Safari vs Landcruiser / Petrol or Diesel?

[Postscript]

Hi guys.... needing help here!
Looking for a 4wd to tow a horse float... low budget (15k approx) - have looked at several 1991-3 safaris, diesel auto, and a few landcruisers same age/diesel auto..... but just wondering whether I should also be considering petrol? I don't want to spend my life working to keep it in fuel, but also have to use it as an everyday vehicle as well as tow 3tonne at the weekends...mainly on tar seal/grass paddocks, but also over a steep hill (Raglan!) any golden nuggets of advice?

[zukmeista]

Diesel, Turbo, biggest trans cooler you can find/fit and buy the one with the lowest k's you can afford. Not going to get into Nissan VS Toyota, but here is a thread that does.http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=35790

[Trundle]

The petrols are literally a sick joke on gas , both cruiser and safaris over 20 to 30l per 100ks towing , like a hole in the tank!!!

[BlakeNZ]

you can live with a petrol if only using it a couple of days per week. But with what you have described, get the diesel. The 4.5 litre petrol in the cruiser is a great motor(strong and reliable) but is very thirsty(especially towing). With a $15K budget, you will find a good example somewhere.
The nissan and the toyota 4.2 litre diesels both enjoy a great reputation, so service history will be key.

[1justin]

a lil while i brought a 1991 diesel corona 2c engine i get 700ks to 40 liters of diesel and the speedo my not work very well..., car cost me 1500 bucks and has probly already payed itself off in the fuel its saved me plus is nicer to drive than most large 4wds

if you just want it for towing consider buying two cars you can buy a petrol 80 series and a cheap run about for less than you can buy a diesel one

other wise i think 80 series wins over patrol for the comfort facator alough i have never driven one

dont buy a non turbo patrol if you want to be able to get it above 80ks an hour