Croozer

I'm interested to hear what people are paying for a KX-R AWD in more recent months. I sold my Landcruiser 100 series today (it'll take me a long time to get over it! :( ) and am looking at down sizing into a Kluger. I spoke to a Toyota dealer yesterday who said I should be able to drive away in an AWD KX-R for about $45k. Like the last poster asked, is there any word of a refresh anytime soon? Cheers,

Try looking at pradopoint.com, you will probably find a lot more Prado owners in there receptive to your question and other information to do with anything and everything about the Prado.

Thanks guys, sorry, hope i didnt double post. Im still learning what's available in this forum. Ill check it out. As for whether there are any Altitudes left...I hope so! I spoke to the dealer two days ago and she seemed to think there were a few white ones floating around. At the end of the day, if there are no Altitudes left then I will probably get a KX-S...or wait and see if an updated model comes along (hopefully with a six speed gearbox!).

Hi guys, Im close to ordering a new Altitiude and want to upgrade the standard system with a 6 CD / ipod capability / bluetooth function system. Obviously, I can upgrade to the Toyota 6 CD / bluetooth system or go aftermarket which is probably better quality and maybe even a little cheaper. So, who has installed an aftermarket system and what did you get? Is the aftermarket system compatible with the steering wheel mounted controls? And for those who have gone this far, have you replaced the speakers (what size are they)? Just trying to get a little info up my sleeve before I head into the dealer to order. Cheers in advance!

So you drove to 2WD Kluger to compare? And I think the KX-S is a better deal if it's only a couple grand different. No, I havent driven a 2WD Kluger for a direct comparison. Unfortunately, the dealership didn't have any 2WD Klugers in stock. Im basing my experience on driving a RWD Territory, FWD Rav4 and a FWD Aurion. Please don't misunderstand my comment, Im not passing judgement on those who have bought a 2WD Kluger, Im simply stating what's important for me personally. As for the KX-S, I guess its what youre after. I dont want the leather interior or electric seats and in the past have never used auto climate control (nor would I ever use the steering-wheel mounted climate control buttons), preferring the simpler 'do-it-yourself' climate control. For me, the Altitude is better value with a DVD player, sunroof and cloth seats. I did look at the KX-S and considered whether it may be better value for a few grand more, but at the end of the day there's no use paying for things you don't need or want.

Well, I took an AWD Kluger for a test spin today not quite knowing what to expect. Coming from a LC100 diesel Im used to the feel of a large 4WD verging on a truck like experience. Admittedly I like driving Landcruisers and its something Ive become used to. Hopping into a KX-R AWD, I was immediately amazed by how easy it was to drive! Its comfortable, has a bootful of power under the bonnet and with the AWD system it sticks to the road like glue. I walked away mighty impressed and it confirmed my decision to purchase an AWD Altitude. I appreciate the extra cost of AWD over 2WD, but in my book the AWD is worth the extra cost for the driving experience and safety factor alone. I never thought id say this as until recently I could never see myself in one, but the Kluger is a seriously nice car and I cant wait to get it!

Thanks for that, made things a little easier. One more quick question, how do you find the leather interior? Im halfway between an Altitude and a KX-S at the moment, but am unsure of the quality of the leather (generally Toyota goes a little cheap when it comes to leather) and how it resists little kids! The extra little luxuries are nice but not really things I'd miss if they weren't there. If the Altitude had a leather steering wheel I'd be set.

Haha, but you read about someone who did right? ;) Thanks for the info, I was getting a little concerned about forking out an extra $4500 for a system that isnt really full AWD. I tried doing a further search on 'torque split' as suggested by Holmesie but I still cant bring up any info on the AWD setup. Not sure if Im using the search function incorrectly...

Thanks mate, I attempted a couple of searches with no fruitful results. Ill look up your suggestion. Cheers, Dan

Im very close to ordering a Kluger AWD based on the belief it has a different system to the RAV4 - that is; unlike the RAV4's 'on-demand' setup, the Kluger is an actual AWD system and drives all four wheels all the time. However, an article I read about the Kluger today indicated the AWD Kluger is the same as the RAV4 - 'on-demand'. Can anyone shed some light in this and confirm what they understand the system to be? Cheers, Dan

I went down to my local dealer today to get a quote for an AWD Altitude (white) with; nudge bar side steps roof rack kit bonnet/headlight protector reverse parking sensors weathershields to both front doors carpet mat set and rear cargo mat Under a business registration the total came to $58,500 on-road. The saleman stated they could probably throw in most of the extras for free bringing the price down to the $53k-$55k area. Now, to me this seems pretty steep. Particularly when people seem to be getting KX-S AWD models for low $50k prices. Salesman said there was less margin in the Altitude model. When I put to him the high price and the option of upgrading to a KX-S AWD for not much more $$, to his credit he didn't try and bulls*#t me and had to agree. Seems perhaps the Altitude is not all value for money? At least when you consider the drive-away prices people are getting for the next model up.

Cheers mate, will let you know what happens. Does anyone know how long the Altitiude is out here for before they finish it up? Its not a bad deal actually, I have no interest in leather seats or auto everything so it fits the bill nicely for me.

Between Sep '09 and Nov '09. Have heard Toyota is delaying the release of the Prado to 2010 due to their current financial standing but not sure how true this is. And no V6 diesel to speak of. Not yet anyway, maybe in later models. But have heard it will be a ripper of a 4WD (if you like technology particularly).

I'll say only this; Stuart Toyota Kirrawee.....grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!! Im guessing aftersales service is not their priority.

I gotta agree with some of the previous posts. I like the Rav, my wife bought one before we were married, but I see them as a city car pretending to be something else. Better suited to the fairer sex.