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We own a 1992 Toyota Hiace 2.4ZR (Petrol), manual transmission with milage of approx 249,000. We are considering updating.

There is a vehicle we are considering, a 2000 Toyota Hiace DX (Diesel) with milage of approx 86,000, it has a 2.0 litre engine and a manual transmission. How does the power and load capacity compare to the petrol vehicle, we carry medium to moderate loads. Is this engine sufficient for the job?

Suzanne

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

The big advantage with diesel engines is their torque or low down power and their fuel consumption (better than petrol), so it sounds like a good move to me. Don't forget you have to pay Road User Charges with a diesel (approx $32 per 1000km's).

You will know straight away if the power is sufficient once you take it for a good road test which should include plenty of hills.

Diesels are good but can be very expensive to repair so make sure you purchase one with a good service history and keep the servicing up. A manual transmission will be better for power as well.