Upgradingfrom D2 V8 to D3 - but which engine?

[justinthorpe]

Hi
We are going to upgrade from our V8 D2 now with just under 400kms to a D3, but unsure of which engine.
The D2 is used to tow a horse float around the place, weight around 2.5-2.7 ton.
4.0 V6 - bit underpowered, fuel consumption not that much better then the V8 most common model for sale
2.7 Diesel V6 - cheaper running costs then V8, but maintenance/repair cost more, much higher KM traveled in price bracket (260km+)
V8 - great spec, more reliable engine(?) higher running costs but cheaper to buy with less KM (160kms-200kms) and cheaper maintenance. Not many around.
(most labor done by me but don't have capability to remove the body etc.

We probably do around 15000-18000km a year.
Petrol is approx $2.75L and Diesel $2.53 plus road tax of $76 per 1000km. (NZ)

Interested others thoughts/experience of running petrol V diesel

[DiscoDB]

You dilemma is very much about personal preferences. You probably don’t do enough kms to worry about the difference in fuel usage so either the TDV6 or V8 would suit you.

I love the 2.7TDV6 but would not buy a high mileage one unless it has a fully documented maintenance history and clearly been over-maintained by someone who is passionate about Land Rovers. Max kms I would look at would be around 160K, and then the first thing I would do is the timing belt, tensioners, and oil pump, plus give the transmission a double flush (unless you have proof it was all done and not due again). At the same time I would also replace the water pump and crankshaft damper.

However, if I was buying again I would go for a lower mileage V8. By all accounts better than the petrol V6 with better performance but similar fuel economy. Can’t comment on what to look out for with the V8, but I would look to replace the water pump, hoses, and again double flush the transmission.

And unless you need the storage space or a 7 seater, a V8 Range Rover Sport would be a good alternative.

[101RRS]

Hi

2.7 Diesel V6 - cheaper running costs then V8, but maintenance/repair cost more,

I keep on hearing this from people but I just dont know where it comes from. Maintenance and repair costs are bugger all except for cam belt changes. I do my own basic maintenance every 10,000km on the engine - only the usuals required not expensive at all. Diffs, transfer case and gearbox - every second or third service - not hard or expensive.

The one thing I dont do is the cam belts etc - I buy parts ($300) and pay indy $1000 to do it - only every 7 years - too easy.

I have had my 2.7 for 12 years now - the most reliable and cheapest car I have ever owned to run. Changed front disks and pads yesterday - a couple of hours and $300 cheap as chips.

[BradC]

I keep on hearing this from people but I just dont know where it comes from.

Because while yours is probably the common experience, you get the odd example like ours (in order of occurrence) :

Crank
LH EGR
Turbo
Oil pump
RH EGR
DPF
HPFP


That's slightly more than routine oil changes and a timing belt.

[101RRS]

Because while yours is probably the common experience, you get the odd example like ours (in order of occurrence) :

Crank
LH EGR
Turbo
Oil pump
RH EGR
DPF
HPFP


That's slightly more than routine oil changes and a timing belt.

But probably no worse than another brand of 4wd such as Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, etc etc etc.

My point is that there is nothing special about our LR products - they are not more expensive to maintain than Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, etc etc etc. but of course there are exceptions.

[BradC]

But probably no worse than another brand of 4wd such as Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, etc etc etc.

My point is that there is nothing special about our LR products - they are not more expensive to maintain than Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, etc etc etc. but of course there are exceptions.

This isn't about the brand, it's about the engine variant. I've seen SFA posts "My D3/4 V8 blew up" compared to the number of T/SDV6 issues.

After 5 years, if I knew then what I knew now I'd have punted for the V8 and on the cost differential for fuel and mileage I'd still at this point be ahead. And that's before taking into account the repair costs.

Since 2017 I've put $7k of diesel in. Based on the k's traveled and the increase in consumption allowance for the V8 I'd have spent roughly $10.5k on Petrol. The TDV6 vs V8 differential at time of purchase was about $5k, and I've spent about $3k on TDV6 related repairs so far. Based on those figures I'll be breaking even in about another 5-7 years.

Since I bought it I've spent $8k on parts & consumables, but $5k of those are not engine type specific.