Alex replied:

G'day,
How long is a peice of string? For your money, you'll get a newer, lower mileage hilux than 75 series. Both are very capable off-road, and seem to have good longevity. I don't own either, but my family have had an 88 hilux for about 10 years, its done 280 000km, and looks like doing the same again.
If you're not looking at carrying heavy loads (over about 500kg) then the hilux is a good choice. If you need to carry more than that, go the cruiser. Whatever you choose, enjoyit, and I'll see you down the track.
Cheers, Alex.

Alex replied:

G'day, The family's 88 hilux gets about 9L/100km, or about 30mpg, and is driven pretty easily. It has a 2.4L diesel compared to the current 3L, so guess at about 10-11L/100km (26-28mpg). I don't have any figures on the 75 series diesel, but if what I remember reading is right, they'll average around 14L/100km (20mpg). I have a Defender turbo diesel, and did the Canning Stock Route in company with 2 Landcruiser 60's with the 4L turbo engine. This might be the same engine as you'd get in a 75 series of the same age (mid to late eighties). On this trip they averaged about 14L/100km, or about 30% higher than the Defender used.
I don't have any figures on the range, but if you find out the tank capacity, it should be easy to work out. Cheers, Alex.

chris replied:

Thanx a lot for your help Alex, it has been very helpful, i guess im up to the hard part now of actually finding the right Hilux.
Thanx heeps again.