if you got the coin a new landcruiser sahara diesel $125k,
otherwise i found the pajero turbo diesel gls NT 2009 good value for money. $51k for near new 15,000km on the clock in 2010. gets about 11 L per 100km fuel consumption.
I dont like the Mitsubishi all terrain technology in the sand. it cuts power to wheels once they start to spin. i prefer full power all the time. you can get around it by just touching the brakes. not sure how toyotas deal with this. i think they have similar
the paj is comfortable if you are tall, which is one of my main items to check, as i do a lot of driving. i didnt like the toyota seats.
What you want is a troopy with kaymar rear barwork. 
Made short work of the Great Wall that was pushed into mine at speed by a Hilux with 3 pi$$ed up tradies in it this afternoon. 
Dunno how I'm I'm gonna get the paint transfer off my towbar chain points 
Hooksey, let me know what you end up with mate and what the final deal breaker was.
I am in exactly the same situation looking at the 2010/2011 Prados and Pajeros.
I need a family cruiser, beach capable, tow a camper trailer,fit my surfboards and kite gear. Pretty much the all round family mobile. Both seem to fit the mold, and prices seem comparable.
I have a 12 year old 100 series now, had it since it was 12 months old. Love it, but it's starting to make expensive noises. Can't afford the new models (late 100's or the 200's) no matter how good they are.
Prado is a great car, but having had them for last few models got to say the older 120 Series is my pick.
Carrying kids - 150 Series
Carrying windsurf gear / bikes - 120 Series
Some critical storage space (height) is lost in the 150, due to the fold-down recessed rear 3rd row seats... but if your getting the kids from soccer then perfect.
A Delica! same chassis and running gear as the Pajero 
Diesel, manual, 4x4 what more could you want....
ummm something that looks good!
Somewhat aside, if you don't need heavy duty towing capacity it is worth considering the Suzy Grand Vitara petrol slushbox auto - some sacrifice in interior cargo space but a big saving in fuel (post 2009 four cylinders give 11 litres per 100 round town and 9 in the country, 15 towing a trailer with a mountain of boards). If you can cope with a manual then it would be better again.
Way better front leg room than either the Prado or Pajero. 
Full time 4WD with proper low range - goes well in the sand given low range and its light weight. Surprisingly capable in the rough stuff from the short wheelbase. Pin sharp handling and a classy interior.
Cheap for low kms second hand. Jap sorted reliable.
Overlander 4WD of the Year 2 years running, for good reason.
I cannot believe this is even up for debate the Prado is hands down without competition here, maybe buy a wheels mag and check the sale's figures of each and you will find thousands of Aussie's can't be wrong.
The question you should of asked yourself is, "can I afford the Prado? because if I can't maybe the Pajero would suffice."
Also why own a vehicle where the Spanish translation for said car Pajero is telling you , that you can't keep yer hand off it, isn't that con enough without elaboration?
