Have a V6, should I swap over to a D4D?

[Symo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Symo]

Hey All, been doing heaps of homework but can't seem to make up my mind what I should do. I've got a mint 2007 VX V6 Petrol Prado which is fully decked out and i absolutely love. Only issue is my constant 18L/100 fuel usage with a weekly mix of half city, half country driving. I've got all the usual ARB stuff, Bull Bar, Bash Plates, 2" lift, 265 BFG ATs, Winch, Dual Batts, Roof Rack with Awning/Shovel/Hi-Lift, Drawers, 60L Water Tank, Engel etc and keep wondering how much cheaper a D4D will be to run, Im currently averaging about 550 kms a week. I'm about to splurge on the Kaymar wheel carrier as well but am really tempted to buy a Diesel to swap everything over to and then sell mine.

What are peoples opinions there? I recon it could cost me around 5-10k to do the swap for a comparable vehicle but id also have to budget in an injector change as some point so perhaps the Petrol won't come out much worse off? I don't drive like an idiot but always like to sit on 110 and overtake so i know thats a big factor.

Anyone else in the same boat?

What sort of consumption are the D4D 120s getting when set up like mine?

Thanks, Ben

Don't ask that question here. You never get a straight answer.

Just get what you want. The main advantage to the diesel is 2-3 times more power at 1500rpm compared to petrol and 1500-2000km tank range depending on model.

Don't expect to save money. Changing cars always cost more than any fuel based or reliability based judgments. Running cost are too small to matter when depreciation is taken into account.

[sweetpea Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sweetpea]

Who said that?

Hey,


There's an apt old saying just for AJ, diesel is for trucks and aeroplanes!

I did a google search and they didn't find anyone who had said it.

https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=...pe=&as_rights=

[photoprado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close photoprado]

Aeroplanes?

When they allow you to pack loads of swags and camping/cooking gear and stop anywhere you would like, maybe. I think it would have to be VTOL.

lol

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

I don't think anyone has mentioned the most basic reason we bought a diesel: Range.

Vehicle performance on outback trips are not about the best acceleration for us, it's about the distances between fuel stops and the diesel has a healthy advantage.

Yeah it's nice to be further into the outback before it self destructs on its own merits , or a bad batch of diesel . That helps . Makes it far more economic .
I'm too stupid too be able to put a smiley face icon after this post , so don't be too offended diesel guys , I take this as a general sledging match between the 2 codes . It's been fun for a long time .
Holy crap did anyone ever put a diesel in an aeroplane or was that to make the plane burn for a longer period when they did an insurance job .

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

Aeroplanes?

Hahaha, yep, you read it correctly!

Have a squiz here, and read the section "Piston engine use";

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_fuel

Jet fuel is similar to diesel, and contains a variety of different length hydrocarbon chains, giving similar cetane ratings, but it generally doesn't contain the lubricants that diesel injectors need.

The old saying "diesel is for trucks and aeroplanes" comes from old bush pilots. If they were at an airport that had run out of jet fuel, they could top up with diesel to get back.

Here's another interesting article about ground vehicles at airports using jet fuel instead of diesel;

http://generalaviationnews.com/2011/...s-diesel-fuel/

The old diesel vs petrol debate has now turned into a diesel vs petrol vs jet fuel debate, hahaha!

As several have now stated, they purchased the D4D on the basis of range and economy. I purchase on the basis of having grunt and reliability, and if a diesel engine (like the 79 series) has some decent power ...AND... reliability, then I'm more than happy to buy one!

The Prado 3.0l D4D is a slug, much like every other 3.0l turbo diesel.

In my opinion, going from a powerful (but well known thirsty V6 petrol) to a well known unreliable and gutless diesel D4D is just nuts!

Best

Mark

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

If you think the D4D is a slug you can't have driven many diesels, they go all right IMO, MUCH more powerful than my 2.4 Hilux, 2.8 TD Rodeo and my first 1kz Prado.

But if you buy a 4wd when you want sports car performance.................


Cheers Andrew

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Yes a gas turbine will burn just about anything but that doesn't make it a compression ignition engine. Sorry OP hope you got some relevant answers to your question. I just don't follow why the petrol guys get so carried away in these discussions. It's not like 200kW is anything to skite about.

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

If you think the D4D is a slug you can't have driven many diesels, they go all right IMO, MUCH more powerful than my 2.4 Hilux, 2.8 TD Rodeo and my first 1kz Prado.

But if you buy a 4wd when you want sports car performance.................


Cheers Andrew

Nope, you'd be wrong about that! With my job, I've driven just about every type of diesel or petrol 4wd sold in Australia, old and new. My first 4wd was a non-turbo 2H diesel 60 series, so I know what super slug diesels are! Compared to the V6 petrol, the 3.0l turbo D4D is a slug in my opinion.

Nobody has said anything about "sports car performance". For a 2 tonne or more 4wd, I believe 200kW is adequate enough power in most situations.

Why are so many diesel owners chipping and exhaust upgrading....they are searching for more power, ie, they feel a diesel 4wd is underpowered to begin with.

If you buy a 4wd for mediocre performance.................

Best

Mark

[djlingard Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close djlingard]

Wow, so many haters of the D4D, lets take a step back and look how many prados of all engine varieties are on our roads. Nearly every second car you see is a prado and more then likely a 120 whether it be a petrol or d4d. I know a few d4ds may of had problems, but do you really think blokes that have a smick d4d that haven't had a problem are going to give up their adventure, mod or just general maintenance time on there rigs to sit on forums and skite how good it is??? Not many people use forums unless they are chasing info on what may be wrong with their car, not to blabber on about how great their's is. I have an 08 GXL D4D with nearly 230xxxkms and hasnt missed a beat. Lets not get biased guys its all about helping our fellow prado owners out a tad.

I say just do your research thoroughly and go with what you gut instint tells you, after all its you car and your money. Any car, any model has its problems and lemons. Brand new or second hand, Cars of all makes and models are a lucky dip. Just buy something you love and treat it well and fingers crossed it will return the favor. Happy traveling :mrgreen:

[Ribman Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ribman]

Nope, you'd be wrong about that! With my job, I've driven just about every type of diesel or petrol 4wd sold in Australia, old and new. My first 4wd was a non-turbo 2H diesel 60 series, so I know what super slug diesels are! Compared to the V6 petrol, the 3.0l turbo D4D is a slug in my opinion.

Nobody has said anything about "sports car performance". For a 2 tonne or more 4wd, I believe 200kW is adequate enough power in most situations.

Why are so many diesel owners chipping and exhaust upgrading....they are searching for more power, ie, they feel a diesel 4wd is underpowered to begin with.

If you buy a 4wd for mediocre performance.................

Best

Mark

Had to throw my 2c in.
Chip and exhaust to assist breathing, like a snorkel, plus improve fuel economy makes good sense.
If a bit more power comes with that, then it can't really be avoided can it?

[cfryback Find all posts View Profile Close cfryback]

Well, given my experience with the 1KD-FTV - I'm going to stick with petrol from now on. I'll put up with the economy of V6, as my last experience was $14k evry two years rebuilding the engine. That coupled with "gotta check feedback values every service", the added cost of services - I do believe that in the long run they average out, possibly with the V6 in front!

[photoprado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close photoprado]

Yeah it's nice to be further into the outback before it self destructs on its own merits , or a bad batch of diesel . That helps . Makes it far more economic .
I'm too stupid too be able to put a smiley face icon after this post , so don't be too offended diesel guys , I take this as a general sledging match between the 2 codes . It's been fun for a long time .
Holy crap did anyone ever put a diesel in an aeroplane or was that to make the plane burn for a longer period when they did an insurance job .

If you read my post, you will see that it was not an attack on the v6, it was just pointing out a real advantage of the diesel that had not been mentioned.

Your post, on the other hand...

[djlingard Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close djlingard]

Whats really sad is we are all meant to help each other out on here guys, i mean really who would want to do a "Prado Point Cruise or tour" after seeing the way others act and put others down on here. Seriously guys its a bloody forum to offer advice and support, not bag each other out. Head over to the Nissan forum and attack those guys lmfao. :-D

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Hey All, been doing heaps of homework but can't seem to make up my mind what I should do. I've got a mint 2007 VX V6 Petrol Prado which is fully decked out and i absolutely love. Only issue is my constant 18L/100 fuel usage with a weekly mix of half city, half country driving. I've got all the usual ARB stuff, Bull Bar, Bash Plates, 2" lift, 265 BFG ATs, Winch, Dual Batts, Roof Rack with Awning/Shovel/Hi-Lift, Drawers, 60L Water Tank, Engel etc and keep wondering how much cheaper a D4D will be to run, Im currently averaging about 550 kms a week. I'm about to splurge on the Kaymar wheel carrier as well but am really tempted to buy a Diesel to swap everything over to and then sell mine.

What are peoples opinions there? I recon it could cost me around 5-10k to do the swap for a comparable vehicle but id also have to budget in an injector change as some point so perhaps the Petrol won't come out much worse off? I don't drive like an idiot but always like to sit on 110 and overtake so i know thats a big factor.

Anyone else in the same boat?

What sort of consumption are the D4D 120s getting when set up like mine?

Thanks, Ben

As a Prado specialist I get to drive lots of different combinations regularly.
IMO I prefer the quiet turbo torque compared to the big thirsty v6. The desel is nice to cruise,
The diesel seems more responsive when you drive like you should drive a large 4x4 vehicle, it's not a sports car.
Sure if your in a hurry & racing off, when you floor it the v6 will blow the d4d away, while using at least double the fuel.
The sums I did a while ago, it was still clearly cheaper to run the diesel, based on new injectors every 120k.
Yes it will cost you to upgrade, yes it will take some time to get it back, but the diesel will be worth more still when if you choose to sell it.
You will just feel better putting in 165 ltrs after 1500 Klm's
Rather than your current figures of 162 ltrs after 1000klm's
The v6 will be more fun overtaking, but the d4d gets the job done.
The diesel is more suited to more difficult 4x4ing, so it depends whether your a show pony or need to get down a very slippery track without damage, but the v6 should be right, well as long as its not super slippery.

Both good engines when looked after as required, not as the book says.

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

Whats really sad is we are all meant to help each other out on here guys, i mean really who would want to do a "Prado Point Cruise or tour" after seeing the way others act and put others down on here. Seriously guys its a bloody forum to offer advice and support, not bag each other out. Head over to the Nissan forum and attack those guys lmfao. :-D

Hey djlingard,

I don't believe anyone is being personal in this thread, and as you are a relatively recent PP'er, you'll find a lot of jest and hidden humor between old members.

Many of the members here know and communicate/drive/eat/sell stuff with each other outside PP as well, and most times people are just poking a bit of fun at each other!

If you look on the first page, I made a meek attempt at an accurate cost comparison, but I don't know accurate enough figures for service schedules between petrols and diesels.

The very old diesel vs petrol debate (notice I put diesel first!) has been around a long time before PP was created, and will continue on until the demise of both, with the new generation of hydrogen cars!

Yep, I said it, it's time for a diesel vs petrol vs hydrogen debate! Eventually all ICE's will be retro fitted to run hydrogen when the slippery stuff runs out!

...and I agree with your final sentiment, we should all get on the Nissan forums and bag the hell out of them for having 170kW/550Nm V6 turbo-diesels!!!

Best

Mark