Another 'Which D4 To Buy?' Thread

[Melbourne Park]

At the end of the day, its value that counts.

I think that the 8 speed would use less fuel on the open road when not trailering. Because I think the motor revs are lower. But when trailering, that advantage on the open road would not be there IMO.

So, really, have your wants ticked off, and then compare the prices. And the history and warranty of the vehicle. Big price differences and low mileages should be an influence IMO. Except, if you are going to do high mileages. There is likely little point in paying a premium to get a vehicle which has 20k less mileage, if your going to do high mileages yourself. And the type of mileage can be found too ... dealers can ask the owner ... i did that with a lexus, and the owner lived on the Mornington peninsula. The dealer gave me a contact number after checking with the owner.

From the sound of this thread, 8 speeds will be easier to sell ... and they are later vehicles, with perhaps, some extras included. But - that comes down to your check box.

Incidentally the 2.7 should not be discounted for off road capability. It can run 17" wheels, which is a big advantage IMO. I know someone who has a 2.7, I think financed. His wife has "stolen" it ... but vehicles out of lease would be ideal. At 3 years, those would be 2012 ones. Typically an out of lease would be better value than one that is not?

[nat_89]

I think the 8spd will be definitely easier to sell as you say its a newer model, the electric seats and the armrests for me are awesome i use mine all the time and having the HSE is great because both me and my partner have different positions so its great just one press and its back to a comfy position it also helps having the electric steering column. For me with the SDV6 8speed the towing is amazing last month i towed 3.2t with an average speed of 108kmh and averaged 15.7l/100km at fuel calculations not what the car computer says so for towing its a pretty easy one there. I have the HK stereo not the meridian system and love it, i think it sounds pretty good. If given the choice i would probably go for an 8spd 155kw. But then again i really do love the armrests they truly make it a comfortable driving position.

[rar110]

Electric memory seats with arm rests and electric memory steering column make driving a car long distance very comfortable. Also when you swap drivers the seat and steering wheel goes exactly where you want it.

[Melbourne Park]

Well ... I don't use my arm rest around town!!! I know TD drivers miss them, but really - IMO its not a big deal. But for me personally, the extra seat adjustment availed from the electric controls, is a big big benefit. However, my 1997 Prado has got great seats - they are not adjustable. But perhaps, my body got used to them. The current Prado GXL seats are crap. The Prado VX and Kakadu much better, but they are crap compared to the electric seats in the SDs and probably crap compared to the base limited adjustment (IMO) of a TD.

As far as fuel economy goes, towing something heavy, torque is where its at, and 600NM v 520 is a big difference IMO. The torque is delivered from 1500 to 2500 too, so the gearbox differences between 6 and 8 are not going to make a difference - IMO.

But ... if you're highway cruising without towing, then the torque is not needed. And the lower revving (I think) top gear of the 8 speed is going to save you fuel, if you are not towing. So, my towing bias likes the SD motor ... but if the TD is much cheaper, then its the better buy ... IMO it all comes down to getting a good buy.

I bought a used Prado Kakadu, which had been an ex Toyota vehicle. The buyer towed a yacht, and found the door hit his winching post. He took it back to LeMans Toyota in Altona, and said I've changed my mind, I need a twin door, I want a 200 thanks. This was 10 days after buying it. Le Mans said get stuffed (according to the buyer who I called - he's a yachtie and told me the vehicle was excellent. I could hear his wife praising on the other end of the phone too!

He sold it to Werribee Toyota as a trade in on a 200 - they gave him a good deal. A dealership bought it. Their manager drove it for 6 months (which is what the dealership does, the manager lives 40KM from the dealership), and then I bought it. They said it had never been off road, and just before paying for it, I had them put it up on the stand and sure enough, there were some marks on the running board and two marks on either front chassis rail. So I carried on and they sold me an extended warranty for three years, for $500.

So ... be driven by a good deal, and do your homework. I sold the Kakadu for what I paid for it too ... but if there are Prado buyers out there (and the new 2.8 litre four is coming shortly with a 6 speed gearbox too!!!! - get GXL, the rest are not good IMO!).

[nat_89]

Electric memory seats with arm rests and electric memory steering column make driving a car long distance very comfortable. Also when you swap drivers the seat and steering wheel goes exactly where you want it.

Certainly does thats one of the reasons i went for the HSE because i love that, its a pain that my partners Audi doesn't have it so have to change the seat all the time thankfully she only really moves it up higher so not to much to change.

Well ... I don't use my arm rest around town!!! I know TD drivers miss them, but really - IMO its not a big deal. But for me personally, the extra seat adjustment availed from the electric controls, is a big big benefit. However, my 1997 Prado has got great seats - they are not adjustable. But perhaps, my body got used to them. The current Prado GXL seats are crap. The Prado VX and Kakadu much better, but they are crap compared to the electric seats in the SDs and probably crap compared to the base limited adjustment (IMO) of a TD.

As far as fuel economy goes, towing something heavy, torque is where its at, and 600NM v 520 is a big difference IMO. The torque is delivered from 1500 to 2500 too, so the gearbox differences between 6 and 8 are not going to make a difference - IMO.

But ... if you're highway cruising without towing, then the torque is not needed. And the lower revving (I think) top gear of the 8 speed is going to save you fuel, if you are not towing. So, my towing bias likes the SD motor ... but if the TD is much cheaper, then its the better buy ... IMO it all comes down to getting a good buy.

I bought a used Prado Kakadu, which had been an ex Toyota vehicle. The buyer towed a yacht, and found the door hit his winching post. He took it back to LeMans Toyota in Altona, and said I've changed my mind, I need a twin door, I want a 200 thanks. This was 10 days after buying it. Le Mans said get stuffed (according to the buyer who I called - he's a yachtie and told me the vehicle was excellent. I could hear his wife praising on the other end of the phone too!

He sold it to Werribee Toyota as a trade in on a 200 - they gave him a good deal. A dealership bought it. Their manager drove it for 6 months (which is what the dealership does, the manager lives 40KM from the dealership), and then I bought it. They said it had never been off road, and just before paying for it, I had them put it up on the stand and sure enough, there were some marks on the running board and two marks on either front chassis rail. So I carried on and they sold me an extended warranty for three years, for $500.

So ... be driven by a good deal, and do your homework. I sold the Kakadu for what I paid for it too ... but if there are Prado buyers out there (and the new 2.8 litre four is coming shortly with a 6 speed gearbox too!!!! - get GXL, the rest are not good IMO!).

I paid $92 for a HSE with ediff and elec steering column so that was a good enough deal for me to say yeah ill take that over a TDV6 of SE model.

I had a 150 Prado Altitude got a great deal on that and then 6 months later sold it for $500 more than i paid for it and that was brand new hahaha!!

Not only the armrests the memory seats is pretty good to!! And now the HSE models also come with the keyless open doors which is another good thing although i did argue with a dealer that it should be bloody standard as every model of Prado and 200 series come with it standard so that should be on LR to and he said LRs come with more stuff than both of them which is very true!!

Oh man the new 2.8 from Toyota is going to be a world beater I'm sure, finally going to 6 speed i dont think thats ever been seen before not to mention the massive increase of 3kw and 40nm she's really going to be a goer now!!