Thread: Discovery 3 V8

D3 V8s are excellent buying, quick, quiet and refined. They are just as good, possibly better than the diesel in the rough but lack the range which is already squeezed in the diesel. V8s are preferred over the V6 petrol for all reasons bar cost. For the size of car and engine fuel consumption is excellent. The V8 D3s are now something of a bargain IMHO. Chances are maintenance may even be cheaper than the diesel with lack of turbos etc.

Add a long range tank? If you could problem solved. Add LPG injection? Problem gone. Cheers

Originally Posted by rmp

D3 V8s are excellent buying, quick, quiet and refined. They are just as good, possibly better than the diesel in the rough but lack the range which is already squeezed in the diesel. V8s are preferred over the V6 petrol for all reasons bar cost. For the size of car and engine fuel consumption is excellent. The V8 D3s are now something of a bargain IMHO. Chances are maintenance may even be cheaper than the diesel with lack of turbos etc.

According to overlander the v8'tows 2 tonns better also. 2006 Tow Test: Part 1 - Large Wagons - Vehicle Tests - Overlander 4WD Magazine - Australia's leading four wheel drive magazine

Cheers

I have had my V8 for over 2 years now and I am looking forward to the next 5 when it becomes 10 and might only then consider getting a new one

I have the long range tank fitted and it makes a massive difference, if you dont mind the bill for the fuel if both tanks are empty

If you have any other questions PM me

G

Have the HSE V8 for the same reason on a 3 year turn around. The difference in fuel outweighed the difference in cost for a diesel (and you get the HSE spec). Averaging around 16l/100K combined but get 12.6 on the open road. off road, towing, town driving are all excellent. The only major disappointment is you cannot fit an ARB bar...but there are some others. Look out for the front ball joint (have them replaced before you buy?) My next project will be a long range tank to get the distance.

Originally Posted by ozscott

According to overlander the v8'tows 2 tonns better also. 2006 Tow Test: Part 1 - Large Wagons - Vehicle Tests - Overlander 4WD Magazine - Australia's leading four wheel drive magazine

Cheers

Be interesting to see the comparison run on the D4 with the new donks in both engine types (petrol & diesel) and improvements in transmission and suspension with added towing stability systems. As in, how well the D4 stacks up against the competition now.

Interesting comment on the Jeep thou..."and the full-time Quadra Drive that exceeds even the Discos' for seamless on and Offroad ability" What exactly does that mean? Don't think I've read a good write up on this vehicle anywhere....maybe I haven't been looking hard enough!

No I agree that model jeep was crap...Jeep seem to be the only maker who can do a live axle and it has a much wheel travel as an independent suspensions...

I agree too about the D4 - in the several engine guises it would have to still kick butt.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Celtoid

Be interesting to see the comparison run on the D4 with the new donks in both engine types (petrol & diesel) and improvements in transmission and suspension with added towing stability systems. As in, how well the D4 stacks up against the competition now.

Interesting comment on the Jeep thou..."and the full-time Quadra Drive that exceeds even the Discos' for seamless on and Offroad ability" What exactly does that mean? Don't think I've read a good write up on this vehicle anywhere....maybe I haven't been looking hard enough!

Although a relative newbie (and abit off the topic) I feel I am in good position to comment on the Jeep and Quadra Drive 2 which may be of interest. I bought my D3 TDV6 SE in Nov 2009 having sold a Jeep Commander 3L CRD after the warranty ran out due to significant reliability issues that could fill a book! However the Merc 3 L CRD + Quadra Drive 2 is an excellent combination and I agree with the comment in Overlander tow test that it's seemless on and offroad. Bascially it combines electronically controlled limited slip diffs both front and rear (ELSD's) with a clutch pack lock up centre diff as well as Brake Lock Differential (using the ABS system much like the D3). All this is completely automatic and it will operative just as effectively regardless of frequent changes in the terrain. In low range the DSC (ESP in Jeep speak) turns off automatically which is especially good in sand and mud.

In practice it would climb unbelievable slippery slopes (I had mud terrain tyres) and in 3 years of a variety of serious offroad driving I was very impressed with it's offroad ablity (after a 50mm lift granted). My D3 doesn't have the rear e-diff (unfortunately) but my impressions to date are that it's not far behind the Jeep in ultimate traction offroad (with the identical Cooper STT's) and I am very pleased I bought it.

cheers

David