I would advise you to get a pajero instead of the prado. Having owned both cars i would vouch for the pajero based on the following reasons which i had written about in an earlier thread:
1. Pajero is way more stable due to its independent suspension and mono-coque chasis. High speed driving and cornering is bliss.
2. Pajero has a rack and pinion steering wheel which is amazing, the steering feels lighter than a vitz. Also provides quick maneuvering with minimized risk of over steering
3. The petrol pajero i have has better acceleration than the prado. Pajero has a bigger engine by 300cc though.
4. The pajero interior is more spacious than the prado. Also the boot seats fold into the floor of the pajero, in the prado they hang on the sides, thus take up space.
5. The tiptronic gear response of the pajero is far superior to the prado
6. Pajero is equally reliable as toyota, have a friend who has clocked 260,000 km on a 2002 model without any major problems, only timing belt change and regular service.
7. Pajero is cheaper, and provides more value for money.
The only place where the prado wins is that has a more comfortable city ride, otherwise its not the common toyota that has cheap spare parts and can be fixed by anyone.
@ AllanK: the prado is one of the most unstable 4*4 due to its linked rear suspension, and it easily rolls over in the hands of inexperienced drivers. Also your fuel consumption figures seem to be on the lower side, i barely get 9kmpl on my 2005 2.7 ltr petrol.
Before you can be be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.