Offroad-Express

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!)

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.

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...