Which RR to buy????

[RR46]

Hi

I have a bit of a dilemma. Im am looking to buy a second hand RR Vogue as a family car/tow vehicle and cant decide on which car to go with.

The two cars I am looking at are both 2005 MY06 model Vogues. One is a TD6 and the other a 4.2 supercharged.

The RR will be used for pulling a 2.5 Ton 7 meter boat and moving the family around safely. It wont be used offroad as I have a highly modified RR soft dash classic for that.

The dilemma is my head tells me to buy the TD6, my heart says go with the 4.2 supercharged RR.

I have paid a deposit on the TD6 Vogue which has 67000 kms, one owner, full history and is like new. It hasn't towed anything as I have to buy the tow hitch, wiring/ECU kit.

The other is a 4.2 supercharged Vogue with 110000 kms one owner and full history. Both cars are at Land rover dealers, one in NSW and one in WA and Im in Vic:mad:

As Im in Vic can anyone recommend an independent Land rover specialist to look at the car for me or if someone who lives in Perth could have a quick look at it for me and let me know if it is worth me getting on a plane and flying over to have a look would also be appreciated.

I know the supercharged vogue has a few more extras than the TD6 but this dosnt worry me. I am more concerned on the differences between the two in regard to towing the boat and problems that might be associated with the 4.2 supercharged engine and the two different autos.

Also which of the two autos is the better/stronger unit? The 6 speed ZF in the supercharged RR or the 5 speed GM unit in TD6.

As Im a marine mechanic by trade, Im not a complete numpty when it comes to mech/elec systems so I will be caring out all service work myself as I am very fussy with things like that. Being a marine mechanic Im probably over the top with servicing/maintinace, but if your boat breaks down you cant get out and walk home.

My biggest concern with the 3.0 TD6 is will it be up to the job of pulling that weight and how it will go pulling up hills apposed to the 4.2 supercharged engine.

By no means do I want to be breaking any land speed records but in saying that I dont want to have to tell the wife and kids they need to get out and help push when we come to a hill. I will be coming out of a new HSV GTS and I also have 3 Kenworths with 600 hp cummins Signatures in them so Im used to some power/torque.

I have included a pic of what it will be towing.

Your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Gavin

[spudboy]

We have an '03 TD6 and the first thing I'd say is - have you driven one? They are an amazing engine.

It'll never beat a supercharged V8, but they have heaps of grunt for a 3L diesel. I have not towed a big boat like yours, but would think it'd handle it pretty well.

Personally, I couldn't bring myself to feed a V8, having had a RR classic 3.9. The TD6 is a good combination of power + economy. The 5 speed gearbox seems fine to me - maybe the 6 speed is better, but there's nothing wrong with the 5 speed.

[RR46]

We have an '03 TD6 and the first thing I'd say is - have you driven one? They are an amazing engine.

It'll never beat a supercharged V8, but they have heaps of grunt for a 3L diesel. I have not towed a big boat like yours, but would think it'd handle it pretty well.

Personally, I couldn't bring myself to feed a V8, having had a RR classic 3.9. The TD6 is a good combination of power + economy. The 5 speed gearbox seems fine to me - maybe the 6 speed is better, but there's nothing wrong with the 5 speed.

Thanks for the reply spudboy.

I have driven a few TD6 Rangies over the years and have been impressed, although I haven't towed with one. The TD6 Vogue I have paid a deposit on in NSW drove like a new car and was quite impressive for such a small capacity diesel (3ltr).

Fuel is a concern but the best I get out of my loaded KW@45.5T is 2.2km per ltr so Im used to paying for fuel. My classic with 35"s drinks like its going out of fashion. But I must admit lower fuel costs would be nice for a change.

I also took a 4.2 supercharged Vogue for a drive and it was silky smooth with heaps of go. What Im concerned about is how reliable the 4.2 supercharged engines are and if they have any known faults/problems.

Im also concerned how the 3.0 TD6 will go with the weight of the boat on the back and hills.

I don't want to be the one holding up other motorists because I bought the wrong car for the job

Cheers

[RR P38]

Not speaking with any experience with these 2 variants, i think i would go with the ZF box and the super charged version 400BHP and stacks of torque down low.
On paper i thing the cubic inches make this the best option.
You will keep your boat rolling easily.
I would certainly look at a larger Trans cooler if you are going on long trips with that much weight in tow.

I would say you will have some reports from members with relevant experience with these 2 options coming soon.

[harlie]

I Have a TD6, it would handle an "old" Haines Signature 2150L/700LE with ease :D . I have towed a 7.3 plately several times with no worries

However a Super Charged with an extra gear would do it better...

If you go for the TD6, get a trans cooler, service the trans OFTEN and have a look at an ECU upgrade. IMO the trans is the week point of the TD6

[stig0000]

the 4.2 will be the best cruiser, and if driven nicely are not bad on fuel,

the engines are very good, since your towing the supercharger cooler pump will come on more then normal,, so ask for this to be cheaked or you can cheak it your self,, not hard at all to test, other then that there a good strong motor,

if you can save a lil longer,, go for a tdv8 vogue,, best of both worlds then,, pull like hell and dont even no the meaning of a high fuel comp,

i think with that sort of weight i think the 3L will start to struggle a tiny bit

[PAT303]

I have a Td6 and it's excellent,Tombie does a chip upgrade if it isn't enought.My next RR will be a petrol but thats because it makes more sense for the driving I do. Pat

[RR46]

Thanks for the opinions/advice.

I have pulled out of the deal on the TD6 Vogue (shame as it was a bloody nice car in EC) and decided to go with a 4.2 V8 supercharged Vogue as it will suit my needs better:D.

Now all I have to do is find the right car at the right price (05/06 MY06).

I will post some pics once a deal is done.

Thanks again for the advice.

Cheers Gavin

[magic bob]

Hi Gavin
I am in Perth, have a few RR contacts here, can have a look for you.
Magicbob

[RR46]

Hi Gavin
I am in Perth, have a few RR contacts here, can have a look for you.
Magicbob

Thanks Magicbob

I am waiting for the dealer in Perth to call me back today. If you could do this prior to me getting on a plain it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Gavin