Outer Limits 4x4 Board

hey all,
my parents are looking at getting a second hand prado in the near future. they are planning to pull a caravan around the country side (not sure what size yet probabally biggish) as well as use it around town.

off road ability isn't an issue. yet..... (wait til i get them up the beach or bush and they might change)

so given that i know suzukis and not toyotas i need some info.
what are they like at towing a caravan, or towing in general?
what engine and gearbox variants are there?
what are each of the engines like for fuel economy, towing and unladen?
reliability, any common problems to look out for?
anyother useful info that might be handy to know?


now i know i could look some of this stuff up and the post nazis will say search, but for those that have experience with the prados your input will be highly valued and appreciated.

cheers everyone, Mark.

Hey Mark

This may help, others will know much more. I know a family where they all have a Prado v6 petrol auto (current shape) and do long trips and towing. Have not heard any complaints. One of them tows a largish caravan without a problem. They have all lifted theirs though with 2 inch lifts, TJM seems to be best suspension kit and they go pretty well off road as a result.

As far as diesel option, they have just recently brought out a decent model, which stemed from the hilux and apparently goes OK. Previous turbo diesel is gutless but will have much better fuel economy.

I think they are a good truck and would go for v6 petrol myself. With 180kw, they are a gun, but expect to use a bit of fuel.

Hope this helps