Land Cruiser 1993 or Prado 1997; Diesel or Petrol?

[zeshanahmer]

I want to buy 4x4 for Lahore and Northern Areas. I have shortlisted Cruiser 1993 4.5 (petrol) and Prado TZ 3.4 (petrol). I need expert opinion whether my choice is right or Diesel 4.2 in cruiser and 3.0 in TZ is better? Also, out of Cruiser and Prado TZ, which one I should go for?

[mehrozniazi1]

prado 3.0 diesel or 3.4 diesel ......cruiser is expensive to maintain...... if you can then go for LC

[dayrider]

diesel is the correct choice, gives better consumption, and won't need high octane or get easily clogged injectors. Prado is more of a urban vehicle and Cruiser more of an off roader. Cruiser is more comfortable, stable, economical and robust, prado is easier to find.
Cost wise there is a 19/20 difference in maintenance.
I would opt for a cruiser, but drive both, and you would know which one suites you better

[mshoaib432722]

Bhai. Go for 3.4 petrol. Diesel is a headache to maintain. Plus it leaks everywhere in the garage since all diesel engines give a blowby mist (as a routine something).

Secondly if some point in time, the engine starts giving smoke (since these are high mileage vehicles and engines are old), then 4.5 engine only (petrol or diesel) will cost you 4.5 lakh.
3400cc petrol engine + auto gear + wiring + ECU and everything costs something under 2.25 lakh.

[dayrider]

diesel is easier to maintain, no maintained vehicle leaks. A petrol 3.4 does 5 local, a 4.2 does 7+. Also a petrol 3.4 wants high octane, which again is another headache

[zeshanahmer]

Thank you for all the valuable feedback. I have another question, if going for 4.2D, what is the feedback of 12 valve engine?

[dayrider]

The 12v is more economical in manual, the auto in both the 12v and 24v are fulltime 4X4 and will have high consumption. Engines are all robust, besides the prados 3.0 1Kd

[zeshanahmer]

I want automatic so which variant is the best that you will recommend ?

[mshoaib432722]

One word of advice.
Keep in mind that sooner or later, you will have to replace the diesel engine since all land cruiser owners purchase it specially for deserts and northern area trips. So engines are almost done with their lives. So buy the cheapest possible vehicle and replace the engine. Otherwise you will keep on suffering with your purchase.
4.2D and 3.4 petrol are both great with auto transmission.

[zeshanahmer]

Thank you Shoaib. I have a chance to buy 4.2D 12 valve? Should I go for it and What should be the minimum price?

[mshoaib432722]

Model year?

[mshoaib432722]

Which city u from?

[zeshanahmer]

Model 1994. Import 1998. Lahore number.

[zeshanahmer]

I am from lahore

[pwuser151601573893]

I don't have any idea about it because i always buy car from Mykautotraders. They tell me each & everything .about new & old models then i select which one i like most.

[dayrider]

Mostly urban use?please Define it's main purpose

[zeshanahmer]

Mostly in lahore. 4 trips in a year to north

[mshoaib432722]

I am from lahore too.
Problem with these vehicles is that the body are changed with frame are same. Engines are also changed. Even the previous owners sometimes don't know about this.
Drive the 4.2D and see if it is stable and going in a straight line when steering is firmly held. Drive to about 120km/hr speed.
If you feel that vehicle is not gripping firmly and going slightly left or right, then leave the vehicle. Dont buy it.
Regarding the engine condition, I can give you numbers of couple of very good mechanics who only work on these big vehicles. Take the vehicle to either 1 and ask their opinion on the engine, suspension and brake system.
Fayyaz (bilalganj): 0302 4110186
Adnan Autos (multan road - chungi): 0321 4036007 & 0323 4036007

[mshoaib432722]

Be very very careful when buying these old vehicles. Take all the time you can.

[mshoaib432722]

For any more info you can call me.