Thread: The great debate !

After researching and plowing through threads, I decided to go ahead with a landrover purchase in the relatively near future.

As the work that I do does a lot of away trips which generally involves driving to the remote aust outback, it would only seem logical to invest in a touring / camping set to make the most of it and increase safety as well . The company Great Wall just doesn't inspire confidence out here.

What id like to compare is a county 3.9 4bd1 vs a defender 300tdi for touring/ camping set ups/weekend trips away and touring a motorbike trailer and possibly a caravan down the track. It's have to still be kid friendly wit the crab bar and be able to have the far rear seats free for when the kids seats are in .

The options available for sale atm thatd id be interested in australia are - various 300tdi's with various Km's and condition- approx 100,000 km to 300,000 $6000-20000

The The army county isuzu which are $20,000-27000 With approx Kms 8000-180000.

Civilian isuzu county $10,000-14000 higher Kms round the 300,000 mark.

I'm sure if you got lucky you'd be able to pick up one cheaper at an auction or by shopping around at dealers.

Is the 10k price difference worth the lower Kms and isuzu for reliability ?
Or will a 300,000 km 300tdi still hold up well- after adding variable geometry turbo ? Would also look at re spraying the army version to a British green or something similar. Although the cops would either leave you right alone in camo or think you stole it either way it'd cost a bit more on top of the higher price tag.

I'd want to set it up reliably as possible and within reason before the trips away as I'd have no back up incase of failure - bar taking spares and tools.

Any differences in comfort or options for either ? So far I see army version has upgraded suspension, solid looking bullbar and rear bar some with jerry holders then other bits n bobs. Anything else worthwhile on them for comparing set up costs ?

I've read that stock aircon sucks for aust. Conditions and is a must for the kids in summer. What's a rough guess at a DIY aftermarket fit ? Would an everyday fridgey be able to gas it or would you need to take it to a auto fridgey ?

If you have any points or ideas for the set up I'm and could post them - itd greatly help with my research ! Thanks.

Originally Posted by Chucaro

IMO the civilian Isuzu County will be the pick among the vehicles that you have mentioned . They are very reliable and the engine is very strong.

I'm leaning this way too. I used to own a Country with the Isuzu engine and I still see it driving around 10 years later. It must have nearly 500000 kilometres on it by now, but it seems as strong as ever