont do any reverse snatches the front diff doesnt like it....Regards Steve M