Seeking Advice on 1993 & 1997 Toyota Prado for Off-Roading in Pakistan

[usamat340]

Hello everyone!

I’m currently looking into purchasing a 4X4 SUV for proper off-roading in Pakistan, and I’ve narrowed my options down to two vehicles within my budget: a 1993 Toyota Prado and a 1997 Toyota Prado. Both are appealing, but I’m a little torn between the two. I would greatly appreciate your insights and advice on a few points:

Questions I Have:

1- Rear Diff Locks: Do these models come standard with rear differential locks, or would I need to install them aftermarket?

2- Aftermarket Diff Locks: If I opt for aftermarket diff locks, what kind of modifications would be required? Would these alterations be reliable and sustainable, or would I end up visiting the workshop frequently due to issues?

3- Parts Availability & Cost: How easy is it to find replacement parts for both the 1993 and 1997 Prados? Which one has more readily available and cheaper parts?

4- Reliability: Given that these are both older vehicles, which one would be more reliable? I know general maintenance is essential, but which of these is less likely to leave me stranded, especially during long-distance drives?

5- Suspension (Leaf vs. Coil Springs): Does the 1993 Prado come with leaf springs or coil springs as standard? If it comes with leaf springs, would it be possible to upgrade to coilovers, and would this modification be reliable over time?

6- 5 Door vs 3 Door: I would also appreciate advice on longer wheelbase models vs short wheelbase models, which would be better for tracks in Pakistan and if they have any difference in terms of off-raoding feature like diff locks or suspension setups.

7- 3.0D vs 3.4 petrol: As far as I understand the reliability and longevity of diesel engines is more than the petrol engines specially for offroading but am still a little confused on which would be better in terms of mechanics, parts etc.

About Me:
I’m a first-timer getting into off-roading, so I’m still learning a lot about these vehicles and modifications. Any advice, recommendations, or personal experiences would be immensely helpful! I’m aiming to make a decision before January 2026, so I have a bit of time, but I want to make sure I choose the right one for my needs.

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

[waqasch1]

What kind of off roading are you planning to do, tracks, mild, extreme?

IMHO (other will join soon)
1. No, they do not come with standard diff locks
2. Will be reliable if done by a professional who understands SUV, Diff locks etc. (i.e. expensive workshops)
3. Parts of both would be available. Would be easier to find 1997 parts. Part prices not sure.
4. 1997 will be more reliable. You would need to take care of its known weaknesses e.g. front ball joints.
5. 1993 Prado comes with Coil Springs.
6. 3 Door better for serious off-roading. 5 door overall more practical.
7. 3.4 Petrol would be better. 3.0 Diesel Intercooler Turbo would require specialist workshops.

Consider starting with an economical and simpler vehicle.
Avoid cheap workshops and parts, you will end up paying alot more and loose reliability as well.

[usamat340]

Thanks a lot for the detailed input @waqasch1 Really appreciate it!!!

I’m mainly planning to start with mild off-roading and some long trips to places like Mahodand Lake, where there isn’t too much rough terrain and then gradually move towards moderate and eventually more serious offroading once I get the hang of things.

Do you happen to know any good workshops in Pindi/Islamabad with solid experience in installing diff locks? I’d rather get the work done properly the first time.

Also, I’ve heard quite a bit about the ball joint issue in the 97–2002 Prados, is it something that can completely leave you stranded, or is the vehicle still somewhat drivable if it fails?

I checked out a 93 Prado some time ago, and it had coil springs in the front but leaf springs at the back. Is that setup standard for all 93s or does it vary by variant?

I’m also leaning more towards the 3-door version since it should be more maneuverable off-road. Just wondering, are there any major differences between the 3-door and 5-door in terms of engine or suspension setup, or are they basically the same?

Lastly, Im more inclined towards the 3.0 diesel intercooler option. I don’t mind spending a bit more as long as there’s a reliable workshop around that really understands these engines. Overall, isn’t the diesel engine more robust than the petrol engine, with better fuel economy as well? I know fuel average shouldn’t really be a deciding factor for an off-roader, but in my opinion, it’s still better to have to fill up less often especially since fuel availability can be tricky in some of the remote areas I’d plan to explore.

[waqasch1]

my pleasure, if the reply was helpful for you
that sounds like a good plan, tracks to moderate to serious

no personal experience of Rwp workshops but have heard of some good ones
Yes, it leaves you stranded - it has to be in the preventive repairs list and use top quality parts for it
93 Prado - surprised to hear that a 93 had leaf springs, are you sure it was a Prado and not a LandCruiser 70 series?
3 and 5 door - same vehicle. 3 door better for serious offroading.
Deisel vs Petrol - Yes, diesel are better and more economical if you can find a workshop that can take good care of the vehicle. Good workshops should be in easy in Rwp/Isb.

make sure you drive a few vehicles before you finalize any one and it has to prepurchase inspected by an SUV specialist workshops

enjoy these videos

[usamat340]

Really helpful videos @waqasch1, can’t believe I didn’t know about this channel earlier!

You’re probably right, it might’ve been a Land Cruiser it was quite a while ago, so my memory’s a bit hazy. After watching these videos, the 1993 Prado is starting to make a lot more sense to me. The ball joint issue on the 97+ models honestly has me a bit nervous though.

As far as finding a reputable workshop is concerned I think I will look for that after I have actually got the vehicle

I’ve started hunting for a Prado (just online for now through PakWheels) and a few new questions have popped up. Would really appreciate some feedback from the experienced folks here:

1- Price range for the 1993 Prado: I’m seeing ads anywhere between 27 and 50 lac, that’s a pretty big gap. What’s a realistic budget to set, and what kind of condition should I expect at different price points?

2- Abbottabad / AJK numbers: A lot of listings have Abbottabad or AJK registration. Are there any downsides to that? Like transfer issues or anything to avoid? And same question for sindh number too.

3- Chassis number stuff: I’ve heard these older Prados sometimes have chassis numbers tampered with. What’s the best way to make sure the chassis is legit? I’d rather spend a bit more than end up with legal trouble later.

4- Parts availability: Engine parts seem easy to find, but what about body and interior stuff? Are new parts still made or is it mostly kabuli stuff these days?

Thanks in advance, any advice would really help!

[waqasch1]

there are a few good offroading/suv channels in Pakistan

Yes, workshop can be found later

Price - Pakwheels and Olx are overpriced. Have heard of deals between 17-28 in the last year. Offline is where you will find a good deal.

Abbottabad/AJK numbers: No issues (if documents are complete) except lower sale/resale value

Chassis number - A reliable source. Alternatively an expert who understands SUVs cut, weld, tamper issues

Interior parts - usually Kabli

[usamat340]

Thanks for the guidance, I’ve officially started my search for a 90s Prado. I checked one today that seems like a solid option with a 1KZ-T already installed. The only drawbacks are that it’s a manual transmission and registered in KPK, but I think I can live with both. I’ll have it inspected by an expert or someone more experienced before making any decisions. I’ll keep this thread updated as things progress!

[mumbojumbo]

https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/t/land-cruiser-prado-70-series-restomod/3009056/117

Salam

🏼 this is a great thread and i am sure you will find it helpful!