New member

[johnc18]

G’day to everyone .
I’ve just joined , and so I thought I should introduce myself .
I don’t own a Disco 3 , but I’m thinking of getting one later .
I’m not interested in hardcore 4 wheel driving , although since I like to go bushwalking with my son , it would be handy to get further into the bush before we start walking . Also , my better half ( who doesn’t like doing anything too energetic ) would be quite happy to go car camping or similar if you guys have weekends away where you go down fire trails etc and camp in the bush .
However my main interest is towing .
We have a boat and a caravan . both of these weighing less than 1.5 tonnes , so they can be towed by our cars . However , next year I’m thinking of getting a bigger boat ( just over 2 tonnes on the trailer ) , and so I’ll need a 4wd tow car .
I like to buy cars that are around 3 years old . A big slice of their depreciation gone , but still plenty of miles left in them . Since I wont be buying one until next year this gives me plenty of time to find out what their weaknesses are , and what to look for when buying a second hand one .
I’m looking at either a Disco 3 or a Ford Territory .
I would prefer the Disco , whereas , because it’s more car-like and stylish , SWMBO would prefer the Territory .
So , over the next few months I’ll be asking questions about this , that , or the other . And if you guys can answer me it will be much appreciated .
I guess I’ll need you guys to supply me with ammunition to show her why quality triumphs over style !
Thanks John

[Jamo]

Hello John, welcome aboard!:D

Ask anything you want! We'd be happy to answer.:D

I can answer your first question immediately. If your wife thinks the Territory is more stylish, then it's time to visit the optometrist!;):p

[PCH]

Welcome John,

If you want to travel down fire trails then I wouldn't want to go in a Territory - some of those fire trails will need ground clearance and low range both which a Territory doesn't have.

Secondly a D3 with air suspension (relatively cheap option in a S or standard in SE or HSE) will be better for towing since it will self level.

Lastly I would say the D3 has a much greater carrying capacity in the rear than a Territory. Useful for those car camping trips in the bush.

If you are thinking of buying a 3 year old then make sure that it has been serviced by an authorised LR dealer. There were a few enhancements applied to early D3's (s/w upgrades and h/w upgrades) that you would want to make sure were applied to the D3 you are about to purchase.

Keep asking questions.

Chris

[garryc]

Welcome John,
Have a look under the Ford Territory and look how low slung the fuel tank is :o I would not go on anything but well maintained dirt roads in one as the ramp over is inadequate for off road. :( It's Ford Pinto all over again :(

[Forest]

I am not knocking the ford territory just cause I drive a D3, but apparently one needs to be careful with rust. Jump onto the territory forum, punch rust into the search, and start reading. If buying second hand and out of warranty - something to be aware of.

If buying a 3 year old D3, maybe consider an extended warranty? D3 can be pricey to fix. Do however do your homework on extended warranties, make sure it covers what it needs to!!!

Major drawcard for me is how comfortable and practical the D3 is, does everything I want in a vehicle, with room to spare.

Matthew

PS. For towing, D3 wins hands down, no comparison.

[Desert Traveller]

I have a D3 and my brother has a Territory. The Territory has some HUGE drawbacks when going on gravel roads (with a few ruts) and in the sand. The Territory is a CAR and the D3 is a true SUV (Car, 4WD and adventure vehicle) excelling in all areas.
I looked at keeping my D2 and getting a Territory Ghia AWD as my town/highway drive but opted for the D3 (and sold the D2). The D3 has so much more class, SWMBO wouldn't be caught driving a Territory ahead of a D3. Overall the vehicles are very close in overall size but the D3 feels a lot larger.
The other great plus for a TDV6 is the fuel consumption around town, even if the cost of diesel is higher.

[johnc18]

Thanks for your welcome .
I'll certainly consider everything you guys say , ( and pass it on ) .
I had a short drive in a mates D3 and was very impressed .
Yes I know about the rust in Territories . It doesn't impress me .This isthe 21st Century isn't it ?
That would wipe them straight away as far as I'm concerned . But they're made in Australia , and where possible I like to support Australian industry . Thing is though - how far do you go to support them , and where do you draw the line ?
Chris - What are s/w and h/w upgrades ?
Thanks John

[WhiteD3]

John,

Go the D3, it's miles ahead of the Territory, but of course it's more expensive. As two cars, they're not comparable in any way, except possibly size. One's a big soft-roader and the other 4WD.

My 2c worth.:D

Cheers.

[Anya45]

Hi and welcome John....

I traded my Ford Territory (Falcon on different body!) in for my Disco and words can barely express how impressed I am by her abilities for towing and general use. I tow a car trailer fully loaded with motorcycles and all camping equipment for 6 people and my Disco doesn't bat a good looking eyelid. :p

But I could be biased after all the problems I had with the Territory. :twisted:

The great people in here will certainly be able to answer any and all problems or questions you may have or know somebody that can, so enjoy....

:D:D:D:D

[Bushwanderer]

Hi John,
As the Territory & the D3 are such different vehicles, it should be easy to decide. Make a list of your requirements & one vehicle or the other will better fit the bill.

Best Wishes,
Peter

PS: I've also heard on the grapevine that Ford plans on installing a version of the TDV6 in the Territory some time in the future.

[WhiteD3]

PS: I've also heard on the grapevine that Ford plans on installing a version of the TDV6 in the Territory some time in the future.

Was talking to a dealer the other day re Territorys as we were considering them as service vehicles for our techs to replace the crewmans. He said (FWIW)that while a diesel was coming, the LR/Ford TDV6 won't fit in the Territory.

[garryc]

Was talking to a dealer the other day re Territorys as we were considering them as service vehicles for our techs to replace the crewmans. He said (FWIW)that while a diesel was coming, the LR/Ford TDV6 won't fit in the Territory.
If that's the case they will probably put the Defender/Ford Transit diesel in don't ya think. :) and the TdV6 would make the awd Territory as dear as a D3 :o
Also the TdV6 is built by PSA(Peugeot-Citroen) see here;
PSA Peugeot Citroen - Magazine - The image of diesel in the eyes of the public (http://www.psa-peugeot-citroen.com/en/magazine/magazine_doss_c1.php?id=115&id_dossier=25)
Ford can't build 'em like that

[johnc18]

thanks all .
I'll certainly listen to everything you guys say .
Just as a matter of general interest -
Despite what the french might imply , the diesel engine in the D3 was ( as far as I know ) was created via R & D and Development by a joint venture between PSA and Ford which is why you see it such cars as Jaguar and Land Rover .
As far as a diesel goes in the Territory , I'm sure you all know that Ford Aust. are going to stop manufacturing the straight 6 4 litre and go to a V6 . I've been told that when the engineers are re- engineering the Territory for the V6petrol engine they will also re - engineer it for the V6 diesel .
Cheers John

[SuperMono]

Ford has running Deisel Territorys at the proving grounds and on the road.

I haven't seen under the bonnet personally but believe this a version of the TDV6 motor. Our company supplies equipment to the Ford proving grounds and we get the occassional visitor in protypes, including a Territory that rattled.

Maybe it was actually a rusted out petrol job?
:)

I'll ask next time.