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Hi there,

I am looking at purchasing a vehicle suitable for towing my horse float (double float with one horse) but also for everyday commuting to work (approx 70kms per day). I was wondering if there was a vehicle you could recommend. We have a budget of around $15K to $20K.

I am currently thinking of something like a Toyota Prado in auto and diesel but don't want to purchase something that is unreliable or going to cost a fortune to run.

Would this vehicle be suitable do you think? With what we have to spend we are only able to get something pre year 2000 but we are looking for something that has done lower kms (between 100,000km to 150,000km).

I have read a review that says that these vehicle are prone to cracked cylinder heads, is this correct? Is there anything else we should look out for.

Other vehicle considerations are Mitsubishi Pajero or Isuzu Bighorn.

I travel approximately 25-30,000kms per year. Is Diesel the best way to go with that sort of mileage?

I had previously been towing with a Nissan Safari (for the past 8 years) and using a small car to commute to work, so I have no experience with any other vehicles.

Thanks so much.

The Prado is an excellent towing vehicle and as long as they are serviced well, with the cooling system kept in good order, they should be fine.
Like any vehicle, if they are not properly maintained and the cooling system is neglected, they can overheat, and if they overheat the cylinder head can crack.
The Pajero and Bighorn are not without their weaknesses either so all things being equal, if you can find a good example, the preference would be the Prado.
Diesel is the best option on a large SUV as they retain their value better and large petrol SUVs are very thirsty on fuel.