Pajero/Prado

You'll be ok for a while Orejap - the Prado owners will get me first.

When we bought our 4WD in 2007 we were choosing between a diesel Pajero GLX and a D4D diesel Prado GXL. We liked both, it was a difficult choice. Liked the big warranty on the Pajero, more room I think, liked the bigger motor but strangely enough (referring to Orejap's remarks) didn't like the ride as much as we liked the Prado - the Paj felt a bit harsh to us and was noisier inside in terms of NVH.

We don't drive hard and for the life of me I could not tell you the difference in handling qualities between the two. Not saying that's not important, but I guess we just don't drive in a manner that tests that sort of thing.

The Paj had more (and nice) mechanical fruit than the Prado and greater ultimate towing capacity but at the time we were not considering the type of trailer we have now so both were equally suitable in that regard.

Toyota has a larger dealer network and is really THE name in the bush. The Prado came with long range fuel tank as standard. I loved the Prado's 5sp auto in both High and Low range. Engine braking is excellent, and that's important for us as we do a fair bit of real of-road towing on fire-trails, not just unsealed made roads (which IMO is not "off-road" at all).

In the end we chose the Prado and remain happy with our choice. Like the full chassis. Tows our 2200kg Karavan without protest even though it is getting toward the towing limit for the vehicle, great fuel economy, great range, comfortable ride on rough roads, great 4WD ability even with 2200kg behind. Engine had the early D4D injector problem which was fixed under warranty - no other problems whatsoever except for dust. It lets too much dust in. I've traced and fixed some of the entry points but they shouldn't be there. Toyota needs a wake-up call on this. But apart from that, it's good.

If I had to choose now between the current Paj and the 150 series Prado, it would be the Paj. The 150 Prado is a bit bigger than my 120 Series, but same engine and they've sacrificed some fuel capacity to have unremovable 3rd row seats that fold flat into the floor (on the 120 series you can remove the 3rd row seats, saving some weight and gaining the room). The Paj has a bigger engine, more torque, the ride has improved and, tough as it is for me to say it, I think is now clearly better value than the Prado. Just add a LR tank.

Fitting a winch and upgraded suspension (ie lifted) is easy on the Prado - don't know how hard it is on the Paj. You may want to check that out if it's important to you.

Cheers

Frank

As a happy owner of two Pajeros, there are some times where a Prado is maybe better.

It has better resale value, Prado has split third row seat where as Pajero is all or none, Prado petrol is superior, Prado has a larger Fuel tank and gives a softer quieter ride when around town.
If I had to replace my 2007 185 000km diesel today, I'd have no hesitation in getting another Pajero.
But as it is going so well I will probably have it for at least another 80 000km. Maybe then if our family situation has changed and we change what we use it for, we'd get a Prado.

As some of you know I have been critical of the Prado 150 we have at work. To me the handling is like a yank tank from the 50s. And the over bonnett visability is terrible, just what you need when off road. Also it feels huge(note I liked the 120). Recently had a drive of the latest PaJ, once behind the wheel I noticed much better over bonnet visability, and the ride was taut but very well controlled.I really liked it. Later A truck customer asked if I would mind putting his old Nm in the yard ea night. When I jumped in it I noticed it had 280000ks up, but it started straight away, I then drove it around the block and could not believe how well it went, with no rattles etc.
The Prado is a great expressway car, but anyone who drives on roads like the putty road, or who enjoys their driving will be much better served by the Paj. Now to go and wash my mouth outLOL
Cheers Pete