No suitable vehicle

Submitted: Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:09
ThreadID: 41894 Views:2124 Replies:8 FollowUps:8
This Thread has been Archived
Greetings All,

I'm looking for a replacement for my '99 Hilux traytop, and I've been wondering when/if Toyota or Nissan would start using more efficient Td engines in their heavy 4wd's - so far no sign of that, but then again they're not known for innovation; more for their excellent build quality, distribution, reliability, and support.

I could go for the current model Hilux 3LS4Td (126Kw/343Nm) or a Navara/Rodeo/Bravo with their similar engines, but their trays are too high. The chasses of LC’s or Patrols with their wider track and lower tray height are better suited to the high and heavy Adventure camper I'm addicted to.

Here are some examples of manufacturers’ (who don't sell cab chassis models, drat it !) latest Td engine specs. All these engines produce their maximum torque at between 1500-2200rpm, and maximum power at between 3000-3600-which seems nicely low for 4wd use.

Make Model Engine Specs Weight
Jeep Cherokee 3LV6Td 160Kw/510Nm 1985Kg
BMW X5 3LV6Td 150Kw/480Nm 2105Kg
Audi Q7 3LV6Td 171Kw/500Nm 2295Kg
Mercedes ML280 2.8LV6Td 140Kw/440Nm 2185Kg
Mercedes ML320 3LV6Td 165Kw/510Nm 2185Kg

The stated fuel consumption for these is 9-11L/100Km (obviously more under full load); this has been confirmed by reviews in various car magazines. They seem more powerful and efficient than any of the current LC or Patrol engines below, even though the weights are very similar.

Toyota LC78 C/C 4.2S6Td 122Kw/380Nm 1950 (plus tray)
Nissan Patrol C/C 4.2S6Td 114Kw/360Nm 2015 (plus tray)

So unless there’s a vehicle I’ve missed, what I'm after is not currently on the (Australian) market, and it won’t be unless Toyota/Nissan offer a more efficient engine with similar numbers to those above, or other manufacturers like Mitsubishi/Jeep/Mercedes etc offer Cab/Chassis variants to their existing range.

Does anyone have any other ideas ?

(I posted most of this as a reply to Post# 41828: “Hi tech diesels” as well, but wanted to start a new one because I’m seeking information which someone might have.)

Thanks in advance,

Cheers,

Nic
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Reply By: _gmd_pps - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:14

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:14
yep .. thats why I bought a Duramax ..
The Jap cars are trailing behind some years
just like Australia thats why they are so popular here ..
good luck
gmd
AnswerID: 219239

Reply By: traveller2 - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:34

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:34
Higher specific outputs usually mean more complexity, finer tolerances and less tolerance/capability for hard operating conditions and poor/dirty fuel.
Along with this quite often goes more problems, increased risk of breakdown with no possibility of either the owner/driver or mechanic without the correct diagnostic tools to get it going again.
Call me a luddite but I'll stick with a low stressed engine which will go forever, not necessarily the quickest or most efficient but will get me home, solid vehicle with a chassis that 99% of the time I can fix and service in the event of trouble.
I'm sorry but I regard all of the vehicles mentioned as soft roaders good for shopping and dropping the kids at school, had to tow a brand new Merc off the sand only last week as it couldn't cope! The driver wasn't happy as the salesman told him it would go anywhere!! Absolutely no point in deflating low profile tyres on sand either, they don't bag!!
AnswerID: 219246

Follow Up By: Member - Beatit (QLD) - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:53

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:53
How's that saying go again - there is no replacement for displacement!

Kind regards
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FollowupID: 479775

Follow Up By: NicI - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:26

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:26
Gidday Traveller2,

I agree entirely that all the vehicles mentioned are soft roaders - I wouldn't buy one, let alone take 'em off the tar. Their engines are another story though, as European engine design innovations often end up in Japanese vehicles. I merely quoted them because they represent a glimpse of an inevitable future where increased performance and efficiency can indeed be relied apon in rugged and isloated conditions. I reckon it's only a matter of time, I just don't want to wait !

Cheers,

Nic
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FollowupID: 479787

Follow Up By: Member - Beatit (QLD) - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:37

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:37
Pretty sure that the point is one about ease of service/repair/problem solving in a remote location. Just can't beat a simple motor without all the computer tweaks to deliver the goods. I know not the best combo for around town but surely a lot better when things break down or don't seem to work like they should?

Kind regards
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FollowupID: 479789

Reply By: hound - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:15

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:15
NicI, The current model hilux has a larger(wider) wheel track than the LC cab chassis models - not sure about the nissan . Tray heights also depend on who makes then, get a custom made one!
AnswerID: 219256

Follow Up By: NicI - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:30

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:30
Thanks, hound,

Yeah, I think the LC is a bit narrow, and I believe the Patrol is wider. Good to hear the current hilux is wider though.

As for trays, not sure about the current Hilux, but mine ('99) seems restrcted by both the fuel tank, which I suppose could be remounted, and the top curve of the rearmost chassis member. I have the lowest tray possible fitted to mine, but it's still about 150mm hgher than an LC tray.

Cheers,

Nic

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FollowupID: 479788

Follow Up By: hound - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:45

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:45
When I had both my trays made I made sure that the 2 rails that run the length of the tray where installed with the shorter dimension as the height not the larger one like most hiluxs are.
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FollowupID: 479792

Reply By: gbc - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:37

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:37
wait til november for the new wider cruiser td
AnswerID: 219264

Follow Up By: strzelecki - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 16:23

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 16:23
I have read the new cruiser cab chassis will be available march/april.
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FollowupID: 479802

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 17:53

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 17:53
hahhahahahaha

I've heard every month in the next 2 yrs.. ROTFLMAO
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FollowupID: 479822

Reply By: Kiwi Kia - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 18:22

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 18:22
Just out of curiosity, get a price on a new tyre & rim for each of those 'soft roaders' and compare with the older Jap 'standard' 4wd's. From the stories that I have heard you will be astounded at the price of those fancy low profiles !
AnswerID: 219303

Reply By: Member - Axle - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 18:40

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 18:40
Nic.

The new landrover 130 ute will be available some time this year.

New design , Hi tech ford transit motor, six speed gearbox, More grunt & speed than ..N & T.. put together.

Will now take cover!

Cheers Axle.
AnswerID: 219309

Follow Up By: NicI - Wednesday, Feb 07, 2007 at 12:58

Wednesday, Feb 07, 2007 at 12:58
Hi Axle,

Thanks, I'm open to any vehicle if it does what I want it to.

Will it be available as a single cab ? Where can I get some info ?

Cheers,

Nic

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FollowupID: 480949

Reply By: Trevor R (QLD) - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 18:46

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 18:46
Hi nic,

I can't see what is wrong with enhancing either a L/cruiser or Patrol. You should comfortably get 160-180kw (flywheel figures) or 120kw (rear wheel figures) out of both vehicles and still get the reliability and servicability that both these marks are reknowned for.

Cheers Trevor.
AnswerID: 219312

Reply By: Eric Experience - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 23:24

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 23:24
Nic.
The new triton has the specs your after, with the reliability of other tritons well proven. The only down side is the long waiting list to get one. Eric.
AnswerID: 219379

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