Agree with ben regarding the way modern diesels seem to be going. The reliability of diesels seems slowly to be a thing of the past (with some exceptions). Have had a bit to do with certain popular European 4 cyl diesel cars that go like the absolute clappers and run on smell of an oily rag. Trouble is the expense when things go wrong, which they usually do. If they make 200 thou without lot's of costly repairs that would be very unusual, but it's then time to throw them away and get another one before they do clag it, they're absolute rubbish. Any of the v6 petrol cars would probably be a far better proposition.
Notice the new 4 cyl nav puts out nearly as much power and more torque than the v8 landcruiser. Wonder which one will still be happily chugging around in 10 yrs? Can't help thinking of the problems nissan had when they beefed up the little zd30's to put in the patrol.
The manufacturers seem to be headed further in the direction of cars that have the comfort and driveability of sedans and with the smallest possible motors tuned to get the most out of them. Probably alright for the tradesman to carry his gear around and rarely leave the tar and probably trade it well before it get's too old anyway, and this must be where the market is.
There seems very limited options for people who want a genuine workhorse/4wd ute. Landcruiser seems about it (though the v8 in them has had some problems). If someone would make a non 4cyl mech injected ute with a solid front axle I would buy one. Something that only needs an electrical system to start the motor and for the headlights would be good, wouldn't necessarilyeven need a turbo lol. Seemed to go plenty good enough back in the day. A bit like lamenting the fall of the dinosaurs lol.
