Should I buy a 100 series GXL diesel?

Submitted: Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 09:00
ThreadID: 21761 Views:2467 Replies:8 FollowUps:3
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Hi, I have been told the natural diesel is very under powered, is this true?

I tow a 17' van, will it tow it at 100km/h ok?

How much fuel would it use on the open road, and how much when towing.

I don't want to spend the big bucks for the turbo. Will I be disapointed with the natural diesel?

I now have a V8 100 series, very powerful but the gearbox is a pain when towing, it keeps jumping back gears and reving its head off. You would think a hi torque engine like the V8 would pull better.

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Reply By: herkman - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 09:03

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 09:03
You will be disapointed, the natural diesel does not pull very well, and the fuel consumption will be very high when towing.

You would be better off, if you want to save money, by buying a S/H Turbo Prado.

Regards

Herkman
AnswerID: 105037

Reply By: fozzy - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 09:57

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 09:57
lexmarine
are you after auto/manual as pretty sure the diesel only has manual available both in gxl and standard.
something to check if after auto for towing
cheers
fozzy

AnswerID: 105045

Follow Up By: muzzimbidgie - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 19:16

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 19:16
Not true. The GXL 4.2 diesel is available with the 4 speed auto. Perfect for whacking on a turbo !!
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FollowupID: 362284

Follow Up By: 80scruiser - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 21:16

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 21:16
Not true.
The auto diesel GXL was discontinued after 2002. Only available in manual and are live axle. If you want auto its the TD only.
I suggest buy natural, fit a Denco turbo and you will still have change out of the amount it would cost to buy a TD. And you have the tried and tested live axle front.
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FollowupID: 362301

Reply By: Wizard1 - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:27

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:27
I agree with Herkman, we have 100 series natural diesels at work, and I can't wait to get back into my Prado TD.

They have reasonable torque down low, but very poor accelaration and chew the juice. The other suggestion is to get a natural diesel and fit an after market turbo and intercooler, much cheaper.

Wizard
Prado TD
Gold Coast
AnswerID: 105061

Follow Up By: Member - Karl - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:55

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:55
I agree, fitting an after market turbo rather than a factory fitted one will save you a lot of dollars and gives you the power of petrol but the economy of a diesel.

Also the GXL diesels still have the solid beam axel rather than the IFS which in fitted to Petrol and TD Factory models.
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FollowupID: 362240

Reply By: shaggy - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 12:31

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 12:31
you will use about 13.5 L /100 km not towing, and up to 21 l/100 km towing something like a two tonne horse float. Barely maintains 100 kmh, foot is all the way to the floor most of the time. Back to third gear up any hill again foot to the floor, sometimes even second. This is whilst towing. But it is much stronger then most other vehicles. Rated to 3.5 tonnes, but dont know what the top speed would be. Maybe 80 kmh.
cheers
AnswerID: 105074

Reply By: obone - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 13:33

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 13:33
I was extremely disappointed with my 2002 100 series diesel until I put an after market turbo on ($3100 fitted). I tow a 17.5 ft caravan and travel at around 90 kph.
This returns about 6.5 km per litre which I'm reasonably happy with. Just be warned that Toyota are still having clutch shudder problems (when vehicle is cold)
I don't know that this problem will ever be solved, my vehicle is going in tomorrow for it's third clutch replacement. I've still only got 57K on the clock !!!
AnswerID: 105078

Reply By: fatz - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 16:49

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 16:49
lexmrine, if your use is mostly for towing dont even bother with the standard diesel. it will pull it but will die in the arse at the first sign of an uphill. If you are keen on a diesel, try for a factory turbo as they are more powerful than an aftermarket. mine has an aftermarket turbo on it which I had fitted and is used for towing the camper trailer (about 1000kg fully loaded). the difference is great, like a new car but the turbo needs to be set up correctly to make it all work well. Budget about $5500 fo the kit, exhaust upgrade and correct dyno tuneing. If not tuned correctly you will end up with overheating issues. Dont let this scare you once they are tuned correctly they are an awesome towing machine and will return reasonable fuel figures, depending on how you drive.
AnswerID: 105110

Reply By: Andrew - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 17:54

Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 17:54
Get the trans valving or computer looked at before replacing the vehicle if thats the only problem.
AnswerID: 105118

Reply By: Peter McGuckian (Member) - Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 05:41

Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 05:41
Another option is to get a 3.0l Nissan GU Patrol.

Peter
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AnswerID: 105226

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