I was at the crossroads between petrol & TD diesel.
Having sold my well looked after and very reliable carby petrol 80 series that over the years pumped $$$$ into her plus original purchase cost of $7K. Sold her for$6.5K with many offers of $4k-$4.5k.
TD's better touring value
Diesel holds value better
Diesel as a fuel is a lot less volatile than petrol
More torque
Better for towing
Better on fuel and mileage
Safer in deep water crossings
Availability of diesel spare parts in remoter place are higher than petrol
On the down side engine maintenance seems to be more $$$$ especially injectors.
Heavy beach work saw my petrol using 30L per 100km
Here in SA, stock factory TD 80 series with 390,000kms plus are still fetching $18K at the lower end and $30K plus for reconditioned engine with a few mods.
I just cant justify big dollars for a good 4wd when I'll be taking her on lots of beaches, tight tacks getting her scratched not to mention all the mud and dust. I want to use my 4wd without cringing every time I use her in the above conditions.
Im sitting and waiting for the right priced TD Landcruiser 80 or 100 series, Patrol 4.2 Ute or Hilux D4D extra cab to come along.
I always wondered by Toyota never made a factory 80 series ute...............now that would of been the beez kneez of a 4wd.
Ive heard good things about the VW Amarok...... very low fuel usage and a capable 4wd but at a very high cost of purchase.