Petrol or Diesel

Hi,

I was too late with regards to the Hiace with the failed driver's window and after checking out a few rusty and damp ones for sale in the UK, I'm thinking of going back to importing one now - even though the timescale for shipping is getting longer.

I don't need a four wheel drive and as the two wheel drive versions are usually a little cheaper, I'll go for one of those. This opens up the option of diesel or petrol. Watching the auctions, I get the feeling that petrol Hiaces are in less demand than the diesel ones too. So a 2.4 litre petrol Super Custom may be the best value at the moment.

But in terms of reliability and performance, most of the info I can find pertains to the diesel engine (3 litre turbo 1KZTE). Could anyone let me know the pros and cons of the two types in comparison?

Thanks,
Steve

Good Morning Steve.

The RZ and the KZ engines both have great reputations. The RZ engines have chains so no nightmare timing belt change in that small little space. The KZ has a belt but it is only between the pump and head so it’s trivial to replace.

The issue with engines in the Hiace is just keeping them cool. That and the van is very heavy.

My wife likes the relaxed nature of the turbo diesel in her van, and that’s what sells over here. I looked for a while and optioned 2WD gas vans were just not available in the market.

I can find fully loaded limited diesels much more easily.

But to answer your question more directly, the gas motors have a strong reputation. They helped build Toyotas reliability and run forever mystique over here. They have forged internals and low power density which is a great recipe for running forever. I have numerous friends and family that have 500000km plus on that engine and they just keep ticking.

Enjoy shopping Sir. Good luck!

Thanks - good to know.

Any delay is good for Japan pricing for you. Prices have been sliding as world wide demand tails off with belt-tightening and cost of living increases. Hiace prices seemed to drop off s cliff a couple of months ago.

Wasn’t the 2RZ used in the base model Tacoma in the USA? Should be a lot of data and experience from that, and as blgravely says, the RZs are solid.
The 2RZ wasn’t particularly widespread here in NZ but the 1RZ was the workhorse Hiace engine in every work van that didn’t have the 2.8L diesel. Half a million kms and slill ticking away is very very common.

Having had all the engines (except the 2RZ) including the 1KZ diesel for 18 years (or was it 15?) I would only go petrol now. The fact diesel is more expensive to run here now is only part of it. The ongoing long term service costs of diesel engines makes petrol engines seem free to run.

I would see if you can find a petrol manual one.. simpler and lighter, and use less fuel

Also petrol is cheaper in the UK.