Toyota LandCruiser Prado: best and worst years

4 generations sold in Australia, rated from our guides

Best bets: J120 (2003-2009), J150 (2009-2024) (top pick in our guides).

1996-2003J90 (90 Series)

Good value

Good value: 14 known problems, 2 high-severity. Worst to watch for: Cooling-system neglect (especially viscous fan hub); Cracked cylinder head from overheating.

Full J90 guide →

2003-2009J120 (120 Series)

Top pick

Our top pick: 13 known problems, 3 high-severity. Worst to watch for: AHC (Active Height Control) failure - VX/Grande only; Injector seat erosion (pre-2007).

Year-specific notes in the guide

pre-2007Injector seat erosion (pre-2007)
pre-20064AT transmission (pre-2006) - shudder

Full J120 guide →

2009-2024J150 (150 Series)

Top pick

Our top pick: 12 known problems, 2 high-severity. Worst to watch for: Cracked pistons (Euro IV, 2009-2014); Injector failure.

Year-specific notes in the guide

2009-2014Cracked pistons (Euro IV, 2009-2014)
2015-2017DPF clogging / high oil consumption (2015-2017)

Full J150 guide →

2024-2026J250 (250 Series)

No strong verdict

No strong verdict either way: 8 known problems, 1 high-severity. Worst to watch for: Recall ZFU03 - electric brake controller / driver's airbag torque.

Full J250 guide →

Verdicts are the ratings in each FlamingCars guide; reasons and year notes come from the problems those guides list. Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection.