NW Paj vs Prado

[Dion]

The resale and warranty thing I reckon is what plays into Toyotas hands for people who lease the vehicles. I'd like to look at the numbers but I reckon there are more Pajs owned "outright" so to speak than Prados.

If you're only keeping the vehicle for 3 years and then turn it over for a new one, Toyotas are appealing - high resale, low servicing costs over 3yrs, and no doubt a generous fleet discount up front.

If you're buying to own for 4-6-10 years then the Pajero IMHO makes a good case in some areas.

For me I turn vehicles over no earlier than 5-6 years (and paid outright) and thus the lower upfront purchase price and longer warranty appealed.

The plastics comment is me comparing to my VW Jetta. Its 5.5 years old and the interior looks new. The Pajero already looks older, even though its not year 2yrs old. Stuff like lower bottom doors and the dash plastics near knees marks too easily for my liking.

[Aussie_Dan]

I believe the supposed 'higher resale value' of a Toyota is a bit of a fallacy.
Yes, an equivalent aged Prado will fetch about $10K more on the used market compared to a Pajero.
But.... The Toyota would have also been about $10K more to buy new.
The good old 'Toyota Tax'!

[Dion]

And the biggest reason not to buy a Prado ... they're so common!

(That's my Paj on the right, taken on a recent trip to Sydney somewhere near Newcastle)

I thought maybe it was a Pradopoint club trip to the local Westfield or something, but they didn't have any stickers ...

[Pickle]

And the biggest reason not to buy a Prado ... they're so common!

(That's my Paj on the right, taken on a recent trip to Sydney somewhere near Newcastle)

I thought maybe it was a Pradopoint club trip to the local Westfield or something, but they didn't have any stickers ...

Jeez ,who taught you how to park .
Dave

[Bundyk]

Jeez ,who taught you how to park .
Dave

He didnt want the Paj to catch Prado-itis. Tends to make vehicles heavy and lethargic.

[Dion]

Jeez ,who taught you how to park .
Dave

I saw how badly that last Prado parked so gave him as wide a berth as possible ....

Plus I had to repack the back seat of the car so needed to be able to open the door fully and remove a kid seat ....

[Doggy]

Thanks for all the feedback, informative and entertaining! I think I can get the Paj over the line with the missus. Now just to decide a Platinum or Activ...

The only difference as far as I can tell is (Activ) has nudge bar, DVD and ability for long range tank, whereas Platinum has rear air con, auto wipers/lights. Am I missing something?

[Aussie_Dan]

Don't let the rear aircon discourage you. There are a few manufacturers, including LRA that make a 60L tank that is suitable for fitment to Pajero's with rear air. This will give you a capacity of approx 150L.
But vehicles without the rear air can accept the larger 81L Aux tank, approx 170L total.
Cheers, Dan.

[Bundyk]

Thanks for all the feedback, informative and entertaining! I think I can get the Paj over the line with the missus. Now just to decide a Platinum or Activ...

The only difference as far as I can tell is (Activ) has nudge bar, DVD and ability for long range tank, whereas Platinum has rear air con, auto wipers/lights. Am I missing something?

Not really. The platinum also has the chrome grille and door mirror caps, where the Activ has a black grille and colour coded (?) mirror caps. Activ can be optioned with rear air con. Think this also includes rear diff lock.

[Phil]

He didnt want the Paj to catch Prado-itis. Tends to make vehicles heavy and lethargic.

Brought on by paying more, getting less

[likatiger]

I thought he parked very sensibly, I will always look for opportunities to park further from the next vehicle if possible. Some people don't give a rats about opening their doors against other people's cars, not to mention little kids innocently and accidentally opening a door too quickly.

BTW, agree with all said about this post.

Go! Pajeros.

[twoar]

I thought he parked very sensibly, I will always look for opportunities to park further from the next vehicle if possible. Some people don't give a rats about opening their doors against other people's cars, not to mention little kids innocently and accidentally opening a door too quickly.

BTW, agree with all said about this post.

Go! Pajeros.

^^^^^
what he said!

NW vs active? personal choice and needs, I wanted to buy stock and mod later on.... I needed rear air for Kids and great dane = platinum

[Doggy]

Order placed for an Activ today! Missus happy, all good. Now, what to do with the NM exceed....it's really in good nick and 200 thou is reasonable for its age, shame to see it go. Maybe keep and do all the mods that she was loathed to drive around with every day hmmmm.

[Bundyk]

Order placed for an Activ today! Missus happy, all good. Now, what to do with the NM exceed....it's really in good nick and 200 thou is reasonable for its age, shame to see it go. Maybe keep and do all the mods that she was loathed to drive around with every day hmmmm.

Sounds like a brilliant plan. Thats what we are looking at doing when we finally update.

[Bitsamissin]

IMHO the biggest issue with any Prado is the "marginal" drive train.
Weak front and rear diffs constant 4wd adding more load on an already marginal front diff, high angle front CV's, overheating autos etc.
I just wouldn't trust one in the bush but that's just me.
There are countless stories of these things self destructing many from Pajero Club members. Then there are the D4D injector issues which are well documented.
The Toyota unbreakable tag is an absolute marketing myth swallowed hook line and sinker by the lemmings.

My 2IC at work just bought a new bells and whistles 150 with the wizz bang suspension etc. I almost talked him into a Paj and he even admitted the bang for buck factor was very high but still decided on the 150. Still feels wallowy to drive even with the KDS compared to my lifted NP.
There are some good points like the NVH, fit and finish especially the interior plus I like the front mount intercooler and engine bay arrangement.
The D4D is way too underpowered and the 3rd row seats are just too high but a good idea for ease of use (his are electrically operated). Also there is very good adjustment for the 2nd row seats.
The 150ltr tank is a moot point for me unless your outback touring where there is 1000K's between fuel stops it really has no practical use.
I think it's a comparo between fit and finish with attention to detail vs outright drivetrain strength, dynamics, reliability and bang for buck factor.