About the Toyota LandCruiser Prado
Damian K purchased this Toyota LandCruiser Prado used for $39,000 (including all on-road costs) in 2012. Damian K would buy this car again because: “It’s been the absolute reliable workhorse that I thought it would be. It’s taken my family all over outback Australia, rescued other cars, and I could not be happier. I know any mechanic in Australia with a 10mm socket can repair it if it needs it, and the range of accessories for it is endless.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
I’ve had to replace three items on it in the nine-or-so years I’ve owned it. A water pump, which conveniently waited until I was on my way to get a service done before it went, a MAF sensor filter broke (common on D4Ds) and I replaced it myself with a $20 part from eBay, and the suspension became leaky around the 150,000km mark, which was really a great excuse to replace them with a set of Old Man Emus.
I’ve taken off points for Toyota’s paintwork. The clear coat has all but gone, and gives the car an old look. I’m willing to forgive some of it given the car spent three-and-a-half years in Mount Isa (and the air quality there is not great), but it would have been nice if it lasted a bit longer.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
Great, again given the reliability of (at least this generation) of Toyotas. Although I wouldn’t call Toyota exactly “engaged” with me as a secondhand owner, it’s been trouble free.
My local Toyota dealer has been great, and I’m reasonably confident there will always be a “local” Toyota dealer no matter where I live.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Given the price I paid and the longevity, yes. Features wise, while there are a lot of “modern” features my car doesn’t have, namely safety tech, I’m relieved it doesn’t have lots of tech to break when I’m in the middle of nowhere.
I’ve replaced the head unit with a CarPlay-compatible option, so that’s kept me quite happy. You’d always love it to be cheaper, but given the current state of the secondhand market, I’m pretty satisfied with what I paid for it.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Performance wise, I never expect a ~3 tonne diesel Prado to be leaving anyone at the lights, but in low-range, up hills, or in deep sand, the power output is spot on.
Towing can get thirsty with a load or a poor aero shape, but I never bought it to tow, so that never bothers me. I can get it <10l/100 on boring straight highway at 100, but most of the time it’s around the 14l/100 mark.
Not great for city work, but for a family mover it’s acceptable.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
Just enough that I don’t want for the newer gear. Triple-zone climate control, cruise and, as mentioned, it doesn’t have any weird proprietary head units so I was able to replace the head unit with an off the shelf CarPlay/Android Auto unit, and I’m very happy with that.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
The score here is a bit deceptive, as it’s the comfort and handling of my car after the OME suspension upgrade. Stock, secondhand suspension was very… “custard-like” is probably the best way to describe it.
With the upgraded suspension it handles quite well for a vehicle of its size and weight. Comfort is always excellent, especially for longer drives.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
Prados have a reputation for a reason, and I’m glad I believed the hype.