Maybe I'm just getting old. I don't see the allure of a diesel Tacoma anymore, especially given the price it would likely be sold at. Figure the diesel is going to be a good $4k+ based on what the D4D sells for above the Petrol model in the SA/AU markets. You will be right at that $40k mark for a double cab SR5. I would never spend that on a 'mid' size pickup for a slight increase in gas mileage.
Reliability is a moot point nowadays....I don't think the diesels (even more so with the newer crop of CR engines) offer any reliability gains over the Petrol models, especially Toyotas. If we look just at Toyota, generally speaking, the Petrol models have been perfectly reliable over the service life of the majority of it's vehicles.....5vz, 3rz, 2f, 3f, 1fz, 2uz, etc....well into the mulitple 100k's.
Fuel cost is arguable when factoring in resale cost / residual value, maintenance costs, replacement parts, initial cost premium, etc. I 'think' it favors the diesel but can't be sure. Most likely depends on how many miles are driven. Assuming the diesel remains reliable over it's service life, the more you drive, the more you'll save....assuming the residual value remains favorable.
I think it makes the most sense for a) range (if you are driving in the Simpson or Sahara) or if you b) are towing large loads lots of miles and need the fuel savings.
Also, I hope the emissions systems on these get simplified, much the same way the petrol systems did of the 70's vs today. I had a 78 FJ40 and while generally simple and easy to maintain, the emissions system was unfathomable to try and trouble shoot. The current emission systems on the diesel rigs are a PITA and big $$$ to fix.
