Which would you choose.

[Rugrat]

Due to unforeseen circumstances I am changing the Paj.
Looking at retaining the mid size car but not sure if i want to stay with the Pajero.
If i do stay with it then it will be an NL model.
Looking at a 3.ltr Turbo D Prado (yeah i know) and looking at a 110 TD5. We all have reasons WHY NOT to. I want to know WHY to?

So NL Paj, 3.0lt RV Prado or TD5? Why would you buy...?

[-Scott-]

Budget doesn't stretch to a DiD Paj?

I'd stick with the NL Paj, but I'm biassed.

By all accounts the Prado is a good vehicle (my father is happy with his ) although the 3.0 is a long way from "state of the art" these days. It has Toyota badges, so purchase price and spare parts prices are higher than they should be. You'll need a rear diff lock, because Toyota can't make LSDs for sh!t. I'm fairly sure front difflocks are available too, don't know about crawler gears. HUGE tank capacity - 159l for the older model, 180l for the newer, heavier and lower model. Being a Toyota, I'd be concerned about the front diff.

The 110 will probably be best offroad, but most truck-like onroad. Definitely not a road-burner. The engine has a good reputation for performance/economy balance, but I don't know about reliability. Some models of the Land Rover Diesel are suspect, but I don't remember the details. Ergonomics in the 110 are pretty woeful. I'd guess it has the most cargo space, but really don't know.

Would you be going the diesel in the Paj, too? When the 2.8 first came out it significantly outperformed the 2.5 Landy diesel (in the Disco), but is noisier and uses more fuel. I believe the Prado 3.0 is considered better in all respects - more powerful, more fuel efficient and quieter.

Personally, I'd go the Paj - because I'm biassed. Longer history behind the design. Bulletproof drivetrain and good availability of stuff to make it even better off-road. (Thanks Frank! ) Somewhere in the future there's the potential to swap in the DiD motor (same block ) which is hands-down the best diesel of this bunch. And I think the last Paj with solid rear axle will hold its value pretty well - if you look after it.

My 5c...

Scott

[Rugrat]

Would I go with a DiD? Thats what got me into Paj's.
But no would rather stick with the 3.5 gULPer.
Yes agree with the price due to badges (yota mentality) but since when have we used genuines

Franks done great for the Paj - bugger he may end up with my 3.5....

NL will be written off - so starting from scratch.
Not super keen on the TD5 (just cause it is a truck).
Not to many NL's that are in good nik and set up to 'x'level.
The Prado (hard to say for an anti yota person ) is in great condition and is not the basic model - been set up for touring... And yeah the lockers are available.. The 3.0ltr isnt the quickest off the mark - but the grunt is still there. And there is always the after market chips.

Thanks Scott. The 5c is taken on board and well even if i defect - I'm still going to hell in a Pajero and will still be around here - maybe i'll replace the badges

[Zute]

Ha ha I love to see a Prado with Mitsubishi badges, seen as they copied the Pajero theme/look.

[Bitsamissin]

Sean, really sorry about the Paj but the main thing is you were ok along with the other driver. I'm not so sure about his pissed mate we wanted to knuckle that dickhead.

It's a hard choice and every model you mentioned has it's pluses and minuses.
Obviously I'm biased and for a mid size family 4x4 with reasonable capabilities the Paj is really hard to beat. Good power from the 3.5 V6 and an NL is the last of the series so is well sorted.
The thing about the Prado is the front diff breakages and it seems it's the TD models that break them more readily due to the extra torque over the petrol model.
Other than that they are a good truck but a Paj copy in my book.
The 110 is a great vehicle, live axle with very good articulation and offroad ability. Excellent fuel economy but down on power.
I think they would be too quirky for an allround family type 4x4.
My choices in order :-
1) NL Paj
2) Prado TD (only coz of the front diff issues)
3) 110 (too quirky for allround duties)

[Rugrat]

Sean, really sorry about the Paj but the main thing is you were ok along with the other driver. I'm not so sure about his pissed mate we wanted to knuckle that dickhead.

Hey with both walking away from an accident like that - cars can be replaced.. But thanks - you and RoldIt were a HUGE Help As for the 'Dickhead' - I think the towy 'had a chat'

The thing about the Prado is the front diff breakages and it seems it's the TD models that break them more readily due to the extra torque over the petrol model.

Had heard that the fronts were a tad suseptible.. This one will be locked so that may over come some of it - and a change in driving styles. Has Rusty had any issues ? Know his model is different - but he goes pretty hard all the same.

3) 110 (too quirky for allround duties)

Quirky is right - my put off is the comfort level... may want to play but want the seat to be soft as well

Cheers guys.

[Bitsamissin]

Sean, Rusty's has been fine running 35"s and a front ARB.
His is a petrol auto and he drives it pretty smooth.
Most I've heard about breaking are the TD models probably due to the extra torque.
The front diff is very small (7.5") and has a very thin crownwheel which strips teeth easily. When the crownwheel lets go it usually takes a CV with it. A locker helps to strengthen the diff centre and stops the crownwheel flexing but you are still left with that very thin crownwheel.
Don't let it scare you too much these breakages are not in plague proportions but are abnormally high compared to a Paj.
It's just something to be aware of.

Cheers, Frank.

[J Top]

I have also heard about/seen a few Transfercase failures in Prados, they smash the Plantery gears and carrier.
J Top