@apexwerks The older Prados (1989-1993) have predecessor engines to the 1KZ-TE, you have probably heard of LJ's. They had less power and seem to be more problematic but still cool rigs. The last year or 2 (1994-1996 I believe?) of the "box Prado" 70 series looking wagons the 3.0 1KZ-TE engine was put in them hence the designation - KZJ78. With the update to the 90 series Prado, the engine remained the same, they got IFS front suspension and the intercooler started showing up on 1997+ models. I have seen some 90 series with top mount intercooler and some without. I am pretty sure Toyota used the 1KZ engine well into the late 2000's model years. It's a nice turbo diesel engine with decent power for a vehicle this size but is indirect injection, so prone to some heat and head issues if everything isn't working right to keep it cool. I have heard people talk about getting 350-450k km out of these engines before needing rebuild so if you take care of them it sounds like they can be very durable. The KZJ78's have solid axles and would be best described as having driving characteristics similar to an early 1990's 4runner. I can't speak to the improvements of the 90 series because I don't own one yet but I can only imagine it is an improvement with IFS and a refined design. IFS could be considered a pro and a con I suppose. I wanted solid axles so I went with the KZJ78
@TheEngineer The last thing I would want is for you to be disillusioned with a Prado purchase, especially comparing it to a 2022 Tiguan. While that is an entry level vehicle for the most part, I know VW's along with most German automobiles drive very nicely. It's all perspective I guess. I had a 1982 FJ45 pickup prior to my Prado purchase and so this was a major upgrade in ride quality, power and handling for an older adventure cruiser. I also own a Range Rover and newer pickups and cars and it doesn't compare to modern vehicles, but I think is a good mix of retro and modern. It isn't excessively noisy on the highway, coil suspension front/rear so the ride is pretty soft. The engine is torqey and peppy enough to accelerate with most modern cars. I have driven mine down to Moab from Wyoming with mt bikes, gear and 4 people and was pleasantly surprised with its performance if I'm honest. I was able to maintain 70-85 mph pretty easily on the freeways. Most older USA cruisers would be major road hazards trying to drive roads with any significant incline and thats without people and gear along with atrocious gas mileage. I have 33" tires and a 3" lift and estimate my mileage to be in the 16-19 mpg range. Diesel fuel is much more expensive nowdays, owning multiple diesel vehicles is an indulgance I love so I'm ok with it. If you know, you know. Drawbacks might be it is going to have a little wind noise being a tall boxy SUV and susceptible to high winds and cornering or emergency maneuvers will be on par with SUV's from this time frame (not great). My main concern about recommending one for your wife or family use is the lack of ABS, traction control or Airbags as these are significant safety feature improvements on any modern vehicle. Anything legally imported to the US has to be 1997 or older so 25 year old cars have their limitations but for the right situation they are worth considering for sure! I would say a Prado is easily daily driveable, but make sure it isn't your ONLY vehicle that you rely on exclusively. if you don't mind the RHD, which for me really wasn't that hard to get used to. If you spend excessive amounts of time on the freeway and gridlock traffic of a large city I'd be less inclined to recommend one I guess. I live in a small town, pop 3,000 and work only 10 minutes away from home so it really isn't an issue if I were to have a breakdown or waiting on parts to drive. I hope that helps!
