@Akbar_Khan
LC 70/73 is a great off-roader with 2L & 2LTs if U can find one in good condition, same goes for FJ-40 if U R in to FJs. But if U R interested in Prado/Surf 1996 onwards then it all depends on your choice/preference.
Both Prado & Surf R easily available in the market as fresh imports and on very good price. If U R lookin for 7 seater off-raod/SUV then go for Prado if Medium size SUV (5 seater with more cargo space) then go for Surf. From 1996 till 2001 both has got same engine 1KZ-TE. Prado no matter TX/TZ both has got Turbo Intercooler attached. But in Surf mostly SSR-G having Frame # KD-KZN185W-GAPGH and in SSR-X having Frame# KD-KZN185W-GAPXH has got Intercooler attached.
Here iis brief comparison of Prado TZ 1996 and Surf SSR-G 1996. I kept both the rides and this how I find them in my opinion.
Surf:
If some one wants to have really a sports ride and good off-roader then Surf is the best choice for him. As being part time 4x4 fuel consumption is better than Parado. With the Differential Locks, Hard Shocks, Electronic Controal Transmition Options available on it's top of the line model makes Surf the best is medium size SUV having more than enough cargo space and as being 5 seater. Having great Suspension, Transmission, 4x4, Diff Lock and Hard Shocks provides much better performance on the road and off-road.
Prado:
It's a great comfortable ride and a good off-roader as well but 1995/96 onwards are full time 4x4. Any drift lover will miss the drifts while surf as being part time 4x4 will give U an excellent drifts as a rear wheel drive. Fuel consumption is more than Surf.
No Hard Shock option available but the performance of Suspension, Transmission, 4x4, Diff Lock etc is almost same as Surf. The only major diffrence is that it has a comfortable ride as compare Surf. It's a great Big SUV with 7 seats.
performance is more or less same but as I said Parado has a bit comfortable ride than Surf.
