150 Petrol or Diesel?

[Kev7762 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kev7762]

I'm with the rest of the diesel crew, once you've had a diesel and learnt o drive on the torque, you won't want to go back.
The economy and being able to drive past the expensive roadhouse and onto the next own for fuel is also a plus. I also do a bit of towing so again a plus for the diesel.
That said I also agree, take them both for a decent drive and see what feels better for you.

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

I jumped from a Turbo Forester (WRX Motor) into my D4D Prado.
This was a real culture shock, as with the Forester had plenty of power to burn and over taking was never a problem.

The VX is my first Prado, my first Diesel and also my first 4X4.

The main reason for going with the Diesel was fuel economy. I travel approx 40,000km p/a so therefore the saving in fuel was beneficial to me.
As far as the power change goes... well it took a little to get used to, but now I just have to have a little more patience when over taking.
I really enjoy driving the Diesel. The torque is awesome, and the power is still pretty good when you put your right foot down.

I'm glad I bought the Diesel, I think the resale will be a little better in 5 or so years when I change vehicles.

Just for the record, I have had my Prado for 3 months and it just had its 10k service last week. Absolutely no problems with the motor, or rattles, or 1500rpm drone... No problems at all.

Good luck with your decision, only you can make the right one to suit your needs.

Cheers,

Jeff

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

I love the range I get from the diesel. Did a recent return trip Perth to Kabarri sitting on 110kmh plus driving around, 1300kms on 130l. Currently towing1500kg camper down south and averaging 12l/1300kms which means we won't fill up till we get back.

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

Theres probably 10 Diesels sold to every 1 Petrol and anyone who has a problem Googles it and comes places like here to air their dirty laundry. Most likely the reason there is more Diesel problem stories given the amount of them sold.

For every Injector issue there is thousands of trouble free D4D's out there, i also went from a 120 Petrol to a 150 Diesel and highly recommend them, i mentioned i might have the start of the "tailshaft clunk" at the 20k service and they replaced the tailshaft without another word, i have now passed 30k and haven't had a single issue. I get 1400km for about 135-140L normally and towing my camper im getting 1100-1200km for the same 135-140L, the range and fuel economy are awesome.

BTW i have nothing against the Petrol engine, the diesel just suited me better in every way.

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

Theres probably 10 Diesels sold to every 1 Petrol

I love "statistics". At that rate, best get a petrol version before Toyota decide to discontinue them.

The facts are that the V6 petrol engine is quieter, more powerful, smoother and has less issues than the D4D diesel. The D4D diesel is more economical and has better range than the V6 petrol. Each engine has it's place and will suit different drivers with different priorities.

[Hutch Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hutch]

I love "statistics". At that rate, best get a petrol version before Toyota decide to discontinue them.

The facts are that the V6 petrol engine is quieter, more powerful, smoother and has less issues than the D4D diesel. The D4D diesel is more economical and has better range than the V6 petrol. Each engine has it's place and will suit different drivers with different priorities.

well said pete.

[Sozjot Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sozjot]

GLXMAN,
Clicked over 41,000 trouble free k's on the diesel coming home tonight. It is my first diesel (the last fourby was a series 3 Landy that went from from 0 - 60 in about 10 mins). Mrs Soz and I drove the petrol and the oiler and we both preferred the diesel - hard to say why but it just seemed nicer to drive. Drive both and make up your own mind. As for stats, out of 7 x 150's at work, 6 are diesel.
Cheers,
Soz

[Wazza2 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wazza2]

Some good points made in this thread and Peterpilot sums up some key ones.

I had a manual 90 series petrol and worried when i bought the auto 120 petrol. Will it guzzle and will the auto turn it into a boring slug? Neither turned out to be the case and i kept it for 8 years, 3 more than i had initially planned.

Swapped to the diesel this year when i bought the new one. Was worried about the trade off with power. It's fine, especially up to about 80km/h i find little difference for normal driving. Over that speed I do use more cosideration about space available for overtaking. Still fine though and i have no complaints about the switch to diesel. Am not a total convertee yet i might add. I may just swap back next time

I suggest take both for a decent test drive and include some highway driving when you do. Ignore the over hyped web posts about the d4d injector seal probs when you make your choice. There are simple ways to avoid suffering that problem.

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

I have a picture that will help you make the right decision, but I don't want to ruin the surprise for the other south australians who will see it this weekend...

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

Luckily I think both motors are great and wouldn't worry about either in terms of durability. Personally the V6 I much preferred and it suits my driving style my mostly suburban driving and will only do about 18000k per year. IF I had some big trips planned, towed a fair bit or did much greater Klm's I would go the diesel. It would take something like the disco4 V6 diesel or V8 Turbo deisel in the 200series for me to buy one as a daily driver. I did own a new 4x4 Turbo Deisel but my wife hated driving it...she hated the lag when pulling into traffic and hated filling it. I know around my suburbs I would put the petrol and deisel figures at about 50/50 for 150 owners I know because I always look. If you took out all the mining cars, company and government prado sales it would definatly not be 1 in 10 V6's.
Either way choose the one that suits YOUR needs and either way your a winner with two great donks.

[GLXMAN Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close GLXMAN]

Thanks Guys! Your opinions have been much appreciated! Ive been driving a Mercedes Vito van this week as my car broke down. Its a diesel manual and I love driving it so Ive decided to get a diesel! Thanks again and once purchased will be an active member of the forum!

[Schniff Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schniff]

For touring, Diesel is king. Range is an issue and diesel makes it more predictable as it doesn't use too much more fuel when worked hard. Petrols start to drink like crazy when worked hard. Two years ago I was on the Tanami it had rained for days before and the first 300 km was a quagmire requiring a fair bit of right foot. I hate to think what a petrol would have used in this situation with 900 km between Tilmouth Well and Halls Creek.

I recently changed out my muffler for a straight through jobbie. With that and the chipit the car is goes really well!. I drove my mates petrol fj the other day but prefer my chipped diesel.

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

Just thought I'd post some words of wisdom...