If only we could have some of the euro or aussie rigs over here...
In fact, we do -- the North American 2015+ Colorado/Canyon platform is based on a Holden design from 2012. Available with a tiny turbo diesel as well.
As another poster mentioned, the 2.8 Cummins is very similar to the Hilux, and most of our domestic small to mid-sized rigs can be re-engined with a Cummins kit.
Apart from the HiLux or a Land Cruiser Troopy, there aren't any Euro or Aussie rigs that are miles better than a JK, a Colorado, a 4-Runner, or a domestic Full Size. And I'd argue the rationale behind a 70-series Cruiser or Hilux is rapidly becoming irrelevant -- they are incredibly reliable, but one of the main selling points of these popular platforms is that
everyone else used one. That means lots of spares and a network of support, as well as mechanics who are familiar with the platform. Modern technology and engineering has made reliability of every car much, much better, thus reducing the reliance on abundant spares and local knowledge (Not eliminating that factor -- just reducing it).
That has not been my experience. I find gas motors start up much better in cold climates.
+1, that has been our experience as well.
Additionally, regardless of diesel or gas, more cranking amps in the battery is what is really important in cold weather starts, as is a block heater if you have shore power.
OP, one thing I didn't see people mentioning is that annual repair costs aren't the only maintenance question with Diesels. There are bigger bites, like turbos and injectors on diesels which are
substantially more expensive to repair than on gas, depending on the motor. This gets worse when you consider the risk of collateral damage with a blown turbo or detonation due to injector failure. These bigger failures are obviously a concern with all motors regardless of fuel type, but in diesels the cost to repair is usually a lot higher.
If my gasser has a major failure like a turbo that detonates, I can put in a brand new gas motor for about $1800 in parts. Just an injector service could be 2 to 3 times that much on a domestic pickup diesel. I wouldn't suggest that this is a deal breaker as I love diesels, but it is a consideration.
Your high mileage daily commute actually means a diesel makes sense as they are great high mileage engines usually. I don't think the above should deter you, but it is something to have in mind for the "emergency truck repair" budget -- I'd suggest you put it $2-$3k higher than you would with a gasser to roll with the punches that your mechanic might throw at you.
Love it.
