Long term running costs of used Disco 3/4

[DeclanM]

G’day everyone,
I know, another newbie running costs thread. I have done a search and found a few really helpful threads, but none quite answer my whole question. I mentioned in the introduction section that I will be looking to buy a Disco 3/4 in the next year or 2 (I do enjoy early planning). I’m deciding between the V8 and the diesel(s) and I want to get an idea of long term running costs. There are quite a few threads around about fuel consumption and the gist I get is that the diesel is around 10-11L per 100 combined and the V8 is around 15-16 combined. I have also gathered from here that there is no significant difference between servicing costs.
Around the time I will be looking most of the Disco 3’s will be getting up in km’s (probably many of the 4’s as well). I will be looking to keep the car for around 10 years or so, and this is the point of difference from the other threads I have found. I want to get a better sense of the running costs of the diesel vs V8 over the 10 years, bearing in mind that these will be used engines with relatively high kms at the time I buy. The running costs I am looking for will not just include fuel, servicing, insurance, rego, etc; but also engine rebuild costs (I assume this will need to occur at some point) and the like. I am curious if the costs of rebuilding the diesel will be far greater that the V8 or vice versa, and whether this will lead to a clear winner for operating costs.
I’d appreciate any advice people can offer me with this. I’d probably prefer the V8, but I do love the torque rush of diesel engines so I wouldn’t mind going with either.
Thanks

[D3mike]

I get 10.7l/100ks for my D3 2.7l TDV SE - and thats mostly (85%) highway driving with bullbar, winch, long range tank, roof pod, awning, kaymar bar, wheel carrier, water carrier & snorkel and recovery gear.

Would imagine city driving to be higher fuel consumption.

I'd get the diesel.(My last 3 vehicles have been)

D4 3l engine supposed to be more efficient.

D3mike

[NavyDiver]

2 air compressors, alternator, battery, both front control arms and might need 2 more soon, gearbox, radiator, timing belt...yep some other bits. Still happy and still a lot more coin in my pocket that the 80k to 120k a new one would have hurt my pocket. I did try to buy a new one but the silly dealer wanted to sell me a D4. I wanted a D3 for the rubber options 17 inch gave me. I am getting about 12-14 litres per 100km in my diesel D3. I am at 270,000km in a 2005 D3SE. LED lights in the back avoid too regular stuff ups and several other mods like LLMAS, long range tank and other bits make mine fun, reliable, comfortable and almost as good at swimming as I am. I give mine a slow but tough time in some vic high country every chance I get. Killed a patrol, killed a Lada. Yet to harm my D3 beyond some TLC needs. If you drive a lot or drive off road get the diesel, if not save the coin on the V8 and use the change to pay for petrol for a year or two.

I have told you but please don't show she who must be obeyed:angel:

[TerryO]

Personally If I was buying a high mileage D3 I would get the V8. Try and find a thread on here of one failing or even needing major work or to be rebuilt.

There are plenty about TDV6's failing, often with relatively low mileage. Yes they sold many more diesels than V8's but I have not seen one post about a blown up V8 anywhere.

Yes the V8 uses more fuel but its cheaper to buy in the first place so take that all into consideration. Plus they go like stink.

Good luck.

[DeclanM]

Thanks for the responses so far guys, some interesting points. The idea I'm getting is that the TDV6 is the one to get if kms are reasonably low, but once they start getting up there then V8 is the better option.
Does anyone have any ideas about the cost to rebuild a TDV6, or replace if it dies? Do they cost much more to rebuild compared to the V8?

[TerryO]

To date with a TDV6 its been a case of buying a new long engine from LR rather than rebuilding it.

Prices people get quoted from workshops to supply and fit vary from around high $12,000 to $20,000 for exactly the same job. So its important to pick the workshop carefully.

Re the 4.4 V8, as I said as far as I can remember that discussion has never been had on here yet, so who knows?

Most people love their diesels and would never buy a petrol V8, the difference for me is I also own two V8 petrol Disco's and I know from direct comparison the cheapest part of owning one of these vehicles by far is buying the fuel. Having said that I to think the diesel is a great engine and for towing a heavy caravan it wins hands down.

[Grumbles]

Killed a patrol, killed a Lada.

You get an elephant stamp and go to the top of the class for the Patrol but as for killing the Lada......oh my goodness.......shame on you...shame, shame, shame.;)

[scarry]

Forget about fuel costs,that is the cheapest part of running a vehicle.

Sure,the costs are reverlent,but not a major.

Depreciation is also a cost in the long run.

Repair costs are the issue with the D3/4.

If you can find a good independant mechanic or do the work yourself,that would be better,will save you lots of $.

Don't get me wrong,they are fantastic vehicles,but repairs will come along,and they are often not very cheap.

Sourcing a good well serviced vehicle is a must.

A good search on here,which you have done is a great source of info,as is DICO3.CO.UK and other sites.

Good luck.

[DeclanM]

Geez that is a pricey process. That would certainly kill any chances the TDV6 has of being more economical than the V8; assuming that it happens of course.
I would hope to find a good independent workshop, and try to do a lot of the work myself (another reason for the V8, no idea about diesel engines), as these beasts can be expensive when things need replacing (although I don't think much more expensive than a Landcruiser or something).
For those who have done any touring; whats the availability of premium unleaded like in some of the remote-ish places in Australia (preparing myself for the laughter)?

[TerryO]

For what its worth 95 is ok and a long range tank will get you one hell of a long way before you need to refuel.

There are plenty of petrol V8 Cruisers driving around the country side so for most places should be ok.

[connock]

Geez that is a pricey process. That would certainly kill any chances the TDV6 has of being more economical than the V8; assuming that it happens of course.
I would hope to find a good independent workshop, and try to do a lot of the work myself (another reason for the V8, no idea about diesel engines), as these beasts can be expensive when things need replacing (although I don't think much more expensive than a Landcruiser or something).
For those who have done any touring; whats the availability of premium unleaded like in some of the remote-ish places in Australia (preparing myself for the laughter)?

If your touring consists of mainly the coasts and major highways you wont have to many problems getting petrol. Go inland and you will fine petrol vehicles or carrying petrol there is a large fine ( very remote though ie. Pit lands ) So for me it has to be diesel. We have done trips away ( not as remote) and had a few guys that wanted to go but you just cant carry that much petrol.
It all depends were you intend going.

connock

[TerryO]

I agree a diesel D3 would go far further per tank when travelling long distances outback but if, as mentioned previously, you had a Long Ranger tank fitted to your V8 D3 then even if you were doing 20 litres per hundred kilometres you will still get just over 900 kilometres between refuels.

That will take you to plenty of the out of the way places. That is providing you know there is decent petrol at the other end to get back. ...;-)

[Epic pooh]

And you have to try hard to get economy as bad as 20L/100km ! Long distance touring sees mine get 12-14 depending on speed/road/load/foot. I run mine on 95 most of the time and have, on a couple of occasions I've had to resort to 91 (runs acceptably).

IMO, worrying about the fuel economy of a vehicle like a Disco is like worrying about putting sugar in your coffee after you've had a slice of cheescake.

The D3 V8 is a derivative of the AJ-V8 with ~5 years of bugs sorted out. AFAIK the major things to watch for, engine wise, relate to the plastic parts in the cooling system (& resultant consequences). At any rate, I think the gearbox is far more of a cost/reliability concern than the engine.

[rb30gtr]

My 2 cents on the Diesel's reliability.

Diesel was my final choice after looking at many V8's

Considering the local knowledge with the motor and gearbox, parts are surely to be cheaper these days, or just source them from ford..

Anyway, I landed a MY07 HSE with the black interior and a few special perks for under 30k. Has 178 on the clock with a full history.
Advantages for me is of course getting it at the V8 price, and everything that needs to be replaced has been to date. Shocks/Fuel/Compressor/Belts etc

I was concerned about the motor packing it in, however if I go the long motor replacement brand new for 10-12 grand, I am still better off financially than buying a 07 HSE Diesel with less than 100ks on the clock. And really what is 70ks on a highway driven only D3 that is well maintained.

Diesel Pop?: As far as the knowledge I have been given it has to be a certain issue to make a Diesel go pop, something that if well maintained can be easily avoided. The actual running of the motor is not the cause. Not replacing the right pulley when the belts were done or water in the diesel or lack of maintenance etc. Anyway time will tell - touch wood.

As much as I love the V8's, id also have to get a rear bar to hold the spare and a long range tank to do the normal day trips.

Diesel consumption - First tank around the CBD and some short off road stuff I got just over 800kms.

And the resale price of a diesel v's a V8?

I also am more concerned about the gearbox. Although there are a couple of FG falcons parked in my brothers driveway with the same box....

Anyway, excuse me if I am rambling just hoping to shed some light on the decision I ended up making. And I am seriously OCD when it comes to buying cars. Have owned over 50 cars and half as many motorbikes and I am 30.

[TerryO]

Most if not all of the TDV6 engine failures have been bearing related.

When my engine was finally taken out of the vehicle because of repeated mehanic caused top end issues they found when they checked the engine over that it that it had loose main bearing caps. So I was lucky that I was getting a new engine under warranty because chances are it would have failed in a very big way sooner than later.

To date I can't remember hearing any other reason for a TDV6 to fail other than bearings. So keep changing the oil on a very regular basis and use good oil.

The bizarre thing is, providing I'm remembering rightly, most of the engines that have been reported on here for failing have had less than 100k on them. It would seem as if as long as you get past 100k you should be good. One must put in context though. A small number have actually failed compared to how many are out there, still it doesn't make you feel to good if your one of the few.

[rb30gtr]

Most if not all of the TDV6 engine failures have been bearing related.

When my engine was finally taken out of the vehicle because of repeated mehanic caused top end issues they found when they checked the engine over that it that it had loose main bearing caps. So I was lucky that I was getting a new engine under warranty because chances are it would have failed in a very big way sooner than later.

To date I can't remember hearing any other reason for a TDV6 to fail other than bearings. So keep changing the oil on a very regular basis and use good oil.

The bizarre thing is, providing I'm remembering rightly, most of the engines that have been reported on here for failing have had less than 100k on them. It would seem as if as long as you get past 100k you should be good. One must put in context though. A small number have actually failed compared to how many are out there, still it doesn't make you feel to good if your one of the few.

Some very comforting info there! Any history of this happening to the Territory yet?

What are your recommendations for Oil/Filter change intervals and what oil?

Cheers,
Ben

[TerryO]

LR changed the bearing material after 2009 from memory after they introduced the 3.0l. I believe that has made a big difference. Again as I said this has happened to a very small number of engines compared to how many are out there.

I get my oil and filter changed at least every 10k at the very most, usually around 7 to 8 k is the norm, also use the oil recommended by LR.

As for the diesel Territory, the very first one Ford gave out to a Caravan mag to do a comparo on against other tugs, got 1,700 k's up the highway with a van on the back and blew up. Diagnosis, bearing failure. Obviously it needed to be better run in before flogging it with a heavy van on the back.

[Rich84]

There's a few more failures than just that:
-according to an Aussie mechanic on here, rocker arm failure seems to occur (specifically failure of the bearing in the roller rockers, which sends the needle bearings through the whole engine - sounds messy!) He never mentioned the failure rate but pointed out that they'd tracked it down to low output from the oil pump on startup. It is worth noting that I haven't been able to find a similar failure on google with the exception of possibly character's (disco3.co.uk) very high mileage TDV6 (over 500K MILES - I know something failed in his top end, may have dropped a valve).
-Second most common failure to bearing failure would have to be the timing belt tensioner mounting. There is not enough metal holding it in place, and it shears off. Seems to happen more to 07/08MY, but it happens to other year models as well.
-Heard of a few with melted pistons due to overfuelling. Injector or sensor or computer problem.
Other than that they seem to be a pretty stout motor and the general consensus is that they're a reliable unit. The failures to total built ratio would have to be pretty low.

[DeclanM]

You guys aren't making me feel any better about the TDV6 haha.
Does the SDV6 in the 4 have similar issues?
I do like the long range ability of diesel engines, especially as I'd probably get a long range tank regardless, but I'd prefer to not have the possibility of needing $15k on a new motor in the back of my mind.
Fuel costs are somewhat important, but our other car is likely to be the day to day kid carrier, so they will be minimised somewhat, and I live in the country at the moment so a lot of the km's would be highway cruising. Depreciation isn't too much of a concern either; with the length of time I'm expecting to keep these vehicles either isn't going to be worth a whole lot.

[TerryO]

If you can afford it get a D4, all round they have proven to be a better more refined package with few issues, even if that is just because they are newer than D3's.

[rb30gtr]

If you can afford it get a D4, all round they have proven to be a better more refined package with few issues, even if that is just because they are newer than D3's.

And they are real pretty!

[scarry]

If you can afford it get a D4, all round they have proven to be a better more refined package with few issues, even if that is just because they are newer than D3's.

The crankshaft/bearings were modified in 2.7 D4,the tensioner belt issue was sorted mid D3,and there were a few injector issues that destroyed engines.

Injecter problems can occur in any diesel engine,but rare in D3/D4.

Not like the D4D tojo engines that have had numerous issues.

Overall there were few issues as others have said.

The 2.7 engine in the D4 seems to have very little issues(maybe due to them being newer as well),although the 3l seems to be having a few turbo and other issues.

There are some good threads on DISCO3.CO.UK on engine issues.

[Graeme]

There are some good threads on DISCO3.CO.UK on engine issues.
Including a 3.0 with a snapped crank after main bearing shells span!

[DeclanM]

And they are real pretty!

They sure are.

Ok so:
D3 = V8
D4 = TDV6
Best of both worlds = D4 V8 (if they get crushed by depreciation)

Sound about right?

[sheerluck]

They sure are.

Ok so:
D3 = V8
D4 = TDV6
Best of both worlds = D4 V8 (if they get crushed by depreciation)

Sound about right?

Your logic is impeccable Cap'n!

To be honest, best thing to do is go and drive one of each, and keep looking until you find the one that stands out. Doesn't cost anything to look.

[Geedublya]

D4 V8 is very very nice.

[snowbound]

You get an elephant stamp and go to the top of the class for the Patrol but as for killing the Lada......oh my goodness.......shame on you...shame, shame, shame.;)
What?? Those Lada's are renowned for being awesome off road! I say another "Elephant stamp!"