2004 Toyota Landcruiser Prado GX 2.7 from United Arab Emirates

Summary:

A good buy, but a little expensive

Faults:

Vibration from the 4X4 lever. fixed under warranty.

Can't do sand duning (only the Land Cruiser can do it effectively in UAE), although it is a good off roader.

Pricey for the features offered USD 25k.

Sound system sucks.

General Comments:

A good 4x4.

Reasonable economy - 14 gallons gives about 550km. if driven at 5.5 rpm.

Maintenance at 10,000km is $50 and $100 for every 20,000km.

Quiet and smooth ride.

Excellent Airconditoner a must in UAE.

Solid build.

Roomy interior.

Power to weight ( ratio is adequate in the 2 door model.

Nice looks.

Good all round view.

Vastly improved handling, and it tendency to over turn is much removed. In fact it drives more like a car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2004

29th Mar 2005, 02:05

Still there are no tires for the car. It is more than 2 years since Toyota started selling the car, and no solution has been provided.

24th May 2005, 01:57

The general outlook of the 2004 Land cruiser Prado is much better than the preceding models, especially in the area of squaring it up. Previous models have this narrow, tall perpendicular look that I find quite uninteresting.

However, the SUV is too bulky for my likeness. For instance, the G X models with just 2.7 liters engine and with such large frame and weight is not just right.

I guess Toyota should try and emulate such manufacturers like M/Benz and BMW in sizing their SUVs in future.

3rd Aug 2005, 03:23

I bought the car for mixed usage: road and off-road. When tried to change the tyres, I found that the original size is not built by the manufacturers.

Then I have to change the dimensions and specifications just to be able to fit an A/T tyre.

3rd Sep 2010, 14:13

I have been driving my LJ120 2004 Prado for about 5 years in Africa on rough roads, and it met my satisfaction, especially on diesel, but as for its sound, it is very annoying. It is a strong car with a 5L engine, as I mostly drive on hard condition road, and it does work well on the desert sand and mud.