Newbie looking for a Prado with Manual transmission

[dogz]

Gidday, I am an Aussie moving to Christchurch at end of year (after doing hard time in the UK for a couple of years!). Looking forward to getting back into 4wding and fishing, and from what I have read on this site there should be opportunities for both in the Canterbury region.

I had a '98 Prado in Australia but had to sell it when we moved overseas (still brings a tear to the eye). So I am keen to purchase another, preferably a Manual, and maybe the later model (2002 onwards). I have worked out a few NZ auction sites for cars (e.g. TradeMe), as well as local dealers etc, and have been checking out prices etc. HOWEVER - I cannot see anything other than Automatic transmissions!

So what's the go here? I would much prefer to have a Manual for offroad work but there doesn't seem to be many around - why not? Is it something about the newer Prado's that they don't have many models with manual tranmissions? Or is it a Kiwi thing?

Any info appreciated!

p.s. would also appreciate any recommendations on other sites/info on 4wding and/or fishing around Christchurch

[ClassicCruiserSpares]

I doubt youll find a 2002 or above manual prado in NZ, youll find earlier ones pre 98-2000 in manual. Theres definetly some good fishing 4wding around canterbury areas.

[Heath]

I searched for ages for my diesel manual (got a 96 SWB) and towards the end I was contending with having to get a manual. Luckily one came up at the last minute (was going to buy a petrol auto one from a dealer) with all the gear I could have ever wanted.

Keep searching there may be one out there for you, but it will be tough.

[Jerry]

May be worth checking if you can bring a truck over with you .... 96-02 manuals are hard to find.... the ozzy spec ones have dual tanks and diff locks

[Snafu]

Perhaps Landcruiser instead. 80 series some here have factory diff locks some auto, some manual.

[dogz]

OK, thanks guys, I guess that confirms what I've been seeing.

Sound like my options probably are:
- look around for an older model, and spend a bit to get it fixed up
- see if I can find a Cruiser that isn't going to break the bank
- check out costs to ship something over from Oz

I suspect the Cruiser is the only option that's going to be popular with the other half (and of course cost a lot more!)

[Snafu]

dogz I do remember seeing a good article somewhere on here about shipping to NZ. check search.

Latest Aussie 4WD Action Magazine had a segment on the dvd about the 60 series cruiser. Saying the best engine Toyota ever made. Maybe true, who knows. The odd one of those here in NZ.

[dogz]

Just a quick update - I am in NZ now, and I got lucky and managed to find a Manual Diesel Prado, a 2005 RV. As indicated here they are very thin on the ground, and most of the ones I did come across were older models (90s). In fact I only saw two manual 120 series in ChCh and the other had 200+Ks on it.

Mine is NZ New, so doesn't have the extra fuel tank (only present on the imports from what I could work out). But apart from that it is pretty much spot on.

Now just need to save my $$$ to start getting it setup for some fishing trips...