Thread: Some questions about buying my first rig.

what do you want to use it for?

Fuel 18-22L/100
Tows well
S-Base model
Se - Up spec
ES top spec

Do some searches on here regarding all those questions and there are many threads.

The V8 for that year is the 3.9, basically same as later but with older injection, bit less grunt and worse fuel economy as the later so called 4L.

Vern we will be using it as a tourer towing an Aussie Swag camper and my 435 Hornet on fishing trips.

Thanks big guy for the clarification

I had my heart set on a TD5 but the funds may not run that high at the moment. I suppose patience is a virtue ... isn't it? Don't know that I am keen on one with all the bells and whistles as it seems like more things to go wrong when you least expect or want them too.

i'd wait and get a diesel if your towing/touring, what about a late 300tdi? cheaper and a good trusty vehicle. both the 300tdi and td5 should get around 10-11l/100k. Td5 is more drivable though, 300 is a bit slow and underpowered, but both can be hotted up, but the td5 can get a heck of a lot more power from very easy

I tow my 1 ton trailer err....1 1/2 ton with my Tdi 300 very well at an average of 100kph and consume about 11lt per 100.
If that speed is good for you then you cannot beat the economy of the diesel and there is not any other vehicle that can be so cheap to run

The Rover V8 - strongly suggest you have the radiator viscous fan cooling hub checked and maybe refurbished. And maybe too have the radiator pulled and rodded. And whilst it's out maybe replace the water pump too. I'd consider these items as maintenance. Overheating kills these engines - usually no second chances involved.

Do the usual checks for head and/or head gasket problems too [usually as a result of neglect and then overheating].

Also the vacuum advance diaphragm should have perished by now and would be affecting highway fuel consumption.

Now as to fuel consumption. My beast is a 3.9V8 LSE Range Rover - the long wheel base Rangie. I maintain a meticulous log book which reveals Higway fuel consumption of between 12 and 15 litres per 100 kilometres. Short stop/start running sees this climb to 20/23 litres per 100 kilometres. A Disco in good nick should be able to ball park this.

Enjoy the ride.