New (to be) Prado owner 2008 GXL

[rockers Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rockers]

Hi guys first post, I have been lurking here for a few weeks trying to get as much info about these awesome 4WD's. Glad I found you lots of good info and very valuable.

I know you get heaps of questions about buying, but I was nearly ready to put a deposit on the model listed in the title, but hesitated when the seller mentioned he still had it under finance. Not that I do not trust the seller, he is local and knows people I know. He is working on getting this finance removed so that I can buy it cash from him with no finance on the vehicle.

But it also got me asking further questions, and being based in Tassie, should I look interstate, considering costs, rego transfer etc..

I would love to know what you think of this vehicle, $22,500, 193K Kms, Interior is immaculate but has seat covers, factory Toyota trailer brakes, some fancy LED lights and reverse camera. Besides that the pics are pretty good and you can see the general condition of the car in the linked pics.

We went back for a second visit after a test drive, I spent some time under the bonnet, under the car, checked oil etc, it seems to be well maintained, no leaks (car hadn't moved since the day before, wife was a good distraction lol)
On the test drive I checked all gears in auto and also in Low/High 4wd, Gearbox sounded fine, no noises, Low gear was nice on the downhill.

Some of the maintenance history was a bit sketchy, however I do understand that it is probably due for a 190K service. I am comfortable to do most of that myself.

Love to hear what you guys think. Happy to provide some more pics





By the way, the wife loved it. This is a big plus as she cant drive a manual anymore for other reasons. So this alone means regardless, we will have a new Prado in the family if this one falls through..

I have already spent 10K on this car in my mind, wife need not known that however.

[cannoballs Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close cannoballs]

if you are interested you can buy the car with 2 checks one for the finance company with their pay out figure and the balance to the seller
at least hes been honest it has finance on it

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

Hey rockers,

Similar situation to you mate i just bought a 09 with 90k on the clock for a bit over $26k. Personally i think the one you are looking at has too many km's for the price - that's just me, But according to users here these engines are good for in excess of 400,000+, Also you said the interior looks A1 and exterior pics looks pretty good as well so I might just be a paranoid old prick LOL.

Having a quick look on good old car sales brings some other pretty good options that are in your price range, specs etc even one from a dealer in Tassie has a 2006 GXL for $22k with 145k on it, Not sure on rules of posting links yet - also new to the site so i wont post any carsales links but consider this

It will cost you around $1k mark to get there and the car back excluding rego and stamp duty, If i wasn't able to find the one i did in Tassie i would 100% have gone to the mainland to buy my car as i have done for all my previous vehicles, it was pure pot luck i found this one in Tassie.

Just out of interest where is the car located mate?

Cheers

Heath.

[rockers Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rockers]

Thanks for the response heath appreciate your comments good points.
I considered the Ks vs Year model and adding the cost of a Melbourne trip, and return. And the fact that this one is ten mins up the road.. I added another 1500 to the cost for tavell by the time you add up all the hidden expenses (ferry, fuel, airfares accom food etc) maybe that is over estimating

This wont be a commuter, so it will essentially stay in the carport 10 days out of a fortnight, be lucky to see 10k kms a year. It will get a visit to shops once a week then used for recreation on weekends/holidays.

The wife also likes the 08 over the 06 model (we took both year models for a run), Im still looking, but end of next week this guy should have his finance sorted. So hope something better does not come up for his sake.

Cheers
Richard

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

I would go the 08 model over the 06 model as they had a few of the VX/Grande standard features added for the upgrade fitted as standard for the MY07 onwards (climate control, roof rails,privacy glass). I you are not doing the km's then over time this wont even factor in. The images of the car look very clean and straight.
cheers

Dazzman

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

Dazzman makes some very valid points - make sure you let us know either way if you get the car next week mate.

You located north or south of the state Richard?

[rockers Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rockers]

We are about 20 mins south

Thanks for the input, much appreciated..Its nearly a done deal besides me inspecting the engine mounts. But i would expect to see at least a slight list on the engine, which I cant, if that was an issue.

I did a history check, seems to have had 3 owners (ACT>NSW>TAS) no write off, consistent Ks recorded. Only the finance and engine mounts to sort..

Cheers
Richard

[rockers Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rockers]

Thanks Dazzman
I took a 06 model for a drive, it was not as nice as the 08 model for sure (similar Ks, it was manual though which was nice). I also checked these variations out in the year models. I heard the gearbox was also improved in the 08/09 model..

Cheers
Richard

[Hogey66 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hogey66]

Is it a petrol or diesel. Lots of info about issues with the diesels if not looked after properly on PP.

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

Petrol by the looks of the picture (sticker rear qtr panel)

[rockers Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rockers]

Considered the diesel, but read much the same about some of the issues, extra maintenance cost etc.
Also read some horror stories about lack of power overtaking at 100+ kms, not sure this is correct though

[Razorback81 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Razorback81]

Considered the diesel, but read much the same about some of the issues, extra maintenance cost etc.
Also read some horror stories about lack of power overtaking at 100+ kms, not sure this is correct though

i dont know about the lack off power
i watched the wife tell me off for going over 120km/h to pass cars
then she gets in and does 130km/h to pass a car
her comment was well iff it wasnt so bloody quiet & so smooth i would have notice would i !!!

try telling that to the officer !!

mate yes there has been some horror stories, but how many have there been that dont have the issues
if your aware of the issues you can deal with it

i know 1 x 4L petrol motor that had to have a block change as it was weeping coolant out of the block

i just did 5500km in 5 days to collect a van 10L/100 on the way there at 112km/h and 15L/100 towing a 1600kg poptop at 100km/h and still had power to pass

if you want a good one i will sell you mine , very well loved spent way to much $30k worth of extra's still only has 125,000km 2008 6 speed

[rockers Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rockers]

if you want a good one i will sell you mine , very well loved spent way to much $30k worth of extra's still only has 125,000km 2008 6 speed

Sound like a nice rig but a little over my budget, and wife not a manual driver these days,

[drew_1 Find all posts View Profile Close drew_1]

you can't go wrong with a well maintained petrol 120 - they will last an eternity and you have the 180ltr tank in any case.

[rockers Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rockers]

you can't go wrong with a well maintained petrol 120 - they will last an eternity and you have the 180ltr tank in any case.

This is exactly what I hear, looking forward to picking it up this weekend if all goes well..