Would you buy an early D4D?

[Yo no soy un pajero Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Yo no soy un pajero]

I am in the market for my first Prado - I prefer the D4D over petrol (primarily because of the fuel economy), budget is $40-45k so probably looking at a 2006 GXL. I know there are 50-odd pages of posts on the D4D rattle / injector problems, but its hard to get a sense of how many have problems compared to how many don't. So I haven't really found an answer to my specific question, and at the risk of raising everyone's ire I'd like to start a new thread.

I am seriously put off the D4Ds by the reported problems. I live in Canberra so very cold mornings are common for much of the year.

My question is: am I right to be put off considering a D4D? Were the problems that common and serious that its just too big a risk? Or am I being too alarmist and the risk is small compared to the advantages of the D4D?

thanks in advance

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

Re: Would you buy an early D4D?

I wouldn't buy one that hasn't had the injectors changed for the newer type and I would want to see the service report showng all four had been replaced.
My experience is that for every person who posts on the "rattle" thread(s) there are multiple more who have had injectors replaced.
Leachy

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

Re: Would you buy an early D4D?

Hi you have wrote (primarily because of the fuel economy), why not buy a petrol V6 and run it on gas , LPG

[Matty80 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Matty80]

Re: Would you buy an early D4D?

Its probably a stretch to be entirely put off the D4D because of the injectors - as they are covered under warranty due to it being a known problem of the Prado. So the issue here is simply that it may at some point be required to spend some time at the shop having them changed. Aside from this the D4D is a very capable diesel engine with not much else wrong with it as far as i know. Important to note, that once the enjectors are replaced to the new type - then there aren't too many further issues with them aside from the standard maintenance...

I have a 2007 D4D and have not had any issues since replacement.

The other issues such as the tailshaft "clunk" are common throughout the entire range (petrol and diesel) and as such is generally solved with continual greasing - again, I've experienced this first hand. However, since a change in servicer (to one that now actually maintains the car correctly) i've barely noticed any clunk since.

As for the differences between the earlier and later D4D engines in the 120 range i'm not entirely sure there is much difference at all - IMO you'd be well placed with your purchase and very happy with the result.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Would you buy an early D4D?

Get an '08 or later D4D and they will have the updated injectors

[prado2004 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado2004]

Yes, you are right to be put off. There are too many expensive problems with them (1KD-FTV) for to many reasons. I have owned and worked on both engines. Go the 2004-2006 1KZ-TE. This vehicle will be sort after in the future in my opinion, like the 1HD-FTEs. Try and get a manual 5 speed or an auto that has the aftermarket oil cooler already fitted. With that budget, you should be able to pick one up that has low kms on the clock. I looked at one just recently (2006, GXL, white) that had 89,000 kms on it for $38,500.00. The 1KZ-TE has got a bit of a cracked head problem (200,000 to 350,000 kms), but in most cases, if you look after your cooling system you will not encounter this problem. Toyota coolant is best (50/50), dye is red in colour.
The Roo.

I would have to agree with the roo here, I picked the 1kz for this reason and managed to get an 04 GX for $19,500. manual with only 94000km on the clock. I think in 10 years time these cars will still be worth 15k by looking at the old mechanical injected diesel landcruisers. I was after a car that will last a long time and this is what I believe I have got.

Just my 2c worth.

[prado2004 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado2004]

shit sorry just saw how old this thread is, not sure why it was at the top of my feed!