Toyota prado 2011 3lt tdi thoughts?

[fatas]

Hi guys looking at a new prado 3lt manual GXL next year time the calais went seems the is always a extra kid or grand parent to come some ware with us so this is my pick just after thoughts on this rig will ARB it with a bar winch fit shocks and rear air bags uhf etc but need to know how they go so after you thoughts :teach:

[Dieselman]

They are a good bus mate. Super reliable and hold their value very well. One of my mates has a brand new one with the auto. He test drove both and like the auto better :driving:

I owned a 00' model before getting back into a V8 again. The Prado was good but VERY boring after a while - they just do everything too easy


Ben

[Jake235]

Dad has one. GXL Auto with the D4D. Awesome car, great economy (8.5 around town and about the same on the highway but dad is pretty gentle in the city but likes to sit on about 120 on the highway But i've seen figures of 7.4 after a tank before). Great interior, love the duel fuel tanks (150L total) so it gets about 1700k's out of a tank.

I love driving it, such a great ride and love the engine, goes very hard for a 4pot and the auto is actually quite good, although nothing beats a manual.

[hsv364]

Hi guys looking at a new prado 3lt manual GXL next year time the calais went seems the is always a extra kid or grand parent to come some ware with us so this is my pick just after thoughts on this rig will ARB it with a bar winch fit shocks and rear air bags uhf etc but need to know how they go so after you thoughts :teach:

Brought the wife a 2010 gxl TD Auto (big step forward from the GLXR Triton )
Great car all round !! cant fault it and will definitely trade up into one again .
test drive the auto TD first before settling on a manual

check out pradopoint.com .. few of us ls1 members are there also

Clinton

[chocco]

Cannot go wrong with a toyota, I miss my Hilux.

If you want to keep the V8, 2nd hand Cruiser or Patrol with a 6.5ltr Duramax Diesel and a 4l80e auto probably still cost less than the Prado.

Dont mind me just wishful thinking should I win tatts.

[spudmo]

Drove an 08 auto on the weekend. Was good interior was a bit plain good response from engine def no v8 though. Just really overpriced imo.

[Aussie Pete]

As a fleet guy looking after over 3000 cars I'd offer the following points:

- the reliability isn't what everyone makes out, our data shows these jiggers and the Hilux make the same numbers as most other modern equivalents such as Ranger;
- Toyota support presence is best bar none but other mobs such as Ford are working on that
- Resales are very good but there is a bit of manipulation going on in the numbers, since most are fleet cars they achieve the resales after some spend is applied to get them there, and the finance company can make a big difference in the life numbers
- The Prado's rear end design is very poor - heavy tailgate, tyre on the tailgate, swings one way only, and teh rear seats are 1980s design - have a look at teh alternatives such as any other modern 4WD/SUV to see how third row seating is done this century
- Toyotas are renowned for poor ESC and ABS tuning, a surprise given their marketing hype as being outback conquerors - a quick comparison between a Hilux, Prado, and say the Ford equivalents and you'll see what I mean. We're forever kicking Toyota in the guts to get their stubborn attitudes to real world safety adjusted

Would I buy a Prado? Well, if I lived in the bush and I was doing a lot of offroading, yes. Otherwise the safety issues, the sacrifices in practicality and overall driving performance are simply not worth it. The only reason why you would choose the Prado if you are a city dweller is if you'd rather spend your money on something in lieu of that appendage enhancement.

Look in the market at the alternatives which show 21st century design and would suit 90% of people's needs far better. Jeep Grand Cherokee (4x4 of the Year), Ford Territory Diesel, etc etc.

I am waiting for the Colorado 7 and the Ford variant off the Ranger base. These will push Prado very hard and hopefully push Toyota to update a hopelessly outdated design.

Every time I go from my VE to a Hilux/Prado at work, I genuinely see teh difference between a vehicle designed and developed by passionate engineers, versus a marketing company living off tired old reputation.