Wk2 grand cherokee CRD or Toyota prado Diesel

[Bowriver]

Tossing up between Laredo CRD or the new Toyota prado. To bring the laredo up to prado specs, ATR's, Adventure pack, rock rails, 2" lift kit. Around $61 000 for the jeep with the extras VS Prado around $69 000.
Sound likes a no brainier, but given prados resale value and reliability VS jeeps...???
I am in favour of the extra horsepower of the jeep, and styling of the jeep, but don't want to be let down in the bush.
Any thoughts? My heart says jeep, my accountant says prado.

[drover]

I'd go the Jeep, they are both just as reliable it really depends on maintenance. Though I really can't see why people buy brand new vehicles,but then if they didn't then I couldn't buy a good low Km one that has the bugs out of it.
I was impressed in a Prado that I took for a test and I do think they are a close match but I am biased toward the Jeep even though I would like a Defender in the shed as well. The Jeep is just a pleasure to drive.
Not much help am I.

[mikehzz]

Defender is a horrible ride I reckon. No leg room and tractor like handling. Sorry, my other car is a Landy too
I took a ride in a Prado and a new Jeep diesel at the Queanbeyan 4wd show a few weeks back. The Jeep is too low to the ground and 18" wheels are not ideal off road. The Prado had better traction control and there are more off road mods readily available for it. The Jeep is a far better on road ride with looks, more power and creature comforts.
Therefore if mostly on road the Jeep by a mile. If you want to mod up with a snorkel, bar, winch, lift and bigger tyres then the Prado by a mile. A 180 litre tank is handy on the Prado as well. Cheers

[drover]

I forgot about those 18" wheels, stupid idea I reckon.

[mikehzz]

The Disco 4 has 18" wheels as well due to the brake size. They are dumbing down off roaders in favour of soccer mums.

[briteway]

We're all biased here as we love our Jeeps too much, probably more than anyone else with any other brand.

So my answer is, of course, Jeep. If you're not planning to keep it for more than 5 years (or even 10), the resale value of Prado is much much better than the Jeep GC. For example, my car has done around 80K and now worth around $30K (maybe a bit less). A Prado of the same year model (+ colour, it's important AND the Limited equivalent, like leather seats, sunroof...) with twice as many K's on the clock is at least $5K dearer. If the mileage was equivalent, then at least 10K dearer.

But then again, I can't look at anything else besides the Jeep.

[drj33p]

If you want to tow there's only one choice, and remember this is a Jeep forum.