REDLINE ALLEYToyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 Series buying guide
2002 to 2009. A 120 suits a family that wants a capable mid size 4WD wagon; the 4.0 V6 avoids the diesel injector questions.
Big jobs
- 1KD-FTV injector seals and oil pickup. The 3.0 turbo diesel injector seals leak, letting gases into the oil that build carbon and block the oil pickup, leading to engine failure.
- Injectors sticking open. Injectors can fail outright or stick open, flooding a cylinder with fuel.
Workshop jobs
- Cracked dashboard. The dash cracks on the passenger side round the passenger airbag and the cracks spread.
- Split rear door. The rear door skin splits along the hinge side, blamed on the weight of the door and the spare wheel.
- Self levelling rear suspension (Grande). The Grande's self levelling rear suspension makes aftermarket suspension harder and dearer to fit.
Questions for the seller
- When were the injector seals last done, and at what km?
- Have the injectors been replaced, and when?
- Has the oil pickup ever been checked for carbon?
- Is it the 3.0 diesel or the 4.0 V6?
- Has the dash or rear door been repaired?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-01. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.