choosing a 4wd!

Hi Chris,

diesel 4wds drive just like a petrol now. Some are a bit rattley but nothing bad.

I prefer diesel because I like the way they drive, they handle water better and the fuel economy is better for starters.

That's my opinion.

Hoo roo,

eighty matey

I wouldnt base your decision on noise,modern diesels are so quiet you dont notice them.
One of the big advantages of diesel is that when you have to refuel from jerry cans in a remote location,you are not risking an explosion.
I know petrol can be handled safely to some extent,but you cant beat diesel.

Generally ,diesel 4wds sip fuel in slow going,while petrol engines seem to use even more,although I dont have much experience with modern petrol 4wds

I would choose the Prado diesel 1st and the Pajero diesel 2nd.

Hi Chris

You should have no confusion if you base your research on the facts that matter to you, and aviod the exaggerations you often get.

I would suggest straight up front that you get a car like the 4800 petrol patrols that I love, and here are some reasons why.


First of concern to you is noise - more commonly refferred to as NVH noise vibration harshness.
The petrols as a class are simply better everywhere here, measuring the order of 10db better in the irratating noise ranges that counts.

Three new diesels new I have driven can be almost as quiet though the 200 series some discoveries and the new Nissan STX-550.

Fuel consumption - the petrols usually use around 1/3rd more , but cars like the 4800 and Prados can cross the Simpson on standard tanks - but your always well advised to carry a seperate jerry anyway.

I cannot reccomend cars like Prado's because they tip over more easily at 42 degrees or less whereas the 4800 Patrol is best of these wagons types at some 48 degrees .

Strength and suitability for the job - the Patrols come with twin solid axles and a strong drivetrain , you can belly them out on a rock and the cross member will take the full weight of the car - don't even think of doing this with most other cars.

Power - many earlier diesels in particular are seriously underpowered and lack pulling torque. Just simply not an issue with the 185kw 420nm 4800 patrols.

Reliability - Unfortunately the newer diesels have become high strung and require higher levels of skill to maintain repair & service.

Auto generally use about 20% more fuel in places like the Simpson.

The toyota 80 series from late last century are also worthy of consideration.

G.day I'd say go with the Prado diesel their proven to be good over the years plenty of power just look at the 4X4 action vids there hard to break and you'll be comfortable driving it around town plenty of accessories good resale

All of the vehicles on your shortlist will do the job as far as crossing the Simpson goes.
I would be choosing the vehicle that suits you for all other intended uses. I personally favour the diesels and as others have pointed out diesel is a safer product to be carrying in jerry cans.

If you intend on doing a lot of KLM's the diesel will probably be a more economical solution otherwise go with the one you feel comfortable with.

Prados tipping over pffff, Robin has a thing about prados tipping, I have been out with heaps of prado owners and I mean heaps and have done many a trip with them, short day trips and weeks away (pradopoint) and have yet to see a prado on its side, Yes they arn't as wide as a patrol or cruiser but neither are troopy's, pajeros, etc It all comes down to common sense and driver ability, By the sounds of it you have no intentions of going rock hopping or the like so this is some thing that is very unlikely to be of a concern to you, Yes a 4wd of any type will end up on its side if you swerve quick enough at high speeds, again driver imput. The prados have 159L,180L, and 150L been the latest prado so based on the D4D using around the 12L per 100 in mixed conditions there will be plenty of fuel on board. If you are towing you need to take this into consideration obviously. I also think the pajero is a ripper of a vehicle for towing, grunt, and economy and this is coming from a prado owner, I personally just like the prado for more serious off roading then the pajero due to the full chassis under the prado and solid axle rear end for suspension flex. There have been plenty of prados in petrol form that have done the Simpson,)check trips on pradopoint) Yes they are not as economical as a diesel but after having 3 prados, one petrol, one diesel and currently petrol is suits me fine as its also my day to day vehicle. Yes I pay for for running around town but take into consideration diesel servicing costs, parts etc plus the initial purchase costs it takes a while to recoup the extra outlay but diesel definately has better resale, and you want to hope you dont pick up crappy fuel with the new D4D's, if buying new you will lose more when its time to sell with a petrol but buying second hand not a huge difference (my opinion). The petrol prado is definately quiter inside without a doubt (drive both and find out for yourself) I have been in the later diesel and petrol. The mitsi is definately louder inside (not sure on current model) but my neighbour has previous model and is heaps noiser then the D4D prado. Patrol 3 litre is also a great off road vehicle but you have to remember, if you are driving this around town on a daily basis this is some thing to take into consideration. My wife and I have been in patrols, cruisers as well and while even she has commented on how roomy they are she would freak having to take it into car parks where as the prado she is fine with, but again this is just my wife, I would have no issues with driving a bigger vehicle on a daily basis (drive trucks so size doesnt bother me) All the best with your choice, its tricky but either way the trip will be great if well prepared.........

And Robin should also tell you that the Landcruiser 200 Series Petrol has more power, more torque, also tows 3,500kg, has a 138ltr fuel tank, has KDSS with greater wheel articulation, Crawl Control & leaves the Nissan for dead in regard to ride & refinement. Don't believe me, take a 200 for a drive & see how quiet they are inside. The Nissan feels like a tractor in comparison. I looked at both before buying, no comparison, but naturally you will have to pay more for this when purchasing the Cruiser. The 200 will use between 12 - 13ltrs/100 on a trip & is far more economical than the 100 Series V8 even though it is heavier.

Prados are for people that used to own Camrys....