Toyota Prado Problems

It was a common problem and often reported by owners in years gone by. Take it to a Toyota dealer and have them assess it, and perhaps approach Toyota about repairing it for you. Toyota was reluctant to take action on the problem because they claimed it didn't affect the operation of the airbag. Other than that you could perhaps replace the dash.

The Pajero is a rugged vehicle that is very good on-road and off, it is roomy, safe and well equipped, while the Prado is a large, reliable, and tough seven-seater. It’s very comfortable, but the diesel’s performance is lacklustre. It’s hard to beat the Pajero.

Both are perfect for what you want to do. The LandCruiser has a well-proven record, but it’s heavy and can be costly to run. The Defender, while also a proven off-roader, is more expensive the service and repair and there aren’t Land Rover dealers everywhere, like there are Toyota dealers.

It’s clearly not well and needs attention, so take it to a mechanic and find out what is wrong with it. Any number of things could be wrong with it, from a simple as needing a service to being worn out.

I don’t believe that what you want is out there, and can only reiterate past advice, buy a Patrol/Pajero/Prado/LandCruiser.

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.

One to try would be the Michelin Primacy SUV.

Each time you switch the engine off and then on again you are rebooting the computer. Sometimes that resets things and you can drive on with no further problem, but because it is doing it again and again there must be an underlying problem. I suggest you take it to a mechanic with the diagnostic gear to identify the problem and fix it.

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.

Your choices are limited if you want a four-wheel drive for serious off-roading. You could look at a Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder, or maybe one of the popular 4WD utes. A ute will do everything you need, and they are quite comfortable on the road.