A convert - Now what should I recommend?

[Sleepy]

Just got an email form my father and he's thinking of buying a Disco.

Mum and he are in their early 70's and have been S.K.I.ing for nearly 10 years now. They have a great set up with a TrakMaster dual axle van with Air suspension, sat tv, you name it..... and a lovely 70 series Landcruiser ute with tradesman type setup in the back for more "stuff".

Anyway they have decided the Landcrusier is a little rough on Mum's bad back and quite like the idea of something "softer". They are not travelling full time but would still like to head off for a few months during winter.

So, given they'll still need to pull the van. I intially thought Disco 2 td5 but I've seen some very nice Tdi Disco1's on the market. They don't have the money for a Disco 3 and the defender would be a bit too harsh!

Any thoughts?



(This is a classic - 'cause being a dyed in the wool cruiser man since the 60's, founding member of the Tojo club of Vic, he couldn't stop bagging me when I first bought my "pommy farm truck":p:p)

[mcrover]

Why not fit some nice seats and air suspention to the Cruiser.

It obviously suits all their other needs and air kits are readilly available for them using a standard Bridgestone bag and either removing the rear springs and fitting a full it or fitting a lighter spring pack and relying mainly on the air spring for ride hight and comfort.

This is the same system used on the Rosa busses and I have seen both type systems fitted to cruisers before.

I wouldnt put them in a D2, thats asking to be taken out of the will :p

[Narangga]

Having had a 75 series 2H troopy, a 300Tdi defender and now a D2 Td5 which has been chipped and still waiting for me to get time to put it in - then I would go against Mcrover and say a D2.

Part of my reasoning was the extra grunt from a chipped Td5 held sway over the 300Tdi as I have a reasonably haeavy camper trailer to haul - and I'm not disappointed yet.

And you deserve congratulations on their conversion!

[Sleepy]

Why not fit some nice seats and air suspention to the Cruiser.

I wouldnt put them in a D2, thats asking to be taken out of the will :p

Thanks McRover - Didn't think of that option. He's quite familiar with air suspension as he converted the Trackmaster Van to air susp and is very happy with it. _ I'll offer that up as a suggestion. (

I think ol'dad might be interested in something more comfortable himself - although he would never admit to wanting a "damn pommy farm truck":D:D!!
Still reckon a Disco would be nicer than a crusier with airbags! But I'm biased.





Part of my reasoning was the extra grunt from a chipped Td5 held sway over the 300Tdi as I have a reasonably haeavy camper trailer to haul - and I'm not disappointed yet.

And you deserve congratulations on their conversion!

Thanks Stuuu, Yes I must admit I grinned when I opened the email. My first choice was the td5 and I don't think they don't venture far of the bitumen any more so not too worried about breakdowns - They'll just "call for help".

I love the Disco 1s myself but never having owened a Disco 2 I'm a little ignorant.



Next question, how does the Auto hold up with a heavy load or would you recommend a manual?

[Narangga]

Thanks Stuuu, Yes I must admit I grinned when I opened the email. My first choice was the td5 and I don't think they don't venture far of the bitumen any more so not too worried about breakdowns - They'll just "call for help".

I love the Disco 1s myself but never having owened a Disco 2 I'm a little ignorant.



Next question, how does the Auto hold up with a heavy load or would you recommend a manual?

They are over 70 so put putting along in a D1 will probably suit them. I have a manual as that's what I want. Depends on them tho'.

[waynep]

I'd be sticking with the Cruiser and going with a Recaro seat upgrade - better to stick with the devil you know.

[Blknight.aus]

first off as loathe as I am to do it changing the suspension and the seats in the toymota will be the cheaper option and if they are already decked out in the mota it will leave them with a known vehicle and setup which they probably trust....

that said....

the tdi's will be a little light on power wise, personally Id be fine with it but then I'm also known to drive around in a loaded up diesel series and think that lifes just peachy.

the Td5 will be just the ticket for them if they get one thats been looked after.

the autos providing they get decent cooling, oil and servicing will do the job nicely.

[mcrover]

Having had a 75 series 2H troopy, a 300Tdi defender and now a D2 Td5 which has been chipped and still waiting for me to get time to put it in - then I would go against Mcrover and say a D2.

Part of my reasoning was the extra grunt from a chipped Td5 held sway over the 300Tdi as I have a reasonably haeavy camper trailer to haul - and I'm not disappointed yet.

And you deserve congratulations on their conversion!

Grunt is worth nothing when the bonnet is up on the side of the road.:wasntme:

D2 with air suspention would be the most comfy option no doubt but Yuuuuuck, 3 main problems, D2 electronics, D2 airbags and your oldman at the moment driving a Toyota and will take any chance possible to find a reason why he shouldnt have bought the Disco and should have kept the Toymotor.

The D1 auto stands up pretty well other than one of the spraggs is likely to crap itself but there is an upgrade which......you pretty much need to do a rebuild to fit and that costs around the $3k mark.

But mine has done 300,000+k and yes the sprag slips but i just use lock low and the change up after take off.

The D2 box is much better in that case but is electronically controlled which can be an issue.

As Dave has said, keep clean fluid and filter in it and keep the fluid cool and all is good with most auto's towing.

Im still with keeping the Cruiser, nothing worse than trying to convert a Toyota driver after 200 years of faultless running in their 5 yo car.:p

[jddisco200tdi]

If they like their ute, why not get the very last 78 series turbo diesel.
You can then transfer most of the gear they currently have.
Its got coils on the front and long supple leafs on the back. Should be ok for your mum's back.

Or go for a 100 series turbo D if the old man can't be bothered changing gears any more.

Regards

John D - Defender 110 2.4

[Davy]

At the risk of being disloyal, why not an 80 series diesel cruiser?

Probably one of the best models ever made and comfortable too.

Davy

[Sleepy]

The Ute they have is a 78, it's only about 5 or 6 years old. I quite like, it but I think mum's just getting a bit frail to get up and in to the cruiser. I reckon the ride in the 78 is great and I'm not sure the Disco will be that much better. Geez I'd consider a swap for my Disco 1 ( ;)) but he couldn't afford the fuel:o! (New I should have bought the Tdi!:mad:)

Mum's back's playing up so I think it may be dad's way of convincing her that she could manage a couple more trips - it could well be a physiological thing too - The Disco looks more comfy!

Sounds a little to me like Mum's done with the caravanning and they may be better off selling the lot and taking a few "soft" holidays - it's just not their style. Also, not sure dad is ready to have a car that doesn't have low range ,bull bar and a winch (Not that he uses any of it :D)

The whole thing’s kinda sad as they are probably are close to the end of 40 years of traipsing around the countryside. Dad got his first cruiser in the late 60's (perhaps early 70's? - Can't quite remember I was 7!), one of the first Fj55's in the country, and it was blue and white. It was quite a luxurious 4wd of the time. We called it "Betsy the beautiful Beastie" . I spent most of my teenage years strapped into the back of an FJ40 - How the hell we squeezed 5 of us into an Fj40 still amazes me. Apart from a Subaru's in the 80's he's been a tojo man ever since.

Being a teenage rebel of the 70’s I supported Carlton when my family were all Collingwood and, of course, when it came to buy my own 4wd I ended up with a Land Rover - sacrilege, I was nearly excommunicated! :o:D:p

Thanks for all your advice - Still not sure they should be blowing more money on a Disco. Think I'll give dad a ring.

BTW - all this nostalgia, I'll have to dig out some 4wding pics from the 70's and post them up - unfortunately they'll be mostly tojo's - although I think we have one of a Series 2a on it's side in the Wonnangatta River. I still remeber the interchange -
"Dad, come quick a Land Rover just fell off the causeway!". :o
"Hang on mate, I'll grab the camera!”:p

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Gee's you give the D2's some stick mcrover.
why dont you go buy one, then have it break down on you preferably somewhere remote,,

untill you actually buy one and have it fail, your opinions are worthless.



Maybe we need another Forum,,
called The Cave
Fish with legs need not apply.

[hiline]

Gee's you give the D2's some stick mcrover.
why dont you go buy one, then have it break down on you preferably somewhere remote,,

untill you actually buy one and have it fail, your opinions are worthless.



Maybe we need another Forum,,
called The Cave
Fish with legs need not apply.

oh the serenity :D:D:D;)

[mcrover]

Gee's you give the D2's some stick mcrover.
why dont you go buy one, then have it break down on you preferably somewhere remote,,

untill you actually buy one and have it fail, your opinions are worthless.



Maybe we need another Forum,,
called The Cave
Fish with legs need not apply.

Im not the only person in this forum whom thinks that way about D2's.

You can defend them all you want but even the most devoted D2 owner will admit that they take a fair bit of maintenance (more than your average Jap crap) to keep going.

They are not a bad car if you know how to maintain them but the thing is that that would take a lot to get your head around after owning a Ladcruiser 78 series which by all means is pretty much bomb proof.

I would own a TD5 but it would have to be in a Defender which I cant manage to get comfy driving but the D2 computer set up is just a PITA and that I know from what I have seen, heard and read, all the other stuff including sensors looms and fuel regs/pumps etc etc are just a given with any electronically controlled engine so is more a nessesary evil.

Hey why dont you try to read to understand rather than just jump to conclusions everytime I write anything on the D2.


oh the serenity :D:D:D;)

Wow......theres no show without punch....:o

Just go back to thanking everyone who has a go at me Ray.......it's much more annoying :cool:

[Rangier Rover]

At the risk of being disloyal, why not an 80 series diesel cruiser?

Probably one of the best models ever made and comfortable too.

Davy
Yep.. Hate to say it but I wouldn't shift oldies into an old D1 or what can be unreliable D2(Flame suit now on) I'd recomend they stay with the brand they know. A fleet model 80 series or 100 series part time 4X4 with barn doors and the 1HZ 4.2 Diesel. Then put a turbo on with the spare cash. They have bugger all eleco crap in them as well. For a "yota" they are not bad.

Sorry Landy boys:D:wasntme:

[mcrover]

Yep.. Hate to say it but I wouldn't shift oldies into an old D1 or what can be unreliable D2(Flame suit now on) I'd recomend they stay with the brand they know. A fleet model 80 series or 100 series part time 4X4 with barn doors and the 1HZ 4.2 Diesel. Then put a turbo on with the spare cash. They have bugger all eleco crap in them as well. For a "yota" they are not bad.

Sorry Landy boys:D:wasntme:

I was expecting more of a flame about keeping the toymotor, not for giving the D2 a kick in the guts.

80 series or live axel front 100 series would be fine for them, I dare say they would be much happier.

[Sleepy]

Ol' man rang Today. He's sold the tojo. :(
Got a good price for it so he is happy.:)
He likes the idea of a Disco and wandered down to the local LR Dealer.
I have steered him towards a MY03 Disco 2 - CDL and other nice bits plus it's a newer model so probably not so warn out. - I rekon you should get a very nice one for 20grand - ish! - Maybe less.

Dealer showed him a Disco 3, Tdv6, 100,000km, FLRSH, 40 grand.
(Bloody dealers - Mmmmm....there goes my inheritance: D:D:p:p....at least it's to a good cause.;))

With Mum a bit fragile they fell in love with the D3 - D3s are very comfy!
I told him to put his cheque book back in his pocket and go home and relax....I'll do some research!

So here I am.

I know very little about the Disco3's other than they are very nice. Driven a D3 once (v6 diesel) and it pulled like a v8 - very very impressive.

They will still be towing the caravan but can't imagine doing any big trips any more. Just the yearly migration to Mildura (from Gippsland Vic.) in Winter.

Did a quick search of Carpoint and 40 grand seems a good price - although it is a buyers market at the moment so may even go lower.

I'm a bit worried about the servicing cost - although I can't imagine Dad doing much on a D2 either, so probably only a question of difference between D2 and D3 servicing cost.

Any comments (good and bad) would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Paul

[Blknight.aus]

heres a personal experience thing....

try changing a tyre on a D3 before you buy one, have the dealer demonstrate it....

then contemplate how the hell your going to do that offroad.

[PAT303]

Coming from a Toyota he will be used to high service costs.Buy the D3. Pat

[mcrover]

I'd go a D3 over a D2 anyday if thats the sort of thing I was after.

Seems to be a lot less electrictronic problems than the D2 had from the start but still electronics have a life span and early D3's will most likely be reaching the end of a lot of the electrical compnants life soon and I have heard they are pretty pricey to maintain and fix but I cant say from personal experience just that of a member at the golf club who asked me if I could do the work on it.

You could imagine my answer seems Im set up for tractors and mowers not highly refined electronics and all that gaff.

Servicing costs will be roughly the same as a late model Nissota if serviced at a stealer (If in Gippsland im assuming they went to see Charlie at Massaro's) and as far as Ive read on here and heard from mates on the job it doesnt get much cheaper if you tackle it your self.

Great car though, very very comfy, heaps of power, heaps of space and very capable.

For something with so much electronics, they seem to be very well sorted.

I havnt payed much attention to the changing of wheels on one but If Dave says to have a gander then it would be worth asking the sales man to change one even if it is just for a laugh.:D

[Sleepy]

Thanks guys.

Yes you picked it like a nose McRover....he's in Moe.

I think I'll take the advice on the wheel change....I take it the wheel under the rear is a pain. I've seen a couple with rear wheel carriers which may be a bit easier to handle. No doubt this leaves a nice hole for an aux tank.:)

(Oops ...I think I've just spent another 4 grand!:(:angel:)

[Utemad]

My first choice was the td5 and I don't think they don't venture far of the bitumen any more so not too worried about breakdowns - They'll just "call for help".

If this is the case then I doubt changing the tyre when offroad and bogged in mud/ruts is really an issue.

How much did he get for the 78 series?
That would give a good indication on how much he can spend before he needs to add more funds.
Did he get $40k ish for it? Surely he got more than $20k. Not that I know what they are worth.

[Sleepy]

If this is the case then I doubt changing the tyre when offroad and bogged in mud/ruts is really an issue.

Yeah agree, I think the days of hard-core stuff behind him - although I think he'll still manage a tyre change if required.

How much did he get for the 78 series?
Hasn't told me yet! - which makes me wonder!

Did he get $40k ish for it? Surely he got more than $20k. Not that I know what they are worth.





I would hope he got more than $20K too - it's a few years old but was a gem - well setup and well looked after - but in today's market who can say.
I'll get him away from Mum (retired accountant) and he'll tell me!:angel::D

He's also got a VX dunnydore to add into the deal so that should get him.....oh another $500:p:p

[Tombie]

Yep.. Hate to say it but I wouldn't shift oldies into an old D1 or what can be unreliable D2(Flame suit now on) I'd recomend they stay with the brand they know. A fleet model 80 series or 100 series part time 4X4 with barn doors and the 1HZ 4.2 Diesel. Then put a turbo on with the spare cash. They have bugger all eleco crap in them as well. For a "yota" they are not bad.

Sorry Landy boys:D:wasntme:

100 Series is a very electronic vehicle...

Only one that isnt is the 80...

(BTW, seen plenty of Bonnet up Landcruisers around here over the last 4 years - Most with electrical faults;))

[Tombie]

Go the D3...

I just put the old man into one...

SE TDV6 brand spankers with lots of options for $69k drive away...

Pics soon... Its rolling into town tomorrow.. I'm sure he'll be all smiles...

[PAT303]

This has been done to death.Electrics are here to stay,build a bridge and get over it. Pat

[Psimpson7]

some anti electronics drivel

Bloody hell, change the record mcrover...... I think everyone knows how you feel.

[Blknight.aus]

If this is the case then I doubt changing the tyre when offroad and bogged in mud/ruts is really an issue.



let me rephrase the statement.

now imagine doing that on the slight side slope of a road OR any kind of hill.

[Utemad]

let me rephrase the statement.

now imagine doing that on the slight side slope of a road OR any kind of hill.

Did someone here raise the issue of changing a tyre on a D3 with a trailer attached as being a problem?

Just get some run flats :)

[justinc]

Sleepy,

The D3 is a fantastic tourer. Heaps of torque and good economy for towing etc. The vehicle overall is quite reasonable to service in $$$terms, but don't expect ANY help in regional areas:mad:
I also will mention that he will only get less than 60k from all the brakes, thats discs AND pads. But the good thing is that a complete brake replacement isn't that horrific, about $1100 including wear sensors etc. Try replacing all the discs and pads on a ML320 or BMW X5 for that:twisted:

I would have one of these over a D2, but If i wanted a remote tourer and I could only choose between these 2, I would pick a 2003 onward D2 Td5 auto, chipped, without ACE and rear SLS. A set of decent springs and Bilsteins, quality 245/75/16's and your set!:cool:

For what your ma and pa are doing, the D3 would be a great way to continue to see this country before they can't any more:((Or YOU get to chauffer them around for a nominal fee and exclusive use of the D3 at all times...:twisted:)

Remember, you're only here once!

JC

[Sleepy]

Thanks again all:BigThumb:,

I passed on all your info. He already has a Kaymar rear carrier "eyeballed" so the spare tyre issue is addressed. I passed on JC's brakes comment.
Also the comment about remote assistance - he felt he's not planning any Simpson crossings so with the top level RACV coverage he'll just have to "flatbed" it back.

He noticed a loud squeal when applying the electric handbrake. Dealer will address this but Dad said it "sounded awful".

Also, he is an Amateur (Ham) radio enthusiast (read "nut") so is wondering where to mount antennas.
I suggested perhaps mouting of the rear bar. He'll have HF, UHF/VHF, GPS antennas to mount. He also has been offered a bullbar from dealer so that is another spot.

Doing an RACV inspection so he sounds pretty keen.

Sounds like we'll finally have the "SLEEPY" number plates on a Land Rover:clap2:
Yes, he got them before me:mad:

I'll have to get him to sign in to aulro. (He'll have to think of a new name though:p)

I mentioned Justin's "chauffer" comment - he laughed - only if I wore a suit and a cap;)

[mcrover]

This has been done to death.Electrics are here to stay,build a bridge and get over it. Pat

learn to read as I was saying he should buy the damn D3


Bloody hell, change the record mcrover...... I think everyone knows how you feel.

Another person who seems to have trouble reading on a forum where it is kind of an important pre requisit that you can read.

Go read my post again and actually understand what I posted before you edit and make out like I was posting something negative about electronics again.


Thanks again all:BigThumb:,

I passed on all your info. He already has a Kaymar rear carrier "eyeballed" so the spare tyre issue is addressed. I passed on JC's brakes comment.
Also the comment about remote assistance - he felt he's not planning any Simpson crossings so with the top level RACV coverage he'll just have to "flatbed" it back.

He noticed a loud squeal when applying the electric handbrake. Dealer will address this but Dad said it "sounded awful".

Also, he is an Amateur (Ham) radio enthusiast (read "nut") so is wondering where to mount antennas.
I suggested perhaps mouting of the rear bar. He'll have HF, UHF/VHF, GPS antennas to mount. He also has been offered a bullbar from dealer so that is another spot.

Doing an RACV inspection so he sounds pretty keen.

Sounds like we'll finally have the "SLEEPY" number plates on a Land Rover:clap2:
Yes, he got them before me:mad:

I'll have to get him to sign in to aulro. (He'll have to think of a new name though:p)

I mentioned Justin's "chauffer" comment - he laughed - only if I wore a suit and a cap;)

Massaro's are pretty good on the service side although they are expensive.

We bought our D1 through them, but I have only had to go back a couple of times, once was a warrenty job and the other was to get a part as I do most of my own maintenance.

[Psimpson7]

walked away on Pats advice

[PAT303]

Walk away Pete,walk away. Pat

[Sleepy]

The converstion is complete.:D

Just received this email from the ol' fella:

At last I have seen the error of my ways I sprang from puberty into the clutches of the demon Toyota and sold my soul to its prophet Landcruiser.
Now, in my senility, our discovery has taken us into the purity and light that is Landrover.
This week we will become the owners of a golden Disovery 3 that will transport us into realms never before experienced in our miserable lives.
All our 4WD's have had names and so we now seek a name for our new Disco. My choice is "Yukki" which has a sort of oriental link its predecessors. Not only that, but our children will remember the old days when we all referred to those pommy 4WD's as "Yukky Land Rovers".

Obviously I still have a bit of reprogramming to complete.

"Yukki" is a Gold 2005 tdv6 D3

Now I'll have to get him onboard to join the aulro madhouse:angel:

Thanks all for your advice and comments!

[JDNSW]

The converstion is complete.:D

..........

Thanks all for your advice and comments!

Thanks for keeping us all informed of the process, and we hope that the new Landrover owner will, as you suggest, turn up here and keep us informed himself as to his progress.

John

[hiline]

good choice i say :D

he'll love the D3 ..............

[mcrover]

Well done, I recon they will enjoy it a lot more than an old LC ute :D

I see he has your kind of writting flair......or is that you have his kind of writting flair....:eek:

[justinc]

Ha Good news!

And What Prose, a colourful way with words!

One thing I will mention is that when installing the HF main unit, make certain it is AWAY from any body ECU's etc as they will create havoc with electrical noise during tuning and transmitting. Same goes for the auto tune if he is fitting one. They require at least 400mm clearance from any body panel/section AFAIR reading when I installed mine.

JC

[Sleepy]

Recieved this one today.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/12/1044.jpg
Looks a bit soft there Dad?
(Love the photoshop work ;))

Wouldn't you prefer...:twisted::twisted:
http://us4.pixagogo.com/S5hZEnDPTP8fbdu3sbFcf0C!U52AA35bmCxXhLU2XJduxXqzI7 znlrfGXsgRX6DNyivNpSeahcX9UqLBh2as0c34yxXUowkyI!/G4_frt1.jpg

[hiline]

well dont they look very proud of the new toy :D

nice photo shop mate ;)