New Scorpio automatic or 10 yr old Prado

docmale · 6th September 2010, 18:21

hi,
need advice whether it makes sense buying 10yr old prado white and automatic done about 65000kms in good condition vs buying a new scorpio automatic .Both cost appox 12 lacs in mumbai and automatic is what i am keen in.
budget is apox 12-13 lacs hence other new suvs are out of bounds
plz advice

2500cc · 6th September 2010, 18:39

Doc, IMO go for Scorpio for peace of mind. It would be difficult in terms of service and spares availability for a 10yrs old Prado. Otherwise 10Yrs prado is way ahead of Current Gen Scorpio.

prateekm · 6th September 2010, 18:44

Why do you want to buy a 10 year old Prado? I am sure it will be tough maintaining one. In your budget, you might get even a good second-hand Captiva if you wait for a few months. Since you haven't mentioned your daily running, I can even suggest you a CR-V A/T.

iceman7 · 6th September 2010, 18:45

I think buying a new Scorpio with an Auto box makes more sense. Again, the Scorpio will be much cheaper to maintain in the long run as opposed to the 10 yr old Prado.

My vote for the Scorpio

nepalken · 7th September 2010, 12:13

Toyota is Toyota, our 22 year old Hilux runs better than my 1.5 year old Mahindra Camper. The only difference is Mahindra has better DI engine, whereas hilux has NA old engine overhauled several times. In every other department Toyota wins. I drove a 1998 Prado a month back, and I was surprised how good it was. It was Manual transmission. I have never driven an automatic.

My 2 cents would be for Prado.

Tejas@perioimpl · 7th September 2010, 13:11

docmale,

Please give a bit more details so that we can give you a more informed advice.
- what is your daily running distance? petrol prado vs diesel scorpio
- do you want snob value?
- are you willing to spend for maintenance? both time and money?
- what kind of roads will you be traveling on? highway or broken roads?

Since i have driven both (the prado extensively), i will give you my comments:
If your running is high, go for the scorpio. The prado gives a horrible FE.
If you are looking at snob value, the prado is the way to go.
Prado maintenance is high and there are a few private mechanics who understand all the electronics. Bigger issue may be the wait for parts. Parts as such are available all around the world and if you have contacts to ship them, then availability is not a problem.
Prado handles like a dream. It is very much car like. As for the scorpio, less said the better in comparison. However, if you will be traveling through bad road consistently, go for the scorpio since the Prado suspension will give up pretty soon.
Resale value of the scorpio will be more also.

FlyingSpur · 7th September 2010, 13:21

How about a pre-owned Captiva or GV ? They're not too old so they won't give you trouble too soon, definitely a safer bet than a ten year old Import. While I agree that Toyota is Toyota (first hand experience!) I have reason to believe that in India, Imports may not always be cared for the way they should be, and the driving conditions here do take their toll on cars. If new is a priority, I'd probably suggest the Scorp too.

Tejas@perioimpl · 7th September 2010, 13:26

There is no AT option in the GV. Also, it's underpowered and the FE is poor.

When i was searching for a used car a few months ago, i did not see any Captiva in that price range of 12L.

BTW, did the Pajero ever come in AT in India? If yes, a used one could be a better option IMO.

Akshay1234 · 7th September 2010, 13:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tejas@perioimpl

There is no AT option in the GV. Also, it's underpowered and the FE is poor.

There certainly WAS an A/T option in the GV when it had the 2.0 petrol engine. I dont know if it is still available with the 2.4 now.

n.devdath · 8th September 2010, 10:17

A very interesting discussion. In fact, I had the very same thoughts in mind I would pass by the famed imported car garage/showroom/petrol bunk opposite to Cubbon Park at Bangalore near the Corporation Circle.

I would see gleaming used Prados and Pajeros and LCs and wanted to inquire about them many times before I purchased Hariya. But then, the expensive upkeep, imported spares and low FE always put me off.

Today I have reasons to believe my decision.

GTO · 8th September 2010, 10:29

Toyota body-on-frames usually outlast their owners; that's how tough they are built. However, there is a difference between continuing to use a car that you've owned for 10 years, and buying someone else's 10 year old car. It's a grey market import, would have been serviced at unreliable after-markets and no one can guarantee against abuse / odometer tampering etc. I wouldn't recommend the Prado to you.

The Scorpio AT is a safe bet. But why don't you consider the following pre-owned options:

Ford Endeavour - ATs available
Honda CRV - Plenty in your budget. However, no diesel
Previous gen Nissan X-Trail

All of them are excellent SUVs. With some footwork & effort, you'll easily find 3 - 4 year old examples in your budget.

Aroy · 8th September 2010, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tejas@perioimpl

There is no AT option in the GV. Also, it's underpowered and the FE is poor.

When i was searching for a used car a few months ago, i did not see any Captiva in that price range of 12L.

BTW, did the Pajero ever come in AT in India? If yes, a used one could be a better option IMO.

From the Site Prices

GRAND VITARA MT 1694382.82
GRAND VITARA AT 1826660.07

Grand Vitara is also smaller than the other SUV.

Pajero never came with Auto in India. The Outlander does.

Tejas@perioimpl · 8th September 2010, 12:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aroy

From the Site Prices

GRAND VITARA MT 1694382.82
GRAND VITARA AT 1826660.07

Grand Vitara is also smaller than the other SUV.

Pajero never came with Auto in India. The Outlander does.

I was referring to the first GV, the one with V6. I assume that was a MT.

dipen · 8th September 2010, 12:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tejas@perioimpl

I was referring to the first GV, the one with V6. I assume that was a MT.

Nope the older bigger V6 came with AT only.

Tejas@perioimpl · 8th September 2010, 13:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by dipen

Nope the older bigger V6 came with AT only.

Ok. I stand corrected.

6th September 2010, 18:21	#1
docmale Newbie Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: MUMBAI Posts: 2 Thanked: 0 Times	New Scorpio automatic or 10 yr old Prado hi, need advice whether it makes sense buying 10yr old prado white and automatic done about 65000kms in good condition vs buying a new scorpio automatic .Both cost appox 12 lacs in mumbai and automatic is what i am keen in. budget is apox 12-13 lacs hence other new suvs are out of bounds plz advice
	() Thanks

6th September 2010, 18:39	#2
2500cc BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 734 Thanked: 349 Times	Doc, IMO go for Scorpio for peace of mind. It would be difficult in terms of service and spares availability for a 10yrs old Prado. Otherwise 10Yrs prado is way ahead of Current Gen Scorpio.
	() Thanks

6th September 2010, 18:44	#3
prateekm BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Mumbai & BLR Posts: 790 Thanked: 553 Times	Why do you want to buy a 10 year old Prado? I am sure it will be tough maintaining one. In your budget, you might get even a good second-hand Captiva if you wait for a few months. Since you haven't mentioned your daily running, I can even suggest you a CR-V A/T.
	() Thanks

6th September 2010, 18:45	#4
iceman7 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: BOM \| TLL Posts: 751 Thanked: 469 Times	I think buying a new Scorpio with an Auto box makes more sense. Again, the Scorpio will be much cheaper to maintain in the long run as opposed to the 10 yr old Prado. My vote for the Scorpio
	() Thanks

7th September 2010, 12:13	#5
nepalken BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nepal Posts: 87 Thanked: 26 Times	Toyota is Toyota, our 22 year old Hilux runs better than my 1.5 year old Mahindra Camper. The only difference is Mahindra has better DI engine, whereas hilux has NA old engine overhauled several times. In every other department Toyota wins. I drove a 1998 Prado a month back, and I was surprised how good it was. It was Manual transmission. I have never driven an automatic. My 2 cents would be for Prado.
	() Thanks

7th September 2010, 13:11	#6
Tejas@perioimpl Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bombay Posts: 4,423 Thanked: 9,582 Times View My Garage	docmale, Please give a bit more details so that we can give you a more informed advice. - what is your daily running distance? petrol prado vs diesel scorpio - do you want snob value? - are you willing to spend for maintenance? both time and money? - what kind of roads will you be traveling on? highway or broken roads? Since i have driven both (the prado extensively), i will give you my comments: If your running is high, go for the scorpio. The prado gives a horrible FE. If you are looking at snob value, the prado is the way to go. Prado maintenance is high and there are a few private mechanics who understand all the electronics. Bigger issue may be the wait for parts. Parts as such are available all around the world and if you have contacts to ship them, then availability is not a problem. Prado handles like a dream. It is very much car like. As for the scorpio, less said the better in comparison. However, if you will be traveling through bad road consistently, go for the scorpio since the Prado suspension will give up pretty soon. Resale value of the scorpio will be more also.
	() Thanks

7th September 2010, 13:21	#7
FlyingSpur Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,934 Thanked: 1,422 Times View My Garage	How about a pre-owned Captiva or GV ? They're not too old so they won't give you trouble too soon, definitely a safer bet than a ten year old Import. While I agree that Toyota is Toyota (first hand experience!) I have reason to believe that in India, Imports may not always be cared for the way they should be, and the driving conditions here do take their toll on cars. If new is a priority, I'd probably suggest the Scorp too.
	() Thanks

7th September 2010, 13:26	#8
Tejas@perioimpl Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bombay Posts: 4,423 Thanked: 9,582 Times View My Garage	There is no AT option in the GV. Also, it's underpowered and the FE is poor. When i was searching for a used car a few months ago, i did not see any Captiva in that price range of 12L. BTW, did the Pajero ever come in AT in India? If yes, a used one could be a better option IMO.
	() Thanks

8th September 2010, 10:17	#10
n.devdath BANNED Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 4,287 Thanked: 2,811 Times	A very interesting discussion. In fact, I had the very same thoughts in mind I would pass by the famed imported car garage/showroom/petrol bunk opposite to Cubbon Park at Bangalore near the Corporation Circle. I would see gleaming used Prados and Pajeros and LCs and wanted to inquire about them many times before I purchased Hariya. But then, the expensive upkeep, imported spares and low FE always put me off. Today I have reasons to believe my decision.
	() Thanks

8th September 2010, 10:29	#11
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,546 Thanked: 300,788 Times View My Garage	Toyota body-on-frames usually outlast their owners; that's how tough they are built. However, there is a difference between continuing to use a car that you've owned for 10 years, and buying someone else's 10 year old car. It's a grey market import, would have been serviced at unreliable after-markets and no one can guarantee against abuse / odometer tampering etc. I wouldn't recommend the Prado to you. The Scorpio AT is a safe bet. But why don't you consider the following pre-owned options: Ford Endeavour - ATs available Honda CRV - Plenty in your budget. However, no diesel Previous gen Nissan X-Trail All of them are excellent SUVs. With some footwork & effort, you'll easily find 3 - 4 year old examples in your budget.
	() Thanks