Which car: Prado, Jackeroo or Discovery?

Hi Jack, Couple of weeks later and decisions is made: I went with a new Prado mainly on economy grounds (accountant driven mainly) as the deal I could get, cost of ownership, the financing and resale values all added up better than the others. As I tested and drove, I felt that the Jackeroo would also have suited my purposes well but the price difference at the end was not that great and the new Prado just drove that much better. Thanks for your advice.

Peter

Peter,
glad to hear you decided on a vehical, it can be a hard call when it comes to buying new, a lot of people lease and toyota give some very good deals for lease. in my own case someone else had payed the first big slug of depeciation( ex company car) over the number of years that the vehical will be kept, re-sale will be of little consiquence as the use will have been made of the investment in the vehcial. as for servicing cost I own a toyota car and oh what a feeling on parts prices(ooochhh)

I hope toyota have made some chages with the motor & gearing in the latest model, while it is a willing worker and cant be faulted what I found was it lacked the mid range punch that the jackaroo had. when loaded up on the open road on long hills while it certainly didn't struggle the jackaroo usually could hold overdrive or simply overtake the prado while you had your foot flat to the floor in the prado. torque wise on paper they where on par but the jackaroos 118kw verses the prado's 96kw shone through.I would describe neither vehical as slow but the differance in overtaking accelaration was quiet telling. As I said I came very close to buying one, the new model with it's wider wheel base and more bells and wistles looks every bit a good package. I hope you have fun taking it out and getting it dirty!

safe travelling
Jack

I agree dolfn,
The TD5 is a great vehicle for travel. A bit quirky for some. I've tried to understand the loathing they seem to engender from people who've never ridden in one, let alone owned one. I suspect a lot of it comes from people with inferiority complexes, who need to flock with the majority to feel secure, and bolster their self esteem by picking on minority groups. I've done 90,000 in mine, and am planning a mega trip from SE NSW to Broome next year, off the beaten track.Bob

Hi,

I agree and find it intriguing that the "people" who make comment usually are not even in the auto industry and do it without any qualifications or qualification.
I personally have been in the automotive manufacturing industry for the last 30years and find some of the comments quite funny.
especially about "landrover" the Japanese never invented anything they are great adaptors and inovators.
Look at the latest mods on Toyota, Mitsusbishi need !!
Say any more.

Where did they get it from?????

I rest my case.

Cheers Aston

Dolfn, would you care to comment on the DEPARTURE angle for the (series 3?) TD5.? I am thnking about changing my 1997 Jackaroo Petrol (no complaints or probs at all) for a diesel & have been looking at the specs. for Disco/Prado/Pajero.

Arkay,
sorry I don't know much about the series III only the pic I've seen of it maybe the prototype). They have not been to flattering to the followers of the Series II. The current model (03) is still a Series II and I believe that the departure and exit angles are slightly better than the earlier series II as the have modified the front and rear bumber setups. From what I hear, the 03 Series II is an absolute gem. Most of the minor little prob s people have complained about with the earlier models have been ironed out. If I had my time again, I would buy this model over mine. See you on our travels

H,K & A

Hi guys,
Thanks for the advice and the info. After a couple of weeks of further research and driving etc. I ended up buying a new Prado Turbo Diesel. The choice over the Disco was driven mainly by economic grounds as the Prado was cheaper by quite a bit, and holds its value a lot better (important as I am leasing and intend to trade in at about 80K). The Disco TD5 was also great to drive, agree about the position, etc. The family voted it the best interior for longer trips although the taller teen (oh sullen one!!) could not get confortable in the high seating middle row. The Disco also got the vote for style.!!
See you around.
Peter