Which tow vehicle?

Thanks, very helpful. I was thinking diesel for economy and accessibility but 10g does buy a lot in the economy stakes! I am convinced LC are the go but have only recently tested a Discovery and was impressed

Remember it isn't as simple as comparing purchase price and thinking you can pocket the difference for fuel - it's really the resale price (or the difference between purchase and sale price) which is the primary factor to consider.

Hi Chisel,

What you say is correct if you intend updating your turbo cruiser in the not too distant future but as this V8 cruiser will do me till I down size to a Falcon or a Toyota Camry sized vehicle then it is not an issue.

As I said I had the 1HD FT 80 series cruiser, and on gas as well, but this V8 petrol is streets ahead on performance and comfort. It just cost a bit more to keep it fueled.

Overall the running costs are similar, in fact if you are buying new then the whole of life ownership costs put the petrol slightly ahead, from several posts I have read.

It is interesting to note that nearly everybody who has a turbo diesel is trying to get a bit more performance out of it, hence the plethora of aftermarket chip manufacturers and the large number of workshops specialising in fitting them, not to mention exhaust shops fitting 3" exhausts.

I do not need another thing on the V8. It works terrific straight out of the box, so to speak.

I got the turbo diesel because everybody said what a great vehicle they are.
After spending heaps of money on it I was glad to see the back of it. I was always chasing a bit more performance despite the lowdown torque.

On the other hand I am sticking with the V8 petrol, as far as I am concerned it is a no brainer, given the tasks I will need it for.

Cheers, Bruce.

Spot on ..! Good advice.

I agree with bruce-c could not afford a t/d went looking at auto v8 petrol's. I also own a 1994 manual petrol 80 series on gas with 460,000 ks, use it primarily as a work tug now towing a machinery trailer. I bought a 2003 auto v8 with 150,000 on the clock, privately for $26,000. Best thing I did, wife uses it mainly loves the auto driven steady is reasonably good on fuel however consumption is not a main concern for me as the vehicle is multi use, wife for business, me for shooting trips out west, wife and me for travelling around. Five speed auto is fantastic and more than enough power for what you want. The purists will try to convince you, as I used to think, that a 4x4 should only be manual, most of them have not driven one of these vehicles, great in the rough as well. The engines are almost indestructible provided to look after it.

Thanks ... The open road awaits

10.5 litres of oil for 1HD-FTE not 15

Thanks Fisho. Looks like I have been mislead on the oil. Got my info from one of the 4WD mags, so there you are.