If you had the choice Gas or Desiel?

[tommytuttle]

I'm looking at buying an 80, and I've been searching out the benifits of a gas vehicle from the states or a desiel from Japan (RHD).

So I thought I would ask you owners what you would do.

I imagine many of you have the gas LHD vehicles in the states, what would you give up to get a desiel, or is desiel that much better in the first place?

 

[whosthecoolguy]

I don't think I would ever buy a gas unit.
I've had one diesel, just bought another.. and don't think I would ever go back.

 

[Creeker]

I... what would you give up to get a desiel ...

my left nut? (that's the way it seems with the cost of a conversion!)

 

[goschbrandon]

If diesel was available (for comparable cost) here in the US, a diesel it would be. Better fuel economy, low end torque, and can't forget the cool factor. For driving on road I would think the turbo-diesel would be much better- I've driven a non-turbo H-engined 75 series, and it was slooooooow off the line. Then again, my FZJ80 isn't exactly a speed demon either.

 

[motorsargeT]

I WANT A DIESEL. My wallet doesn't agree though.

 

[kup99]

I love my Diesel, and would never go back..

All the best!

 

[jc3835]

Diesel all the way if you have the option.
If my gas engine ever gives up the ghost, I'll definitely be looking into a diesel swap.
The efficiency benefits have been stated, and there are also longevity benefits... they'll last forever... not that these straight 6s don't last long enough already

 

[tommytuttle]

So, I guess you would go Desiel even if it means RHD?

 

[Martin White]

For the same money, I'd go with a diesel. But, the diesel isn't going to cost you anything like the same money. For a nice unit, it will be considerably more. Also, you can get a much newer gas vehicle than a 15 year old JDM. For a premium unit, or to get one into premium shape, you can count on spending quite a bit more than you thought you would (especially for JDM). If I was going to buy a diesel, I'd go with one from Luxury or Outback. However, there are some really nice US cruisers available as well. You need to do a payback calculation on fuel consumption to see if it's worth the difference. Diesel will also have better resale value depending on how long you keep the vehicle and how much mileage you put on it. I've owned a JDM for about 18 months now.

 

[Grolar]

Diesel, Diesel, Diesel!

I used to drove Diesel cars during 10 years, more than 150,000 miles total when I was living in Yurp and Africa and had to switch to gas when I settled abroad and especially here in the US.

And I hated that. Diesels are more durable, economical, comfortable to drive (especially when you're cruising, land-cruising and off-roading).

And considering the already demanding service schedule for an FZJ, I wouldn't hesitate one second to switch to an HDJ, even for $5000 more if I had the chance.

The perfect car for me would be either a LHD HDJ 81 automatic (low torque is a great match with auto gearboxes) or a "tropicalized" HZJ 105 (UN-like desert Cruiser).

The only problem is that I live in People's Republic of Kalifornia and importing a '90s diesel Cruiser or installing a 4BT in an FZJ is impossible here (although I'd like to be told otherwise - anyone please give me hope?).

 

[e9999]

what is the typical diesel engine premium cost over gas in countries where you have a choice of new trucks? is it like $5K or more like $10K US?

 

[tommytuttle]

good point about the price difference. I hear it is more common in BC to get US landcuisers but here in Ontario it is still rare.

The few I have seen are still up almost at 20k.

 

[LandCrusher'70]

If I had a choice (which I don't), I also would've gotten DIESEL.

 

[Epic Ed]

Keeping it unanimous -- for all the reasons already mentioned -- I'd love to have a diesel Cruiser. Long range per tank of fuel, and better fuel economy are my main two reasons.

Ed

 

[fzj80kidpen]

Diesel - thats a no brainer.

 

[Tapage]

It's nice to drive a turbo diesel .. coz are not the same think drive a naturally aspirated diesel and other pretty much huge diferent a turbo diesel direct injected engine ..

 

[BrotherRob]

Tommy, I assume you live in the US. One thing to consider, the diesels are not US spec trucks, meaning parts could be difficult to find and expensive. Also, be prepared to do your own work, you will not likely find a competent mechanic for a foreign truck. If you are buying one for an offroad rig or rec vehicle, its probably no biggie. But if you need to rely on it every day, an FZJ80 might make more sense. Get the one that's right for you.

 

[KSV]

I am sorry for you, American fellas, but I personally would never buy petrol truck. Neither automatic one. Even normally aspirated diesel is better and turboed one is absolute marvel on road as well as off. In my strongest opinion if you have choice and can afford go for diesel. Apparently diesel cost a bit more to keep up – more frequently oil change, generally more expensive parts, injectors and fuel pump service very costy etc., but I believe that negate very well by savings on fuel. So as for me – it is no choice whatsoever at all.

 

[Beowulf]

I would never buy a diseasel for use in the US.

Noisy. Smelly. Most places and times, fuel costs more per gallon than regular unleaded. Less HP. Nightmare getting parts and service. Low to no resell value most of the time. (Admittedly, that is changing during this cycle but you can be certain the pendulum will swing back.)

I see zero advantages of the Cummins 4BT conversion and only a very few with an OEM Turbo Diseasel.

-B-

 

[jasonmt]

I would never buy a diseasel for use in the US.

Noisy. Smelly. Most places and times, fuel costs more per gallon than regular unleaded. Less HP. Nightmare getting parts and service. Low to no resell value most of the time. (Admittedly, that is changing during this cycle but you can be 'It's a Dieselcertain the pendulum will swing back.)

I see zero advantages of the Cummins 4BT conversion and only a very few with an OEM Turbo Diseasel.

-B-

You should come tell everyone who asks me "It's a Diesel?" that the 1HDT is supposed to be noisy and smelly.

I had the choice and would not ever consider a gas powered 80 series which are still somewhat of a rarity here, I see more JDM 80 series than US.

Fuel prices, the picture will tell the tale where I am and consequently the resale value of gas powered trucks: