OziExplorer replied:

Have you looked at the new model Mazda? Beats hell out the diesel Hilux in all ways including price, quality and fuel consumption.

It is bull manure a diesel needs to be serviced every 5,000k's. Must be a damn awful engine if that is required. Should be a minimum of 7,500k's and with synthetic oil should easily go to 15,000k's between services.

Perhaps you need some information on synthetic oil:
http://mr2.com/TEXT/synth_oil.txt
http://www.users.conninc.com/pgoodson/SynthOil3.htm

You can phone Mobil Oil on their 1800 033 863 for the correct lubrication system for whatever vehicle you buy.

I just bought a new Triton 2.8l diesel, but probably would not have enough grunt for you. At $21,990 and $995 for alloy or steel bull and 2,200kg square hitch towbar is a damn good deal. I am happy with the performance of the 2.8l diesel. Fitted cruise control to it the second day, and it cruises just fine at 110k/h on the highway and is great in the bush.

voxson replied:

Less parts to go wrong with a diesel and would be my pref if going to remote areas, also a diesel with a snorkel is almost unstoppable and a petrol has the "water in the electrics" possibility with creek crossings.

If you are not going remote or deep water just flip a coin....

Will replied:

Resale value...
I don't know the hilux much but take a popular vehicle such as the Patrol...
Every time I pull up at a Nissan Dealer or close to a car dealership they offer to buy my 4.2TD GU patrol, they reckon they don't get enough of them and the demand is high while in their yard they have two or three petrol patrols....
They are asking $50k for a second hand 4.2TD patrol 2000 model with around 30000kms on the clock when I paid $51000 new....
While the same model petrol is $35 to 40k.
A 3 or 4 years old diesel with 150000kms on the clock is still considered just run in by mechanics and dealers while a petrol is already starting to show signs of oil consumption and "high" milage acording to the dealers.
After owning a diesel, I would never go petrol again.
Price difference in fuel, you quoted 10c... that is around the city, start heading out and the difference goes the other way...

Will

rodeoowner replied:

G'day mate, what an interesting question. I would say that the 14L/100km figure for the V6 Hilux would be best case scenario. My V6 Rodeo at best averages 16L/100km. I thought that I would get a TD next time, but not sure. Where I live Diesel and petrol are the same price. Cheers.

Tim replied:

i sell the mazda products and you can buy the runout t/d d/cabs sdx bravo+ for $38K on road - air, canopy, bullbar, alloys, electrics the works - i have driven mid distance ad find them to be an exceptional highway cruiser and have done numerous 4wd training courses with oppisition cars and have found them to be a goo off roader too

Goodsy replied:

Trentski don't listen to the others buy a Hilux. Would stick to the turbo diesel if you plan to travel. Fuel econmey a lot better, but it has a lot less power. Allways a decision power or fuel econmey. I would not buy a Mazda. Check the number of dealers Australia wide, Mazda verses Toyota. If you do have a problem (unlikely) you are 100 times more likley to find help driving a Toyota and won't get a dunno made from the local (Toyota)mechanic.

Goodsy replied:

Get what you pay for.
Also look at resale value.

Dazmit replied:

Ozi

The Triton would want to be that cheap since it doesn't have a Turbo & the turning circle of a road train.

Bob Y. replied:

Trentski, Reckon you would be pleased with the turbo, we have a naturally aspirated dual cab here, its done nearly 40K since Feb 02, and we haven't had a problem with it except 2 broken bonnet hinges. Gets along well, even with 5 up. The turbo would be magic. They have a turbo at national park near here, and Rangers say it's excellent.Maybe if you put synthetic oil in it, you wouldn't have to change the oil again??!!!
Stick to advised changes until the warranty runs out, then do what you like. We have had good warranty service here with g'box and diff problems in a 79 series. Are closing the lease on it before warranty runs out. Enjoy your shopping, Trentski....

Phil G replied:

Same agruments comes up on the Prado group (same choice of motors). Running costs of the 3.4V6 and the TD are identical. V6 is cheaper to service, the TD uses less fuel.

It boils down to what you are planning to do with the vehicle. Lots of desert trips - get the diesel. Anything else - doesn't matter. They are both great motors.

Cheers
Phil G

Phil G replied:

Trentski,

Prado group: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/90scool/

I've been on the group since it started and running costs, comparisons etc come up a lot. If I can just summarise it for you:

Prado diesel owners mostly get 10.5 to 12.5 l/100km. V6 owners get mostly 12.5 to 15 l/100km. But the hilux motors are a little different with the diesel lacking an intercooler and the V6 is detuned. May actually mean the difference between these two hilux motors will be slightly less.

Running costs are irrelevant. Fuel savings (in city) with the diesel are offset by dearer fuel, more frequent servicing (5000km for oil). Means its really line ball. Both motors are dead reliable with pretty much no major problems after being on the market for over 6 years.

Advantages of diesel: crawls better; better engine braking, greater fuel range; safer fuel to carry in desert; Disadvantage: have to keep your fuel absolutely clean

Advantages of petrol: ballsy motor; quieter; cheaper fuel; less servicing (10,000km);

If it was me, I'd get the petrol unless I was planning to do lots of desert trips. I own a Prado diesel because its the best vehicle on the market for desert trips.

Cheers

Phil G