Toyota Prado 150 Series Buyer’s Guide
Buying a used Toyota Prado 150 Series is one of the smartest moves you can make if you need a reliable 4WD. This vehicle has dominated Australian roads since 2009 for a good reason. It balances school runs and remote outback touring better than almost anything else on the market.
However, not every used Prado 150 is a winner. Some have lived hard lives towing heavy caravans across the Simpson Desert, while others have never seen a dirt road. If you are looking at a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150, you need to know exactly what to check so you don’t end up with a money pit.
Why the Prado 150 Series Still Rules the Used Market
The Toyota Prado 150 Series enjoyed a massive production run. Because it stayed in production for so long, parts are everywhere. Every mechanic in regional Australia knows how to fix them. This makes it a safe bet for long-term ownership.
Whether you call it the Toyota 150 Series Prado or just the 150, this model offers a ladder-frame chassis, a proper low-range transfer case, and enough comfort to keep the family happy on a road trip. But with different engines and facelifts over the years, picking the right one is vital.
Engine Options: Which Toyota Prado 150 is Best?
The engine is the heart of your Toyota Prado 150. Over its lifespan, there were three main powerplants.
The 3.0L Turbo Diesel (1KD-FTV)
Found in models from 2009 to mid-2015. This engine is a workhorse. It is loud and feels a bit old-school, but it is famous for its longevity. If you buy a 3.0L Prado 150 Series, check the injector values. Bad injectors can lead to cracked pistons, which is a major engine failure.
The 2.8L Turbo Diesel (1GD-FTV)
Introduced in late 2015. This engine is quieter and more refined. Early versions (2015–2018) had some issues with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Toyota updated the power output in 2020, jumping from 130kW to 150kW. If your budget allows, the post-2020 Toyota Prado 150 is the pick of the bunch for towing.
The 4.0L V6 Petrol (1GR-FE)
These are rare but great if you don't do high kilometres. They are thirsty but incredibly smooth and virtually bulletproof. If you find a cheap V6 Toyota 150 Series Prado, it might be a bargain, provided you can handle the fuel bills.
Common Issues to Check Before Buying
Even a Toyota has weak spots. When inspecting a Prado 150, keep an eye on these specific areas.
Cracked Dashboards
Early 150 Series models were prone to cracking around the passenger airbag and instrument cluster. Check the dash under different lighting. If it’s sticky or cracked, it’s a sign of heavy sun exposure.
Rear Door Sag
The spare tyre sits on the rear door. Over time, the weight can cause the hinges to sag. Open the door and see if it drops slightly. If it’s hard to close, the hinges might need replacing
DPF Clogging
On the 2.8L models, ask if the DPF manual burn switch has been installed. Short city trips kill DPFs. If the previous owner only used it for school runs, the filter might be soot-heavy.
Suspension Wear
Standard shocks on the Toyota Prado 150 Series are soft. By 100,000km, they are usually shot. Look for leaks around the shock absorbers. If the car sways a lot on a test drive, budget for an upgrade.
Inspecting for Off-Road Damage
Many Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 owners actually head off-road. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but you need to see how they treated the car.
- Check the Underbody: Look for deep scratches, dents in the bash plates, or flattened sills.
- Look for Red Dust: If you find fine red dust behind the dash or in the door seals, the car has spent time in the outback. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it means you should check the air filters and wheel bearings more closely.
- Inspect the Chassis Rails: Check for any signs of salt spray or rust if the owner lived near the coast or launched boats.
Service History is Everything
A Toyota Prado 150 with 300,000km and a perfect logbook is often a better buy than one with 150,000km and no records. These engines need fresh oil every 10,000km. Ask for receipts, not just stamps in a book. Ensure the timing belt (on 3.0L models) was changed at 150,000km.
Which Trim Level Should You Choose?
The Toyota Prado 150 Series comes in four main flavours in Australia.
- GX: The base model. Five seats (usually), vinyl floors in early models, and steel wheels. Great for a dedicated off-road build.
- GXL: The most popular. You get seven seats, three-zone climate control, and side steps. It’s the "Goldilocks" of the range.
- VX: Adds leather seats, better sound systems, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). KDSS helps with on-road handling and off-road wheel travel.
- Kakadu: The top-tier. It has rear air suspension, a sunroof, and Crawl Control. It is very comfortable but more expensive to fix if the electronics fail.
Test Driving the Prado 150
When you get behind the wheel of a Toyota Prado 150, listen for "cold start rattle." Start the engine from stone cold. If you hear a loud metallic knocking that goes away as it warms up, the injectors might be failing.
Check the automatic transmission. It should shift smoothly. If it hunts for gears or shudders under load, the transmission fluid might be old or the torque converter could be tired.
Modification: What to Look For (and Avoid)
Many used Prado 150 Series cars come with extras. Bull bars, snorkels, and dual battery systems add value. However, be wary of heavy modifications. A massive lift kit and oversized tyres put extra strain on the CV joints and steering rack. If the car has a heavy-duty tow bar, check if it has been pulling a 3-tonne caravan its whole life. The Toyota 150 Series Prado is rated for 2,500kg to 3,000kg depending on the year, and towing at the limit for years takes a toll.
Buying a Used Prado 150 Checklist
- Check for white smoke on startup (injector issues).
- Inspect the dashboard for cracks.
- Look for red dust in the cabin and engine bay.
- Check the rear door for sag or alignment issues.
- Verify the timing belt replacement (if over 150,000km).
- Test the 4WD actuator by engaging 4H and 4L on a flat, soft surface.
- Check the service book for 10,000km intervals.
The Best Year to Buy
If you have the budget, look for a 2018–2020 Toyota Prado 150. You get the safety tech like Autonomous Emergency Braking and a more modern interior without the price tag of a brand-new model. If you want a bargain, a well-kept 2012–2014 3.0L GXL is hard to beat for reliability.
Is the Prado 150 Right for You?
The Prado 150 isn't the fastest SUV. It isn't the most high-tech. But it is one of the few vehicles that can take you across the country and back without breaking a sweat. It holds its value better than almost any other vehicle in Australia. When you buy a Toyota Prado 150 Series, you aren't just buying a car; you're buying peace of mind.
Ready to Find Your Prado?
Don't rush into the first one you see. Take your time, check the history, and get a mechanical inspection. A good Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 will serve you for decades.
FAQs
Is the Prado 150 good for towing?
Yes, it is excellent for medium-sized caravans and boats. The earlier models are rated at 2,500kg, while later models (from 2017 onwards) are rated at 3,000kg.
How many kilometres is too many for a used Prado 150?
These engines can easily do 400,000km if maintained. However, once you pass 250,000km, expect to replace wear-and-tear items like bushers, alternators, and suspension components.
What is the fuel consumption like?
The diesel Prado 150 Series usually gets between 9L and 12L per 100km. The V6 petrol will use 13L to 16L per 100km depending on how you drive it.
Does the Prado 150 have Apple CarPlay?
Only models from late 2020 onwards came with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the factory. For older models, many owners install aftermarket head units.
What is KDSS and do I need it?
KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) is found on VX and Kakadu models. It automatically adjusts the sway bars. It makes the car flatter in corners on the road and allows more wheel travel off-road. It is great but adds complexity.