I own a 2004 diesel, with a 170,000km on speedo.

Prado had a new HM/GEM motor (1KZ) put in at 85,000km as a result of the previous owner cooking motor with bush stick punching bottom radiator hose. Full service history on HM/GEM and normal service log books.

Previous owner also supplied receipts and one receipt showed a head repair at 152,000km or it was at 67,000km according to new HM/GEM motor! This was 3 years ago. They repaired the head, vacuum tested and checked straightness?

Prado then did very little kms over next 3 years- about 6,000kms, then I bought it in private sale.

I’ve bought the Prado 12 months ago at 158,000 and now its got 170,000km and it has had a ‘very’ small coolant leak for past 12months or since 158,000km. Just needing a litre of coolant each month for about every 600kms. Just enough to annoy.

In the past two weeks white smoke develops out of exhaust- only on small trips – but coolant still reducing as small amount as previously.

Local Mechanic undertook ‘sniffer’ test which apparently measures carbon dioxide in the coolant system and says a strong indication of head gasket or cracked head.

My Prado goes in Monday to have head removed and inspected.

Forums show strong evidence of 1KZ cracking heads and am trying to figure out whether to fix Prado and move onto some other 4WD type or feel comfortable with HM/GEM motor quality and upcoming repairs???

If its head gasket- quote was $1,900 or new head is $3,500 and will come with 12 months warranty.

What non genuine head should I ask for? Use genuine head gasket and bolts?

What other areas should I be checking and or fixing given new HM/GEM motor only done 85,000km since being installed?

PS Not feeling thed Prado love at the moment.....