Do I now look for a new Prado?

[ywork Member Find all posts View Profile Close ywork]

When is it time to start looking at a replacement? My 2004 Grande is still in very good condition and has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. But it’s now done just over 200 000 km and was wondering if it’s time to replace it with a new one. Has been serviced at 10 000 km intervals and never missed a beat.
Would like to know what any of you think? At what mileage do you start looking at a replacement?

[juc33_prado Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close juc33_prado]

It's a fairly personal question to answer, obviously varying factors;

Finances
Your intentions for use of the vehicle into the future
How much more reasonable 'value' you can get from your current vehicle.
etc.

I think you really have to consider these kind of questions and decide whether you would 'like a' replacement or 'need' a replacement?

SAMUEL

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

I had this same situation with my 1998 V6 Prado back in 2008. It had only done 180K and, at 10 years of age, things started to play up. Rear crank seal leak, front axle/diff seals leak, lower radiator seal blew and starter motor failed. It was still a great car to drive (albeit a little thirsty when towing), the interior and body/paint were still excellent, but I figured the trend of replacing things was going to continue. Hence I ordered my 120 late in 2008 and picked the new beast up in January 09. I'd say that if your car is still doing what you want it to do and there are no issues then keep it. Unless money isn't an option then nothing (well, not much) beats a new car for a good feeling.

[skua Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close skua]

I replaced my 2004 v6 GXL at 300,000k and the only reason is it was falling apart. I had done half the kays on corrugated dirt and the guards were cracking and the front was coming away from the fire-wall. The interior and the paint were still looking really good and the engine was still as strong as ever and running perfectly. I had replaced the starter motor and engine mounts at about 260,000 but that was all apart from exhaust and extractors at about 150,000k.
I bought a 2013 diesel GXL and if I get the same life out of that I will be very happy. I will try and not get this one airborne.
Jeff

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

A lot has already been said.

You say its in great condition and still going strong so you have obviously looked after it.

Things will need replacing as they wear, such as seals, bearings, hoses, possibly radiator and things such as starter, air con, maybe the windows electrical switches, etc, etc...

So the question is are you happy to do all of this and keep it (maybe do a bunch of things at once?) with the associated cost, or would you rather move to a later model?

I tend to keep things far longer than most. I find that taking care of things makes them last longer. Most of the time I'm forced to upgrade by obsolescence.

[skua Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close skua]

Beach is right but he probably should have said "planned obsolescence".
In hindsight, I should have spent money on my old one for perhaps another few hundred thousand kays. Take into account the $60k plus purchase price, then $10k on accessories to make it bush capable and that's $70 k spent for basically a similar vehicle which I find is less comfortable, doesn't look as good and has less power (and now I'm worried about scratches and pin striping it). Only 200,000 kays is just run in.

[Guest Close Guest]

Being a Grande, it has a lot of the important features that are standard on newer vehicles these days, like rear aircond, traction control, airbags all round, etc. If it was say a GXL of the same year, then it might be time to upgrade for the additional feature and safety aspects, or the other fancy stuff you can get in a new 4WD these days.

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

If it ain't broke....

[ywork Member Find all posts View Profile Close ywork]

Thanks all, some very valid points there. And 200,000 on the clock does not seem to be all that bad as some of you mentioned. Think I will keep it for now and when it start giving me trouble will relook at option available.

[mcfisherclan Member Find all posts View Profile Close mcfisherclan]

lol we just bought our 07 prado grande with 190k kms on it already. Was immaculately looked after and had all the things already on it. Guy was selling it because of a business downsize. got it for a tick of $20k in my opinion its was a bargain. We plan to look after it and keep it for as long as we can without it becoming a financial burden.

These things will run for 400-500k if looked after, for only minor maintenance costs (seals etc)

[minh Member Find all posts View Profile Close minh]

ywork. 200 000kms is nothing. I would be keeping it. They last a long time. Just
be proactive about repairs thats all.

The car will last you for a long time and save money.

[Alex_P Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Alex_P]

When is it time to start looking at a replacement? My 2004 Grande is still in very good condition and has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. But it’s now done just over 200 000 km and was wondering if it’s time to replace it with a new one. Has been serviced at 10 000 km intervals and never missed a beat.
Would like to know what any of you think? At what mileage do you start looking at a replacement?

I believe that 250K kms is enough for Prado. After that you will be getting small leaks here and there, small problems like shaft bearings, wheel bearings, suspension replacement etc.... If you don't mind fixing it and know people who won't overcharge you and most importantly who can do a job, not just talking skills - keep it, for another 50K kms. Unless it's a heavy modified 4x4 machine...