Hello Prado Drivers with 1kz-te manual- Now Pathfinder?

[DaveR]

Hi Prado Swaggers
Which Prado should be considered, the choice is either a KZJ95R series or the newer KZJ120R.
The information I have found is the same engine is in either and is the older type with mechanical fuel injection.
Transmission must be different as the later has a constant 4wd, and older is manual selection.

The question is, which is prefered?
We like the better centre seat belt of the later version, 3 point type instead of lap sash type.

I am aware the newer 120 has the common rail engine with more power, and in my world equals more $ when needing repairs.
Thanks
Dave

[D4D]

KZJ120, Chester used to own one

If it was me I'd buy a petrol 120, lots around and cheap.

[Garfish]

Your not retiring the troopy are you?

[DaveR]

No, for the wife's friend who wants to come camping.
The troopy is safe for now, but................. ?

[Jasjul]

Hi Prado Swaggers
Which Prado should be considered, the choice is either a KZJ95R series or the newer KZJ120R.
The information I have found is the same engine is in either and is the older type with mechanical fuel injection.
Transmission must be different as the later has a constant 4wd, and older is manual selection.

il engine with more power, and in my world equals more $ when needing repairs.
Thanks
Dave

The 90 Series was constant 4WD as well, just has a lever to lock centre diff and select Hi or Lo range.

[rags]

I have had both models ,and still drive the 1kz manual 120s, the 120s is more refined with a few extra safety features like 2 airbags standard (90 series only on selected models). The transmission are the same both constant 4wd so no different, 120 s a little heavier but carries an extras 30 lt of fuel, so if they are both in similar nick then the 120 would be my choice every time and in my eyes a bit like the 100s land cruiser in that they are the last of the old before technoligy took over as in the 200 s or 150s , reliable and easy to work on.
Good luck which ever way they go

[DaveR]

Thanks everyone, just what I was looking for.
The 120 looks better to I think.
Funny how the prices work around the country. At the moment, the 95's in QLD are a lot more expensive then sydney or further. Yet the 120's are very close in price.
Yes, the ads are for similar models with similar k's.

[dazzler]

Just another viewpoint. I would go 120 as the 95 are starting to look old and the plastic trims are fading.

But I would go the petrol over the 1kz. I have both in the drive atm - a 2009 V6 auto and 2004 TD auto.

The 1kz averages 13.5 Std but dropping to 13 once the new dump and 2 3/4 exhaust went on.

The v6 average over the past month has been 14.2. On the highway at 100 it returns 11.

The V6 has the added weight of bar and winch.

Factor in the costs of the TD's 100k injectors and 150k timing belt the petrol kills it. Plus the power is amazing.

Your friends are welcome to come drive both mine to get a comparison.

Diesel is in my blood but that v6 in the 120 is a diesel killer.

[chester ver2.0]

I am with Dazzler as D4D indicated i had the 120 series with the 1KzTE engine from new and did over 240,000k in it.

Whilst a good car the fuel economy is not there with the older diesel and you are about on par with the V6 of that age and the V6 is a far more sweeter motor the old 1kz while reliable is a bit of a slug i had to exhaust and chip mine to be satisifed with performance especially towing

You mentioned above you were comparing it to the 90 series in the 1kzte and yes while the same motor the 120 series versions had a few tweaks like almost 2litres more coolant capasity and a larger water pump to combat the 95 series habits of blowing heads on a hot day

As above i would go a 120 series over a 90 series any day being a larger and more well appointed vehicle however unless you are living in outbackOZ i would go the V6 as there is no advantage of going diesel when comparing the V6 to the 1kzte

Even bringing the newer D4D engine into play it is still a coin toss with the diesel vs petrl with no clear winner

If you do end up going a 120 series with the 1kzte the following may be helpful
Defnitly go manual the ratios on the auto are 2 far apart and it will hunt
Oil change every 5000k is non negotiable
Injectors water pump and radiator will requre replacement at 200,000k

Hope this helps

[dazzler]

And keep the 65 series tyres...

[DaveR]

Thanks guys.
This will be a mums taxi, with the occasional fun trip. Trying to find 1 with no wheels, suspension mods, no bull bar etc etc. Looking at 1 with a better radio, tinted windows and a uhf, that is it.
Will also look at the v6 option and forget the 90 series diesel.
5k servicing is in my blood. There is a good reason why the troopy is about to clock 450,000 with no surgery, and beats a 100 series I know.

[DaveR]

Its such a pain looking for cars, sure everyone here knows it.
We stumbled upon a Pathfinder now, better price, newer car, better features, better 3rd row seat with more cargo space behind the 3rd row, more width for 3 kids across the back seat.
So umm. not wanting to start datsun v toyota biff here, but why are the path finders cheaper? Do these engines have the unfortunate reputation of hand grenade as well?

Here is an example of what I was asked.
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Nissan-Pathfinder-2006/AGC-AD-16761242/?Cr=0&sdmvc=1

[duggie]

There is nothing wrong with the Nissan Parhfinder range, one of the forum members has done 3 of the McGirr trips in north queensland towing a camp trailer, 2 of these were on the cape trip  and 1 was the old coach road .

[DaveR]

Thanks mate.
Certainly get a lot of car for the $ value.

[chester ver2.0]

Its such a pain looking for cars, sure everyone here knows it.
We stumbled upon a Pathfinder now, better price, newer car, better features, better 3rd row seat with more cargo space behind the 3rd row, more width for 3 kids across the back seat.
So umm. not wanting to start datsun v toyota biff here, but why are the path finders cheaper? Do these engines have the unfortunate reputation of hand grenade as well?

Here is an example of what I was asked.
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Nissan-Pathfinder-2006/AGC-AD-16761242/?Cr=0&sdmvc=1

The older pathfinders with the V6 were a bit of a Gas Guzzler and quite small compared to the 120 prado

[DaveR]

It is the newer shape, seems to look like a Navara at the front, that we'd be looking at.
I see the diesel ecconomy advertised is better then the smaller sized prado.

[evanw]

Hi Dave,

I got rid of a Pathfinder earlier this year, it was a diesel. Very capable (might even go as far as to say as much as a Prado  ) offroad. I went the Pathfinder over Prado due to lower price and never regretted the decision.

It towed our camper effortlessly, great in sand and handled everything I was willing to take a newish vehicle in the high country. Aftermarket items not as diverse as Prado but I had bullbar, snorkel, bash plates etc. all fitted.

Mine was a series 4 (post 2010 or thereabouts so slightly updated/upgraded engine). Another member on here Pete_R had the petrol version maybe around a 2005/06 model so may be able to chime in on some advice there. But they were both the newer shape compared to the R50 what others maybe referring to.

Check out http://pcoa.org.au/ for the pathfinder forum too for some info.

Thought I would throw up a pic of the old girl too!

Evan

[Goose]

You do get a lot of car for the $$ when looking at Pathfinder. I found about $5K - $7K difference when comparing same year, same K's Pathfinder ST-L to Prado GXL. They are fairly close in size and weight and the diesel engines have comparable stats too. You do get a bit more in the Prado but if its just Mum's taxi then you may not miss it. After market has less options and the auto can be uneconomical/agricultural around town. Avoid the DPF models on auto's too as it pushes up the economy a bit. 

[NewieCamper]

We have a pathfinder. Looked at it seriously on a friends recommendation. When I compared the prado albeit briefly the pathfinder definitley had more room inside and the fold flat third row makes a big difference in the rear. Our third row gets used 2-3 times a week carting extra kids around. Haven't done anything off road yet, but by all accounts they are pretty capable.

I think one of the reasons the pathfinder is cheaper than the prado is because it's a ute with a wagon body, unlike the prado, which is a dedicated wagon design.

[danog]

I also have a R51 Pathfinder which I bought as a private sale from the PCOA forum mentioned above. it is an '06 ST-L Auto Diesel and I find it pretty easy to drive either with no issues on the Perth Freeways and when off the black stuff it manages pretty well.
the only issues that I have with it is the internal size, but ok as my kids are the only ones who sit in the back, and the price of parts in Australia being being multiples of the price paid else ware.
the things I like are the with the roof height being quite low I can park in many of the underground parking spaces with a sailboard on the roof, and still be able to use it when I leave.. The flat floor (3 way folding rear seats) makes it easy to pack a lot of kit in (when not on top)..   
If your friend is looking at a newer model then this info will not be much help as they are very different cars, but I am sure they are still fun in their own way...

[WilSurf]

Hi Danog, it isn't my old R51 by any chance?
ARB bullbar, Narva spotlights, Airtec snorkel, cargo barrier, Kaymar spare wheel carrier with jerry can holder and steel protection plates?
Can't really see the pictures as it is so small. 

We loved that car, but the LX is so much better is internal room, power and comfort.

[danog]

Good chance! The lx would be good, but just after I bought your car I started driving to Pinjarra every day.. Don't think I could have afforded the fuel in anything bigger.

[WilSurf]

Good to see my old car still being used.

[speedcomm]

Another vote for Pathfinder, we had a V6 120 series Prado before the Pathfinder, couldn't fault it either, we did 250k or so in it, but it was always thirsty, it was nowhere near 11L per hundred, and was around or above the 20l per hundred towing the CT, other than the thirst it went like the clappers and was reliable.
The Pathy was my wife's choice, she loved the interior, it is a fair step up in practicality than the 120 series internally, and being the 140kw/450nm diesel version it has heaps of grunt and uses about half the fuel of the old Prado.. Now done nearly 90k without even a hint of any faults.

[nickandbron]

Just hit 111000km in our 2008 diesel pathy. No problems at all so far. Best mod in my opinion is a decent suspension setup. I fitted Bilstein shocks/king springs. Made a big difference with a fully loaded ct on the back.


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