Toyota Prado Problems

The Prado’s GVM is 2850 kg, and it will tow 2500 kg, the maximum GCM is 5350 kg. You could load your caravan up to 2500 kg.

Check the electrical connections on the horns and also check the fuses.

You’ve pretty much covered the field there, so it should come down to what you want from your car. Do you want comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, offroad capability, cabin space? If you are mostly driving on the highway, then a diesel SUV is probably the best bet. I would rule out a dual-cab ute because of comfort, unless you need the flexibility a ute gives you. I would rule out a hybrid, they’re not at their most efficient on the highway; they’re better suited to town use. Based on your annual mileage I wouldn’t keep the car any more than 3-4 years, that way you’ll have a decent resale value when you get out of it.

It would only be replaced/repaired at Toyota’s expense if it were a problem of design or production. Until you have it assessed by a Toyota dealer who should be able to establish the cause of the problem you won’t know if it’s something Toyota will pay for or one you’ll have to spring for.

I doubt that you have any comeback on Toyota, but have the engine checked by a Toyota dealer for the cause of the failure and then you will have some idea of the possibility of a claim.

Start by checking the basics that control the fuel and spark, such as the coil, plugs and plug leads on the spark side, and the fuel pump on the fuel side.

Start with the owners manual and familiarise yourself with things like finding and using the jack, changing a tyre, checking the engine oil and coolant in the radiator. I wouldn’t worry too much about making temporary repairs on the trip; there are plenty of mechanics that can help you if you strike trouble. There will also be plenty of other tourists who would be only too happy to help a fellow traveller in trouble. Have your car checked before you leave, so everything is in fine working order when you hit the trail. Make a note of the Toyota dealers along your planned route, and if you are going to remote areas make a note of where you will be able to get fuel, and the mechanics along the way who might be able to help you in an emergency.

Toyota did have a spate of diesel engine failures some years ago when it was discovered that the fuel injector seals were leaking and letting fuel into the oil stream.

Sludge would build up on the oil pickup and eventually it be blocked and the engine would lose oil pressure. As you say the pickup can be inspected through the oil drain hole, so you should be able to see if there is a problem there. It is worthwhile changing the injector seals every 45,000 km.

Instead of buying new why not buy a used one like the one that was stolen. If not why not look at something like a Kia Sorento or Toyota Kluger.