What's with Diesel Cruisers in the US? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

2car · 08-16-2001, 01:31 AM

I have the impression that Diesel Cruisers and H engines are rare in the US of A. What is the story there? Is it something to do with the emission regulations? Or was it a sales/marketing thing?

cruiserman · 08-16-2001, 02:18 AM

Gray market only. Toyota never imported diesels to the USA <IMG SRC="smilies/mad.gif" border="0">.

LCexplorer · 08-16-2001, 11:23 AM

If you really want a Toyota diesel, Lugger marine out of Seattle imports a large chunk of the line up into the states for marine use. Although I believe they only import new stuff. I hope this helps!

Beanz2 · 08-16-2001, 12:32 PM

LCexplorer,

Do you have the contact info on Lugger Marine?

Dave

Cruiserhaven · 08-16-2001, 08:57 PM

I would think it's a "marketing thing"--ie. Toyota's research showed that diesel Cruiser's wouldn't sell--plus they wanted to sell to the higher end luxury market (ala 60/62/80/100).

For the general public, diesels aren't that popular (the rabid Cruiser heads that drool over the diesels represent such a small market segment as to be invisible to Toyota).

And at one time they were something to be "feared" from a consumer standpoint because diesel was harder to find and you had problems (at least that was how the story went) with fuel gelling in the winter, etc.

I remember when I was in high school I wanted to get a used diesel K5 Blazer and my dad convinced me out of it with those type of arguments.

I have a diesel and finding fuel isn't too bad (there ARE areas that I have a hard time finding it in though). The winterized diesel fuel and a good set of glow plugs results in pretty easy winter starting.

Diesels are still generally seen mostly as "work trucks"--chances are you aren't going to buy a $60K (what it would go for in the U.S.) diesel Land Cruiser for your plumbing business or to haul your horse trailer, etc... you'd go with a cheaper Ford or Dodge. Toyota's target market in the U.S. just isn't into diesels.
<IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

2car · 08-16-2001, 11:05 PM

When the 80's were coming in to Australia 60% of them were diesels. We love 'em, and they sell like hot-cakes.

Cruiserhaven · 08-17-2001, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 2car:
When the 80's were coming in to Australia 60% of them were diesels. We love 'em, and they sell like hot-cakes.

I believe it. I would love one.

Unfortunately the yuppie grocery getter market in the U.S. probably wouldn't appreciate them as much.

How much did they cost?

[ 08-17-2001: Message edited by: Cruiserhaven ]

Ozrunner · 08-17-2001, 06:35 AM

A current GXL 100 series Turbo Diesel landcruiser will set you back about $US37,000 which includes a 10% Government tax.

Check this site for costs and specifications and check the turbo's numbers as its no slouch, LOL.
http://www.discountnewcars.com.au/Toyota/default.cfm

Mark '73 FJ40 · 08-17-2001, 07:16 AM

aaahhhh

Canada has them.

<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

cruiserman · 08-17-2001, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark 73' FJ40:
aaahhhh

Canada has them.

<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Said the man driving a petrol fj40.

Cruiserhaven · 08-17-2001, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark 73' FJ40:
aaahhhh

Canada has them.

<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Didn't Toyota stop importing non-industrial use Land Cruisers into Canada?

BJ On Roids · 08-19-2001, 08:23 PM

<IMG SRC="smilies/massey.gif" border="0">
live in Oz!
diesels galore!
but you really should get a TURBO!!
that is all!
mine are noth diesels!

cruiserman · 08-19-2001, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LandCruisersKickAss:
 <IMG SRC="smilies/massey.gif" border="0">
live in Oz!
diesels galore!
but you really should get a TURBO!!
that is all!
mine are noth diesels!

Very nice except for that weird gun control thing you guys got going on down under <IMG SRC="smilies/puke.gif" border="0">.

60seriesguy · 08-20-2001, 12:23 PM

Cruiserhaven is right, Canada got diesel Cruisers from 1978 through 1987, in the forms of BJ40's, BJ42's, BJ60's, BJ70's and HJ60's. In addition, a small number of diesel Land Cruisers (in the forms of BJ75's, PZJ75's, HJ75's and HZJ75's) are imported by third parties for use in mine and industrial applications, but there aren't intended for street use (though some have discreetly made it).
One thing you didn't mention above is that the price of gasoline plays a huge role in the lack of enthusiasm for diesels in the US; if we were paying the $4+ a gallon that other countries pay, you bet there'd be more diesels around.
My wife drives a 1999 VW Jetta TDI, nice little car. Comfortable, peppy (with the turbo), and you can't beat 50 MPG on the highway! Heck, her car brings our household to a respectable 32 MPG average, try shaking a stick at that! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

08-16-2001, 01:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
2car Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Member # 5586 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 226	What's with Diesel Cruisers in the US? I have the impression that Diesel Cruisers and H engines are rare in the US of A. What is the story there? Is it something to do with the emission regulations? Or was it a sales/marketing thing? __________________ 74 FJ40, 307, Hilux DBC. "Two half nuthin's make a whole nuthin'. You can argue with me, but you can't argue with science." '' _ ______ '/\|_[_____]__ \|¯[_L/-\_\|o=o\|_ ¯:__;-¯__-,==,_ ()_)O()_)O== )_)

08-16-2001, 02:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
cruiserman Registered User Join Date: Aug 2000 Member # 1527 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,034	Gray market only. Toyota never imported diesels to the USA <IMG SRC="smilies/mad.gif" border="0">. __________________ 80, '72 GMC, Odyssey

08-16-2001, 11:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
LCexplorer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Member # 2802 Location: Would it be Pacific North or Southwest... anyways north of the border Posts: 441	If you really want a Toyota diesel, Lugger marine out of Seattle imports a large chunk of the line up into the states for marine use. Although I believe they only import new stuff. I hope this helps! __________________ Basking in Project paradise... latest addition '83 dodge Crew Cab needing a Cummins...

08-16-2001, 08:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cruiserhaven Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3930 Location: New York Posts: 433	I would think it's a "marketing thing"--ie. Toyota's research showed that diesel Cruiser's wouldn't sell--plus they wanted to sell to the higher end luxury market (ala 60/62/80/100). For the general public, diesels aren't that popular (the rabid Cruiser heads that drool over the diesels represent such a small market segment as to be invisible to Toyota). And at one time they were something to be "feared" from a consumer standpoint because diesel was harder to find and you had problems (at least that was how the story went) with fuel gelling in the winter, etc. I remember when I was in high school I wanted to get a used diesel K5 Blazer and my dad convinced me out of it with those type of arguments. I have a diesel and finding fuel isn't too bad (there ARE areas that I have a hard time finding it in though). The winterized diesel fuel and a good set of glow plugs results in pretty easy winter starting. Diesels are still generally seen mostly as "work trucks"--chances are you aren't going to buy a $60K (what it would go for in the U.S.) diesel Land Cruiser for your plumbing business or to haul your horse trailer, etc... you'd go with a cheaper Ford or Dodge. Toyota's target market in the U.S. just isn't into diesels. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> __________________ CRUISERHAVEN 1987 FJ60, 1974 3FJ40

08-16-2001, 11:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
2car Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Member # 5586 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 226	When the 80's were coming in to Australia 60% of them were diesels. We love 'em, and they sell like hot-cakes. __________________ 74 FJ40, 307, Hilux DBC. "Two half nuthin's make a whole nuthin'. You can argue with me, but you can't argue with science." '' _ ______ '/\|_[_____]__ \|¯[_L/-\_\|o=o\|_ ¯:__;-¯__-,==,_ ()_)O()_)O== )_)

08-16-2001, 12:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
Beanz2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Member # 667 Posts: 729	LCexplorer, Do you have the contact info on Lugger Marine? Dave

08-17-2001, 06:35 AM	#8 (permalink)
Ozrunner Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Member # 1119 Location: Australia Posts: 133	A current GXL 100 series Turbo Diesel landcruiser will set you back about $US37,000 which includes a 10% Government tax. Check this site for costs and specifications and check the turbo's numbers as its no slouch, LOL. http://www.discountnewcars.com.au/Toyota/default.cfm __________________ JD Cobra GT40 4Runner

08-17-2001, 07:16 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mark '73 FJ40 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Member # 2492 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 836	aaahhhh Canada has them. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> __________________ I've spent a lot of money on trucks and beer. . .. . the rest I wasted.

08-19-2001, 08:23 PM	#12 (permalink)
BJ On Roids Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6588 Location: 'Straya....mate Posts: 7,434	<IMG SRC="smilies/massey.gif" border="0"> live in Oz! diesels galore! but you really should get a TURBO!! that is all! mine are noth diesels! __________________ [COLOR=yellow]Bj on Roids 1970FJ45, Quad Cam V8, Auto, Broken T-case, H-TEC (traction control and cutting brakes) 42 TSLs.[/COLOR] [COLOR=green][URL=http://www.outerlimits4x4.com]Aussie Wheelers Bulletin Board[/URL] [/COLOR]

08-20-2001, 12:23 PM	#14 (permalink)
60seriesguy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3942 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 2,288	Cruiserhaven is right, Canada got diesel Cruisers from 1978 through 1987, in the forms of BJ40's, BJ42's, BJ60's, BJ70's and HJ60's. In addition, a small number of diesel Land Cruisers (in the forms of BJ75's, PZJ75's, HJ75's and HZJ75's) are imported by third parties for use in mine and industrial applications, but there aren't intended for street use (though some have discreetly made it). One thing you didn't mention above is that the price of gasoline plays a huge role in the lack of enthusiasm for diesels in the US; if we were paying the $4+ a gallon that other countries pay, you bet there'd be more diesels around. My wife drives a 1999 VW Jetta TDI, nice little car. Comfortable, peppy (with the turbo), and you can't beat 50 MPG on the highway! Heck, her car brings our household to a respectable 32 MPG average, try shaking a stick at that! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

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