Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (150 series): diesel and petrol maintenance

The Prado 150 has been sold with several engines. The most common in Kenya are the 3.0 litre diesel (1KD), the newer 2.8 litre diesel (1GD) and the 2.7 litre petrol (2TR). Find out which yours has; the logbook or a garage can confirm it.

Every 5,000–10,000 km

• Engine oil and filter: 5,000 km on rough or dusty roads, up to 10,000 km on tarmac, with the grade in your manual.
• Check the air filter; replace it when dirty. On safari roads, check it more often.
• Check tyre pressures, including the spare, and look underneath for leaks and damage after off-road trips.

Diesel engines

• Fuel filter every 20,000 km, and drain the water separator when the warning light comes on. Water and dirt in diesel are the main cause of injector problems.
• The older 1KD uses a timing belt that must be replaced at the interval in the manual. Ask for proof of when it was last done if you're buying.
• Newer 1GD engines on some models have a diesel particulate filter. Regular longer drives help it clean itself.

Every 40,000 km or 2 years

• Front and rear differential and transfer case oil; more often after water crossings or towing.
• Automatic gearbox fluid at the interval in your manual.
• Brake fluid.
• Grease the propeller shaft joints where fitted.

The Prado holds its value well, and a documented service history makes a real difference to the price. Keep it in CarLog.