4x4 Used - What to look out for?

[reddybayfisher]

Looking at getting a used 4x4 (in mind I have a Prado GXL 2003) - not being mechanically mind - what should I look out for? Any tips / hints would be greatly appreciated.....

[Steeler]

Hi Reddybayfisher

Couple of things to pay close attention to.
1)Have a real close look underneath the entire vehicle for signs of the vehicle having been bottomed out under extreme 4WD'ng conditions.
2)Take a real good listen to the driveline especially the transfer case for unusual noise or not engaging or disengaging properely.

I would seriously though have a RACQ inspection done and most certainly a cooling system and compression test done,have heard of these things ( petrol model ) prone to head gasket failiure.

I did read in a recent thread also about Air/con failiure on these things and i have a close friend who also has had issues with the Air/con.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Steve

[reddybayfisher]

Thanks Steve....RACQ inspection is a must....I will be going through a yard - so I know they will provide a warranty but with piece of mind will be getting a proper inspection done....

What do you mean by bottom out?

[Steeler]

Just a check underneath to see if it's had a hard life bunny hopping up & down firetrails and the like and not damaged or bent any of the guards on the undercarriage.

I have a Pajero but gave serious cosideration to the Prado when we were looking but the Pajero won out simply because of $$$$$$ at the time.

[ashh]

What do you mean by bottom out?

turn sound on

[Steeler]

G'day Ashh

Brings back memories b4 the kids and having a GQ patrol,those were the days !!!!!!!!!.

Cheers

Steve

[GBC]

First place that series of prado showed signs of hard work is cracking of the inner front guards - esp if it has afteermarket suspension and/or bullbar fitted.

[reddybayfisher]

Went to the yard today and had a close look - underneath the car showed no signs of damage or scrapping....will have to go for a test drive next....

[Lucky_Phill]

I'd look out for a card shark

I was 500 short of ya score yesterday and bet 1500. Bloody dealer

Phill
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[snasman]

Hi Reddybay, the prado is a very reliable vehicle if it has been maintained the obvious things to look for is signs of rust and repairs ,repairs can usually be spotted by simple things ,blemishes in the paint or a different look to the shape of the steel (ie bog) usually around the sills below the doors and tail gate, under the bonnet look for paint differences around the engine bay look at a few and take note of any genuine stickers on a couple and then see if there on the one you like, a give away for a front end smash is missing stickers as the new guards dont come with them on and most panel beaters wont remove the old ones and place them back on the replacements.
Motor, try and be the first to start the vehicle in the morning and note how long the oil light stays on for it sholud go out in a few seconds if it stays on for 7 or so seconds the motor has low oil pressure ,its an old car yard trick to start any of the vehicles on the yard with suss oil pressure before the punters arrive to buy up, as it pumps the oil through the engine preparing it for the next start ie light goes out quicker, if possible check the log books 80000km services are the expensive ones where most of the extra oils are changed ie diff and gear boxes, climb underneath and stick your finger into a few of the holes in the cross member and any other place where hose might not reach to easy look for sand this will let you know if its been on the beach,weather that bothers you or not is up to the individual ,back in the engine bay look around the front suspension towers for signs of cracking or seperation this occured on models that were put through there paces,whentaking it for a drive find some where you can get one side higher than the other a dirt mound would be best gutters are a bit to small and listen for any unusual sounds ie ,body movement ,find a car park and reverse the vehicle for a while and listen for any noises a tinny metalic noise will indicate the rear diff is not much good,ive got a 98 model with 345000 km on the clock and still runs beautifuly.
Good luck with your purchase

[reddybayfisher]

Thanks Snasman.....great response much appreciated....

[the lobster]

Another thing to look out for is slight leaks in the diffs, either from the drive shaft seal or the side seals. This is usually a sign of regular 4x4ing and I've seen it on a few hiluxes. Get under the vehicle and feel around the seals for signs of oil. Not a massive problem in itself but may be a sign of a hard life.

And the other thing is a leaking transfer case, but I don't think that was as common in the prados as it was in hiluxes and cruisers. Just have a good look around the transfer case for signs of leaks. A leak will often develop between the transfer case and gearbox. A small leak isn't such a big drama, just needs to be topped up every few months, but may require further attention at some stage, and, again, could be a sign of regular 4x4ing and/or a hard life.

Hope that helps.

matt

[Kleyny]

First of all be wary of the lesser dealers warranty's. You may have to pay for half of the repairs anyway.

As for what to look for. Heres a few things i do when looking for a good 4b.

1. peel some of the carpet uo somewhere and look for sand. (Beach work)
2. stick your head up under the dash and look for stained components. (under water). There where hundreds of 4bs trucked down to the auctions form the floods around CQ last year.
3. Always check to see if the transfer works. find a loose gravel road engage 4X4 and dump the clutch a bit. You should get all 4 wheels to at least make a mark.
4. make sure it has a current roadworthy.
5. Do a revs check.
6. From what i am lead to believe QT will now do a check on your vehicle and tell you if has been Written off. This is NOT covered in a Revs check.

good luck

neil

[White Pointer]

Went to the yard today and had a close look - underneath the car showed no signs of damage or scrapping....will have to go for a test drive next....

G'day,

Things to look out for. Buy with your head - not with your heart. Ask to see the vehicle's log books. If you are given a stamped log book ask to see the invoices for the service bills, repairs, tyre replacements, battery replacements, etc. These are the vehicle's provenance. No provenance - no sale (not to me anyway).

White Pointer