Interesting discussion. I have a 99 TD. I guess is quite similar to 98. It has just over 90k and is doing fine. The issues I had (mostly in warranty) were related to the steering. The engine is doing fine. My wife has a 02 Camry V6 which appears to have a lower mpg than mine. Since the warranty had expired (at 50k) I did most of the maintanence myself: oil, glow plugs, cabin filter, bulbs, air + fuel filter, differential oil change, etc. To change glow plugs is not as difficult - once you do it once and know what you need to do the second time will take only 30-45 minute at most.
I am pretty happy with the car so far. I am planning to keep it at least until I reach 250k.

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pat201