So finally got a brand new second hand late 2005 Grande. What a difference driving a petrol prado compared to a diesel wrangler. The seats alone are so much better for driving, I did 650km without stopping (I know, dumb) but I had no need. The jeep made me want to stop every 2 hours as without the lumbar support I was twisting and turning. I was pleased to get it down to 10.9 l/100km. that's cruise on, half at 110, half at 100 from tailem bend (near Adelaide) to Melbourne, even though it was mostly ascending (I knew this thanks to the altimeter). oddly enough the jeep averaged 12l/100. though it was running steel wheels and 33" muds.
I found I was driving the prado like a do a diesel, which was concerning on the hills, then I realised its petrol and I need to give a bit of gas. beautiful. also felt so much easier driving it. the wrangler with its axles is rough as and the steering is always wandering, prado not so. so I guess it will be a fine family car.
I was offered warranty through ALLIANZ, at around 1900$ for 4 years, covers first $3K of repairs, no excess and can service anywhere. anyone have experience? I might take it due to the age and the type of suspension the grande has. edit - does not cover the suspension. sigh.
thanks all for the help deciding on the vehicle and all the info on the forums helped sway me to a prado over a LC100 or patrol.
ps. no rust on sunroof, rear door all good, firewall good, underbody looks like its never left the tarmac. though the dash, there are 2 lines, bit bulging. would this represent a repaired crack, or a developing crack waiting to erupt to the surface? apart from a dash mat, are there any products that can help protect the dash from the heat? (my garage is my cigar room/workshop/storage shed/junk shed, so cars live outdoors).
I found I was driving the prado like a do a diesel, which was concerning on the hills, then I realised its petrol and I need to give a bit of gas. beautiful. also felt so much easier driving it. the wrangler with its axles is rough as and the steering is always wandering, prado not so. so I guess it will be a fine family car.
I was offered warranty through ALLIANZ, at around 1900$ for 4 years, covers first $3K of repairs, no excess and can service anywhere. anyone have experience? I might take it due to the age and the type of suspension the grande has. edit - does not cover the suspension. sigh.
thanks all for the help deciding on the vehicle and all the info on the forums helped sway me to a prado over a LC100 or patrol.
ps. no rust on sunroof, rear door all good, firewall good, underbody looks like its never left the tarmac. though the dash, there are 2 lines, bit bulging. would this represent a repaired crack, or a developing crack waiting to erupt to the surface? apart from a dash mat, are there any products that can help protect the dash from the heat? (my garage is my cigar room/workshop/storage shed/junk shed, so cars live outdoors).
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