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We require a large vehicle for a family of 5 and a dog which will tow a 1.5 tonne boat. We have driven our trusty Pajero into the ground and we need a replacement. We have been warned away from the Pajero's as there have been problems with the GDI although we do like them for their finish and drive.
We have also looked at the Toyota prado diesel. We have not owned a diesel before and know little about them. Our budget is $20,000. For this we can buy an imported Petrol Pajero 2000 - 2002 with 50,000 - 100,000 on the clock, a 2003 Diesel Pajero (NZ new) with 179,000 kms on the clock or a 1996/1997 Diesel Prado with 150,000 on the clock.
Our travel is mostly long distance, open road and loaded. The vehicle will not be an around town runabout. We launch the boat at the lakeside and avoid using ramps, and ski each year, hence wanting the 4 wheel drive. We do approx 10,000 - 13,000 kms per year.
What are your thoughts on the two vehicles and the petrol v diesel? We want something reliable and are looking at having it for perhaps 5 years by which time the family will have left home.

To be honest the petrol v Diesel call is not as straight forward as some may think.

I say that based on the low mileage you travel each year. The Diesel will win on fuel consumption every time and certainly has the towing ability however, the overall ownership costs may favour a petrol vehicle in your case. In general, the higher the distance travelled the more beneficial Diesel becomes.

The Prado is a good example of a vehicle which is able to retain high resale values because of its reputation for reliability and ability to handle a high work load.

The Pajero Diesel is not a bad choice either however and your 20K will buy you a more modern vehicle and one which has travelled less km’s in comparison to the Toyota.

The Pajero petrol engines are a mixed bag with the 3.5 litre GDi version the one to avoid.

All old and high mileage vehicles are a risk but the potential to run up high mechanical repair costs with a diesel should not be ignored. A proven past service history can certainly help eliminate those fears.

On top of that you have higher registrations fees and Road User Charges to pay.

You may want to at least consider something like a AWD Ford Territory or a 4WD Toyota Highlander.

The downside is the higher fuel consumption but the overall drive and comfort levels would be superior.

Towing a 1.5 tonne braked weight would not be a problem either.