New Member/Prado Owner

[Flying Dutchman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Flying Dutchman]

G'day, I am new member and have just purchased a '03 GXL Manual Diesel. The site itself was very helpfull with my purchase and what to look out for, so thanks to all.
I did not see myself purchasing a Prado as they were out of my price range, until a friend was selling there's and at price I could not refuse.

So what I ask all you die hards is what I need to do, to make sure I get the most out of the vehicle for what I do. The vehicle is pretty much a blank canvas, it has a Toyota Allow bullbar, dvd player, rubber matts throughout and thats about it. The shoes are the standars Groundtreks
The main use of the vehicle will be for my wife and new born to get around in but I am pretty keen fisherman, camper and outdoor enthusiast. So obviously the vehicle will be driven on the road mainly, with the weekend in the bush amongst dirt, mud, sand and towing trailers (Camper, wood cutting & boat but not at once;-)). i live on the murray river. And have been using it as is at the moment and have had no troubles in the above conditions.

Anyway thanks again for the help in buying this and some really great reads. I look forward to hearing from you guys and I will try and get some pics up and hopefully build up.

Cheers
FD

[Fozzy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fozzy]

Welcome to the club so to speak FD!

Cheers

Dave

[mkh Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mkh]

G'day and welcome. Mate just fit a set of decent All Terrains and it'll suit your needs just fine. Enjoy.

[grande1810 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close grande1810]

welcome mate, you will enjoy your rig immensely.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Where about on the Murray do you live? It's a bloody long river!

The Prado as it is will do most everything you mentioned, better tyres when they need replacing would be a good start, suspension if you find yourself scraping or sagging to much off road, then its all just what suits your needs. Reading heaps on this site is your best bet, look at what others have done and work out whether that is something that will improve your rig for your needs.

Cheers Andrew

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

You read the disclaimer on this site that says once you start buying you cannot stop?

Oh well too late. Kids sell for good prices in the middle east, at least enough to get lockers, a suspension lift and snorkel.

[leachy_9 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close leachy_9]

Yep. Better tyres and suspension upgrade/lift. Both of which will improve not only the offroad ability but on road manners.
Leachy

[Flying Dutchman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Flying Dutchman]

Thanks for your responses, I will definately look at some new shoes once they are due for a change over and weigh up a lift if I really need it and the $.
I live in the Swan Hill region in VIC. But cover a fair bit for fishing camping etc.

I know what you mean MidLifeCrisis about the disclaimer but if thems the rules.......

Thanks again

[Homer Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Homer]

You read the disclaimer on this site that says once you start buying you cannot stop?

Oh well too late. Kids sell for good prices in the middle east, at least enough to get lockers, a suspension lift and snorkel.

MLC is spot on!

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

If you do nothing else, get some Sandgrabba Mats early - cheap but very worthwhile investment to protect the interior from dirt, sand and mud. Very simple to install and a sinch to clean.

[tassie tiger Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close tassie tiger]

The main use of the vehicle will be for my wife and new born to get around in but I am pretty keen fisherman, camper and outdoor enthusiast. So obviously the vehicle will be driven on the road mainly, with the weekend in the bush amongst dirt, mud, sand and towing trailers (Camper, wood cutting & boat but not at once;-)). i live on the murray river. And have been using it as is at the moment and have had no troubles in the above conditions.


FD

As some have said get some good all terrains and your set. They are very capable out of the box. A very basic recovery kit (snatch strap, shackles and recovery points) so that you can get a hand out if you get stuck.

Get out and enjoy it.

You should also look at doing the manifold clean/egr disable (see here - http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...-throttle-body )

A dtronic or similar is also a good investment for some much needed power

[Tei Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tei]

thats exactly right, once you start with the mods.... you just cant stop... worth it though.

[Flying Dutchman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Flying Dutchman]

Thanks for that guys. Yeh I have throught of giving the manifold a clean, just wish I could get that picture with words and bubbles big enough to read. I am sure I would be right but the extra detail would be handy.
Yep I have invested in the recovery gear but I will I think will just wait on the new wheels until these have done there job.

Cheers