Jeep, Disco, or Toureg

[Plendo]

Hi folks, we are in the position where we have ordered our caravan, with the intention of picking it up early next year (I hate waiting), so now we need to decide which vehicle to tow with.
The price off the Jeep Grand Cherokee is certainly appealing, but it is American and presents like a typical American vehicle.
The Disco is lovely, but to get into our price bracket we are looking at a three year old specimen with 60+ K on the clock (might be run in).
The Treg is also a true luxury vehicle, again we would be looking three years old.

Carol and I both love the Disco 4, it is capable, comfortable, and distinctive.

We will be towing on bitumen, occasional side trips on dirt, but nothing that could not be handled by a sensibly driven anything, thus we would be buying a very capable vehicle to use only a small part of its capability.

Whenever I mention our plan to buy a Disco I get howled down by the Landcruiser brigade, talking about reliability. This I can ignore (I hate landcruisers), but in amongst the crowd are people saying things like "I traded my Disco after I had to pay $8k for a new ABS computer", or "it was great until the fuel pump was replaced, and then it had on going electrical problems at 140k".

I want to buy a Disco, but at the moment I feel I could be buying a couple of tons of problems.

Please help me to understand the issues the vehicles suffer from, how they can be avoided, and importantly how they can be fixed at a reasonable cost.

[Graeme]

... people saying things like "I traded my Disco after I had to pay $8k for a new ABS computer"This probably refers to a replacement D2 ABS modulator - a Wabco component used in D2s and some other non-LR vehicles that has electrical design shortcomings but many handy people fix the various faults themselves.

My 3.0 D4 with over 100K is starting to purr as though its probably just run-in.

[Epic_Dragon]

a lot of people whinge about the landies, but they are people who have never actually owned one!! ive had toyotas, rodeo, nissan navaras and patrol, and now my disco, and by far it has been the best one. not saying the others are bad, as they are all great vehicles as well, but at 300000kms old the disco has not missed a beat! as for expensive on parts, they are same as anything else. most expensive ive found on parts is infact, toyota. the majority though is a much of a muchness. some parts are heaps cheaper, some parts are more pricey, same can be said of all car manufacturers. my sister had a turbo diesel jeep grand cherokee, 2006 i think it was, and that was a fantastic car also. if you want a disco get one :) dont let the negative opinions of people talk you out of it. I ended up going through every type of 4wd as person i was with had same negative views on discovery/land rover. (he had never owned one ever in his life, even been brought up by a dad who owns a freelander and LOVES it) he just had those ideas set in his head. I had owned my patrol for less time than ive had my landy for, and it ended up off the road for a couple months, the navara d40 had clutch/flywheel issues. D22 never missed a beat, the toyota was very reliable, just slow and very very thirsty for a diesel, and no where near as good as tow vehicle as the disco is. the discovery is under my skin, perfect in every way :) they do have quirks haha. but the stigma that they are expensive money pits is not true! yes there are the odd lemon that is a money pit, but every car make has lemons!!!!!! if you go disco you wont regret it :)

[Epic_Dragon]

tourags are really, really nice too!

[Plendo]

Thanks Epic Dragon, I appreciate your comments, especially given your location. Another of the regular negatives, is you can not get these vehicles serviced outside the major cities, and I suspect this is garbage, but I can not find a map of dealers anywhere.

[CraigH]

My folks have a D4 and tow their caravan with it and just love it. The 3lt diesel has so much toque you have to keep checking if the caravan is still hooked up!

In the UK it's won heaps of caravan tow car awards. Sure the LC brigade will waffle on about how reliable their vehicles are, but do there's make them feel that extra bit special..

Cheers
Craig

[Plendo]

Thanks Craig, I think you have hit it on the head, it is that special feeling you get driving a car you appreciate.

BTW, I have a reply on another forum from a spare parts manager from a remote location, and he debunks the theory that it is easy to get LC parts, the common stuff (brakes, belts, and hoses) is easy for everything, but the significant parts are all order in from capital city.

[VK3GJM]

Hi Plendo,

I went from a V10 Touareg to a 2013 D4 HSE 8 speed. I selected the D4 after 9 months of research and test driving a wide range of vehicles. The Touareg is still a better vehicle to drive in terms of lux and driveability in most respects to suspension, of road capability and key features such as full suspension control, massive brakes, Tyre pressure monitoring, air compressor access and towing ease.

I selected the D4 above the latest Touareg and at least 7 other vehicles for the following reasons:-

Proven off-road capability
Proven Diesel engine and gear box.
A massive selection of after market accessories that are top notch
Most important for me is snorkel, bull bar and winch and rear wheel carrier to fit all my radio needs, 2 spares and fuel.
The capacity to fit a good dual battery system
The capacity to fit a long range fuel tank, D4 tank to small. Touareg 100 Ltr.
Interior comfort and appointment, much improved over previous models.
Space to option up the rear with drawer and plenty of spare room to swing a cat
When around town, plenty of room to fit seven people
When out of town, more room to store supplies
Plenty of options for a large roof rack
Keyless entry
Tyre pressure monitoring
Choice of 18" rims, therefore a greater choice of tyres.

One big dislike is the inability to control suspension to the full extent and no compressor access yet and the stupid tow hitch receiver. Next month it's a a Kaymar rear bar and Mitchell brothers hitch receiver.

All other vehicles tested, Jeep, Prado, Patrol, LC200 Cruiser, FJ cruiser, hate to admit it Merc range and a number of soft readers to suit the wife, simply did not come near the D4 apart from the Touareg.

However, the Touareg no longer has dual battery and no Luxury V6 off-road model is available, and Australia is not getting the V8 and I need a snorkel.

I am very satisfied with the D4 after 5,000 kays , the big test will come when I test her out on the next high country outing, and later this year a trip to Cape York.

If dollars are an issue then Jeep is attractive, however after being in a V10 Touareg for 8 very enjoyable years, the jeep is still way of the mark in every respect in my opinion, only the D4 is about the closet match.

Regards

Gerald

[Plendo]

Thanks Gerald, I can imagine how hard it was to find a suitable vehicle after being spoiled by all that wonderful torque of the V10.

Unfortunately I am somewhat constrained by budget (spent to much on the caravan), so it comes down to the choice between a new Jeep, or a 3 year old Disco or Toureg. And as always I would love the features of the current models.

While we may be able to get into a 3 litre, we would still be on the six speed box, but thankfully I though that combination worked quite well.

We had reviewed and excluded most on your list, as we need more than 3,000kg towing.

I had not twigged to the lack of battery space on the Treg, and that is significant for me, as I plan to set the rig up for long term electrical independence, with about 600Ah of LifeLo4 cells in the van, and to use the tow vehicle to store electricity, and cross load it to the van when re connected.

I am also considering using a Stirling Regulator, and/or a second alternator, bit nervouse about connecting it to the primary system, which now appears to be smart, and probably will not appreciate being over ridden.

There is a nice 2011 SDV6 HSE appeared on car sales today, just a bit more than I want to spend unfortunately.

Thanks again for your advice.

[discotwinturbo]

I have a 2008 Touareg 2 V6TDi and a 2012 D4 3 litre.

Two very, very different cars.

Both tow extremely well, but Touareg with WDH is nicer to tow with then my airbag D4....no pitching. But D4 is very easy to hookup....no scary levers.

Touareg is more economical in every form of driving....by a fair amount, and my model is about 300kgs fatter than the new one.

Touareg feels faster....but D4 stops my REV app about 0.3 faster to 100. Touareg is quicker after that point....much quicker. It will go past 200kph.

Touareg is quick around the burbs and feels much more sporty.

Touareg is phenomenally reliable....I hope my D4 is just as good, so far so good.

Touareg finish is better than the D4 inside.

Touareg Is a weapon in sand, and will climb ruts with two opposite wheels on the ground.

Did seriously consider making my Touareg a tourer after finding out a bullbar, under body protection and substantial roof racks were available...but it's just not big enough inside and lacks a long range tank option. Airbags in D4 are superior to airbags on Touareg....compared to an airbag Touareg that I have driven.

Someone mentioned no V8 Touareg's for Australia....it's coming as Skipper VW contacted me to organise a test drive. Tempted.....but no.

I love my D4 though.....it's just a better all rounder and suits us more. Plus all geared up looks sensational.

Touareg no longer tows the 3.5 tonne horsefloat....it's now just my work car, but will soon be replaced by a smaller VW probably a passat (VW really make great products).

I have a friend that went from a 2.7 D4 to a 3lt Jeep....he bought a Jeep and he loves it.

Brett......

[Disco Muppet]

Whenever I mention our plan to buy a Disco I get howled down by the Landcruiser brigade, talking about reliability. This I can ignore (I hate landcruisers), but in amongst the crowd are people saying things like "I traded my Disco after I had to pay $8k for a new ABS computer", or "it was great until the fuel pump was replaced, and then it had on going electrical problems at 140k".

Join the club :D
I've had people I've never even met before politely inform me that my car is a "heap of ****", amongst other enlightened things. When I point out that my 12 year old vehicle has features as standard that are only options on their brand new luxo barge, again they set the bar high with intellectual ripostes such as "so what, landrovers still suck"
Clever bunch those toyota boys.
As mentioned the ABS computer is a Disco 2 issue, but is really a worst case scenario.
If you're not prepared to roll your sleeves up and keep on top of maintenance issues and the like a Land Rover will bite you. To my way of thinking this makes "reliable" vehicle drivers boring and lazy :angel:
Assuming you don't get a Lemon and you pick your purchase wisely and look after it, a Land Rover will be more than sufficient for your uses, and will get it done with such character and stylish flair that even the Toyota fanboys in their luxo-barge 200 Series POS will feel a tad insecure :twisted:
Best of luck.
Cheers
Muppet

[bblaze]

seems you, like me like good forums. The mob here are very helpful
cheers
blaze

[Graeme]

One big dislike is the inability to control suspension to the full extentAre you aware of what the Llams height controller provides?

[VK3GJM]

No, I wasn't aware of Llams. Thank you for pointing that out.

Installation in the new D4 with 8 speed might be a real challange, access to the inner workings of the centre console is extremely difficult. I tried to lift it to gain access to run HF radio cabling and a remote mount.

I shouldn't have to add something like this when a simply software change could easily provide that extra level access on low range and speeds less that 20km/hr. as mentioned, the Touareg had access but with speed limits where it would default back to the next level down, it got me out of many situations and certainly assisted in keeping zero under body damage.

Certainly worth looking into.

Regards

Gerald

[Graeme]

I make the Llams kit so treat my comments accordingly. Llams was developed purely because LR doesn't allow the various height selections for whatever reasons. Jeep are the same.

It is not necessary to remove the centre console fit Llams unless one wants to fit the switch in the console.

[mowog]

3 Years on from buying my Discovery 4 and I couldn't be happier. It was brought to tow a big van and it has done that job in a way I could never have imagined. The only issue I have out on the road with the van attached is bloody Toyota's with vans slowing me down.

There are short comings with the D4 as a tow vehicle but they can all be fixed.

Fuel capacity simply not enough when pulling a big van. The Fix in my case a Long Ranger Aux tank and a Kaymar Rear bar.

The standard tow hitch is ok but I have no confidence in the design I replaced mine with a Mitch Hitch.

If you are buying used and if it has done any towing get the rear Airbags and shockers checked. Mine were replaced at 50000ish.

My D4 has not been problem free but the dealer response to issues is what matters. See if you can find a 3 year old car with the extended warranty or buy one just under 3 years and get the extended warranty.

The all important question... Would I buy another D4?

Absolutely but I have no intentions of replacing my 3 year old D4 it is simply awesome.

[ozscott]

This probably refers to a replacement D2 ABS modulator - a Wabco component used in D2s and some other non-LR vehicles that has electrical design shortcomings but many handy people fix the various faults themselves.

My 3.0 D4 with over 100K is starting to purr as though its probably just run-in.

Maybe because the D2 modulator was certainly a problem (circuit that is now fixed with $2 worth of wiring...but we didnt know that in the beginning) however at the height of what LRA was charging it was $4k fitted...

Cheers

[ozscott]

Well done Mowog. Sounds like a keeper!

Cheers

[djambalawa]

No, I wasn't aware of Llams. Thank you for pointing that out.

Installation in the new D4 with 8 speed might be a real challange, access to the inner workings of the centre console is extremely difficult. I tried to lift it to gain access to run HF radio cabling and a remote mount.


I've just installed one in my 8 speed... i just put the switch on the front of the console between the seats - above the drink holder. Probably a bit dodgy but it looks fine and isn't in the way - and I can see what setting it is on easily.

[Plendo]

I have been watching with interest the passion that people feel about the Discos, it is clearly a special vehicle that get under your skin.

My first 4wd was a Willys back in Scotland, and that was quite something, we replaced that with a Land Rover, I can not remember the model, but every farm in the area had one, and they were close to unstoppable in their day.

Then in the late eighties I bought a GQ Patrol, and used to love nothing better than un bogging Land Cruisers, kept that one into the next century. The good old Patrol took us to many interesting places, but there was not much left of the original vehicle by the time it passed half a million km.

What we are looking for now is not a vehicle we will challenge (much), but one that tows well, and offers the comfort my old frame tells me it needs.

Your comments above have convinced me I am on the right tracks, I see positives for both the Disco and Touareg.

I know I can get diagnostic software for the VW, can I also buy software for the Disco that will show me the alert codes, or is it tightly held by the dealers?

Thanks again for all your help.

[sheerluck]

There's a range of diagnostic equipment available for the Disco, at various price points, and various ranges of functionality.

The Hawkeye, IIDTool and the Faultmate are 3 that spring to mind.

[SBD4]

I have been watching with interest the passion that people feel about the Discos, it is clearly a special vehicle that get under your skin.

My first 4wd was a Willys back in Scotland, and that was quite something, we replaced that with a Land Rover, I can not remember the model, but every farm in the area had one, and they were close to unstoppable in their day.

Then in the late eighties I bought a GQ Patrol, and used to love nothing better than un bogging Land Cruisers, kept that one into the next century. The good old Patrol took us to many interesting places, but there was not much left of the original vehicle by the time it passed half a million km.

What we are looking for now is not a vehicle we will challenge (much), but one that tows well, and offers the comfort my old frame tells me it needs.

Your comments above have convinced me I am on the right tracks, I see positives for both the Disco and Touareg.

I know I can get diagnostic software for the VW, can I also buy software for the Disco that will show me the alert codes, or is it tightly held by the dealers?

Thanks again for all your help.

Yes, absolutely. There are a few to choose from. Blackbox Solutions is generally considered to be the best:

Blackbox Solutions Ltd - Designers and manufacturers of the best vehicle diagnostic tools. (http://www.blackbox-solutions.com/)

You can go for more simple devices that allow you to just read faults and clear them or get the top of the line that allows you to do this and enable/disable features and change config setting etc.

[clubagreenie]

Do you want people to say she bought a Jeep?

Or do you want people to say look at the Disco.

[Plendo]

We Made our decision, and today we picked up a White SDV6 SE.

I had forgotten how nice they are to drive, love it.

[discotwinturbo]

We Made our decision, and today we picked up a White SDV6 SE.

I had forgotten how nice they are to drive, love it.

Excellent choice !

Welcome aboard !

Brett

[Gribbsmy13]

I'm glad you didn't get the Jeep. I owned mine for less than 12 months and it spent 9 weeks of that in the workshop. Also as you have probable read, the 4wd system failed on the beach 3 times. My mate is still having problems with his. I'm hoping the DIsco is more reliable, I don't know what I'll do if this one also proves to be a lemon. Only 6 more weeks for delivery, can't wait