Please Help. Need some advice on the long debated topic....which one?

[nreid]

Hi All.

I am a longtime 4wd driver and I am finally thinking of buying my dream car, a 2002-2005 L322 Range Rover. HSE or Vogue.

I have a number of choices that I am currently looking at, however the biggest problem I have is deciding on petrol or diesel. I really wanted the 4.4 V8 as I had heard they are a little smoother and quieter than the diesel but am really worried about fuel consumption. Which leads me to the Diesel. Are they really as chattery at high revs as I have heard.

I mostly drive: 68% highway, 30% around town & 2% offroad (sand).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

Cheers
N

[solmanic]

Which leads me to the Diesel. Are they really as chattery at high revs as I have heard.

C'mon! It's a Range Rover - half the time you won't even be aware that you are still on planet Earth once you're cocooned inside. Besides, if you go the diesel then when fuel hits $2 a litre at the end of the year you will know you made the right choice.

[TP7]

The diesels are loudest on take off. On the highway they are smooth and quiet. The fuel consumption is something you will be reminded of every time you have to fill up which will be a lot more often with a V8.

[spudboy]

I've got an 03 with the 3 litre Diesel. It is a brilliant engine for sure and NEVER wish I got the V8. However I was lent a twin turbo V8 diesel and I really really really want one of them, but that's another storey.....

The 3L diesel is made by BMW and is very smooth. You wouldn't know you're driving a diesel when cruising along, but it is a bit noisier at idle. Accelleration is fabulous (for a diesel), esp if you put the transmission into sport mode. You can beat most things off the lights if you want to.

Economy varies depending on the driving. I live at the top of a long high hill (20Km of uphill driving) and it gets 11.5 to 12L per 100 for this sort of city/hills driving. Highway driving is around 8.5 to 9L per 100.

Anyway, in answer to your question. you wouldn't know you were in a diesel when you are cruising at 110.

HTH
David