Member - Chris M (QLD) replied:

Although I have only been in a turbo 100, it was an auto and I have driven plenty of naturally aspirated diesels.

However, if you are towing over longer distances up ranges and through sand, trust me, in a years time you'll be looking at aftermarket turbos anyway. Then you'll look at the next tyre size, accessorise, better supension and your truck will weigh 200 or 300 kg's heavier than before. Take Roachie for example! Can't speak for him, but I'll bet his glad he has the turbo!

Go to Toyota, get them to strike you a deal on the turbo jobby, get as close as you can to the naturally aspirated price and you'll feel better. Long term in my own opinion you'll be happy you went the turbo option. If it was just around town as a shopper and kid mover, it wouldn't matter.

Leave it to you mate, let us all know your decision.

Chris.

Michael replied:

There is always the Patrol..mmmmmmmm!!!!!!!

Member - Captain (WA) replied:

Hi Simon,

I had a 80 series 1HZ for many years and did a fair bit of towing in that time (I have a 1.6T offroad van). When I got my GU, I couldn't believe how much difference it makes having sufficient power when towing - 274Nm vs 420Nm (Dtronic). I know you are looking at only Toyota, either turbo or non-turbo - not starting a GU/Toyota thread, just looking purely at torque difference between two vehicles.

After experiencing having good power/torque for towing, I could never go back to a 1HZ without a turbo. Before I had the GU, I was happy with the 1HZ for towing, but it was S...L...O...W... as soon as anything but level ground was encountered. I even put on extractors and a 2 1/2" system and while it made a noticeable difference, it cannot even begin to compare to the torque of the GU.

While the 1HZ non-turbo will lug a heavy load all day and have no problems at all, it is simply nowhere near as relaxed as towing with a GU/Toyota turbo and having 420Nm to make hills simply disappear. Hills that took 3rd in the 80 series can be done in 5th in the GU, there is that much difference!

At the end of the day, either vehicle will get you to where you are going and you could live with the 1HZ, but having a turbo makes it simply that much more relaxing.

Cheers

Captain

GO_OFFROAD replied:

The IFS is much better suited to your use than live axle, and the vehicle will be much nicer to drive with IFS, not to mention the resale vs non turbo.

Add a dtronic to improve low down power, and economy on the 1hdtfe as well.

Member - Dave (Pilbara) replied:

Turbo, Turbo,Turbo,let me say it one more time Turbo, I have owned almost all types of large diesels (Nissan and Toyota) and each extra dollar spent on the turbo is well spent. As said above spend some time and check them out for yourself .
You will never look back.If you tow the difference is huge.