120 series year differences?

[g.t Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close g.t]

Hi guys,
Having sold my 90 series a while ago looking to get back into another prado, this time a 120.
Just wondering if there is any running changes within the years the 120 was made. Would be looking at a petrol model.
Basically is there any difference in a 2003 to a 2008 or what ever the latest year is?

Cheers
GT

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Yea they ran from 03 to 09. In I think it was October 04 (may have been September) they changed to 5 speed auto, changed the rear cargo door to stop them cracking (some still crack if used heavily on corrigation's). They also modified the exhaust manifolds to stop them fluttering under acceleration but they still do it some worse then others. Then in 06 the D4D was introduced. 07 roof rails, climate dual air was standard in the gxl. There were still option packs for the GXL'so an GX's. GX's also got flares, wider steel wheels. Vx's got electric front seats for both seats instead of just drivers, Also the radio/ CD player got hands free (Bluetooth) then I think it was late 07 early 08 they got steering wheel controls for audio, im
sure there were a few other changes along the way some one else will fill in for you. You can check carsales for specs also although not always 100% accurate...cheers Steve

[Jezz Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jezz]

Hi GT,
I've got a 2003 120 GXL V6 Petrol with the 4 speed auto. The 4 speed sucks. Definitely go for the later 5 speed if you are getting an auto. I find the 4 speed is missing a gear when going up hill, particularly when towing my camper trailer. I'm either lagging in a tall gear losing momentum or screaming in 2nd to get up the hills.

The multi zone air conditioning in the later years for the 120 is also worth it. Mine only has vents at the front, and under the front seats, so the kids don't get as much cool air on their faces in the back.

Cheers, Jezz

[g.t Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close g.t]

Thanks guys I hadn't noticed that the early ones were a 4 speed. Sounds like I will be looking for the 5 speed.
Apart from that it doesn't sound like there was any major changes throughout the 120 then.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

There were no actual changes in the motor itself except as I said the exhaust manifolds. 179kw VVTI in all of them (4L). I love the motor and the definitely worth chasing the 5 speed auto, also bit better on fuel. I get around low to mid 11's L per 100 freeway. Around town approx. 16/17L per 100 and Im not super light with the right boot. I have just done a weeks worth of running around and a trip up the coast last night and its done 700k and hasn't changed over to 2nd tank yet. I normally get between 700/800k out of the first tank before it changes over, that's freeway driving. Never bothered to check it on sand. no point really there going to be thirsty when working them hard but their awesome on the sand dunes. IF $$$ allows the VX would a good all rounder with extra safety features eg side air curtains, airbags in the side of the seats, stability control, traction control then the usual stuff they all have like ABS duel front airbags. Grande gets a few extra goodies like the centre fridge which I would love but they also come with a sunroof which when I was looking were all rusted. People on here with grande's with no rust issues so might be just pick of the bunch. I personally don't like leather (had it before in my old Grande) ages quickly in my opinion not very good quality leather but great if you have spewy kids, just wipes off lol.....Its a lottery finding a good one. Some have no service history but are great body wise or their been absolutely trashed by kids. But there are some good shopping trolleys out there. Mine was one owner shopping trolley with no kids so back seats had never been used etc....Cheers Steve

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Gt, I agree with what Steve M said. Mine is a late 05 VX and has velour and not leather interior. VX gets all of the electronic goodies which are well worth it - traction and stability control, downhill assist [ if you can stand the noise]. I have never got better than high 12s on the highway but 15-17 l/100 km is common in the suburbs. Mine has less than 130000 on it, has covered a very substantial proportion of the country and has no rattles or squeaks and no need for $2000 fuel injectors at 100000km!!! Go the V6 AND the 5 speed auto.

[g.t Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close g.t]

Cheers guys,
The fuel consumption is pretty much around what I expected, sounds a bit better than my old 90 series though.
So you guys reckon the traction control etc in the VX is worth it when it comes to offroad driving? Im not a fan of leather, had it a few times before and wouldn't get it again. Those velour seats look comfy too.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

I have a Gxl 05 and don't have traction control. I had it in my old grande and must say I do miss it. Unless you intend spending money on a locker. But if just general 4Wdriving with out rock hopping personally I think the traction control will get you most places. Do forget this is in the option pack on the GXL's. Not as common but they are out there. Some people reckon it's a pain in the arse on sand but must say never had an issue with it myself personally.... Cheers Steve

[BiLLz0r Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close BiLLz0r]

Ours is a late 07 GXL and +1 to all Steve's comments. We have the 5 speed auto (that was a must for me), the rear and dual zone front AC and steering wheel stereo controls. I couldn't believe the earlier models didn't have steering wheel stereo controls when I first learnt of it.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Like Steve, I have never had trouble with the traction control in sand and this includes the Canning, the Simpson and Googs.