What Gas Mileage Can I Expect from a Diesel Engine?
I’m currently looking for a small pickup for significant long-distance driving, possibly 50-60K miles per year. I’ve come across a few Toyota pickups with diesel engines, and the owners report highway mileage of over 40 mpg. If you own one or have experience with these, could you share what kind of mileage is realistic?
Regarding mileage, I can’t provide a specific number as it varies based on factors like load and towing. However, you should expect around 28 mpg on average. Diesel engines are generally more durable, with components built heavier than those in gasoline engines. In my experience, diesel engines often last about four times longer than gasoline engines with proper maintenance. Keep the fuel clean and change the oil regularly, roughly every 6,000 miles for a diesel. Also, ensure the air filter stays clean. A turbocharger can provide additional horsepower and improve fuel efficiency, leading to slightly better mileage per gallon.
If you’re driving frequently, you’ll definitely want a turbo. I have a Surf and I’m getting around 25-28 mpg. It’s much heavier than a 2WD Hilux and has less rotational mass, which can lead to significant mileage improvements.
In a 2WD diesel Hilux, you might see fuel economy in the high 30s. However, the 2LT engines are known for having issues with cracked heads, so it’s wise to ensure this has been addressed before purchasing. You can use a kit to check for exhaust gases in the coolant to verify this.
And according to my 1984 brochure, the claimed mileage for a 2WD is 35 mpg in town and 44 mpg on the highway.
I had a friend in high school with a green 1984 diesel 2WD, and he confirmed it actually got even better mileage. Keep in mind this was when the speed limit was 55 mph, but if you maintain speeds of 65 mph or lower, you should still achieve high 30s in fuel economy.
Good luck finding one in good condition; they can be quite expensive.