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Toyota Prado Long Term Review - 12 months. |
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Home Price Lists 200 Series
150 Series
Vs RX350 & RX450h
3 Dr Prado vs Pajero Vs Lincoln MKT
120 Series
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Last Updated:
21 January 2012 Original September 2006/2007
Model refresh and review
As per all manufacturers Toyota has updated the 120 series Prado but this
year's update is much more far reaching than the last which was in
late 2004. Considering issues including model life span and
history, resale values, pricing in light of fuel prices it still
significant. |
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This commentary ignores the alignment of the 6 speed manual and 5 speed automatic gearbox with either diesel or petrol engines. Cosmetic changes on the GX model are most obvious, now looking very much like the GXL model except missing alloy wheels and fog lights. It now has color coded body cladding as standard along with side steps. Equipment upgrades on the GX don't extend as far with GXL type equipment offered as option packs. At least they are offered as options. The missing stuff includes cruise control, leather steering and gear knobs, ABS brakes, EBD and Brake assist, 6 speaker stereo and so forth. The GX being the fleet buyers choice still has the basics but in all honestly not as good value as the GXL. The GXL model which is the best seller in the range also has a few additions. The most obvious is the window tinting on all windows except for the driver (which you have to pay extra for and roof rails. Unfortunately not much else is added. For the price about $8,000 higher than the GX the GXL with the additional standard safety equipment is priceless hence the recommended model to buy if you can afford the price difference. However the VX model has being given considerable boost in the equipment stakes with very little increase in price. It now has the full compliment of DAT features namely, Traction control, High assist and so forth. As a bonus, side airbags, leather everywhere and the usual fake wood trim, electric seat and so forth. In fact there are very few significant features missing compared to the range topper Grande. Eg, sunroof and GPS navigation, air suspension and Lexus style instruments. The VX was the poorest seller in the range as it only had minimal equipment boost over the GXL. They have now rectified this and much better value for money. Pity the poor buyer of the first lot of VXs! Nonetheless it costs at least $13,000 more than the GXL which is quite a big jump, however it seems almost worth the price difference.
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Petrol
Diesel (Only) |
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Very little has changed on the top end Grande model, which is not surprising since its probably the second most purchased version. Along with the additional airbags and revised Lexus style panel that's it. It only has a few big ticket equipment additions over the VX eg. GPS, height adjustable suspension and GPS. With a $7000 price difference again it seems worth it, if you ask for additional stuff like bullbars etc... at no extra cost. Viewed from the GXL prospective, the $20,000 difference to the Grande doesn't seem worth it. However a $15,000 gap would make it very appealing indeed. Likewise a gap of $7000 between the GXL and VX would be very tempting indeed! 12 Month Update It been a while and certainly over due for this update! Nothing has really changed or happened with the car that hasn't already been said. High mileage Toyota Prado's are quite common and its easy to see why. It is genuinely a fantastic long distance commuter. There are several key features which make it so, namely enough power, large and quiet interior, long range fuel tank (180 litres) and comfy ride. SO to balance the good with the not so good...unfortunately what makes it a great long distance vehicle has several disadvantages around town. The main factor is size and the other factor is handling ability. For a large car the brakes could provide more stopping power. Also the suspension has gone softer over the period and lowers handling ability. Taking in consideration that this is not your normal station wagon or sedan its handling qualities are quite acceptable. However with all the technology used in sports cars to make them ride and handle at the same time I'm sure it can't be too far off that its applied to these Prado type of cars. The tyres are due for replacement however due to the large choice available the requirement by financial considerations to be cost effective over a short term makes life difficult. Why? Cheap tyres don't last a long time or as durable. For one of us the new vibration from something in the sunglasses roof console and mysterious rattle in the rear door, the inadequate rear barn door stopper are the few things worth noting. Retrospective There are always things that can be improved and car manufacturers know this. Without constant improvement, justified criticisms and of course competition things can never get better. If we all left it to people who say - yes its perfect in everyway etc... 'small minded' why change? Ignore these people they don't really have an opinion. There is always something that needs improving. Why? Because to admit nothing needs to be changed is just stupid. For example if we left it to those who still thought the CRT TV was the ultimate type of screen we wouldn't have LCDs and GPS and mobile phones and so forth. In light of these comment what do I think needs to be improved? - Value for money options and free additions.
Eg floor mats on all models. You'll have to read the next 18 month report to
find out some more! |
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