Toyota Prado Problems

It would seem likely that the oil pickup has become blocked, starving the engine of oil. That's a problem with the turbo-diesel engine, caused by fuel leaking past the seal on the fuel injectors and contaminating the oil. The cracked dashboard is also a common problem. If you feel strongly about it you could approach Toyota with a request for a refund of the cost of repairs.

It's a Mitsugawa item and available online.

The running costs will be much the same for all three cars you mention, but the Grand Carnival is probably the better bet given your needs for carrying three teenagers and two young kids. The rear seats in the Prado and Kluger are probably not as suitable.

If you use a Toyota dealer to service your car take it there, if not go direct to Toyota Customer Service on 1800 869 682.

It sounds as if it has been running lean for some reason, and the obvious place to start is with the injectors. You say the dealer checked them and they were found to be ok, so the next step should be to go through the fuel system, the pump and the filters looking for something that has affected the fuel flow. I doubt that it is caused by dirty fuel as you have been told. While you are checking inspect the oil pickup in the sump as there have been problems with fuel leaking into the oil past the injector seals causing deposits to build up in the oil and eventually blocking the oil pickup. It's a long shot because it usually happens at very high kilometres, not 100,000km like yours, but it's worth eliminating as a cause.

In this case I would be tempted to go for the older car with the fewer kilometres, as long as you were sure the odometer reading is correct.

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.

The new Discovery Sport is an excellent car, both stylish and suitable for family use. I would drive a current Range Rover across Australia, although I know Toyota has the best reputation and support network in the Outback.

You will definitely enjoy a new car and the Prado gets The Tick but, really, the Isuzu will be cheaper and almost as good for your towing needs.