I have had mine here in Australia for 6 months. First thing I did was buy a set of second hand 17 inch rims (from an FJ Cruiser - you need a bit more wheel offset when you drop to 17 inch to avoid the KDSS components) and fit BF Goodrich's. It has made the vehicle extremely competent off road and certainly looks much better than the 19inch. I change between the two sets when I want to go offroading as the factory tyres and rims are far better on road.
Thanks Rob! that's a great suggestion and advice. Our esteem thanks! Do you perhaps have any pictures of the two different profiles that you can share with us on our Facebook page? for the benefit of others in our local 4x4 community?
@@robwilson7654 The FJ cruiser rims I used have positive 15 offset. I fitted 265/65/17 BFG KO2’s, this gives the same rolling diameter as the stock 19’s (it is the size of the stock 17’s fitted on other Prado’s) You could probably go to a 70 profile, but the small amount of extra lift you get is not really worth screwing with your speedometer.
'Big' in this context I think relates to the widths one finds in bush tracks in South Africa. I recently spent two days driving around Tembe in northern KZN in my 76 (which is narrower than the Prado) and I scratched the sides a lot. The Prado and anything the same size would have been trashed. Ellie's don't make wide roads...
Correct Rob! The term "big" does relate to width and both length. Plus you are correct in saying that Ellies don't make wide roads! We recommend the protectX4 magnetic vehicle protectors for those wandering into dens bush or for those that prefer their travels and trails wild-er than others. 😉😉 here is a link if you want to order a set of your own. They are removable and magnetic which saved us a bundle on buffing the scratches and dents out: www.sa4x4.co.za/protectx4-overlanding-magnetic-4x4-protection/
Thanks @Kensyre. in our opinion, newer is always better. Theres nothing wrong with the LC200 - apart from knowing how the previous owner treated the vehicle. Our point is more focused on depreciation and value. All vehicles do suffer from depreciation. Which goes to mention that a new vehicle may cost slightly more but the depreciation is will be less value in its first year, than the value of a pre-owned vehicle in its 3rd year. Although, in the same breath, insurance on a new vehicle may also be higher than an older model. which means it does swing in round-abouts as half a dozen of one is six of another. ;) if we were offered a new Prado VS a LC200 we would certainly take the new Prado. Unless.... it costs you a marriage ;) But lets see what others comment after reading your feedback. Very interesting question!
As an ex South African now living in Brisbane, Igot to laugh at the comments 'this is a large vehicle" Have had my Prado since 2013 and consider it to be a medium size vehicle. In fact it does not take up much more space than my wife's Corolla sedan in the garage.
Hi Adrian, you're not far off! the average Corolla length is 4375 mm and depending on which Prado you have, the length is around 4995 mm so the are reasonably similar as you say. is the width of your corolla 1790mm? The newer Prado is 1885 mm. Thus, yes - they are very close in terms of size. Most vehicle manufacturers try to ensure all their vehicles can fit into a standard sized garage. With the Prado being more bulky (with good reason) it is severely more comfortable and spacious vs a Corolla. we have seen some struggle with parking at their local shopping centers. remember 30mm can be the difference between a vendor bender or not. depending on who is driving of course. we are extremely comfortable in bigger vehicles. however new comers into the market may need to feel their way first. Regardless of which, we do like the fact that you are proudly TOYOTA! their new Hybrid is nothing short of brilliance! again...our opinion.😉
@@SA4x4online This is not about engines, don`t know petrol at all. Rather save R300k + (insurance, fuel, tyres) on Fortuner with same specs, but has a bigger luggage space.
@@izakvanheerden8962 AH! Thanks Izak, do you have insurance on your current VX? can we enquire as to who its with and the rough monthly cost? its always great to compare apples with apples and to see what the norm is. There's not many specialized 4x4 insurers in SA, but we do know a few of them.
Is there anyone in the world that doesn't think the older 18" gun metal wheels look better than either of the new 19" designs? I understand taste is subjective, but to my eye here in Australia the VX wheels look better than the range topping Sahara wheels shown in this video.
Hi Ian. Absolutely! Opinion...like taste is always subjective. Plus, you may be pleased to know that your comment has stirred up quite the debate in our office as to who favours 18" designs over the 19" designs. In a close ballot the 19" inch seemingly wins, because the patrons in our office state its a bigger overall tyre. Which does come with a lot of other benefits. Though...as you say....its all subjective.
@@SA4x4online The general consensus in the Australia enthusiast community seemed to be very negative towards the 19" for a couple reasons, lower profile tyres not as suitable for off road driving and the cost/availability of 19" tyres being so much higher and less stocked. My opinion was more about the actual design of the newer ones, if they looked the same as the old but we 19" is be happier. The reality is most Prado's are probably sold to mums for school pickup and maybe they like the 19" diamond cut look, the offroadets swap the factory wheels anyway.
@@ianandersen2130 Whole heartedly agree Ian. We think you are right. The Prado's are excellent touring vehicles not only because its the Toyota brand and build quality, but because they can comfortably seat 7 or you can fill the remining seats and boot space for luggage, fridges and sundries. Its an extremely comfortable ride. Here in South Africa, potholes on public roads are a serious danger, and thus a bigger tyres can easily maneuver over the smaller potholes. in addition to this, the Prado's do make for excellent tow vehicles for caravanners and campers too. We did an article some years back WRT the stopping power of smaller tyres compared to bigger ones. Simply stated, more tyre surface area means more traction/grip. We also somewhat agree with you that most Prado's sold never make it into the bush. Thus, we also assume that Toyota is targeting the larger segment of customers who want to own a Prado VS those of us that want or desire to take it off-road. Maybe the terminology "diamond cut" does make the 19's appear to be more desirable for hum drum daily runners. Though as you say....when overlanders gear up their vehicles for serious 4x4-ing, tyres/rims are usually the first to get replaced. Have you seen the new Amarok that is being launched?
@@SA4x4online Haven't seen the new Amarok, haven't even seen the new Ranger it's based on in Australia yet. I'm waiting to get out of my current Amarok into a Prado which I ordered 3 months ago with a quoted 6 month wait, could be worse the LC300 has a year plus wait here, spoke to a Lexus dealer today, 2.5 year wait on a new LX apparently, it's madness.
@@ianandersen2130 Yeah! We do believe the waiting times for new vehicles is utter madness at the moment. We visited the FORD plant in Silverton (South Africa) for the pre-release new Ford Ranger and new Ford Everest models to be coming soon. It seems the biggest challenge that the manufacturers have to deal with is the availability of raw materials, parts, accessories and containers for shipping. Apparently there is a severe worldwide shortage of containers available. Which impacts delivery times. We chalk this up to the post hangover effects of Covid. Who knew that it wouldn't have been easy to stop and start entire industries at the push of a button for what seemed to be a hump in the road ahead, actually turned out to be a wrench in the driveshaft! Can you imagine if you were a Toyota car salesman and only getting your commission on new vehicle sales almost 2 years later?
Yeah! We wanted to test out a stock standard vehicle (off the showroom floor) on the dirt track to see how it handled. And quite right because we were concerned about the tyres and standard OEM suspension we didn't want to get into anything overly dangerous. we also wanted to show you all the interior and exterior too. For those too shy to visit their dealerships 🤣🤣
I have had mine here in Australia for 6 months. First thing I did was buy a set of second hand 17 inch rims (from an FJ Cruiser - you need a bit more wheel offset when you drop to 17 inch to avoid the KDSS components) and fit BF Goodrich's. It has made the vehicle extremely competent off road and certainly looks much better than the 19inch. I change between the two sets when I want to go offroading as the factory tyres and rims are far better on road.
Thanks Rob! that's a great suggestion and advice. Our esteem thanks! Do you perhaps have any pictures of the two different profiles that you can share with us on our Facebook page? for the benefit of others in our local 4x4 community?
Rob, what offset and tyre profile/width did you fit to the 17's?
@@robwilson7654 The FJ cruiser rims I used have positive 15 offset. I fitted 265/65/17 BFG KO2’s, this gives the same rolling diameter as the stock 19’s (it is the size of the stock 17’s fitted on other Prado’s) You could probably go to a 70 profile, but the small amount of extra lift you get is not really worth screwing with your speedometer.
@@robstone4537 Thanks for the feedback.
'Big' in this context I think relates to the widths one finds in bush tracks in South Africa. I recently spent two days driving around Tembe in northern KZN in my 76 (which is narrower than the Prado) and I scratched the sides a lot. The Prado and anything the same size would have been trashed. Ellie's don't make wide roads...
Correct Rob! The term "big" does relate to width and both length. Plus you are correct in saying that Ellies don't make wide roads! We recommend the protectX4 magnetic vehicle protectors for those wandering into dens bush or for those that prefer their travels and trails wild-er than others. 😉😉 here is a link if you want to order a set of your own. They are removable and magnetic which saved us a bundle on buffing the scratches and dents out: www.sa4x4.co.za/protectx4-overlanding-magnetic-4x4-protection/
Great video. Considering a slightly used LC200 facelift can be had around the same price, what would you have?
Thanks @Kensyre. in our opinion, newer is always better. Theres nothing wrong with the LC200 - apart from knowing how the previous owner treated the vehicle. Our point is more focused on depreciation and value. All vehicles do suffer from depreciation. Which goes to mention that a new vehicle may cost slightly more but the depreciation is will be less value in its first year, than the value of a pre-owned vehicle in its 3rd year. Although, in the same breath, insurance on a new vehicle may also be higher than an older model. which means it does swing in round-abouts as half a dozen of one is six of another. ;) if we were offered a new Prado VS a LC200 we would certainly take the new Prado. Unless.... it costs you a marriage ;) But lets see what others comment after reading your feedback.
Very interesting question!
Brilliant...thanks
Anytime @Matthys :D Thanks for your support
With proper off road tires the Prado is still an excellent overlander. Just get rid of the fake wooden steering wheel too please. 😁🤙🏻
Thanks Johannes, We're curious to know which tyres you have fitted? and for choice of steering wheel, would you say leather is better?
As an ex South African now living in Brisbane, Igot to laugh at the comments 'this is a large vehicle" Have had my Prado since 2013 and consider it to be a medium size vehicle. In fact it does not take up much more space than my wife's Corolla sedan in the garage.
Hi Adrian, you're not far off! the average Corolla length is 4375 mm and depending on which Prado you have, the length is around 4995 mm so the are reasonably similar as you say. is the width of your corolla 1790mm? The newer Prado is 1885 mm. Thus, yes - they are very close in terms of size. Most vehicle manufacturers try to ensure all their vehicles can fit into a standard sized garage.
With the Prado being more bulky (with good reason) it is severely more comfortable and spacious vs a Corolla. we have seen some struggle with parking at their local shopping centers. remember 30mm can be the difference between a vendor bender or not. depending on who is driving of course. we are extremely comfortable in bigger vehicles. however new comers into the market may need to feel their way first.
Regardless of which, we do like the fact that you are proudly TOYOTA! their new Hybrid is nothing short of brilliance! again...our opinion.😉
@@SA4x4online Well said, both great cars but then they are Toyotas!
Great video and trip, but OWING the 2.8D VX does not mean I LOVE it. Would rather opt for BIGGER Fortuner VX !!!
Thanks Izak, you know your Toyota's well! What would you do with the petrol 4.0VX-L that you wouldn't do with the diesel 2.8VX-L?
@@SA4x4online This is not about engines, don`t know petrol at all. Rather save R300k + (insurance, fuel, tyres) on Fortuner with same specs, but has a bigger luggage space.
@@izakvanheerden8962 AH! Thanks Izak, do you have insurance on your current VX? can we enquire as to who its with and the rough monthly cost? its always great to compare apples with apples and to see what the norm is.
There's not many specialized 4x4 insurers in SA, but we do know a few of them.
Is there anyone in the world that doesn't think the older 18" gun metal wheels look better than either of the new 19" designs? I understand taste is subjective, but to my eye here in Australia the VX wheels look better than the range topping Sahara wheels shown in this video.
Hi Ian.
Absolutely!
Opinion...like taste is always subjective.
Plus, you may be pleased to know that your comment has stirred up quite the debate in our office as to who favours 18" designs over the 19" designs. In a close ballot the 19" inch seemingly wins, because the patrons in our office state its a bigger overall tyre. Which does come with a lot of other benefits. Though...as you say....its all subjective.
@@SA4x4online The general consensus in the Australia enthusiast community seemed to be very negative towards the 19" for a couple reasons, lower profile tyres not as suitable for off road driving and the cost/availability of 19" tyres being so much higher and less stocked.
My opinion was more about the actual design of the newer ones, if they looked the same as the old but we 19" is be happier.
The reality is most Prado's are probably sold to mums for school pickup and maybe they like the 19" diamond cut look, the offroadets swap the factory wheels anyway.
@@ianandersen2130 Whole heartedly agree Ian. We think you are right. The Prado's are excellent touring vehicles not only because its the Toyota brand and build quality, but because they can comfortably seat 7 or you can fill the remining seats and boot space for luggage, fridges and sundries.
Its an extremely comfortable ride.
Here in South Africa, potholes on public roads are a serious danger, and thus a bigger tyres can easily maneuver over the smaller potholes. in addition to this, the Prado's do make for excellent tow vehicles for caravanners and campers too. We did an article some years back WRT the stopping power of smaller tyres compared to bigger ones. Simply stated, more tyre surface area means more traction/grip.
We also somewhat agree with you that most Prado's sold never make it into the bush. Thus, we also assume that Toyota is targeting the larger segment of customers who want to own a Prado VS those of us that want or desire to take it off-road.
Maybe the terminology "diamond cut" does make the 19's appear to be more desirable for hum drum daily runners. Though as you say....when overlanders gear up their vehicles for serious 4x4-ing, tyres/rims are usually the first to get replaced.
Have you seen the new Amarok that is being launched?
@@SA4x4online Haven't seen the new Amarok, haven't even seen the new Ranger it's based on in Australia yet. I'm waiting to get out of my current Amarok into a Prado which I ordered 3 months ago with a quoted 6 month wait, could be worse the LC300 has a year plus wait here, spoke to a Lexus dealer today, 2.5 year wait on a new LX apparently, it's madness.
@@ianandersen2130 Yeah! We do believe the waiting times for new vehicles is utter madness at the moment. We visited the FORD plant in Silverton (South Africa) for the pre-release new Ford Ranger and new Ford Everest models to be coming soon. It seems the biggest challenge that the manufacturers have to deal with is the availability of raw materials, parts, accessories and containers for shipping. Apparently there is a severe worldwide shortage of containers available. Which impacts delivery times.
We chalk this up to the post hangover effects of Covid.
Who knew that it wouldn't have been easy to stop and start entire industries at the push of a button for what seemed to be a hump in the road ahead, actually turned out to be a wrench in the driveshaft!
Can you imagine if you were a Toyota car salesman and only getting your commission on new vehicle sales almost 2 years later?
? promosm
Those tyres are too low profile.
Yeah! We wanted to test out a stock standard vehicle (off the showroom floor) on the dirt track to see how it handled. And quite right because we were concerned about the tyres and standard OEM suspension we didn't want to get into anything overly dangerous. we also wanted to show you all the interior and exterior too. For those too shy to visit their dealerships 🤣🤣