Having had all three model Prado's released in Australia (90, 120 and latest 150 series) - I'd never recommend a new Prado to anyone. The latest 150 series is by far the worst model that they've released.
I've had about 7 Prados now (all work vehicles and one of the main reason why in my own choice of vehicle, I'm on my third Disco). The 90 series Prado was by far the best for "off-road" capability. The 120 series is a great vehicle on long bitumen road trips and not too bad on dirt roads. The 150 has had a lot of issues so far and will continue to do so for some time yet. They're not bad on bitumen but have a cheap plastic feel to them and things often simply fall off. They are woeful on dirt roads and suck in dust around the back door like you wouldn't believe (we have six of these on one minesite and they are all the same).
Jeeps - can't comment on them as I've never had anything to do with them, but to me they still look like cheap. Pajero's I've similarly had nothing really to do with them, though I do know a lot of people who own them and have heard no really negative views on them. One bloke I know in Bunbury is on about his 4th and would not buy anything else - and he's no fool.
I'd still be looking at a Disco - you should be able to pick one up for considerably less than the number you have quoted. I did - though mine was a demo with 1,000km on the clock. It was also optioned up pretty well, so I reckon I got a pretty good deal.
Servicing - well what's a trip down to Perth once a year. There's no recognied service agent in Kalgoorlie any more either. That used to be a bad point against Landrover in my opinion, but with the service interval on the 2.7 TDV6 it really doesn't matter (especially as I now work in Perth and travel up & down in any case.
In my current job, I had the choice of a new Prado GXL supplied free to me as a company vehicle, for work and personal use - OR - I could take a "vehicle allowance" and supply my own vehicle (including paying for all running costs myself). Financially, the better deal for me would have been to take the Prado - but I bought a Disco.

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