Toyota Prado Review - Used 4x4 4WD

This video reviews the 2003 Toyota Prado, looking at it in terms of the used car market. in 2012, the Toyota Prado is now almost 10 years old, so does the Prado make for a good 2nd hand car? Watch this video and choose for yourself.

Before commenting about the Petrol versus Diesel debate, please consider this is a 2003 model, which as a diesel has the Toyota 1KZ-TE motor. This diesel engine puts out 96kW of power and 343Nm of torque. For a car as heavy as this Grande, the power and torque are low (in our opinion). This doesn't mean the diesel option is bad, we just think the V6 is a better option (also due to gearbox choice as well).

To address the low power and torque, in late 2006, Toyota changed to the 1KD-FTV engine, which has 127kW and 410Nm, which, in our opinion, is a far better option for a diesel in such a big car.

[dave]

Probably one of the best clear review I have watched

[Designandrew]

We just purchased a 2003 grande, 140, 000 kilometers, gold with bullbar and looks exactly like the one in this video. It's for my parents sot hey can tow their 2007 jayco caravan. They paid $21, 000 for it. It's in fantastic condition. All the electronics still work, very nice. They could have gotten a newer suv for the cost like a kluger or ford territory however the prado even though it's ten years old is just so much more car for the money. It still looks great too. I drove it from sydney to western nsw and gotta say it is brilliant, 4 litre v6 just like my 2009 hilux but it is SO COMFORTABLE.. compared to the hilux.. you just melt into the seats and it's so smooth. Can't wait to take it off road too. 

[James]

Don't be fooled by the advice on engines, the diesel engine he mentions is the 1KZ-TE which was what prado's before 2007 were fitted with until toyota (in 2007) fitted the 1KD-FTV engine producing 127kw and 410nm of torque and as i have it in my car, i can tell you now that it does the job plenty good, if not better than the petrol and gets much better fuel economy figures (about 12l/100 city and 10 highway). 0-100 is about the same. Anyway good review i love this truck :)

[OnTheDirt]

Thanks Jimmy. It is a good point about the later models. Maybe I will do another video for the later model ones. I actually have a whole lot of video that I keep meaning to get around to doing more reviews. I have a 94 Pajero, 2000 Toyota Hilux and 98 Nissan Patrol reviews to finish.

[OnTheDirt]

I am assuming you are agreeing with the assessment of the pre 2007 diesel? Toyota made the right decision to change it to something that has some decent specs. I drove a 2004 diesel model for four days out in the forests and it was underpowered and very unimpressive. Typically I would usually always recommend a diesel over a petrol, but in the case of the Prados with the earlier diesel engine, the petrol is just the better option. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[robnaudi]

Great review. I own a 2009 Grande and drive with a few owners of the pre 2007 diesel versions. The difference in power is amazing, but that said, after market chips cost less than $1, 000 and make a significant difference to the under power issue so don't be put off a 2003 -2006 diesel at the right price.

[ahmedjan]

I have a v4. It's a beast guys! I've travelled on sand dunes for days! It's really powerful!

[stillEC]

Hi On The Dirt, thanks a lot for the information. You just saved me from an endless search!

[Eirehunter]

The newer 2005 1kd-Ftv 3.0d4d has 190hp and 420nm of ocean’s of power.Providing it had its injector washers replacement done and you keep an eye on the pickup pipe in the sump they are a brilliant engine and 4x4

[pedroelmo]

the diesel turbo is a way better option, I get almost 2000 km on a highway run on a full tank.

[DeggFarmer-uk]

We just got a 2003 Prado Manual with 105, 000km in perfect condition for $14, 000 We drove in the previous owners 2016 Prado and it was really uncomfortable on the bumps, I'm sure ours is way better! We plan to drive from Colombia to Argentina in it.

[triggerjc]

OHM26 Great video very professional, I brought a 2005 Grande 3.0 TD for my wife as she had always wanted one and took your advice on taking the time to well check it out like aircon filter and inner panels for red dust, cracks where the rear door mounts, and cracks in the dash plastics. also damage to under carriage and airbag system, as well as checking the oil pick up with inspection probe and injector seals as a replacement motor can be as much as $15, 000.I love this car and enjoy driving it

[OnTheDirt]

Good to hear you love the car! The Grande does have all the gear and as a second hand car they are great value. The TD will be very reliable and fuel efficient and take you anywhere with 180L on board. Have fun with it and I might see you on the tracks...

[YuriMagno]

Great tips. Are they still good in 2020?

[James]

Oh yes of course, lol the 1KZ-TE might be fine for the much lighter hilux but you were very right in saying that it just doesnt cut the mustard in a 2.5 tonne vehicle like the prado. I just thought it would be good to point out that if you are buying 07 or after the diesel (1KD-FTV) is probably the better choice than the petrol (1GR-FE). Other than that though loved the review mate I'll be subscribing :)

[jibinpaul]

I don't know if it's normal for it, but that bull bar looked like it was vibrating a lot over those rocks and when entering the water, is this ok or has the bots worked loose

[LLCoolPass]

no one has that bumper / steel bumper in usa... who sells it and what's its model name / maker ?
gx 470 owner here

[robertkeane]

These Toyota land cruisers are bomb proof we have wone 2003 and it's has 258908 mph on it and it still drives fine it has being pulling cows sheep in a trailer up hills no problem the engine power brilliant and the engine never breaks down we bought it new and it's still going today and it wasn't a loveling tender care job it got serious abuse but Toyota can handle it love then to bit best built cars in the world

[EMSPEED]

Got a 2004 GX470 today with a V8 for $3500 with 176k miles.

[MrSnakekaplan]

not long later the diesel engines were replaced with D4D's which while i think are still under powered they do perform pretty well. Since there are some many that haven't been offroad it is a viable option to buy, however having been offroad doesn't men the car will be shit by any stretch, just get it a service and ask the mechanic what it's condition is.

Definitely try to buy with the mods as a "quick trip to ARB accessories" will set you back 10 to 15 grand...Modding is not cheap.