Prado T/D - Do I go manual or auto

I also agree auto. If you asked me 18mths ago i would of said manual. Not that i am unhappy with it at all it's just that I drove an auto patrol and actually enjoyed it. You have to modify your driving style a little with the driving through brakes on decents because of the lack of engine braking but no other cons that I can think of.

Leroy

I would normally agree , but the TD Prado's are so GROSSLY underpowered , the auto would be a PITA.

The auto in the V6 is a quality piece of kit.

I dont know if the new Hilux comes in auto or not , but , THAT would be an interesting comparison.

I have heard and read about the new common rail but I am able to secure the current engine model for $40k (inc. all the extras).... that is in manual guise? I think this is quite a good price - do you think I would be best waiting, and paying a premium for the new one .... ??

If you can buy a prado for 40k you are in luck, however if you are patient i would wait for the new motor, however toyota are just as likely to put IRS on the new model and you will kick yourself for waiting it is a hard decision. Talke the SR5 Hilux TD for a drive and compare it to the prado and then make a decision. The current model prado diesel responds well to a bit of tweaking and you can generally get an extra 20kw out of it.

Awwwwrrrrr man, now you have me thinking the Hilux might be a better car for the money .... I love the new SR5 Hilux...

Now I'm all conflicted.....

Hilux v Prado .... which one will take the cake?

I just went through this same thing with the wife, we opted for the SR5 Hilux, we go camping on the beach mostly and will do the once every 3 year trip to the cape. The prado suffers personally in my opinion from a lack of room in the back for luggage, the lux with the new engine and a biger tray along with increased comfort has made us very happy with our decision. The biggest factor, it is a brand new model and will be the current shape for a long time which allows good resale value, however you are approaching the end of the Prado's current shape, it will be due for an overhaul soon. GO THE LUX!

Meaticus ,
I am not absolutely sure , but I think auto is unavailabe in a Hilux TD .
Willie .

Thanks for the info there mate .... The 'leader of the opposition' just wont go with a Hilux - she calls it a Truck.... but I digress.

I am thinking maybe there is some merit in going to petrol engine Prado, plenty of mumbo in that engine ... any thoughts?

Auto is available on all SR and SR5 spec models, goes great too. I have an opinion that the best auto box toyota make is in the 100 series, Personally i feel the manual is better in the lux, the 100 series is unstopable in the auto form. But the hilux just feels more like a lux in manual form. Just my opinion. However if i bought a 100 series i would go the auto.

It is a hard thing for me to recommend a petrol, I'm a diesel person all the way. However the 4L VVTI V6 is probably Toyota's best petrol motor in the 4wd range. Furthermore it is set to be released in the new 130 series cruiser as a V6 option to the V8. So the good news is that the 4L V6 should be here to stay. In saying that they have bucket loads of power and respond well to snorkel and extractors. (Thats another subject) THe V6 is unreal in auto form, plus the other half wil love it, you just have to drive it differently to the turbo diesel, back off the juice and you will avoid whell spin and get where you want to go. Uses about 13-16l per 100 with a heavy foot. Petrol = auto, turbo diesel = manual in the prado only.

If heavy towing is to be done , might have to think a bit? autos tend to hunt up and down in hard going. fuel consumption.?
Cheers Axle

I totally agree with you, You can also do burnouts easier with a manual, autos are for chicks!