Any experience of the 70 Series Prado?
 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ado_70_001.JPG

Seen a couple of these 70 Series Station Wagons (Which I think are first gen prados) for a great price here in the UK?. Does anyone have any experience of these and how do they compare to the similar looking Troopie (Can't seem to get them here) and the 80 Series VX (Also seen for good prices but a couple of £k more)?

this is the best landcruiser forum I have found in the UK, you may get some good advice there. They have model specific sections including one for the 70 series

Land Cruiser Club

Hi Jacob,

They share a few elements with the troopies, but are mainly a smaller version in most ways.

I personally wouldn't chose one for overlanding because they are small and a little gutless - I would start by looking at the newer and more comfortable 90 series Colorados/Prados and then go from there.

Thanks Julian, appreciate the advise :-)

I'm fairly certain the 70 series JDM Prado is the same body as the 70 series Land Cruiser still sold in some markets.

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Home Australia

I would not call that a small vehicle! They share a lot of body and chassis elements with Troopies. Basically everything from the front doors forwards. It is also around the same length as a 90 series Prado, but the cab is narrower.

I have heard reports that the 2-LTE 2.4 Turbo Diesel is underpowered and has a tendancy to crack heads. The later 1KZ-TE 3.0 fitted to the last of the "Prado" badged 70 series (and the 90 series Prado or later Surf models) should go well.

Cheers,
Brett.

This is quite interesting, in that case I presume the 3.0L ones would be fairly solid and reliable and big enough for a solo expedition with the occasional second person. Considering they seem to pop up for a £1-2k cheaper than anything else it might still be an option for considering...

There are some similarities with style and trim, but dimension wise they are different.

The JDM Prado is based around the 2.4/3l platform and the rest of the 70 series are built around the 4.2l platform and are bigger in all dimensions.

For a modern euro equivalent, compare the 90/120 series Prado to the 100 series Amazon.

Having said that they should be fine for a solo overlander providing enough space in the back to sleep, etc, but the 2.4l engine will be sluggish.

So you'd take the newer 90 prado over the 70 if you had the choice and a minimal budget for basic prep and sleeping in the car?

Yes, just make sure the cooling system is 110% and that there are no pre-existing head gasket issues. Otherwise a much smoother and more comfortable drive.

Thanks Julian, they are two points I had already been told to look out for, are there any worthwhile aftermarket upgrades I can add to the cooling system?

as far as I established having the standard cooling system in top condition will be fine

Not really, the standard setup is fine as long as it is well maintained.

Just make sure the coolant is clear to start off with and then make sure you flush and replace with Toyota coolant.

Although, having said that, we are experimenting with Evans Waterless Coolant and it looks ideal for the Colorados - I can let you know more in the next few days.

Sounds interesting, please do let me know :-)

Slightly OT but we are experimenting with Evans Waterless Coolant in a well-worn Mini. The results are good. The biggest issue is keeping the Mini leak-free long enough to justify the cost of the coolant. That is not likely to be an issue with a Toyota.

Cheers,
Brett.

thee's a prado with a lexus v8 on ebay at the mo, quite a nice looking tool!