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Hello
I am looking at a 1998 Townace 4x4 flatdeck. Its done 68,000km and has the 1.8L desil engine. The owner wants $6,500 for it. Is this a reasonable price and are these a well regarded machine in terms of reliability ?

Toyota do have the name for reliability however, my research would indicate this engine to be something of a rarity in NZ.

Also at this age it is a vehicle with old diesel technology. if the engine was non turbo then it may struggle power wise depending on what your expectations are and intended use for the vehicle.

The mileage is extremely low (average of only around 5,500 per year) which could be a good or bad thing. Most diesels perform best when they are hot so lots of short cold running over a long period may not be ideal.

Price wise, it is hard to get a line-up on the vehicle as the price lists I have seen do not list the 1.8litre engine.

I would be a little nervous about this vehicle to be honest but I say that based on a lack of information and firsthand knowledge and experience.

A visit or phone call to a diesel repair specialist in your area may be helpful.

Jack
Thank you for replying...a great service.
I apologize, the car is petrol not diesel, does this alter your thinking. The man selling it is the second NZ owner after importation from Japan I dont know when. I am a beekeeper and would use the machine to transport hives and honey in off road situations. I have looked at a larger truck; a Mitsubishi Canter with the 3.6L diesel 4x4 flatdeck, 6 owners, 210,000km on the clock for around $12,000. I realize that they are not comparable machines in terms of power / carrying capacity but in terms of the risks involved in going with the Toyota with its "low miliage" and the Canter with its much higher miliage and number of owners can you, in the absence of any maintenance history etc give me any further advise ?

Yes this makes a big difference and because of the mileage, the risk levels are lot higher with the Mitsubishi.

If this vehicle meets your needs, it’s definitely worth consideration.

Even though the mileage is low, a proven past service history on the Toyota would add additional peace of mind.