RE: the Hilux, I have been doing some research into the Toyota diesels to replace my present 2.4L Hiace. I looked at the 4W drive Toyota Surfs which are turboed. They have a tendancy to crack heads. Many of the affectionadoes were replacing the 2.4 head with the 2.8 head. It apparently does not crack.

The Hilux trucks can all be turboed. A conversion costs a little over $3,000. The 2.4 works, just make sure you don't let the radiator get low or overwork the engine. Probably not much of a problem for city drivers, however the 4W drive guys like to pull trailers through beach sand and tend to flog the vehicles.

A used Toyota Surf can be had for around $8,000 - $10,000 in pretty good condition.