This has probably been discussed over and over, but I'm looking at buying my first Land Cruiser. For a while I have been looking for a full size Land Cruiser GXL 105 series from around 2000, but there are so many Prados on the road down here in Australia that I would be stupid not to at least consider one of them. Price wise I can get one with far less kms and a younger age compared to the Land Cruiser, it's still got 8 seat capacity (GXL), a larger fuel tank, better fuel economy and more engine choices (correct me here).
I know the Prado is less hardcore offroad, I know it's meant to be more comfortable on-road but at the end of the day: should I still consider the Prado a top of the range 4WD like the full blown Cruiser, or is it a soft hearted 4WD that city slickers buy because they want a large SUV to take their kids to soccer practice? (I know the answer to that is no, but you get my point).
I want something I can take to Fraser Island, drive across the continent or take to the most northern tip of Australia if I want. The amount of room inside the car is not a worry, a Prado has plenty enough for us. I just need to know about the offroad capabilities.
I know the Prado is less hardcore offroad, I know it's meant to be more comfortable on-road but at the end of the day: should I still consider the Prado a top of the range 4WD like the full blown Cruiser, or is it a soft hearted 4WD that city slickers buy because they want a large SUV to take their kids to soccer practice? (I know the answer to that is no, but you get my point).
I want something I can take to Fraser Island, drive across the continent or take to the most northern tip of Australia if I want. The amount of room inside the car is not a worry, a Prado has plenty enough for us. I just need to know about the offroad capabilities.