Toyota Prado Problems

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.

There was a problem with the engines when it they were cold, I understand that it was because of over-fuelling during the time of cold running. I believe Toyota was changing the injectors on complaint vehicles. The leaking injector seals I believe us something else, and the way we know of to check if there is a problem is to inspect the oil pickup in the sump for a build-up of carbon deposits. If the pickup has a carbon buildup the likelihood is that it would eventually block and stave the engine of oil, if there is no carbon present it is unlikely to have a problem. It's best that a dealer check the pickup by inserting a probe through the oil drain hole in the sump.

The Prado V6 has a chain so there's no requirement to change it regularly as there would be if it had a belt. That's why there is no mention of it in the manual. I wouldn't be too concerned about the radiator hoses, but perhaps inspect them for cracking, splitting or perishing and replace them if you find anything that's concerning.

Given that this is the second such failure on your car and Toyota coughed up for the first one I think you are on solid grounds for a claim against the company. As you have tried the consumer affairs route and that has failed I would consult a lawyer and consider taking the company to court.

As you can see with Peter, above, Toyota has approved his claim for repairs, so I suggest you persist with your claim, and I feel confident it will be resolved.

For starters, don't take no for an answer. Go back to the dealer and ask that they contact Toyota head office with a request that your car be inspected with a view to replacing the dash.

As I understand it the offer you've received is the standard offer on the table, and I would accept it.

Your experience is not uncommon. We had a number of reports from Hilux owners in the year of so after the ute was launched, but we thought the reprogramming of the computer had fixed the issue. Perhaps it hasn't. Talk to your Toyota dealer, and also get the advice of an auto transmission expert about fitting an external oil cooler. If you plan to travel over hilly terrain on your next trip it  would be a good idea to fit an extra cooler.

Yes, I do think that's a reasonable outcome and I would recommend you take the offer and have your car repaired.