Thread: Help!

you mean apart from getting twice the four wheel drive for the money?

ok how about

ABS TC as standard
better fuel economy (Ive even seen petrol D2 figures that are better than the LC diesel figures)
better safety rating
more comfortable (cept the very back seats but even those are better than the ones in the LC)
better driving position and visability
Better loadability, just putting in 5 adults and their luggage doesnt mean that you have to have the fuel tank half empty and take the spare tyre off to keep it under GVM, especially if you have all the options.
toyota doesnt have AULRO support
Toyota drivers dont wave at other toyota drivers.

someone else will chip in with more later

Price.

Look at the relative prices of the same model years and see the difference.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-...02-2004-a.html

A quick squiz through here may help too,, we dont sugar coat our cars failings here--

but we do fix them

The years you are looking at translate to a Discovery 2a, which is a good vehicle. Look up the "good oil" forum on tips and issues with the vehicle.

However, you are in the middle of Toyota and Nissan territory, so if you buy something else, get ready for a lot of bagging, especially when something goes wrong, as it does on any vehicle. The GXL drives and handles like a Discovery 1 / mid 1980's Land Rover, as the suspension etc is about the same design as one of those.

Towing wise, the self levelling suspension (on the 7 seater) helps any load in the back of the car, whether on the tow ball or additional people. You'd need to have some air assist springs on the GXL to get a similar ride, with you adjusting it, rather than a computer. The air springs on the disco should be treated as a consumable item, to be replaced every 3 to 5 years, dependent on use.

The Discovery has traction control, ABS etc which are all useful for towing, whereas the GXL of the same era (typically) doesn't.

Also, expect to use more fuel in the GXL, as the diesel engine is more primitive, as well as it being less powerful and hence slower. (one of the reasons that Toyota has a reputation for reliability is that it is very conservative when it comes to engineering. They don't care if the engine uses more fuel as they dont' pay for it, if it lasts longer). If it hasn't got one, get Berrimac diesel to put on a turbocharger and overhaul the injectors etc (budget $3000+) for more power for towing, but don't forget that you are putting a turbo onto an engine that wasn't designed for one, so don't flog it and expect it to last. Turbo'd engines on GXLs are not that common and command a big price.

BTW - Exhaust mods on a GXL are not that beneficial for the cost; $1000+ for 10% more power versus $3000+ for a lot more power and torque and reduced fuel use is more cost effective.

The fuel tanks on a GXL are larger so more towing range.

Overall, for comfort, fuel use, towing and modern amenities, I believe the Disco s#!ts all over the GXL, but it is a different driving position and some of the ergonomics are better on the GXL.

LR spare parts are available online from Australian sellers (AllfourX4.com is in Newcastle and provide good service) with quick turn around times. Others are also quite good from what I hear on the forum, although I haven't used them. Service intervals are longer (5,000k for the GXL; you can mimic this if you want or go up to 10,000k if you are conservative on the D2a; 20,000k in normal driving conditions is indicated in the owner manual). Also, the GXL diesel engine soots up easier, so a good oil flush is required on most engines (flushing oil concentrate from costeffective maintenance is damn good).

Some LR parts are more expensive, as Toyota parts are copied and manufactured to varying quality in plants everywhere (it seems!!). I have used Your Online Auto Parts Store - Australia Discount Mail Order Car 4x4 Parts, Car Horns, Suspension Kits, Shock Absorbers, Fuel Pumps. Glow Plugs, brake rotors, commodore parts, Falcon parts, based in Brisbane for some Toyota parts, they provide good service and have a good range / quality for the Jap 4wds; search for others on eBay etc.

Anyway, no definitive answer but hope this helps.

My experiences..... I looked at every 4wd wagon and twin cab ute in July last year as I had an insurance payout of $18000 from a written off Navara. I found the following for the money I was spending:

1. Years i could get: Disco 04 vs croozer 99-00
2. Interior in disco is WAY MORE updated and modern than a croozer who's interior is the same from 97 onwards (yucky grey)
3. Disco km had around 150-200km vs croozer km well over 200 up to 350km !!!
4. Fuel economy in a 4.2td is heaps more (as previously said) than a 2.5 disco
5. Discovery is easier to drive, more like a car, than a croozer which is a huge beast.

Before I bought my td5 (D2a, auto, 2003, 170km) for $15000 I had a Navara d22 ute, GU patrol, and 1997 disco. After all my extensive research, I went with the disco and am veeeeerrrrrry happy. The biggest issues for me were interior aesthetics and also competitive km's. I did have to go to Perth for the right one, but was very close to going to bris-Vegas or tassie if the Perth one didn't come through.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

you mean apart from getting twice the four wheel drive for the money?

ok how about

ABS TC as standard
better fuel economy (Ive even seen petrol D2 figures that are better than the LC diesel figures)
better safety rating
more comfortable (cept the very back seats but even those are better than the ones in the LC)
better driving position and visability
Better loadability, just putting in 5 adults and their luggage doesnt mean that you have to have the fuel tank half empty and take the spare tyre off to keep it under GVM, especially if you have all the options.
toyota doesnt have AULRO support
Toyota drivers dont wave at other toyota drivers.

someone else will chip in with more later

you for got to mention 98% of cruisers are shopping carts and school children delivery vehicles, the other 2% are men with small finger complexes