1991 Toyota Prado EX5 2L-TE 2.4L turbo from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
It is roomy but mid sized, very comfortable and a winner off road
Faults:
Cracked cylinder head, worn out electrical wiring due to age.
General Comments:
I must say that all round this is a very good car. I have owned and driven a lot of different types of 4WD's from old to the latest model, and for me this one is tops.
Although being a Japanese domestic market vehicle and a grey import in most countries, parts are not hard to come by as most similar models are basically the same, and so are the corresponding parts.
The car is not very quick, but it is not a sports car, rather more of a commercial vehicle crossed with a family style wagon. But people buying this type of vehicle don't worry about sports car performance.
The interior is well decked out, and the styling to my tastes is better than cars nearly 20 years younger. It's all angular inside as a 70 series Land Cruiser is. And also the outward appearance portrays it as a real off road vehicle and not an SUV or pretend 4WD.
The drive train package is also very good and robust, even though this car is touted as a light duty Land Cruiser. The suspension and drive train is totally upgradeable with ease thanks to the layout and 5 link suspension.
The only real weak spot is the motor. It seems a bit under powered at times, but it is reliable if well maintained. It does have a good torque band, but is low in horsepower, which in a 4WD sense is not what matters.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th May, 2009
16th Mar 2012, 15:55
Right off the bat, head gasket before 100 000?
Anyway, just wanted to warn people that the 2.4l diesel motors are the worst motor Toyota ever built. Prados with these motors are unreliable money pits. They rarely last more than 100 000 km or so, before the owners give up and unload them. Don't believe me? Then by all means go buy one and prove me wrong. It may be the most expensive mistake of your life...
Why didn't they put 13bt's in these?? :(
14th Oct 2015, 23:58
I was just about put off by this broad 2.4L diesel comment, but Toyota 4x4s are so popular and hold their price in NZ, even with 300+Ks.
Did some homework and there were 2 types, and the 2L (not L for Litre) engine model is as reliable as, and the other around 1991 was renowned for head problems.
Kiwi
17th Feb 2024, 03:30
Hey man, I'm having the same issue, I blew the head gasket on my Prado. I was wondering if you can help me out with some legit sites I can buy parts from. And also what engine could I get put in my Toyota that would make it more reliable?
21st Mar 2011, 01:21
What is the average l/100kms? (Any measurement will do).