We purchased our first van on Monday and we will be picking it up on Sunday. Cant wait.
As the plan is to zig zag around Australia, on and off road, metro, country towns, rural & remote traveling, we are selling the old Hilux, and CX5 and are looking at a 100 series 1HD turbo diesel Landcruiser or a D4D 120 series Prado. Due to limited budget, and now age of both these vehicles, I would love to hear good bad and ugly stories of your experiences of a D4D 120 series Prado, especially if it has done 300 000+ km.
I would prefer the 100Series, but buggers cannot be choosy, especially since we live in Albany WA.
Many thanks.
Ps dont be afraid of sending me links to relevant posts, as Im new and still coming to grips with the search, which has yielded small and not relevant results.
Hi Chris, I have the 2004 model 100 series Turbo diesel. I have been towing my van full time for the past 12 years on the road. I cannot fault them. Never had a problem, I did however fit a 3" Beaudesert exhaust and a Tunit chip which greatly improved torque.
I highly recommend the tug
Exactly....................Great engine . Simple servicing and longevity under load is their forte..... They do not seem to build motors like that anymore.
Thanks everyone for replys. Yes I totally agree and my preference certainly lies with a TD Landcruiser, but would love to hear from any D4D Prado members to hear your thoughts, especially if your vehicle has clocked up some high kms
-- Edited by A-O on Thursday 17th of May 2018 02:05:56 PM
I had the same D4D motor in a Hilux they had plenty of problems , I would be very careful buying a second hand one unless I could find out the full history.
If it is near to or over the 2500 kg Prado tow limit, that may decide the issue for you. Also need to ensure the ball weight is below the 250 kg Prado limit, when loaded, not at Tare.
Check those before making any decision on the vehicle.
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Regards Ian
Chaos, mayhem, confusion. Good my job here is done
Hi Graeme....I was going to say that in my original response,but I decided not to for fear of upsetting all the sensitive souls on here who may own a Prado! The 100 series is so far ahead of the Prado that it is lonely.Safe travels.
Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 17th of May 2018 03:35:15 PM
Prado is like most of them. Great new, under warranty., Know if a few 100 series having $10k or so refurbishing them as they KNOW theyâll keep going . Old faithful deserves it ! Same with the TD 4.2 Patrol !! My machinist says they often just require rings and bearings after 600,000Ks. Then rust treating to last another 20 / 30 years .
Gday Ian, weve got a Coramal Custom, 20/21 foot not sure, Ali frame, independent suspension, but shes a 1560 tare and a 2060 ATM. So i know its within the limits of the Prado, however once 4 of us + in car entertainment for kids+ camping gear on the roof + tools in the car, would surprise me once we are fully loaded we may be close to the Prado GCM, or am I being paranoid?
Good to see van is right weight for vehicle, but you will just need to ensure those weights are "real" world, not just on the VIN plate. Load for travel at some stage and get it weighed at a local weighbridge if you can.
You are correct re GCM, and will just need to be careful what you look to take with you. That is one of the fun things about caravanning. trying to get it right!
__________________
Regards Ian
Chaos, mayhem, confusion. Good my job here is done
Gday Ian, weve got a Coramal Custom, 20/21 foot not sure, Ali frame, independent suspension, but shes a 1560 tare and a 2060 ATM. So i know its within the limits of the Prado, however once 4 of us + in car entertainment for kids+ camping gear on the roof + tools in the car, would surprise me once we are fully loaded we may be close to the Prado GCM, or am I being paranoid?
Hi Chris....I would suggest that it is not the GCM that is of concern,but rather the GVM of the Prado,which I believe is only 2900kg? GCM is 5400kg,but with a van weighing only 2000kg you are not going to get within a country mile of that.Kerb weight of car is 2200kg (guess).Add 200kg towball weight,and there is only 500kg left for everything else .... passengers,luggage bullbar,towbar and everything else....Good luck with your search,and happy travels.Cheers.
