I’m considering purchase of a 3rd gen (2002-2009) Prado J120 for European travel and debating between a low mileage (50-75 km) gas or a higher mileage (150+ km) diesel. Low mile diesel Prado is hard to come by and command a price premium, like 10K+ over gas.
The diesel can deliver, combined, 9+ l/100 km or 25+ mpg, 166hp and 343Nm torque. The gas version can deliver 13+ l/100 km or 17+ mpg, 249hp and 382Nm torque.
Considering high gas prices in Europe gas mileage is important. For example diesel savings for the next 200 km of travel could be 15-16K Euro. However, I need to consider long term reliability of the gas vs diesel engine and maintenance cost for the next 200 km.
I heard of diesel engines with 300-400+ km without issues and others where the diesel engine was replaced at 250 km or less. There is a video that highlights critical diesel engine issues with the 3.0L 4 cylinder 1KD engine (search for: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J120) Critical diesel engine issues). Not sure how prevalent the diesel engine issues, injector or piston design, are.
Looking for advice / thoughts to decide between J120 gas or diesel.
More expensive alternatives. A 200 series LC diesel with combined fuel consumption of 9.5 l/100 km or 24 mpg. However the physical size of the 200 is a bit of a concern when navigating small European city/village streets. Or a 5th generation 4.0L 4runner.
The diesel can deliver, combined, 9+ l/100 km or 25+ mpg, 166hp and 343Nm torque. The gas version can deliver 13+ l/100 km or 17+ mpg, 249hp and 382Nm torque.
Considering high gas prices in Europe gas mileage is important. For example diesel savings for the next 200 km of travel could be 15-16K Euro. However, I need to consider long term reliability of the gas vs diesel engine and maintenance cost for the next 200 km.
I heard of diesel engines with 300-400+ km without issues and others where the diesel engine was replaced at 250 km or less. There is a video that highlights critical diesel engine issues with the 3.0L 4 cylinder 1KD engine (search for: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J120) Critical diesel engine issues). Not sure how prevalent the diesel engine issues, injector or piston design, are.
Looking for advice / thoughts to decide between J120 gas or diesel.
More expensive alternatives. A 200 series LC diesel with combined fuel consumption of 9.5 l/100 km or 24 mpg. However the physical size of the 200 is a bit of a concern when navigating small European city/village streets. Or a 5th generation 4.0L 4runner.
