Post by: paceman on January 10, 2018, 01:18:27 PM
looking at around at different options to possibly replace my bt50 (4x2)...
have seen a few 4L V6 prado's for sale and was wondering what the prevailing opinion is of these vehicles...?
the pricing on some of these is quite reasonable and it begs the question (for me) about whether to go back to petrol from a turbo diesel.
interested in member's opinions of these, as well as what to look for in regards to common issues? better year/model to look for? kilometres sweet spot?
thanks...
Post by: noel_w on January 10, 2018, 02:18:36 PM
Can certainly pay for a lot of petrol with the price difference from a diesel
Post by: edz on January 10, 2018, 03:20:01 PM
It might pay to remove the heads and get the Block " O" Ringed to help guard against head gasket failure [ Have a talk with a reputable local engine builder ] .
Post by: Vitara_JaycoSwift_Outback on January 10, 2018, 04:18:35 PM
I don't think you will be disappointed in the slightest if you did purchase one.
Post by: Anakist on January 10, 2018, 04:29:15 PM
It is an excellent engine! We get into the low 10l/100km just slabbing along the highway and according to Fuelly our long term average is 12.2l/100km with a mix of commuting during the week, offroad trips, horse float and box trailer towing, etc.
James
Post by: paceman on January 10, 2018, 04:34:45 PM
looks to be the older shape... which i don't mind...
much difference in the engines, though?
this is an example of what i have been coming across:
"2005 Landcruiser Prado - $20000
4lt V6
6 speed manual
144000 Klm
dual batteries, snorkel, 2” suspension, winch , towbar , ARB bull bar, new dash fitted 12 months ago under Toyota warranty due to cracking. 265/75/R17 BFG all terrains fronts have less than 20000 klm on them. Only just had 140000 klm service"
(https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/26165942_10214921308923127_8079563031382488112_n.jpg?oh=2212e6be44b3603b0dc2a31543ab4637&oe=5AB1DA77)
Post by: Anakist on January 10, 2018, 04:41:09 PM
James
Post by: D4D on January 10, 2018, 06:05:27 PM
Post by: paceman on January 10, 2018, 06:14:36 PM
Get the 5 speed auto
why? just curious... not trying to be a smarty... :)
Post by: D4D on January 10, 2018, 06:19:49 PM
why? just curious... not trying to be a smarty... :)
Manuals are for old people
Post by: rags on January 10, 2018, 06:41:59 PM
why? just curious... not trying to be a smarty... :)
Also because the 5 speed auto is a better option than the 4 speed auto that was available in the 1st generation of the V6 120 series, the change occurred around late 2004
Post by: paceman on January 10, 2018, 06:47:54 PM
Manuals are for old people
i don't consider myself old... i don't mind manuals... :)
Post by: D4D on January 10, 2018, 07:21:09 PM
i don't consider myself old... i don't mind manuals... :)
Autos kill manuals in the bush for 90% of situations.
Post by: paceman on January 10, 2018, 07:33:42 PM
Autos kill manuals in the bush for 90% of situations.
good to know... that's one of the reasons i am looking around and trying to offload the 4x2 bt50... more off-road adventures with the kids...
Post by: topcat on January 10, 2018, 08:28:56 PM
Autos kill manuals in the bush for 90% of situations.
I've had a manual 120 V6 and currently have a manual 150 diesel - if you enjoy driving a manual, then go for it. Both are as smooth as a well oiled nut. 80% of my driving is daily around suburbs but I enjoy every bit of it.
My 2.2c (incl gst).
TC
Post by: kylarama on January 10, 2018, 11:54:24 PM
IF they are anything like the earlier VZE V6 jobbies ..
It might pay to remove the heads and get the Block " O" Ringed to help guard against head gasket failure [ Have a talk with a reputable local engine builder ] .
About the only thing the 1GR-FE shares with the earlier 3.4L is the Toyota badge.
The 4L is pretty bullet proof, but maintenance is critical. Regular oil changes are crucial, they'll sludge up real quick otherwise.
Avoid any V6 Prado with a sketchy service history.
The great thing about everyone's love affair with diesels, is the petrols are dirt cheap.
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Post by: chester ver2.0 on January 11, 2018, 09:26:50 AM
As d4d said from first hand experience you want the 5 speed auto there is to big a gap between 3rd and 4th on the othd 4 speed so it hunts especially when towing
Post by: Linedropper on January 11, 2018, 10:15:08 AM
Post by: nab on January 11, 2018, 02:16:26 PM
I can't comprehend the fuel use figures some are getting on here though. I have spoken to a couple owners and all have said they are fairly thirsty. Some of the figures above are better that what some diesel owners are getting. What benefit does the diesel have over the petrol if the fuel consumption is the same?
Post by: kylarama on January 11, 2018, 03:04:39 PM
A mechanic friend (used to work at Toyota) has a 4L V6 Prado, as above he said if they are well maintained they are bulletproof but thirsty...
I can't comprehend the fuel use figures some are getting on here though. I have spoken to a couple owners and all have said they are fairly thirsty. Some of the figures above are better that what some diesel owners are getting. What benefit does the diesel have over the petrol if the fuel consumption is the same?
Push them hard and they get real thirsty. When we first got the Prado, average around town the first month was 16's. As we enjoyed the extra grunt over the old 3.5L Pajero.
Towing needs to be a bit gentle. If you're hell bent on keeping it spot on 110kph the entire time and sinking the boot in up hills. You'll get into the 20's pretty quickly.
Personally. Fuels cheap compared to the D4D repair bills you hear about. I'm not going to be doing the Canning Stock Route anytime soon and the petrol suits what we use the car for.
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Post by: Shippo on January 11, 2018, 03:13:30 PM
Post by: PJ80 on January 11, 2018, 03:20:09 PM
A mechanic friend (used to work at Toyota) has a 4L V6 Prado, as above he said if they are well maintained they are bulletproof but thirsty...
I can't comprehend the fuel use figures some are getting on here though. I have spoken to a couple owners and all have said they are fairly thirsty. Some of the figures above are better that what some diesel owners are getting. What benefit does the diesel have over the petrol if the fuel consumption is the same?
Might be true but most diesel owners have been understating their fuel consumption for years.... In the interests of disclosure I drive a petrol Landcruiser so well versed in high fuel consumption. Still fuel for me is far from the highest expense in owning a 4WD.
Post by: MDS69 on January 11, 2018, 06:32:52 PM
As other mentioned avoid anything with a vague service history. These motors will go 500,000km with regular servicing. Look out for rust under the rubber seal on the back door as well as a dropping back door or cracks around the hinges. If looking at a Grande look for rust around the sunroof and expect to replace the rear suspension airbags though not expensive.
You may get lucky and find a GXL with an option pack that has down hill assist, traction control, side airbags and some other kit.
Ours has BFG A/T’s, ARB winch bar, aux battery, snorkel, OME 2” lift and a few other bits and around town average 17-18L/100km. Towing a 2T van 23L/100 but doing the speed limit. On the highway not towing around 14L/100. Same as nab I can’t comprehend either some of these fuel figures. Mine are measured with a scan gauge and on the computer with fuelly. Disregard the figures in my signature.
I would look for something with around 150,000 to 180,000km personally but the higher the Kay’s the cheaper they are. Best thing about this model is there like arseholes, everyone has one so you may also get a shopping trolley and have a blank canvas that has never been off-road but then one with some accessories has already taken the financial hit.
Post by: oldblade on January 11, 2018, 07:04:12 PM
It has all the bells and whistles every 4x4 option on it at least 18k worth and is an awesome car will be sad to see it go
Had it for 9 years and never missed a beat so good my mechanic wanted to buy it but he just bought another car so a little peeved that I am only now putting it up for sale
Post by: paceman on January 11, 2018, 07:12:03 PM
If your interested I am about to put our beloved TRD hilux V6 Supercharged up for sale (just bought a new Cruiser)
Thanks for the offer, but I’ll pass...
I am trying to offload my 4x2 BT50 and the v6 prado popped up in my research as one to consider... and I do like the older shape of the prados...
I have a tidy 2010 NT Pajero with very low kms at a very good price at the top of my list...
If I can offload my current vehicle...
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Post by: listo on January 11, 2018, 09:27:12 PM
Post by: Bird on January 12, 2018, 09:49:10 AM
Quote from: listo
I’ve got a mate with the shape prado you’re looking at in an auto V6. Heaps of power & comfortable but horrendous on fuel when loaded up. He pulls a 4.6 Kakadu Karrier with gear in it as well as the car & 22l/100k is good going for him at 100 & no overtaking. The worst he’s had was 40l/100k doing 110 & overtaking when he could. He likes the car but what you want to do with it vs fuel consumption might be good for thought.
I think fuel economy is almost impossible to consider other peoples figures.. too many variables to be accurate...
Like people who have fully loaded Y62 Patrols 3ton or more + towing big trailers/vans getting 15/100..
I don't think i could ever get these figures with no trailer and no accessories in a Y62- it maybe just the way I drive..
YMMV
Post by: kylarama on January 12, 2018, 12:14:10 PM
I think fuel economy is almost impossible to consider other peoples figures.. too many variables to be accurate...
Exactly. Other than a factory alloy bullbar, dual batteries and stock size BFG AT's, mine is bone stock. It had factory roof rails, but no racks fitted.
Now add roof racks ( plus an awning & the other crap people put up there), lift kit, bigger wheels, steel bar, winch, rear drawers, snorkel and the rest of the ARB catalogue.
Everything that adds weight and affects aerodynamics will add to the fuel bill. Plus one persons version of "economical driving" is different to the next persons.
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Post by: Merts on January 12, 2018, 12:23:21 PM
Like people who have fully loaded Y62 Patrols 3ton or more + towing big trailers/vans getting 15/100..
I'm pretty sure anyone 'getting' those sorts of figures under those conditions is mathematically illiterate.
Post by: Bird on January 12, 2018, 12:33:48 PM
Quote from: Merts
I'm pretty sure anyone 'getting' those sorts of figures under those conditions is mathematically illiterate
:cup: :cup: :cup: :cup: :cup:
that actually makes me feel better about my driving style ;D ;D ;D ;D
... but they are out there!
http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/nissan-y62-patrol-armada-infiniti-qx80-47/y62-fuel-economy-test-96070/ (http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/nissan-y62-patrol-armada-infiniti-qx80-47/y62-fuel-economy-test-96070/)
Post by: Marcus73 on January 12, 2018, 10:43:27 PM
Another very happy 120 series V6 owner here. Easy car to drive.
As other mentioned avoid anything with a vague service history. These motors will go 500,000km with regular servicing.
Ours has BFG A/T’s, ARB winch bar, aux battery, snorkel, OME 2” lift and a few other bits and around town average 17-18L/100km. Towing a 2T van 23L/100 but doing the speed limit. On the highway not towing around 14L/100. Same as nab I can’t comprehend either some of these fuel figures. Mine are measured with a scan gauge and on the computer with fuelly. Disregard the figures in my signature.
Ditto too all of that. Those fuel figures are pretty much spot on with what I'm getting with very similar mods.
They may be a bit thirsty but I'd have too say hands down it's the best vehicle I've ever owned
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Post by: nickandbron on January 13, 2018, 05:03:20 PM
:cup: :cup: :cup: :cup: :cup:
that actually makes me feel better about my driving style ;D ;D ;D ;D
... but they are out there!
http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/nissan-y62-patrol-armada-infiniti-qx80-47/y62-fuel-economy-test-96070/ (http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/nissan-y62-patrol-armada-infiniti-qx80-47/y62-fuel-economy-test-96070/)
My Y62 is more economical (& far more comfortable/capable) than the R51 Diesel Pathfinder it replaced.