Also looking at L322 Rangies !

[DarrenW]

Hi all,

I've been on and off looking for a replacement for my D1 Disco for a while now but now are in a position to actually do something about it.
I've had a older Rangy and had the Disco from new but I'm leaning back to a the Rangy. I took a 2002 HSE Td6 out yesterday for a test drive, first time in this model. I was a little suprised how noisey it was (however much quieter that the 300tdi Disco). Just a few Q's for those who may know

I will be using this vehicle to tow a Van which I expect to weigh about 2000-2500kg. I'm not interested in dragging people off at the lights with the van and happy to plod around, at or close to the speed limit...
Q is .. is either of the engine/trans packages (ie TD6 & GM or V8 & ZF) better than the other for towing.

Also , I have the 2002 sales brochure and can see the various options on the 3 cars. Most HSE's I've seen have a few of the extra goodies is there any thing you wouldn't do without ... and why.

Finally , I've read all about updating the "CD" based sat nav to the later BMW DVD based etc ... but what can you do with the normal radio/cd/cd changer... how do you upgrade that ? Is it a common wiring loom and I just need the bits ?


Any advice would be appreciated

Darren

[spudboy]

Can't do a comparison for you about towing, as I only know about the TD6 engine, but you will have no problems towing 2T with it at all.

It is a heavy car, but it seriously gets up and goes. Even towing it is still very acceptable. TD6 give stunning MPG on a long trip too. We get 10L/100 fully loaded on trips to the snow cruising around 100-110.

Engine is a bit noisy at idle, and at certain RPMs it cuts through the cabin insulation on hard acceleration, but just driving around normally it is most civilised. Compared to the V8 it will be slower and noisier, but when I fill it up the the computer says "Range" of over 900Kms I still smile :)

(BTW - my acceleration comparisons are comparing to a 300TDi Disco and a TD5 Defender, so no surprise that the TD6 feels sprightly....)

[ariddell]

Never towed with our v8 as the D2 still gets that duty, but if you're planning on towing make sure the one you buy already has the tow pack and electronics fitted as it's $$$ to retrofit now.

Only other option I would say def don't be without is the Vogue spec comfort seats over the standard HSE ones. Traveled in an HSE recently and the seats were nowhere near as supportive or adjustable as in our Vogue.

[gaffa1]

Hi all, Iam also new to the R/Rover scene and a mate suggested a 2003 L322,3lit diesel for towing a 20ft van.Up to this point I have been searching for the mainstream 4x4 (landcruiser/patrol).Would I be correct in saying a 2003,low K's.,one owner,excel.condition etc would cost approx.$45 grand.Also does anyone know the towing max.weight....also any other things to look out for.....Cheers Paul:confused:

[neil 90]

Hi Paul, ive just got a 2003 TD6 133klm. very nice and cant believe the mpg :D. i have just towed my classic rangey on a car trailer for a couple of hours and have never experienced towing like it, i suppose it was just under 3 ton on the back and had to slow down and watch my speed all the time. very impressed with the towing. i think the max braked towing capacity is 3500kg.
there is loads of info on the net as well as on here, have a look at rangerovers.net and ffrr.co.uk
just make sure its got full history and everything works as we all know parts can be dear (not from the uk though).
make sure the diff recall was done and change the auto fluid as soon as you get it as its not on the landrover service schedule, a full service with the correct oil just cost me $260. bargain i reckon.
the power steering can get heavy at idle but its usually just the solenoid/flow valve on the rack so not to bad.
they have there quirks like anything else but the experiance of owning/driving them is second to none and good economy and performance for the first time in a range rover diesel. apart from the complexity of the electronic controls i was supprised how simple and unclutered the underneath and under the bonnet was, looks like a very strong car just as rangies should be.

good luck with your search and theres plenty around under $40k

neil

[Gregz]

Hi, I am also considering jumping in to the L322 at some point. I am wondering which would have the nicer ride - a '03 L322 (Td6), or a '05 D3 (tdv6) . Any opinions out there?
thanks,
Greg

[ozscott]

Mate I like the latest shape rangie. I had a good look at a black 03 TDV6 the other day and it is a much nicer looking vehicle in my opinion than a D3...the following is from Top Gear:

Only the growing and innately wrong-headed anti-SUV mob can stop the new Discovery 3. It deals with muck and mountains better than any Land Rover before it, and (this is the really clever bit) drives better on the road than any other SUV. Yes, including the Range Rover. A grand design, it is so unrelentingly modern on the outside and so clever inside that it makes you wonder if you read that badge correctly: this is a Land Rover Discovery, right?

With a single turbo version of Jaguar's impressive new 2.7-litre diesel, it is even competitively fuel-efficient for a seven-seater. Swap that 2.7-litre oil burner for another Jaguar engine, a 4.4-litre V8, and Disco 3 tosses the anti lobby a fistful of easy points. The V8 is an amazing vehicle; the Disco 3 of choice if you pay for your fuel in dollars. But at 18.8mpg, it's likely to be as rare as other sensible and appropriate choices of vehicle on the school run here in the 53rd State.

First, let's pretend someone else is paying your fuel bills. I can't stress enough just how good the V8 Discovery 3 is. The $114,160 Range Rover, with its own 4.4-litre V8 is slower to accelerate, and steers, brakes and handles less well. OK, you say, that's progress. But if I tell you that the Disco 3 is also quieter and more refined, and remind you that the Range Rover is still our limo of choice around here, you'll understand what I'm saying; the Disco 3 is one of the very best cars in the world.

Like the Range Rover, the Disco 3's shtick is that it handles on-road business better than anything in its class (easy to justify since this class does not include Jag XJs and Audi A8s) and then does all the muddy stuff better too. Talk at Land Rover of late is all about 'breadth of capability', and behind the wheel you soon get a feel for what this means. It's a sackful of tricks made easier by the simple and elegant Terrain Response system, standard on all V8 Disco 3s.

TR remixes seven of the Disco's critical dynamic control systems: throttle and gearbox maps; the air suspension's ride height settings; DSC (Land Rover's stability system); the traction control, anti-lock brake and brake force distribution suite; the patented Hill Descent Control; and the two (centre and optional rear) diffs. Dial in 'sand', for example, and the DSC switches off; the traction control eases back a little; the suspension automatically rises; the throttle travel extends, and higher engine speeds become forbidden territory. Twist it in to 'rock crawl' 'mud and ruts' 'grass/gravel/snow' or the regular 'general driving' and TR gets stuck in again, effectively respecifying the car for the surface it's on. There's no new individual technology here, TR is just a deeply effective interface.

The TR knob sits at the base of a oddly unambitiously designed dash. It sets the tone for an interior that's big on equipment, functionality and luxury, yet stops a good $35,000 short of a Range Rover on sheer indulgence. There's no wood, leather doors, deep carpets or sexy down-lighters here. Funny that."



NOW - I dont have much experince with either vehicle, and I dont believe everything Clarkson and his crew say either...but its an interesting write up. Having said that whilst I can see a case for the new D4 versus the Rangie I reckon the D3 loses out in style (particularly interior) to the Rangie of the same year(s). Apart from that I dont know. I assume that for towing the chassis/mono construction of the D3 would be stronger at a guess and it would tend to be a bit better off road in air suspension form but I cant see there would be much in either of those things. Im guessing.

Cheers

[Daniel]

Mate I like the latest shape rangie. I had a good look at a black 03 TDV6 the other day and it is a much nicer looking vehicle in my opinion than a D3...t

NOW - I dont have much experince with either vehicle, and I dont believe everything Clarkson and his crew say either...but its an interesting write up. Having said that whilst I can see a case for the new D4 versus the Rangie I reckon the D3 loses out in style (particularly interior) to the Rangie of the same year(s). Apart from that I dont know. I assume that for towing the chassis/mono construction of the D3 would be stronger at a guess and it would tend to be a bit better off road in air suspension form but I cant see there would be much in either of those things. Im guessing.

Cheers

There's some confusion here with Range Rover L322 being confused with the Range Rover Sport models.

The L322 came out about 2003 whereas the RRS wasn't released till 2005.

The L322 has a monocoque chassis and a td6 engine where as the RRS has a tdV6 with a normal chassis. Both have more than ample towing capacities that leave most jap crap vehicles for dead. The L322 chassis setup is far more comfortable than the D3/ RRS which share a common chassis.

The D3 cabin set up (as well as the RRS for that matter) is far inferior to the L322.

[ozscott]

No confusion on my part mate...the sport is (Imo) a fat, squat pretender...very personal view of course, and the Rangie is a Rangie.

Cheers

PS. Compare the up spec D4 cabin to the Rangie cabin and it gets interesting

[stig0000]

did you see claksons revew on the d4 and the new vouge tho, he sead

'the d4 is better in ever way as its got all the same toys as its dad, and 50k cheaper', he allso sead 'its a brilent car, dont buy one!!!, buy the real deal, in a d4 you look like a cheap skate and your trying to save money, work harder and get the daddy' :D:D

back to the l322, try for a 04-05 ish vouge td6, even if you can push that little harder for the facelift range rover and you will not be dissapointed,

it will have prity much all the bugs out of it and looks even better on the inside,

[qikbrik]

I am new to this forum and owned a classic RR many years ago and enjoyed it immensely. I am thinking of getting an L322 in the next 6 months and a mate of mine has a 4.4L Vogue in immaculate order that he has given me first option on buying. I think it has done about 1. 90,000km but is in lovely orderI am very keen and really like the thought of owning it.
Just a question though, I have been told by another 4WD mate that although the L322 is a very impressive vehicle ... I shouldn't buy one as the servicing and cost of spare parts will cost an absolute fortune and send me broke.
What are the servicing costs and spare parts like? Is it that bad?
I am not scared of spending money to service and maintain a vehicle if is it reasonable. I currently own 6 vehicles (4 of which are V8's) - so petrol costs don't really worry me much (just don't tell my wife I said that!!!) :)
Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[spudboy]

I've got a diesel, so no comments on the fuel consumption of a V8, but it has not been an expensive car to maintain (so far!! it is a 2003 model).

I just got a 130,000KM service done on it by an Adelaide independent LR bloke (PCB Landrovers) and it was about $400 for the service, plus I had him flush out the Auto Trans fluid as it was still the original factory oil (they say it is sealed for life - but apparently that is not the case....) and that cost me another $200. Not too bad I reckon.

It has been reliable as. Things replaced (under warranty) were a noisy/slow air compressor for the air suspension, and the front diff (which was a world wide recall - nothing was amiss with mine but they still replaced it).

The only annoying thing on mine ATM is the pixels missing in the info centre console thingy, but I can't see myself stumping up for a new one as it'd be expensive and I've got the same info underneath the speedo.

Hope that is of some use!
Cheers
David

[Daniel]

Yep agree with above - also run half a dozen vehicles and the L322 is no different to any other.

As with any work done by others whether its plumbing on your house or servicing your truck one can get ripped of if one is not aware of the full circumstances.

Just buy it and enjoy.:)

[PAT303]

I just drove my Td6 from Kalgoorlie to Cessnock via camerons corner and Sydney then back via the Eyre Peninsula and with 145,000 on it I have never regretted buying it.The service costs are cheaper than my 08 Hilux were and I'll bet a months pay that when it's time comes it will be replaced by another one. Pat

[drivesafe]

Well I’ve had the 2003 FFRR, the 2005 D3, I have the 2007 FFRR and 2009 D4.

The 2003 FFRR rode better than the other three, the 2007 FFRR has a “firmer” ride and handles better than the other three but as an overall vehicle preference, the D4 wins hands down and I only have the 2.7.

Having said that, the FFRR is by far the best buy for a second hand vehicle because of pathetic resale value, but this goes with any luxury vehicle, no matter what brand.

[spudboy]

... as an overall vehicle preference, the D4 wins hands down and I only have the 2.7.


oooh - don't say those things! I have been resisting testing a D4 as I'm afraid I might want to trade in my 2003 Rangie on one, and there is absolutely nothing wrong it at all.....

[drivesafe]

Hi spudboy, if I had my way I would still have my 2003 FFRR.

Don’t get me wrong, the 2007 FFRR is great and my 2003 FFRR was without question, the most UNRELIABLE vehicle I have ever owned and my 2007 FFRR is proving to be the most reliable BUT, while it's a great tourer, the 2007 is just dead boring.

Because the 2007 is the Lux, it has heaps of extras but I couldn’t give a damn about this crap and I don’t use most of it.

I didn’t realise till I got it home that I couldn’t do a single modification to it to make it better for off roading.

The problem is that there are no winches, no smaller rims for proper off road tyres and so on. So I can’t set it up for real off road use.

Whereas, there is tons of stuff available for the 2003.

I’ll be selling the 2007 soon and I don’t think I’ll miss it.

[PAT303]

Drivesafe do you make driving light looms for L322's?,if you do we need to have a chat. Pat

[Daniel]

Drivesafe do you make driving light looms for L322's?,if you do we need to have a chat. Pat

Light looms - have I missed something here or is this carrying over from another thread?

Also what is a FFRR ????

Also on another matter, Pat how are your shock absorbers going? have you replaced them yet?
I'm now approaching 150k and am getting complaints from passengers about minor swaying sensations. I guess the front struts need replacing as well as the rear normal shock absorbers.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[spudboy]

Also what is a FFRR ????



Full Fat Range Rover (i.e. not the Sport)

[PAT303]

Light looms - have I missed something here or is this carrying over from another thread?

Also what is a FFRR ????

Also on another matter, Pat how are your shock absorbers going? have you replaced them yet?
I'm now approaching 150k and am getting complaints from passengers about minor swaying sensations. I guess the front struts need replacing as well as the rear normal shock absorbers.
Any advice would be appreciated.

My shocks are almost knackered at 145K,what type are the best?.Since getting back it's developed a low speed miss,give it a boot full and it roars but cruise at 60 and it hicups. Pat

[Daniel]

My shocks are almost knackered at 145K,what type are the best?.Since getting back it's developed a low speed miss,give it a boot full and it roars but cruise at 60 and it hicups. Pat

Never had anything done re fuel system other than changed the fuel filter at 60k and 120k.

However going on usual diesel troubleshooting a miss at lower rpm is usually a sticking injector.

Have you by any chance picked up some dodgy fuel in your travels across the Nullabor? - it only takes half a litre of water ti fill up your fuel filter and send the water into the injectors. The first thing to do is unscrew the fuel filter and empty it into a glass container to examine its contents.

I got my fuel filter from Paddocks in England with other servicing consumables - cheap as anything and even cheaper now with the current pound-AUD exchange rate.

How did you go with the fan belt?

Sorry I couldn't organise the ATF when you were in Cessnock - we were on way to Europe by then - in Norway at present - 3k into a 10k trip through Scandinavia and central Europe.

On the 'to do list' when we get back are -

1. change ATF & filter
2. change shocks f & r
3. change brake pads f & r
4. replace EAS compressor system
5. change fan belt
6. weld up wheel crack

regards, Daniel

[PAT303]

Sticking injector,that could be it.I cleaned the MAF,new filter etc but it made no difference.Have fun with the fan belt,I'm doing mine when I rod the rad.I'm going to fit EBC disc's and pads and look at koni shocks.With the EAS compressor do you check or fill the oil in it?,is there a water trap?. Pat

[drivesafe]

Full Fat Range Rover (i.e. not the Sport)

Full FEATURED RR

[spudboy]

Nah - definitely FAT! There's even web sites dedicated to this: fullfatrr.com - Index (http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/) :D

[drivesafe]

But the Full Featured sounds better. Calling it FAT lowers it’s calibre.

Remember, more socialites, movie stars, sports aces, and crime bosses prefer Range Rovers then any other vehicle, so you have to keep up the right appearance. :angel::twisted::D

[Daniel]

I'll keep calling it by its proper name L322 as FF whether it's fat or featured are both incorrect and totally misleading anyway.

Fat would appear to be moe correct if taking fat in its modern word use but then P38s and Classics are fully fat as well.

Its almost as silly as some calling the P38 as "new generation".

Fully Featured is totally misleading as it does not distinguish it from other RR models and anyway one can get a D4 with more features than some
L322's.

Throughout the 3000 km that we've travelled thus far in scandinavia we've seen three times more RRs than anyother make of 4wd. About half RR L322 and half RRS. Plenty of D3s & D4s and Defenders as well. A couple of LandCruiser 200s and a couple of Hiluxes.

[Daniel]

Sticking injector,that could be it.I cleaned the MAF,new filter etc but it made no difference.Have fun with the fan belt,I'm doing mine when I rod the rad.I'm going to fit EBC disc's and pads and look at koni shocks.With the EAS compressor do you check or fill the oil in it?,is there a water trap?. Pat

The EAS compressor at a guess would be identical to the P38 setup - ie a teflon piston ring running dry as in all 12v air pumps. On my P38 I sourced a piston/cylinder repair kit and that fixed the problem. On my L322 this is being done under an insurance job so it's not worrying me as they are replacing the whole assembly - retail $1600 plus labour.

Water trap - for the EAS or fuel? The EAS always has a water drain plug in the tank bottom. Fuel - don't know.

"rod the rad" - ?? what on earth for - if you replace the coolant as specified then a radiator core will last until the core metal wears away from interanl wear & tear. "rodding" is only needed when corrosion material is deposited after old coolant looses its properties.

"koni shocks" - in my experience OEM shocks always do the best job but I'm open to other ideas. Do koni sell replacement front struts? if not then there will be an inbalance problem.

[drivesafe]

I'll keep calling it by its proper name L322 as FF whether it's fat or featured are both incorrect and totally misleading anyway.

None the less, as this model has been know as Full Fat for some time now, I think the name is here to stay!

[drivesafe]

Drivesafe do you make driving light looms for L322's?,if you do we need to have a chat. Pat

Hi Pat and my apologies, I missed your post.

I don’t make headlight looms for the FFRR but I can help you set up yours if you need help.

When I did both my 03 and 07 RR I just picked up the high beam in the engine bay and went from there.

Cheers, Tim.

[alawman]

My 2004 is now at 128000 with no problems. Only towing done was a TR7 on a large car trailer for 40km. Even going up the freeway hill the cruise control kept it on 100 km/hr in 5th.

[BUZRK]

Finally , I've read all about updating the "CD" based sat nav to the later BMW DVD based etc ... but what can you do with the normal radio/cd/cd changer... how do you upgrade that ? Is it a common wiring loom and I just need the bits ?


Any advice would be appreciated

Darren[/QUOTE]

Subscribed as i too wanto know this answer to change the cd player to the gps sat nav screen?