Buying a Used Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (2009‑2023)
The fourth‑generation Prado that ruled South Africa for 15 years – is it still a good buy?
1. A quick look back
The J150 Prado first hit the South‑African market in 2009 and stayed in production until 2024.
It filled a niche between the Hilux‑based Fortuner and the high‑end Land Cruiser 200/300.
The name carried the weight of the Land Cruiser brand – premium, tough and ready for everything – without being hard to drive on everyday roads.
It was a popular choice for school‑day shuttles and, later on, for overland adventures. A sturdy ladder‑frame chassis, permanent 4‑wheel‑drive and reliable diesel engines meant it could tackle almost any terrain it was sent to.
2. Powertrain options
| Engine | Power | Torque | Gearbox | Use‑case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L D‑4D (1KD‑FTV) | 120 kW (≈ 160 hp) | 400 Nm | 5‑speed automatic | Original diesel – great on low‑grade diesel, long‑term reputation for toughness |
| 2.8 L GD‑6 (from Oct‑2020) | 150 kW (≈ 200 hp) | 500 Nm | 6‑speed automatic | Modern, higher power; lighter; better for towing and quick acceleration |
| 4.0 L V6 (1GR‑FE) | 202 kW (≈ 270 hp) | 381 Nm | 6‑speed automatic | Petrol engine – more fun, less maintenance, often cheaper on the used market |
The 2.8‑liter GD‑6 replaced the older 3.0‑liter unit and brought more torque and a smoother gearbox. The V6 gives a different driving experience, with the fuel costs being the trade‑off.
3. Features that made the Prado stand out
- On‑road and off‑road balance – The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) hydraulically tweaks stabiliser bars for better handling on pavements and gives the wheels more articulation off‑road.
- Comfort and tech – From 2020 the Prado got a new 9‑inch touchscreen, better voice control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto built in. Earlier models had an 8‑inch screen.
- Safety and convenience – All trims (TX, VX, VX‑L) now come with:
- Dual‑zone climate control
- Power‑adjustable driver’s seat
- Cruise control & park‑distance sensors
- Keyless entry & auto‑lock
- Three power outlets (including a refrigerated centre console)
- Reverse camera (standard)
- Heated seats (front) and heated 2nd‑row seats
- Optional features on higher trims: adaptive cruise control and lane‑departure warning
4. What to watch for when buying a used Prado
- Injector seals on early 3.0 L diesel – Copper seals may burst, letting combustion gases leak into the oil and risking engine failure.
- KDSS fluid leaks – Check the hydraulic rams and lines for any evidence of leaking fluid.
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) clogging – Ensure the vehicle has a history of motorway driving and look for any repairs in the service book.
- Chassis rust & off‑road damage – Inspect the ladder‑frame for rust, especially near the rear. Underbody dents or scratches can indicate heavy use in sand or water.
- Rear door sag – The spare wheel on the rear door can cause the hinges to sag; open and close the door to check alignment and smoothness.
- Radiator cracks – High mileage can cause hairline cracks in the plastic end‑tanks; look for pinkish coolant residue around hoses.
5. Which model to go for
| Trim | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 2.8 GD‑6 VX‑L (Oct 2020+) | Best overall. The extra 100 Nm of torque feels great towing or on the motorway; the 6‑speed gearbox is smoother. Modern infotainment and safety tech are standard. |
| 4.0 V6 VX | Good for tight budgets or owners who want a simpler, petrol engine. It runs on less diesel, so it’s cheaper to run and usually cheaper to buy used. |
Bottom line
The Prado’s blend of ruggedness and modern comfort still makes it a solid choice on the used market. The 2.8‑litre engine models represent the best value‑for‑money, while the 4.0 V6 models cater to budget‑savvy buyers who don’t mind a bit more fuel cost. Just remember to check the items listed above before you seal the deal.
