Second-hand diesel

Ross thanks. The van is 1500 kgs. unloaded, tandem axles. I'm guessing at loaded weight, but with water (not full) and other junk is conservative. Stuck with van. We like it, all kitted out solar etc. David

Christopher, thanks. Will add to list for review. David

forget the 2LT Surf. They have a problem even without towing a large load.
The 1KZ 3 litre Surf (which is 94 onwards) is a miles better engine.

is that one diesel or petrol???

Joel, thanks. I think you're getting close to the mark. May have to get one a little older, but not in a big hurry, so have time to look for low mileage ones. Can't go just yet as family ties, aged parents and dog. Going on 65 yrs. so I need to get to it before I'm too old to hitch the van.
Got 3months reprieve last year and did Cape York . Great, but makes me more restless. David

Joel, liked your last line. Gibb, rough as they say? David

Did it in 1987 and it was rough this time it seemed like a highway, but the kalumburu rd is the worst. The rd into Mitchell Plateau was good, left the caravan at Fitzroy Crossing and tented it.
Joel

Hey Joel, Sometimes we have got to get the tent out otherwise we can't see the best places. My wife doesn't like it much, but there you go. David

OREJAP, Thanks. I'm the 20-40k type. Pajero has definitely been on my list. I drove a Navara (previous model) with a lighter van around Tass when my trusty Disco blew a head gasket. Went well, but agree comfort wasn't one of it's good points.
A bit reluctant get an auto after loosing the starter motor on my Cape York trip. Good to get the feedback. David

In the 100s if you install an intercooled turbo as after market you will not get the same power or economy as the facory version.I think this is a totally different package. This may be the same with the 80s you mention, as I had one a few years back and investigated aftermarket turbo and was turned off by the lack of power and the cost. About 3 months ago I was behind a low Loader with mining equip on and was able to pass comfortably (Towing 24ft Jayco ), couldn't have done that in a smaller vehicle. It's always a compromise between cost and power.

Hi Joel

You might stir up the 80 series aftermarket boys with that , they certainly like to claim more than factory but they do go quiet on longevity - either way the point that I am trying to put to David is that one needs to have somthing that cruises well within its normal power range as they quickly go off when pushed.

On the 80 series I referred to this result was quite an eye opener as it is very carefully setup by those that know what they are doing.
I had to make the most of this rare opportunity to revel in the fact that the petrol simply used less fuel than diesel in the same unusal conditions , but in normal driving it not the case as this diesel 80 can cruise at sub 12lt/100km whereas my car almost never drops below 15.

Hi Robin and Joel, I am aware of the 80's limitations re:power. I have 2 friends with them (diesels). I always thought I needed one. The honest one confessed to me that he had to use second gear when going up steep hill fully loaded for a trip with all his gear. He also said no way would it tow my van. His is non turbo.

I also believe that the early 100 (pre IFS) diesel is in reality the 80 with the 100 body and dished wheels for the track width. When I said 100 series, I meant the IFS Diesel, which although IFS! has the motor to which you refer Robin.

I'm also of the view that a bigger,more powerful engine is better because it's only cruising and not having to work flat out like my present vehicle and from what I can tell the fuel consumption would certainly be no worse them I get at present.

As to the diesel V petrol, the argument has been well explored I guess. I'm keeping an open mind.

I'm really appreciating your input guys, thanks, David

The non IFS model is really a 105 series and it is built on the 80 series chassis(with some slight mods).
The 100 series turbo diesel has the 1HD FTE engine.

Ross, spot on. I was dragging something from my failing memory. 105's seem to be advertised as 100 series when for sale. I'd prefer a non IFS, but to get the power and something relatively modern , I seem to have to go to the later 100. I like the patrol to. Very basic, that I may be able to fix myself.

There are many options out there, but I want something plain and simple for which parts for it are readily available around the country. David

The diesel cruiser returning 5 Km to the litre!!!....hooley dooley that's a bit heavy!!! I suppose it did have a roof rack on too. As I mentioned earlier in this post I am a bit of a fan of the 4800 Patrol on Gas but having said that there are concerns with dual fuel vehicles too. My BIL returned from a trip into W Aust. and was annoyed with the price of LPG. It was more beneficial to tow the van on unleaded ($2.15 p/l) than have a drop in power & economy with LPG ($1.89 p/l) Some vehicles handle the gas well others don't & having vehicles in the past with dual fuel, I leave them alone,settling for my diesel Pajero. Some people keep reassuring themselves that their vehicle is the best by telling others how good it does this or does that....well that's their option. I just like to put diesel in my vehicle,drop out the oil & put on a new filter when service is due & drive it. My Pajero is certainly NOT returning anywhere near the horrid figures as quoted by Robin Re. Fuel economy or should I say lack of it!! On the open Hwy my vehicle certainly doesn't need a written request to the fuel department that we might be overtaking and therefore "More steam please"!!! Regarding the 80 series & other Toyota T/Diesel cruisers....I have travelled behind these vehicle on numerous occasions, friends vehicles,club outings etc....and I have a belief that the Toyota product is over fuelled....the amount of black smoke many cruisers omit from the exhaust is astonishing IMHO

Can't argue with that, Though if any car I owned that was doing 5kms to the litre it'd be gone. When I got my 100 it would smoke ( overfueled I guess ?). I put the DP chip in and a huge change in performance, but still smoking. Then got the 3" exhaust fitted and the chip retuned for economy you beauty no smoke and still plenty of power. As to the Ifs front end it rolls a lot more than my GU did, though it hasn't stopped me yet, but that one is still a work in progress.
Joel