Diesel Prado owners, advice pls.

[oldturtle22]

Gday all,

I currently own a 2004 V6 Prado, and would like to trade it over to a 2007-2009 Turbo diesel Prado.

I'm after owners opinions on these vehicles,

I have a heavier variety camper, Are they suitable for towing with an auto?, are they much more economic than a petrol? (they'd have to be)Do they still go alright or are they a slug?

Any opinions for and against would be apprieciated.

Cheers Chris.

[NewcastleKnight]

Hey there, I am sure someone will be able to answer your questions relating to that model.  I have a 2010 diesel manual, and it goes well.  I tow the Swan with it and it has enough grunt.  Towing I average around 14l/100 not sure how that would compare with auto or with the V6.

You could also go onto Prado Point and ask the question.

Hope that helps, albeit only a little....

[idlegossip]

Newcastleknight, you took the words out of my mouth. Pradopoint will be your best source for this type of question.

[JethroT]

Hi Chris,

We have a 2003 model 120 with the 1kz engine, which puts out about 100 kw compared to the later D4D with about 120 Kw.  We fitted a Tunit Diesel chip to ours and it is much better to drive and tow with now but it is no race car.

You would really have to drive one yourself, but if you want to drive hard you will need a suspension kit as the standard Prado gear feels the weight of the diesel and feels like it will fall over in corners and just does not soak up offroad bumps.

I would have to say that the suspension kit is the best $1000 I have ever spent on a vehicle.

Regards
Geoff

[DANBRI]

The 3L D4D donk flies, you won't be disappointed.

[dazzler]

Duck over to prado point.  Lots have fuelly in thier sig blocks so you can compare what they get.  The D4D have had some injector issues and many still report a rattle at start up for a bit, or even till they warm up.  Power is really good, economy is great and the 5sp auto is sweet.

Unlike the Landcruiser and patrol, the difference in economy between petrol and diesel is not as big an issue. You will notice the difference in power going from the V6 to the diesel.

[Trackaprado]

Best vehicle ever, just don't take it to a Toyota Dealer for service and they are cheap to run as well

[oldturtle22]

this is good info

keep it coming,

Anyone got one for sale?  haha

cheers Chris

[dazzler]

Hi Chris,

We have a 2003 model 120 with the 1kz engine, which puts out about 100 kw compared to the later D4D with about 120 Kw.  We fitted a Tunit Diesel chip to ours and it is much better to drive and tow with now but it is no race car.

You would really have to drive one yourself, but if you want to drive hard you will need a suspension kit as the standard Prado gear feels the weight of the diesel and feels like it will fall over in corners and just does not soak up offroad bumps.

I would have to say that the suspension kit is the best $1000 I have ever spent on a vehicle.

Regards
Geoff

Hey Geoff, which susp kit did you go with?

[D4D]

No problems towing with my D4D auto. It's not a rocket ship but it will easily cruise all day on 100 using 12-14L/100klms.

[Farquo]

Have had 2 diesel auto Prados for work at the same time as a 3.0 TD manual Patrol at home.
You notice a definite difference when towing with the Prado, but unless it is heavy you barely notice it with the Patrol. (not looking to a Nissan/Toyota discussion. It is just what I have to compare)
That said though, I am probably being fussy as it still scoots along well. Might be as much the transmission as the engine. Still prefer manual off road.
Prado is usually about 10.5-11 L/100km

[JethroT]

Hi Dazzler,

I fitted Dobinson Springs and Lovells Shocks.  The Dobinson springs are all the same rate just a longer spring for different loads.

$1000 supplied and fitted by Zordo's 4WD suspension in Brisbane.

Regards
Geoff

[Flemo]

No problems towing with my D4D auto. It's not a rocket ship but it will easily cruise all day on 100 using 12-14L/100klms.

Same for us towing. Traded up from a Patrol GU IV 3ltr auto and for everyday driving the Prado is so much better. As per my fuely signature we are getting awesome economy for a big vehicle. Will drop a bit when get the extra bolt ons in the new yr tho. Your never going to out drag a HSV but I think it goes well, set the cruise control and sit on 100 all day. Our Trackabout is about 1400kg with the boat and motor, full tanks, fridge etc...

[oldturtle22]

Thanks for your info all

it really has reinforced the decision to trade the petrol on a diesel

Sure the V6 has plenty of grizzle but can it suck the juice!

Cheers Chris