New Prado or Pajero? (Diesel)

You may be better served reading up on some of the road test comparisons in magazines like Overlander and 4x4 Australia. At least the testers there have had the benefit of driving all the vehicles under the same conditions and can therefore compare without bias; unlike some of the one eyed numbnuts on this forum.

You've obviously up on any thoughts of using a Commodore as a tow vehicle - for your application.

Prado about 2000kg kerb weight
Pajeros somewhere between 2000 - 2300 kg

Fuel consumption could be anything from 10 - 15 litres per 100km around town -depends on how you drive (obviously).

Towing, most vehicles will increase fuel consumption from between 50 - 100% or more again depending on weight towed, road/terrain/weather conditions and driving style.

Both vehicles weigh in excess of 2 tonnes empty. They will require more fuel to propel them around than a vehicle of less weight. With your van that you claim is 1850kg loaded (although it was an 1850kg van when you enquired about towing with the Commodore) I suggest that by the time you head off you will probably be expecting your tow vehicle to drag along something weighing around 4500 kg (4.5 tonnes) you can expect any engine to require heaps more fuel to enable enough power to achieve and maintain forward motion. As for hills, you can expect to use lots more fuel as with any head winds.

Recent figures released by Automobile Associations claim that to own a Toyota Landcruiser turbo diesel the weekly running costs (that's running costs) were in the region of $350 - $375 If you are seeking an economical vehicle to be used mostly for running around town, then any 4wd will cost you heaps extra. Fuel (use more), tyres (cost more), servicing (specialised - can cost more), insurance often cost more than non 4wds. If you are on a tight budget then you might find that such costs exceed your capabilities. Just a thought - you asked for opinion.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Depends if you value comfort.... Prado is more comfy to drive on country/unsealed/corrugated roads...

I have driven & worked on both & my choice would be the prado

Regards Don

As in brand new? Petrol or Diesel?

My 07 D4D Auto Prado gets 9.4L / 100km in the city, including giving it a bit of stick as well. Fuel consumption includes a/c on 50% of the time, bull bar and Rhino Cross Bars, stock Grandcrap tyres. No occupants other than the pilot and no load of note.

Haven't had a chance to go in the country yet, or any towing.

Went for the Prado over the Pajero due to resale and better NVH levels. I would say fuel consumption would be the same for diesel in either brand.

Petrol Prado you're looking at 16+ in the city. The old 96kw Diesel you're looking at 13's in the city, 11 in the country. You're also looking at servicing every 5,000km (old diesel) vs 10,000 for the Petrol and new Diesel.