Toyota Prado of OPM – Fully Loaded, Fully Loved
In today’s review, Suneel Sarfraz Munj meets with the well-known content creator Osman Pervaiz Mughal, aka OPM, to talk about his recently imported 2019 Toyota Prado TXL. The conversation covers everything from purchase reasons to features, performance, fuel average, and maintenance experience.
Make, Model & Variant
- Make: Toyota
- Model: Prado
- Year: 2019 (imported in December 2024)
- Variant: TXL 2.7L Petrol (with TZ-G kit and Japanese options)
- Colour & Interior: Full black exterior and interior (Usman’s personal preference)
The Prado came with all factory-fitted options directly from Japan, including a branded Japanese exhaust, leather seats, sunroof, and a full 7-seater configuration.
Why He Chose Prado Again
Osman shared that this isn’t his first Prado. He previously owned a 2013 TX variant in white with beige interior and was so satisfied that he ended up buying a newer Prado again.
“I usually change cars every year, but this one stayed with me for years.”
- Previously had a Land Cruiser ZX, which was too large for his needs
- Wanted a vehicle that was practical, premium, and easier to park
- Frequently attends weddings/events, so aesthetics matter
“A photographer showing up in a Land Cruiser and the groom in a Corolla… doesn’t look right!”
Price Insight
- Purchased in: December 2024
- Approximate cost: PKR 280 lac
Osman shared that he got a good deal through a friend’s dealership on Jail Road, despite the tough market.
“Forget FBR — let’s just say it was worth the price.”
Anything Missing?
The photographer says the car is almost fully loaded with no real features missing.
What’s included:
- Heated & ventilated seats
- Traction control
- 360-degree camera
- Sunroof
- TV & infotainment
- Genuine leather upholstery
The only thing he personally misses is the small traditional mirror on the front left fender, a common feature in older Prados. It’s a sentimental feature more than a functional one.
Paint Protection – PPF vs. Glass Coating
- Got self-healing 8.5mm PPF installed the next day after purchase
- Cost: Roughly PKR 100,000, depending on quality
Commenting on PPF, Suneel shares his own experience:
“Cheap PPF can damage paint while removing. I opted for quality even at a higher cost.”
He usually avoids PPF but had a recent incident where his G3 (2003 model) got scratched due to denim buttons — that changed his perspective.
His advice:
- Glass coating is good for shine
- PPF is great for scratch protection, but not accident-proof
- Always invest in quality PPF, not the cheapest available
Interior & Features
He compares this TXL with his previous 2017 TX:
What’s new:
- Half-wood, half-leather steering wheel
- Updated infotainment
- Improved seat cushioning & ventilation
- Enhanced leather feel and better grip on the wheel
“AC was running on full in 47°C, and seats were chilling — ventilated seats are a must now in Pakistan.”
Black Interior vs Beige
The owner specifically wanted a black-on-black combo after using beige before. Suneel commented on interior colour trends:
- Beige was a trend in the 2000s and 2010s
- Black interiors are back in fashion, seen in Corolla, Sportage, and other premium editions
“Chrome is fading, black is back. I’m glad I made this switch.”
Fuel Average
- Highway (at 120 km/h): Up to 8.2 km/l
- City: Around 7.5 km/l
Coming from a Land Cruiser V8, Usman feels this is surprisingly efficient.
“For someone switching from a V8, even 8 km/l feels great.”
Maintenance Cost
- Does not prefer the Toyota dealership due to expensive and unnecessary replacements
- Uses a trusted independent mechanic
- Average oil change interval: Every 5,000 km
- Cost: Combined bill for multiple vehicles, but generally cheaper than maintaining a Sportage
“Maintaining a Prado or even a Land Cruiser is easier and cheaper than many new crossovers.”
Registration Cost Myth Busted
There is a common myth that Prado registration costs PKR 14–15 lakhs. Usman clarifies:
- Actual registration in Punjab cost him PKR 10.5 lac
- Islamabad registration now costs up to PKR 16 lac
“These figures vary but always verify — don’t go by hearsay.”
Final Verdict
Usman wraps up the review saying:
- Prado is practical yet premium
- The black edition with full options is worth the investment
- PPF vs Glass Coating: Both have pros, but PPF is more protective
- Fuel economy, comfort, and feature set make it ideal for both city and long drives
“You cry once with an expensive buy, but it saves you long-term. Cheap stuff makes you cry again and again.”
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