Thread: Land Rover Engineer Requires Info

It seems to me that there's quite a bit of misinformation on here about D3 drivetrains and systems.

Each to his own. If you don't want/trust electronics, then don't get a d3.

But those who haven't extensively tested them off-road shouldn't really comment.

TR doesn't make it easy. It enhances the ability of the car, but still takes some time to learn.

And you cannot compare a D2/air susp rangie (apart from the current model) with a D3. Totally different vehicles and setups.

The only legitimate comments are the poorly protected compressor (which is why mine has 3mm steel under it) and the poor fuel capacity which affects most vehicles today (which is why mine now has 190litres).

Tyres - I've got LT245/70R17 STT's for the bush. Good enough??

The rest of the anti-d3 comments herein are ill-considered IMO.

Originally Posted by Jamo

It seems to me that there's quite a bit of misinformation on here about D3 drivetrains and systems.

Each to his own. If you don't want/trust electronics, then don't get a d3.

But those who haven't extensively tested them off-road shouldn't really comment.

TR doesn't make it easy. It enhances the ability of the car, but still takes some time to learn.

And you cannot compare a D2/air susp rangie (apart from the current model) with a D3. Totally different vehicles and setups.

The only legitimate comments are the poorly protected compressor (which is why mine has 3mm steel under it) and the poor fuel capacity which affects most vehicles today (which is why mine now has 190litres).

Tyres - I've got LT245/70R17 STT's for the bush. Good enough??

The rest of the anti-d3 comments herein are ill-considered IMO.

IMHO none of the comments are anti D3, it's just common sense that if you are going off the beaten track, the best option would be to take a vehicle that can be fixed using basic, readily available tool and/parts. All modern vehicles are not capable of this unless there is a dealer network available to fix any issues the vehicles may have. It is good business sense to get the purchaser of a new vehicle married to the marque, however it does not make good vehicles.

Hypothetical question time

You have been given the opportunity to take either a rebuilt land rover certified Camel trophey vehicle, or a rebuild Land Rover certified G4 vehicle (both diesels) on a solo trip around the world taking in all third world countries, deserts, jungles, rainforests etc....

With your life on the line which one would you take and expect to last the entire trip?

Which one will cost the most in repairs?

Which one can get stranded from a flat battery?

Which can survive with a tank of bodgey diesel?

I think it would make interesting reading to break down the "breakdown" stats and see just how many new vehicles actually traverse the scarey desert and not dissappear off the face of the earth.

I think you guys should write stories for ACA.

talk about a beat-up.

Well we'll see

Our 2006 Td5 Defender complete with TC, will also be doing the Madigan Line this year, accompanied by a brace of 200 tdi Defenders, an auto D1 and a 300 tdi Defender.

Interesting that the only failure we had a couple of years ago on the Hay River was a collapsed clutch, (non electronic equipped Defender) something that is difficult to prepare for, without removing and or replacing certain bits before setting out.

All vehicles are/will be properly prepared and I think that this is the most important point.

Originally Posted by dobbo

IMHO none of the comments are anti D3, it's just common sense that if you are going off the beaten track, the best option would be to take a vehicle that can be fixed using basic, readily available tool and/parts. All modern vehicles are not capable of this unless there is a dealer network available to fix any issues the vehicles may have.

Says who??? Is this based actual experience with taking a D3 or similar bush, or based on hearsay?

I think I understand what you're saying and that is that you personally would prefer a vehicle with no electronics. But that is not what's being written by most of the nay-sayers in this thread. They are coming up with lines like "most people" and "lots of people" and "anecdotal evidence" and other gems that scream unsubstantiated!

Infact, many of the posts here against cars like the D3 reveal in their content exactly how little the posters know about the car. And in that case they're right, if you don't know a car and are not prepared to undertake even simple research, don't get one to take bush.

My point is that if someone would like a new vehicle with no electronics then they should simply say so. Not come up with unsubstantiated comments against cars that do in order to justify a point. In doing so, they are simply weakening their own argument.

I see some of the comments in this thread as exactly the same as the argument that Jap 4WD owners come up with about Land Rovers.

I like AULRO, but it's starting to get a bit 'Animal Farm'-esque IMO. All Land Rovers are created equal, but some are more equal than others.

Originally Posted by numpty

All vehicles are/will be properly prepared and I think that this is the most important point.

My thoughts exactly!! Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Poor Performance

Originally Posted by Jamo

Says who??? Is this based actual experience with taking a D3 or similar bush, or based on hearsay?

I think I understand what you're saying and that is that you personally would prefer a vehicle with no electronics. But that is not what's being written by most of the nay-sayers in this thread. They are coming up with lines like "most people" and "lots of people" and "anecdotal evidence" and other gems that scream unsubstantiated!

Infact, many of the posts here against cars like the D3 reveal in their content exactly how little the posters know about the car. And in that case they're right, if you don't know a car and are not prepared to undertake even simple research, don't get one to take bush.

My point is that if someone would like a new vehicle with no electronics then they should simply say so. Not come up with unsubstantiated comments against cars that do in order to justify a point. In doing so, they are simply weakening their own argument.

I see some of the comments in this thread as exactly the same as the argument that Jap 4WD owners come up with about Land Rovers.

I like AULRO, but it's starting to get a bit 'Animal Farm'-esque IMO. All Land Rovers are created equal, but some are more equal than others.

Yes, exactly what I meant, i wasn't buying into the D3 arguement I was answering the original question (what I want out of a new LR) the answer a big mechanical diesel, you can still have all the electronics, but make them secondary not primary applications. Have the ability to bypass them and still drive anywhere with the only common links between the electrical and mechanical systems being the starter motor alternator, batteries and Glow plugs (all of which can be lived without)

Originally Posted by Numpty's Missus

Just out of interest while everyone is debating the good and not-so-good of Land Rover.....

has said engineer been back to look?
does anyone know?

From the members list, last logged in 9 May, so still lurking.

Cheers
Simon