Originally Posted by
Tank
Have sent you a PM.
Go the V8 Auto route if you want towing performance, or beach driving and off road superiority, + that sweet V8 burble, LPG if touring.
Diesel requires more maintenance and service, replace Timing belts and tensioners every 80,000klms, oil and filters every 5K to 10K, Parts are expensive and unless you can do the work yourself you will need a good cheap mechanic.For the cost of replacing a warped 300TDi head you could rebuild an entire petrol V8.
Performance wise the V8 is streets ahead, but fuel consumption in the V8 is around 16 to 20L/100klms compared to 8 to 10L/100klms for the diesel, choice is effortless cruising and off road ability with that loverly V8 burble (I'm biased), or slower, noisy, but cheaper, Regards Frank.