Is a diesel Toyota as reliable as I think it should be?

Another "learn me, what vehicle, I can't make a choice to save my life" thread.

So, I thought I had it all figured out. I was going to buy an escalade. Big engine, squishy guts, looks cool, secretly a Chevy truck, can tow many things. I like all of this. I don't care about mpg because my commute is less than 3 miles and I still have a Corolla. 

Then- japanese classics LLC popped up in my feed. They're an importer based out of Virginia. That's a one day fly and drive....sorta. they've got all sorts of old japanese stuff I like. Crown majestas, cimas, celsiors, etc. Then, they start saying stuff like "Hilux surf diesel". Thats a Toyota 4runner with an oil burner for those playing along. Something I've long wanted was an earlier 4 runner......I'm still mad at myself for not buying pimpm3s unicorn before it went to Ohio. And the idea of a Hilux diesel scratches a lot of itches I didn't know i had. The question is, would it do so in typical Toyota fashion, or is there some sort of evil voodoo magic that I don't know about these?

Can't comment on the diesel Toyota reliability. But, I can and will always personally vouch for Japanese Classics LLC all the way. 

In reply to yupididit :

That's actually very useful. The online reviews are stellar, but that can be manipulated. Thanks for the info. 

How hard is it to get diesel specific parts? Can you wait for the slow boat to come in? Can you pay to overnight parts from Japan if you need to decimate all the next day? 

Some 1st and 2nd gen parts are long, long gone.

Triple check parts availability.  My typical off-the-beaten-path vehicles are often something that still has parts at Auto Zone, or can be ordered for next day.  You won't likely have that luxury with a non-US market car.

I have wondered, how hard (expensive) is it to insure these jdm models for daily driving? 

is the diesel motor the same basic motor  used in forklifts etc ?

In reply to californiamilleghia :

I don't think so. That would've been the 22r diesel (talk about bulletproof). They have a 3.0 (four cylinder?) diesel as well. Supposed to be pretty good

John Welsh said:

I have wondered, how hard (expensive) is it to insure these jdm models for daily driving? 

Mazdamx605 has a few. We should ask him. 

Check Duncan Imports too. I have a close friend who has had wonderful experiences with them. 

dyintorace said:

Check Duncan Imports too. I have a close friend who has had wonderful experiences with them. 

I was going to suggest the same. A friend of mine bought a minty RHD FD3S from them last year in Nashville and had a good experience.

Tom: Give in to the Escalade desire. I've not once regretted it.

(but maybe also buy something dumb and JDM)

The Toyota truck that Top Gear abused was a diesel. It appeared to be unkillable. 

In reply to Powar :

I know man, I know. I want one. But escalades are common here. Weird is my forte. You know this. 

As a current Yukon XL Denali driver I can heartily recommend the 'Sclade.

eastpark said:

The Toyota truck that Top Gear abused was a diesel. It appeared to be unkillable. 

Was just going to say that Clarkson dunked one in the ocean and it kept going

RevRico said:

eastpark said:

The Toyota truck that Top Gear abused was a diesel. It appeared to be unkillable. 

Was just going to say that Clarkson dunked one in the ocean and it kept going

That particular pickup is the whole reason I'm in this pickle. 

I've seen a four cylinder pickup from 30 years ago with cylinders all barrel shaped, I've seen another scored all to hell due to glow plugs coming apart.

I guess the real question is  "How realistic are your expectations about Toyota diesels?"

I seem to recall the 2L or 2LT had issues with heads or head gaskets.  But they might still be more reliable then many other cars/trucks, however not up to the regular Toyota million mile reliability.

I'm not a fan of his but check out WhistlinDiesel on YouTube, he just destroyed a mint diesel Hilux and I was shocked at the abuse that it took without any complaints.

I am sure there is a UK or aussie forum  that has a lot of info about these trucks .

I assume its over 25 years old so it could be imported easily

californiamilleghia said:

I am sure there is a UK or aussie forum  that has a lot of info about these trucks .

I assume its over 25 years old so it could be imported easily

Yep. Already sitting in Virginia. Fly, hand wad of cash, spend 12 hours learning rhd. 

untchabl said:

I'm not a fan of his but check out WhistlinDiesel on YouTube, he just destroyed a mint diesel Hilux and I was shocked at the abuse that it took without any complaints.

That made me so, so sad. 

I'm sure it will be reliable enough. I'd just be scared of parts availability. Service items for the chassis are probably still around since I still see these things on the road and the chassis was released here. The engine related stuff would have me worried if it wasn't ever used here. 

I've seen the complications with getting GTO specific parts and that was released in the US for 3 years and it's still hard to find parts for them.

Couldn't hurt to ask around Ih8mud, I'm imagining you can get anything you need. The Landcruiser guys regularly buy arcane diesel parts. Most anything Toyota still makes is available from sympathetic dealers or places like partsouq.com

Mndsm said:

californiamilleghia said:

I am sure there is a UK or aussie forum  that has a lot of info about these trucks .

I assume its over 25 years old so it could be imported easily

Yep. Already sitting in Virginia. Fly, hand wad of cash, spend 12 hours learning rhd. 

How many times have you shifted the door handle ?

Have fun :)