1990 vx 80 series Turbo Diesel engine? What is it?

Its the 1HD-T
basially 12 valve. Not as good as the later 24 vlave but still good apparantly and was the one that had th big end bearing problems. Not sure i it was a faulty batch or an ongoing problem others will know more.
Also willhave smallerbrakes than your 97 and can take 15 inch rims (not that youd want them)
never heard of probems with the 4 spped auto espeialy if it is the one that carried right through till fairly recently

yep, believe that would be the 1HDT replacing the 12HT. I believe the sludge box was pretty strong, from memory there were clutch problems with the manuals (related to the damper springs) causing a bad rattle.

check if the big end bearing issue was rectified in service history, there was a supplier issue and a bad batch got through.

i am sure some more knowledgable will chip in shortly

Was a bad batch of bearings that by now would have made themselves known if in the vehicle your contemplating , however if you have even the slightest doubt get them changed not all that exy $$ and once done properly the donk goes forever , auto box is proven to be reliable , more so than the newer 5 speed auto especially if towing , , at 192k she's also just about due for a timing belt change [ every 1 hundred thou ]

Matt,

If it's an Aus delivery, jump in. I'm a new convert to the 80 series, 90 model GXL with 1HDT. Pulls a treat and delivers economy of 12 to 12.5 litres per 100. From answers on this forum, once you're bearings are changed over the motor has no major flaws. I got mine to tow an outback hawk and it does it at the bit. Don't know if your current one is constant 4WD, but mine needed the CVs done as there was a fair bit of driveline slack. An easy fix considering I thought it was the front diff.

Ben