Thread: Facts on Disco vs Defender

Thank you very much for all the responses guys, sorry have not replied as was camping.
For the first few points well I the defender chose me as have been obsessed with them for around 15 years….. So no competition as far as character and appeal goes
As far as interior goes …… if things break and don’t effect driving don’t really care too much
Disco = can set up for one or the other- touring or tough trips – This may be an issue
Fuel consumption = a win for the disco
Defender= longer service life= win for Def
Luggage/ sleeping space= win for the defender
A bit of debate on better for different situations and uses (sorry but did not originally add as didn’t want to come across as just wanting someone to “tell me want to do” thought I just try weigh up previously unperceived differences so that others could also use info not being specific to a certain situation) but if the offer still stands that would be great and very helpful ……. So anyways intended use and situation=
$$$= low income and am still saving, I am looking around 10k (would love to have more to play with but didn’t want to wait another 5 years)
Intended use= sorry but I one of those impossibly frustrating 4x4 newbies that want everything in 1 vehicle……. I do an average of 800km a week 95% on freeway 5%town (so running costs will be an issue). 4x4 will be used on average once every 2 weeks sleeping in the back….. Frazer, Morton, straddie and lots of hinterland. Am aiming to do Cape York in around a years’ time with the hope of doing the “Big lap” or just extended north and central Aus trip. At moment 4x4 is mainly for access to certain areas but am sure I will no doubt end up getting into the “tough stuff” for fun. My partner need to be able to drive it as well “I want to be able to push the clutch in” so she would prefer the comfort of the D2. As for me I don’t care for luxuries and just want something that doesn’t break (Most things I own are ugly, over- engineered and practicality based)

I do love defenders but find it hard to justify the price difference. This large investment for us as we are also saving for house so unfortunately find it hard to justify 100% more $ for the defender just because it is what I “romantically” prefer. I have also considered the 3.1 jackaroos as they are very reliable and good value for money and the Terracan. Have played with the idea of getting a **** box Hyundai for the Hwy commute and an old series wagon for the weekend but prefer the one car option…….. even considered the Gaylander.
So for the price would be looking at a D2 TD5 manual or a High Km’s TDi Defender.

Sorry to those who saw the thread as a useless waste of time, I did not want to start a my Defender is better than your Disco thread. Just wanted to see if there are points that I had not considered in choosing the right vehicle for our situation.
Once again thank you for all the info guys……. I’ve been spending way too long reading some of the other Tech threads this morning this site is looking dangerous to my productivity

Originally Posted by 2stroke

Really is a useless thread...
Seriously though I think all 3 are good 4x4s (since we're now including 75 series). The toyotas are durable, reliable but when they go wrong they often do it in a big way and are WAY overpriced and overrated. Disco, cheap buy in, comfy, they wheel well if not carrying a lot of weight but legal tyre options are too small and then there's the body damage. Defender carrys a load well over rough terrain, between the two for comfort, only problem regards body damage is the roof (on mine at least). The brute force thing must be crack related though
On our Canning Stock Route trip I averaged 11.5 L/100 km (in a 300 Tdi Deafener) and the 2 cruisers averaged 16.5 L/100km. No comparison really.
The main thing is the Disco is much softer in spring rate, will always wheel better empty than the other 2, try putting a tonne on it though.

Thanks hadnt thought of the downfall of loading it, as would prefer not to be spendng too much on mods.
Also given the price limitation TDi300 defender would fit the bill well if it wasnt for tho 800km week in Hwy ks..... supose cant have it all eh. But with that amount of ks adding to an already 300000+km ...= trouble???? In comparison to a aprox 150k-200k D2 TD5 for less overhead??????

Not too fussed on how it looks with body damage but i supppose would decrease D2 value alot more if i ever need to sell it

Most springs on d2 are clapped out by now. Just get one with a lift or do the lift and use whatever spring rate yoj want...Go best of both worlds and use a good compromise spring and load leveller bags for extra heavy. I found stock were a bit soft for 300 kg of downforce on the rear bar.

Cheers

Apologies for the "useless thread" comment it came out different than intended. I was just adding to a previous post and that the two are very different vehicles, intended for two very different purposes. Though there are many similarities. One is a truck which can carry a load across broken terrain, available with various bodywork. The other is a station wagon which can carry your family and luggage over broken terrain.
If we're still including the 75 series it's a truck designed for those who are either not interested in cars or not interested in working on their car on a trip.

If $10k is your budget then you'll get a lot more Disco than Defender for that money.

^ I second that. you will struggle to a decent defender for 10k

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

If $10k is your budget then you'll get a lot more Disco than Defender for that money.

Very true, especially if you intend doing 800km per week, in fact it's probably worth considering getting a little car for that job, though then there's the rego to consider.

if doing 800km a week commute i would think you would be alot more comfy in a disco, some would say you need to be a little 'touched' to own a defender.
the disco would also be fine for a bit of 4x4ing on a weekend with a simple lift and decent a/t tyres and you can get one in your budget.