The Peoples D5

[Lee Jackson]

Hi Guys,

I picked up my New Loire Blue D5 on Monday. I love it. I had so many hesitations about Color and Interior choices but WOW really happy. I will drive it in for at least 6 months or more before I start accessorizing it. I have been a member on this forum for only a few months and I can see what a great bunch of people you all are so I will share my stories good and bad.

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[grey_ghost]

Enjoy your car - I love the colour. Welcome to AULRO

[Stuart02]

Gorgeous!

[Colin Pedersen]

Great car Lee,

Been looking at one myself and the Blue is definitely the colour I prefer look great The dealership keeps saying White is the most popular colour?? I see you have the ivory leather.....my only difference would be Ebony:-) I also love the profile the roof rail makes...great choice. Did you get the TD4 or TD6? SE, HSE?

Been procrastinating about a few things which are perplexing me. Which options did you get? I've looked at the Driver Pro Pack (Driver Condition, Adaptive Cruse, Lane Keep, blind spot) which to me should now be standard on a vehicle in this price range not $3.5K extra! (My work colleagues new Hyundai Tuscan has them all standard!).

As I use my current D4 for touring and bush camping, I'd like the Capability plus pack.....Active rear Diff, Terrain Response 2 and Progress Control....can understand these as an option.

Having now test driven one, (very nice to drive I’ll add) I'd also see benefit in the 360 degrees parking cameras....the bonnet is significantly larger and visibility parking in your normal supermarket will be challenging…nowhere near the visibility of the D4 driving position and it’s a much larger vehicle. How is this working for you?

The head up display is also another feature I think should be standard this day and age at this level…but apparently needs the $1.5K special windscreen.

You mention no mods for 6 months, and I’m concerned if a decent bar and winch will not be available….and what will they look like in this now rounded vehicle?? (ie, the current Prado with a bar detracts from the appearance to cater for the aero dynamic front end….in my opinion anyway) I’ve used my current winch 3 times in anger and fended of several roo strikes with no damage to the car…so will need them in the future.

Also looked at AT tyres, the standard 20” were 255/55/20…it seems I’d have to go slightly oversize to get a decent AT tyre.
I’m sitting on the fence ATM…do I wait till the supply settles and a few accessories come on the market…first edition fixes are resolved, the dealers start to create a bit of competition…overcome the rear end looks

Be interested to hear your plans.

Col.

[DiscoMick]

Looks very smick. Be interested in your experiences. Why don't you start a thread in Member's Rides to record how it goes.

[Lee Jackson]

Hi Colin & DiscoMick,

I probably will start another thread. My experiences so far are WOW. Really lovely car to drive. Sorry Colin its the HSE Lux TD 6 With a few options. I have the 360 Degree Camera but as yet have not used it. Done 600km in her so far. I use the reversing camera when reversing. So havent had a need for it yet. I have the 4x4 Drive Assist I think its called and that my friend is sexy. It basically Splits the screen into 3 parts. The Left Wheel, Front, Right Wheel View. So I should be able to see Rocks and Ruts without getting out of the car. I think this is why I needed the 360 degree.

I am still very green in relation to land rover and what the vehicle offers. I am finding new things everyday and that is a treat in itself. Like when I open the car at night a Discovery Logo appears on the ground (Like the bat signal).

I used Adaptive Cruise Control for the first time on Friday night scary as all get out. But wow never want another car without it. Works a treat.

Re Seating Position I am still playing to be honest. My first thoughts were f@$K its big, how am i going to see over the bonnet. So I think to myself I want to raise the height of the seat to its highest position. I drove like that for a few days but was disappointed because the HUD was being cut off. So I moved the height back down a bit.. Then more playing I found out I can raise/Lower the HUD. Problem Solved. Still haven't fully decided on Seating Position as yet.

Re HUD I am 80% happy. The reason i didn't get First Edition was they didn't come with HUD (Go figure). The HUD I agree should be in every car Period. The less a driver takes their eyes off the road the better. Sorry Just read last sentence back the 20% why I am not happy is because if you were sunglasses it makes it near impossible to see. At night its brilliant.


Re Accessories...
I have been trying to keep a breast of things over in UK and USA to a degree. I know prospeed are a month away from some gear and a few others aren't far behind. Things like WeatherTec already offer 4x4 Mats for them. I have been talking to Dan at Duckworth about some of the things he offers too. It wont be too long before accessories will be more readily available.

The first thing I think I want to do is get rid of the 22' Rims and Tyres and Get 20' Rims and Tyres. But Like a few people have already mentioned to me drive the bloody thing first then work out what you want. Which is what I am going to do.

This is my first Diesel too, so I have been reading up on what kind of Diesel to use. Do I need things like this Product test – Oz diesel | 4X4 Australia (https://www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/1512/product-test-oz-diesel)

Lee

[ozscott]

The getting rid of the 22 inch rims is a great idea for ANY driving on even bitumen with the odd pothole or graded dirt road...but it sounds funny saying you are going to 20's!!! Have a good time with it mate. Looks nice in blue and that new car smell is addictive. Cheers

[LRD414]

Good write-up Lee. Keep it up, your experiences as an early adopter are really interesting.

Scott

[Tins]

Get it dirty.

Winter Wombat, Vic, 2017 (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/trip-preparation-suggestions-ideas-and-advice/248790-winter-wombat-vic-2017-a.html)

First time I went to Wombat there was a chap with a D4 that was three weeks old and stock. It amazed us. Think what yours can do[bigsmile1]

[Chops]

What a gorgeous car Lee. I'm so hoping you can make it to Wombat, but if not, somewhere soon we'll see them together. I certainly wish mine still looked that pretty.

Maybe I should wash mine [bigwhistle]

[Lee Jackson]

Thanks Guys for the comments. Scott I have been following your threads with Great Interest and you are one of the main reasons I am writing on here. You are very particular in your approach to solving problems as am I. This is really why I called it the peoples D5. I will be influenced by all of the comments on here.

I have just turned 50 and I work way too hard. Kids have almost flown the coop. Well maybe another 10 years will see them all go so I want to start experiencing things other than work/sleep rinse repeat.

[LRD414]

Lee if you get a chance could you measure the distance from ground to highest point of tailgate when it's open and in normal suspension height. This is something that bothers many D4 owners but my impression is that it's not as bad as in some photos.

Scott

[cuppabillytea]

This could be the car for SWMBO, I reckon.
Lee, could you hop in the back to seats for a sec and tell us how they feel please?

[TB]

Lee if you get a chance could you measure the distance from ground to highest point of tailgate when it's open and in normal suspension height. This is something that bothers many D4 owners but my impression is that it's not as bad as in some photos.

I didn’t use a tape measure but I did share my observations about the min/maxi tailgate height compared with my head (I’m 6’ 5”) in the D5 showroom thread.

[Lee Jackson]

Hi Guys,

Will Measure up soon. Will try an accompany with pics too. From what I have played with ie Lowering and Raising the Back it goes pretty high. Like at chest height. But like i said I will do from normal. then lower then raise. Hope that makes sense.

[scarry]

This could be the car for SWMBO, I reckon.
Lee, could you hop in the back to seats for a sec and tell us how they feel please?

Hmmmm,if it's anything like the D4 I have now I won't be able to get SWMBO out of the drivers seat.

I wonder if the rumours are true that ARB are not in any rush to make accessories for this model?

[veebs]

I wonder if the rumours are true that ARB are not in any rush to make accessories for this model?

Doubt it. Accessories is ARB's only game - why deliberately cut out one of the major offroading marques?

[DiscoMick]

I assume ARB would see a huge market for D5 accessories in the USA and Europe.

[Graeme]

ARB were in no rush to make a bar for the D4 yet it was only slightly different to the D3.

[cuppabillytea]

Hmmmm,if it's anything like the D4 I have now I won't be able to get SWMBO out of the drivers seat.

I wonder if the rumours are true that ARB are not in any rush to make accessories for this model?

I'd guess; that as ARB are only able to start developing a product for any particular vehicle after it hits the Showroom floor, it would take a fair while to get that product on the market, especially in the case of a Bull Bar. Also, as the technology of the Chassis of the D5 is new, a further complication is thrown into their lap.
If they say it's going to be a while before they produce one, that could be construed as, we're in no rush.

[Lee Jackson]

Scott,

See attached photos. This was taken at normal height and raised height. I didn't raise or lower the back end which you can also do from the side panel. I think it lowers the car another 40mm something about making it easier for dogs to jump in.


Cuppabillytea

The back seats are ok but really designed for young kids. They seem to be a little flat on the floor ie my knees would be up higher than in a normal sitting position. They are comfortable enough. yet to find a seven seater where that row is 'comfortable' for any long trip.


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[Chops]

A beautiful car Lee, and it was great to see it out and about on some tracks.

I didn't get a chance to go over it, but I'm sure I'll get the chance soon enough. Great to meet you, and hoping we'll get the chance to do it all again soon.

[Homestar]

Yeah, would have loved to have more time and look over it properly - beautiful vehicle mate, enjoy it. :)

[Lee Jackson]

Hi guys,

I have been thinking about paint protection and where possible avoid a few of the bush pin stripes. I am considering 2 things at the moment unless someone can suggest something else

1. 3m Clear Car Bra. Basically wrapping car in like a glad wrap is best i could describe it. From what i am told you can't notice it on the car and it protects the car really well. Downside is cost.

2. I was thinking something a long the lines of something that I think has never been done for this context so maybe a business idea. But you know those cars you see with magnet signage on well why not put magnetic sheets across the car. Something like the ebay link below.

car magnet sheets | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR11.TRC1.A0.H0.Xcar+m agnet+sheets.TRS0&_nkw=car+magnet+sheets&_sacat=0)


I honestly don't know which way I will go yet. Just thought I would put it out their for peoples opinions and if anybody has had experience with the clear car bra. I heard years ago it went a yellowy tinge but apparantly the new ones don't.

[plusnq]

Hi guys,

I have been thinking about paint protection and where possible avoid a few of the bush pin stripes. I am considering 2 things at the moment unless someone can suggest something else

1. 3m Clear Car Bra. Basically wrapping car in like a glad wrap is best i could describe it. From what i am told you can't notice it on the car and it protects the car really well. Downside is cost.

2. I was thinking something a long the lines of something that I think has never been done for this context so maybe a business idea. But you know those cars you see with magnet signage on well why not put magnetic sheets across the car. Something like the ebay link below.

car magnet sheets | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR11.TRC1.A0.H0.Xcar+m agnet+sheets.TRS0&_nkw=car+magnet+sheets&_sacat=0)


I honestly don't know which way I will go yet. Just thought I would put it out their for peoples opinions and if anybody has had experience with the clear car bra. I heard years ago it went a yellowy tinge but apparantly the new ones don't.

not available yet but can always ask

Rhinohide | 4x4 Paintwork Protection | Rhinohide Home (https://rhinohide.com.au/)

[DiscoMick]

Our Mazda has paint protection like a clear film and it's a good idea. Just have to be careful which car wash is used as some have a high salt content which breaks down the film.
Another option is a thick protection polish (not a cutting polish) to put a layer over the paint.

[Homestar]

Yeah, modern paint protection films are very good, good some in key wear areas on SWMBO's new car. They gaurentee the stuff for 10 years I think, and can be replaced easily enough if damaged.

[Lee Jackson]

I see rhinohide.com.au have taken my idea.. oh well back to working for a living. :) thank you for sharing. I agree the 3m products now for paint protection are awesome. Maybe a combination of both. Will let you know which way i go.

Again thanks for info on rhinohide never heard of it before tonight.

[LRD414]

Have a look at Paint Shield by Shield n Peel as another option. I use it and it stops all pin stripes from vegetation and sticks. Roller it on and it dries a satin clear finish. So only used when away on trips as temporary protection, it looks a bit ordinary for city use.

Much cheaper than clear wrap, although I have wrapped the D4 wheel arches against stone chip damage. A product by Expel I think it is that's claimed to be better than 3M by the guys who applied it and they also use 3M products extensively.

Scott

[Graeme]

it looks a bit ordinary for city use
and especially so if it gets wet even after it has dried, but it works!

[trout1105]

Doubt it. Accessories is ARB's only game - why deliberately cut out one of the major offroading marques?

Probably because the vast majority of D5's won't see any real off road situations for at least 5-10 years and gearing up to produce Bullbars etc. for these cars at the moment isn't an economically viable proposition.

[TB]

Probably because the vast majority of D5's won't see any real off road situations for at least 5-10 years and gearing up to produce Bullbars etc. for these cars at the moment isn't an economically viable proposition.

Yeah waiting to see what happens makes sense for ARB. Demand is so uncertain because clearly LR’s primary (not necessarily only) target for the D5 is the city market and the off-road enthusiasts are all waiting to see what the Defender turns into. I guess if there’s a lot of demand for D5 bars they’ll do something.

[GP1200]

Hi Lee,
was wondering now that you had the new Discovery for a few months, how is it all going?
Went for a drive in one last Saturday and was quite impressed.

intrested in your thoughts

jack

[Chops]

We went for a ride in one at the Leisure Show today 😁

[grey_ghost]

Chops are you saying that you want to buy a D5 and gift me your D4? I always knew that you were a top bloke. [emoji1303][emoji3]

[Chops]

Chops are you saying that you want to buy a D5 and gift me your D4? I always knew that you were a top bloke. [emoji1303][emoji3]


hahahahahahahaha

Most annoyed,,, they wouldn't let me put the D4 through the course [bigsad]
But on the up side,,, they want me out at Werribee [biggrin]

[Lee Jackson]

Hi Jack,

I love it. I feel a million bucks every time i drive it. Like any new relationship it takes time to get know her properly but love it. Highly recommend. In saying that i have never driven a D4 or D3 before either.

Chops have you done the Land Rover Experience.. I have the certificate and am going to book into Werribee as well. Be good to catch up.

I took the car out the forest over last weekend and absolutely had a ball. If anybody is doing any day trips I would love to come along.

Lee

[Chops]

Hi Jack,

I love it. I feel a million bucks every time i drive it. Like any new relationship it takes time to get know her properly but love it. Highly recommend. In saying that i have never driven a D4 or D3 before either.

Chops have you done the Land Rover Experience.. I have the certificate and am going to book into Werribee as well. Be good to catch up.

I took the car out the forest over last weekend and absolutely had a ball. If anybody is doing any day trips I would love to come along.

Lee

Too easy Lee, i just have to find mine which proved difficult on Sunday evening, but will look again tonight, if i cant find it, they said to get in touch with LR who should produce another for me,,,, give me a couple of days and I'll let you know. Be great to see yours put through its paces,, not that i think they'll push too hard

[loanrangie]

Hi Jack,

I love it. I feel a million bucks every time i drive it. Like any new relationship it takes time to get know her properly but love it. Highly recommend. In saying that i have never driven a D4 or D3 before either.

Chops have you done the Land Rover Experience.. I have the certificate and am going to book into Werribee as well. Be good to catch up.

I took the car out the forest over last weekend and absolutely had a ball. If anybody is doing any day trips I would love to come along.

Lee

Was thinking of a day trip soon and will let you know.

[cuppabillytea]

hahahahahahahaha

Most annoyed,,, they wouldn't let me put the D4 through the course [bigsad]
But on the up side,,, they want me out at Werribee [biggrin]

Thats because you are famous.

[Chops]

Thats because you are famous.


[biggrin]

[LRD414]

[biggrin]
I'm sorry for the hijack Lee but honestly .... please tell the story behind this Marcus.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/l462-discovery-5-a/130830d1507912970-peoples-d5-img_0046.jpg

Cheers,
Scott

[Chops]

woops,,,

Thanks Billy,,,, NOT :bat:

Well, it was like this Scott. She was looking soooo pretty, I figured she needed to be on a pedestal [biggrin]

[grey_ghost]

Who’s that handsome rooster in the passenger seat giving sage advice??

[Chops]

Who’s that handsome rooster in the passenger seat giving sage advice??


:Thump:

[Bytemrk]

Scott,

Pretty sure I can assist you with a few shots from a different angle....Melrose 2017[bigwhistle]

[Chops]

G'day Lee,, today has been my lucky day apparently,,, LR are going to send out a new code for me with which I can do the experience day with. I'll let you know when it arrives and we'll sort something out. It could take a few weeks to get here though.

[Lee Jackson]

Hey Marcus,

I think next few weeks are booked out anyway. I will have to check again tonight when next available one is. I would want to go to werribee as i here that is the best one.

Looking forward to it.

ps. a bit dirty.

131227

[Chops]

Haha,, nice, keep it up, they look even better when they're looking used.

Yeah, Werribee sounds good, it's the one the boys at the show said to do too, it has more stuff to do there,,, a bit more challenging 😁

[Zeros]

Hey Lee, first dirty D5 I've seen! Loire Blue looks great under mud! 👍😎


Hey Marcus,

I think next few weeks are booked out anyway. I will have to check again tonight when next available one is. I would want to go to werribee as i here that is the best one.

Looking forward to it.

ps. a bit dirty.

131227

[Lee Jackson]

Thanks Zeros,

My heart missed a beat when I 'Slipped' into the bog. Sensors were going nuts. I then reversed a little and prayed to the Land Rover Gods. She made it. When we got back to camp I said to my friend. Me thinks that patrol of yours wouldn't get thru. Then it was on.

131250

Yep Only second time he has been bogged. Thank god for the winch.

[Zeros]

Ha! Then what?.....you can't leave us hanging like that! 😳


Thanks Zeros,

My heart missed a beat when I 'Slipped' into the bog. Sensors were going nuts. I then reversed a little and prayed to the Land Rover Gods. She made it. When we got back to camp I said to my friend. Me thinks that patrol of yours wouldn't get thru. Then it was on.

131250

Yep Only second time he has been bogged. Thank god for the winch.

[Lee Jackson]

Zero's I think I have been lucky to date go thru bog holes on standard tyres. Either great driving or pot luck. But now I have New Hussla Rims and now 20" BFGoodrich KO2's. Put rims on Friday morning, Friday Afternoon well pic says it all. LOL





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[Zeros]

Nice work Lee...i bet it handled well with those tyres.

...Your D5 looks better dirty! Like most Land Rovers 😎

...funny that the Patrol didn’t get through even that little mud puddle!

Imagine putting up with the filthy ride in the Patrol all day, only to get bogged as well. Ive driven that model Patrol for work a couple of time in the western desert...geez they’re big fat basic whales! I much prefer the ride, handling and ability of my Defender any day. A D5 would be like a silk carpet ride I imagine.

...do you have any plans for an extended bush trip to really put the new Loire beast through its paces?

Cheers, Z

[Lee Jackson]

Hi Zeros,

It did handle very well. Re the patrol it got stuck on the diff and didn't want to move. Having a winch saved him. That worries me though, I would feel much safer if I could get a winch for the D5.

I have no other plans for trips except for winter wombat at this stage. I am still trying to find that perfect setup which is going to take months I wreckon. So lots of little trips in between. I am almost finished my drawer and dual battery setup. I will put a thread together once i'm done.

I think next will be working out things like roof rack, side steps (or rock sliders), On board Air. Still have lots to go and enjoying every minute of it.

Long term goal is to do a 2 week trip somewhere.

[nick_e]

What are the recovery points on a D5 like?

[Lee Jackson]

Recovery points are under the front skirt. You are supposed to take it off when you go 4x4. But guess what i just found..

4wd Winch Cradle Mount Plate Bull Bar Steel 4x4 Atv Jeep Truck Trailer Mounting | Great daily deals at Australia's favourite superstore | Catch.com.au (https://www.catch.com.au/product/4wd-winch-cradle-mount-plate-bull-bar-steel-4x4-atv-jeep-truck-trailer-mounting-535527/?offer_id=664633&&iv_=__iv_p_1_a_1020244702_g_53032106347_c_24052487 6878_k__m__w_pla-387506093000_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_1o2_x_pla_y_112481 62_f_online_o_535527_z_AU_i_en_j_387506093000_s__e __h_9071392_ii__vi__&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3InYBRCLARIsAG6bfMSJ5xywQLFCJ1sneXRC-tPmBqW41aP7SQfNsDcL5mm18Aw6gIr7OFAaAjHCEALw_wcB)


Now that is cool

[Chops]

Hi Zeros,

It did handle very well. Re the patrol it got stuck on the diff and didn't want to move. Having a winch saved him. That worries me though, I would feel much safer if I could get a winch for the D5.

I have no other plans for trips except for winter wombat at this stage. I am still trying to find that perfect setup which is going to take months I wreckon. So lots of little trips in between. I am almost finished my drawer and dual battery setup. I will put a thread together once i'm done.

I think next will be working out things like roof rack, side steps (or rock sliders), On board Air. Still have lots to go and enjoying every minute of it.

Long term goal is to do a 2 week trip somewhere.



Hi Lee, for things like your roof rack, side steps(rock sliders) try talking to Ben from APT, his products are well designed and made. Ben is great to deal with, nothing seems to be to much trouble for him. Ben himself has a D5( the all new discovery)
Cheers Leeanne

[DiscoMick]

Nice looking D5. They are growing on me.
Good comparison in the latest 4x 4 Australia. The D5 was superior in every important way, but the bogans keep buying Landcruisers.

[Bohica]

Nice looking D5. They are growing on me.
Good comparison in the latest 4x 4 Australia. The D5 was superior in every important way, but the bogans keep buying Landcruisers.
Bogans do what bogans do. That's why they're bogans.

[Homestar]

Nice looking D5. They are growing on me.
Good comparison in the latest 4x 4 Australia. The D5 was superior in every important way, but the bogans keep buying Landcruisers.

What model Cruiser were they comparing it to? I’m sure there are those that look at price when purchasing too. What’s the difference here between the 2 models tested?

[DiscoMick]

The price levels were similar, from memory.

[101RRS]

Apparently you can buy an accessory in the UK that goes on the back door to set the number plate in the middle - improves the look immensely but does not come cheap.

Garry

[Lee Jackson]

Hi Gary,

Yep I have seen it and its friggen expensive. Much better putting money into other accessories...

To be honest it grows on you. And I haven't been too fussed at this stage. Now if they had a split tailgate Or One piece with glass opening I would be interested.

[101RRS]

But as the car is dog ugly from the rear it does make it hard to live with.

I thought the D5s had the lift up tail gate but had this fold down board thing at the back that you could sit on - the best of both worlds.

Garry

[Homestar]

The price levels were similar, from memory.

Thanks - Then they’re brain dead for choosing the Cruiser then, but if there was $20K plus difference I could understand that price may be a factor not everything else.

[cripesamighty]

The drop down rear shelf which is supposed to compensate for the lack of the lower split rear doors is a purchased option and must be ticked on the accessories list or you don't get one. At the last 4x4 and camping show I went to the D5 SE's that were displayed didn't have one but the D5 HSE did. Maybe it comes standard on the HSE's?

[DiscoMick]

Thanks - Then they’re brain dead for choosing the Cruiser then, but if there was $20K plus difference I could understand that price may be a factor not everything else.It depends on which versions are compared and which options are chosen, of course. Main drawbacks of the D5 were the 20 inch wheels and 85 litre fuel tank, from memory (I'm in the bush).

[Lee Jackson]

Wish i was there with you mick :)

[DiscoMick]

Got 95 year 8 students for company. Hearing some pretty bad jokes, I can tell you.
School camps can be dangerous (not us, thank God).

Boy critically injured in rope course accident on school camp
Student critically injured in rope course accident at Sunshine Coast school camp - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-23/boy-critical-after-high-ropes-course-accident/9791676)

[scarry]

Thanks - Then they’re brain dead for choosing the Cruiser then, but if there was $20K plus difference I could understand that price may be a factor not everything else.

Umm,not really,many buy the cruiser for other reasons,thats why they outsell the D3/4/5 by a massive margin.

Remember also many get quite a large fleet discount,which puts it a lot lower(price wise) than the prices in these magazines.Dont ask me how i know.

But lets not get into a brand war,and stay on topic[biggrin]

Good to see some discussion on the new model.[biggrin]

[trout1105]

I love the fact that someone is actually using a D5 for something other than just picking up the kids at a soccer match.[thumbsupbig]

[Zeros]

It depends on which versions are compared and which options are chosen, of course. Main drawbacks of the D5 were the 20 inch wheels and 85 litre fuel tank, from memory (I'm in the bush).

I’m definitely inspired by Lee’s bush use of his D5...On further reflection, I’m impressed by the D5’s capability and it’s definitely sleek and would be a fantastic tourer. It’s clearly responsive to many people’s priorities. But the main drawbacks for me with a D5 remain: price (+ a cursory look at optioning costs, it really adds up with required extras for bushability), 20 inch wheels, curved interior space makes load carrying more difficult, air suspension. ...All no problem for the occasional weekend camping trip or certain kinds of touring, but not good for serious long term bushability. Happy to be proven wrong, but despite the tech and refinement advances, a D5 simply isn’t practical for a true bush life IMO. Perfect for some, but not for me.

It will be very interesting to see how the next Defender stacks up. If it’s a cross between the old Defender and the D4 it will be a winner.

The D5 is a direct competitor with Toyota 200 and Prado, but not 79 series wagons, whereas the D4 kinda was, due to its boxy shape. However Land Cruisers can still run 16 inch wheels and they have big fuel tanks, standard suspension, live axles, plus a massive country service agent network, which are all reasons people buy Toyota’s.

[guthrie]

What model Cruiser were they comparing it to? I

They had a D5 TD6 HSE with a list price of $103k, but came with $17k of extras.
The Cruiser was a Sahara with list price of $120k
The Patrol was the TiL at $89k

[DiscoMick]

Currently at the hospital with a student with a fractured ankle. All plastered and awaiting her mother to arrive. Never a dull moment here.