Toyota Prado 2006 Problems

We've already publicised the issue with the D-4D engine, and have helped one owner get a replacement engine free of charge after his Hilux suffered the same problem as your has. Other owners should consider checking the oil pickup in the sump for a build-up of carbon that could potentially block the pickup and cause a total engine failure. The pickup can be inspected by looking through the oil drain      plug, it's easy to do, and could save you a lot of money and heartache.

The short answer seems to be no. Back then, Toyota required you to spend up big and buy the VX version of the Prado in order to get a height-adjustable driver’s seat. It seems a bit odd that this feature was not included on lesser Prados, but at least you could adjust the height of the steering column as some form of compensation.

Toyota has undoubtedly tested the D-4D engine in Australia and on Australian diesel fuel and I am sure it would not sell the vehicle here if it there were a problem. As for keeping it alive I would service it religiously, and I would take note of the known problem with leaking fuel injector seals that has resulted in a recall in other parts of the world, and led to a policy in NZ of changing them every 45,000 km. Perhaps you should think about changing the seals as per the Kiwi recommendation.

You have to consider what type of four-wheel driving you want to do. If it's heavy-duty then go for an older Toyota Landcruiser or Prado, if it's less taxing then a lighter model might do for you. I would suggest a 2006 Toyota Landcruiser Prado or a 2007 Mitsubishi Pajero.

No, it's not a coincidence, the faulty injector is likely to have been the cause of the rattle all along. If you still have the records of your previous reports to the dealers about it you could possibly mount a case with Toyota for compensation.

In Australia, this model Prado was available in GX, GXL, VX and Grande trim levels. There was a TX model for some markets globally, but if your car is a private import from elsewhere, then it’s an absolute crap-shoot trying to decipher its options and standard fitments.

With that in mind, if it is either a GX, GXL or VX, then it won’t have a button to control the rear ride height, because the only Australian-delivered 120-Series Prado to have this feature was the Grande. The reason your vehicle sits too high probably has more to do with a previous owner fitting heavier rear springs to account for fully-loaded touring or towing a decent sized trailer.

If they’ve been changed I see no need to do it again. It’s unfortunate that you have replaced them before Toyota contacted you, but it’s done and I don't think you’ve got any comeback on the company now.