Please talk me out of buying a discovery??? - NOW - new Prado

[achjimmy]

Just went through this myself and choose the 200, I haven’t ordered yet but will soon.

just some observations. price wise i see little between them, you talk of cruiser options but the minute you want a LR option its bend over big time. The final clincher for me was
My 3 kids were more comfortable in the 200
There is more usable rear compartment room in the 200
On the day i went out to make a decision the Disco that had been relocated to the showroom did strange things, the windows wouldn’t work properly and the GPS wouldn’t work. The salesman blew this off as low battery voltage, which i had read is an issue but it didn’t sit well with me.
The other thing is the lift compressors seem to fail if given a hard time, source JK and Aulro, i like the high country and although i don’t get there enough that appears to be were they will fail.

I always think of Dazzlers quote in a similar thread some time ago. With Landrover you have to want to own one.

The GX cruiser for $78k the GXL $84 VX cruiser for around 93-94k, sh1t load of money yes but resale on the cruisers is still damn good. if you look at residuals, know your miles etc you can keep repayments down with confidence.

Many of the above reasons are irrelevant to you so good luck, I think they are a pretty good thing.  BTW someone has to say it, have you look at the new Jeep with pneumatic suspension?  I had one follow me down the high country in dead standard form and it went up monument track pretty comfortably even with HTs.

[Redback]

No I'm not talking you out of it, love our D4, I'm not going to lie, I was pretty pissed off when the compressor failed in the High Country, but there were 2 other makes that failed on the same trip, LR replaced the compressor with the new upgraded AMK compressor, which is supposed to be a lot better(Made in Germany) the Old compressors were made in Japan.

I wouldn't swap our D4 for anything, on road they are amazing, offroad they even more amazing, 50,000ks on the clock now in 12mths, love it.

Would I buy a new 200 Cruiser, yes I would, to be honest, the difference between the D4 and the 200 Cruiser is only brand loyalty, both cars are brilliant and both have there issues, something all electronic vehicles have nowadays, both hold there value well too, you only have to look at Carsales to see that.

Baz.

[chisel]

I know you said not to mention V8 petrols ... but the V8 petrol 200 has better fuel consumption than you might think (judging by a number of reports on lcool, and also the official numbers are pretty good).  Large tank (140L??) also gives you better range than the disco.
Going for the petrol would save you about $10k versus the diesel.

Or get a second hand 100 TD.

[McGirr]

Personally I like all new 4WD, comfortable to drive, all the mod cons etc.

BUT I will stick to my 2000 model 100 series with less electronics and less chance of hassles. I can do water crossings and not have electronic problems which is the big problem these days with new 4WD's. I bought my cruiser for $17,000 last year , have only 130,000 klms on it and spent  $1500 for extras on it and it does me. 

Good luck with your decision.

Mark   

[Tbombadelaide]

They are cheaper for a reason........ some times you dont want "bang" for your buck... just saying 

[Alan Loy]

I know it wouldn't work as a daily driver but in that price range I would at least look at the Iveco Daily 4X4.  Not a lot of info on them as they are a truck but 6 speed 3 transfer case ratios (=24 gears) and > 2 tonne carrying capacity with such handy things as cruise contro,l ABS etc.  The twin cab has great seating.  Here's an early review http://www.goannatracks.com/Home/Iveco_Daily_4x4.html

[Minibloodhound]

I came from a patrol myself, GUIV that I had for six years and now I've had my disco for 18 months.  It's like chalk and cheese, the comfort and ride difference is extraordinary.  Corrugations that made the patrol jump sideways don't even get felt in the disco.
A couple of my friends have 200 series, and they trucks in every sense of the word...they are big!  Comfortable but big, depends how good a reverse Parker you are, or how tight the tracks you might drive would be.
Horses for courses, every brand has their pluses and minuses and all have their horror stories (mostly told by the jealous opposition), but I love my disco! 

[gclan]

I love Minibloodhound's D4 too, mind you I am a Land Rover lover (we have a Defender and a Range Rover Sport), but the comfort level not to mention the ease with which the Disco seems to tackle every obstacle make it a great choice.

Straight off the showroom floor, this 'truck' will go anywhere. I think this was Clancy the D4's first time off road, and was still on street rubber:

D4 Official Offroad Test.mov

Yes Land Rovers do have the odd problems, but what new 4wd doesn't these days with all the electrics in them?

Land Rover Australia can be a pain if your 4wd is still under warranty as they don't like anyone else to work on their trucks, but they do look after you and pay for transportation and accomms costs where a lot of others wouldn't.

The main downside with the D4 is that when the windows are up, you're insulated a bit from the outside world...you don't hear road noise or feel any bumps

Here's another mates stock 200 series on it's first (?) off road outing. I can't comment on the comfort factor, though the owner of this Land Cruiser was impressed with how comfy our Sport was to ride in, and it's pretty much the same as the D4.

Landcruiser 200 series GX Official Offroad Review.mov

For the record, I think the Defender 110 is the sexiest 4wd ever built though

Good luck with the search

[briann532]

Gclan,

Thanks for your input.

I agree about all 4b's coming with electronics these days and that is something we cant change.
I know I'm probably better off buying a newer version of my old Nissan, sticking with the diesel, replacing the clutch after 160,000, and keeping a lot of money in my pocket..........

BUT

I figure that if I'm going to shell out some money, I may as well move up a bit.
As previously stated the new nissan is a no go as petrol only, large V8 and a bit pricey (for a nissan!!!!)
For the same $ I get a D4 with a lot more features and comfort. Although the "altitude" cruiser does kind of fit the profile.

The D4 is just so good looking and sooooooooooo comfy.



damn damn damn.

Also, that 1st video looked a bit like a track I know in the Watagans. Is it?

Cheers
BRian

[gclan]

Sure is Brian. Mt Warrawalong, though it's a lot more washed away and only single/motorbike track in from the south now, though we did scratch and scrape our way along it a couple of weeks ago(pinstripe alley ).

Karen

[nbd73]

If you are buying new and it's the 3.0l bi turbo engine (2.7 being discontinued, or so I read somewhere) just remember the wheel/tyre size is minimum 18in which limits the range of offroad tyres available, especially in remote areas. And they are dearer. Just a thought, if that does not bother you I can think of no good reason for not getting one. The only thing they really need is the bigger tank as said previously, else they are better specced than a cruiser. Yes the options are just as dear, if not dearer than Toyota, but in base form you get WAY more from what I have seen & read. I base this on my father in law having bought a brand new 200 GXL 5 months ago, around same time as I got the used Sahara, and it is SOOO budget for the money. He got a real bargain ($84k driveaway, no BS) but it is just bare bones, almost taxi like. Compared to people we know who got a SE disco for around $10k less which is near enuff the same as my Sahara in fit out and options.

[Steffo1]

Have a look at the 200's payload (or lack thereof) & do some calcs i.e. passenger weight + fuel, loaded fridge weight etc, etc. You'll need an aftermarket ungercarriage to bring it up to scratch.

[briann532]

If you are buying new and it's the 3.0l bi turbo engine (2.7 being discontinued, or so I read somewhere) just remember the wheel/tyre size is minimum 18in which limits the range of offroad tyres available, especially in remote areas. And they are dearer. Just a thought, if that does not bother you I can think of no good reason for not getting one. The only thing they really need is the bigger tank as said previously, else they are better specced than a cruiser. Yes the options are just as dear, if not dearer than Toyota, but in base form you get WAY more from what I have seen & read. I base this on my father in law having bought a brand new 200 GXL 5 months ago, around same time as I got the used Sahara, and it is SOOO budget for the money. He got a real bargain ($84k driveaway, no BS) but it is just bare bones, almost taxi like. Compared to people we know who got a SE disco for around $10k less which is near enuff the same as my Sahara in fit out and options.

Thanks for that. That's what I've neen thinking, but I still have a niggling feeling telling me I'm wrong and I'm only doing it cos I want one...............
Although that's reason in itself isn't it?

Brian

[KingBilly]

Brian, just do it.  You know you want to.  Stop listening to the voices in your head.

KB

[briann532]

Brian, just do it.  You know you want to.  Stop listening to the voices in your head.

KB

I took Steffo1's advice and looked up some stats..............

SH!TE now I'm scared............

LC has a payload of 597 Kgs. Minus the 130 odd for fuel = 467 Minus me (ahem) 75 kilo's =392. Minus the missus (browny points here we come) 40 kilos (yeah yeah, but I like living = 327
Minus fridge with some drinks leaves less than 300 kgs. Chuck in 2 kids, their crap treasures and I'm left with pretty much nothing.

Whack on a 160 kg drawbar weight and my roof racks with some firewood and hellloooooooooo officer.
This leaves no room for the chainsaw envirobags of clean burning daisy petals, tools, safety kit and recovery gear (All of which I'm sure adds up the 300kgs  )

The Disco at least has a 670 kg payload which includes 74kgs of fuel and a 75 Kg driver, so a comparative payload would be 819kgs.
An extra 222kgs


The  fuel usage is also lower albeit probably 3 litres per hundred, but on a 600k trip this would save about 18 litres. (stats off the internet only - probably not true, but what I have to work with)
This slightly compensates for the lower tank capacity, but really with 82 litres even at 13l / 100k I would get a range of around 600k's. More than enough for what I do.

It seems like I'm convincing myself here.
Might have to take a look in the new year........

(Now to try work out how overloaded the trol is - ....................nah, beer oclock

Brian

[schmik]

IMO they shouldn't be allowed to sell an 8 seater wagon with such a low payload.
IMO is is NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE.

Add fuel and then leave 470kg for 8 passengers.  It's just not enough.

[D4D]

Fit an ARB GVM upgrade suspension and away you go.

[dazzler]

Silly question but why are you buying new?

Its a buyers market out there and if the 'new' thing isn't an issue why not just keep an eye out for a low k's cruiser or disco with all the gear on it already?

The reality is that they are all bloody capable 4wds regardless of the badge so its really the best deal out there.

Bit left field.

[gclan]

Hubby says he'd only get one with an e-diff fitted.

[achjimmy]

I took Steffo1's advice and looked up some stats..............

SH!TE now I'm scared............

LC has a payload of 597 Kgs. Minus the 130 odd for fuel = 467 Minus me (ahem) 75 kilo's =392. Minus the missus (browny points here we come) 40 kilos (yeah yeah, but I like living = 327
Minus fridge with some drinks leaves less than 300 kgs. Chuck in 2 kids, their crap treasures and I'm left with pretty much nothing.

Whack on a 160 kg drawbar weight and my roof racks with some firewood and hellloooooooooo officer.
This leaves no room for the chainsaw envirobags of clean burning daisy petals, tools, safety kit and recovery gear (All of which I'm sure adds up the 300kgs  )

The Disco at least has a 670 kg payload which includes 74kgs of fuel and a 75 Kg driver, so a comparative payload would be 819kgs.
An extra 222kgs


The  fuel usage is also lower albeit probably 3 litres per hundred, but on a 600k trip this would save about 18 litres. (stats off the internet only - probably not true, but what I have to work with)
This slightly compensates for the lower tank capacity, but really with 82 litres even at 13l / 100k I would get a range of around 600k's. More than enough for what I do.

It seems like I'm convincing myself here.
Might have to take a look in the new year........

(Now to try work out how overloaded the trol is - ....................nah, beer oclock

Brian

Remember though you can increase the GVM on a landcrusier by up to an extra 500kg and you can't on the D4.

[achjimmy]

If you are buying new and it's the 3.0l bi turbo engine (2.7 being discontinued, or so I read somewhere) just remember the wheel/tyre size is minimum 18in which limits the range of offroad tyres available, especially in remote areas. And they are dearer. Just a thought, if that does not bother you I can think of no good reason for not getting one. The only thing they really need is the bigger tank as said previously, else they are better specced than a cruiser. Yes the options are just as dear, if not dearer than Toyota, but in base form you get WAY more from what I have seen & read. I base this on my father in law having bought a brand new 200 GXL 5 months ago, around same time as I got the used Sahara, and it is SOOO budget for the money. He got a real bargain ($84k driveaway, no BS) but it is just bare bones, almost taxi like. Compared to people we know who got a SE disco for around $10k less which is near enuff the same as my Sahara in fit out and options.

You have to option the 18's down from the 19's first and they are a bloody fortune. Better off just running the 19" Cooper Zeons at $520 a corner, not a bad looking tyre.

Also the SE was on some sort of run out promotion, on the 1st of this month the price jumped up by some insane amount. I guess that's preparing for the 8 speed model coming in MY13.

[cruisindub]

Saw a disco 4 downtown earlier.

Good looking 4by.

Though,............. had the most hideous looking snorkel on there. Genuine landrover part it seêms.


Not saying I wouldn't have one, no reason to attempt to talk you out of it, but surely they can come up with something better looking than that.?

[Brett]

I really like the D4. On two occasions looked into buy one. I live in Rockhampton and the two closest dealers are Townsville (600km) and Harvey Bay (400km). With my average of 4000km + per month I didn't want to spend another day driving just to get a service. If Rocky or Mackay had a dealer then the D4 very well could have been in my Driveway.

If your close to a dealer I would go for it.


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[Canaussie]

I really like the D4. On two occasions looked into buy one. I live in Rockhampton and the two closest dealers are Townsville (600km) and Harvey Bay (400km). With my average of 4000km + per month I didn't want to spend another day driving just to get a service. If Rocky or Mackay had a dealer then the D4 very well could have been in my Driveway.

If your close to a dealer I would go for it.


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Well you are in luck as Mackay has a Land Rover dealer as of 2-3 months ago!



Now that's a dirty D


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[Brett]

Too late by 11 months...