Thread: Looking to buy a D4 - couple of questions

Originally Posted by Ape_Man

Well after much soul searching, deep thinking and much amusement that to all you guys I have made a decision.

I have decided to stay in the Patrol camp. Ordered a new Patrol and thanks to the price difference I am also getting it fully decked out at the local ARB. Winch, snorkel, drawers, suspension lift, dual battery, full bar work, roof rack and a set of 33 Cooper STT's. It is going to be a touring beast!

Thanks for all the comments, they have been enlightening and the last few have actually made me laugh out loud.

I must say that I am a little sad about missing out on a new Disco but am very excited to be getting a vehicle that will be fully prepared for the coming zombie apocalypse.

I'll probably lurk around here as this is one of the friendliest and funniest online communities I've been to.

Cheers to all and sorry about the Patrol

Hi Ape Man,
Haven't made any comments as yet, but like you, have enjoyed others.
Have mates with Patrols. Good strong vehicles, but what a crap engine...............sorry, just had to say it. They are so underpowered compared to the Disco. However, if you are happy mate, that's all that matters.
Happy motoring. May see you in the rear view mirror one day
Cheers, Craig

Good luck with the 3 litre hand grenade


Cheers

Enjoy the wealth of readily available spares and aftermarket accessories, too!
And the straight faces on outback mechanics when you pull in

Yeah, the 3.0 is pretty disappointing in the power stakes. No argument there.

But my current one has done 153,000 kms in 5 and a bit years with nothing more than handbook servicing and 3 sets of tyres.

It's funny how perception is. On the Patrol forum Disco's are derided for their reliability issues. Anything manufactured will have a percentage of duds crawl out and sometimes mud sticks far longer than necessary. The 3.0 CRD's have been pretty bulletproof since day one.

Other than the 3.0 issue of days long past I think most would agree that a Patrol is about as bush proof as a 4x4 can get. The fact I could get it with a heap of quality touring gear was the sweetener.

I guess we could argue until blue in the face about who has the best 4x4 but the Patrol was the right fit for me at this stage. For the kind of touring and off road trips I do the big Nissan is right for me.

Well, that is what I'm telling myself

Congratulations on your purchase of the Patrol. As you say this is the vehicle that suits you - both for size and purpose. We bought our D4 mainly as a tow vehicle and are delighted in it's ability and comfort, therefore it suits our purpose. I would suggest most brands produce good reliable vehicles these days. Most people I talk to in our travels are usually happy with there vehicles including Patrols, Cruisers, Pajeros, Jeeps and Discos. Plus having such competition creates better vehicles with improved safety and performance. Plus at the end of the day the vehicle is only a conduit for the pleasure we have from enjoying this great country of ours.

Best of luck with your journeys.
Chris

I still want to see a pic of you

Don't worry, we love our Discos, but as I'm sure you know, other than reliability issues with the very early (10+ years old) 3.0 diesels, the Patrol has nothing to prove... And seriously, having lived in Darwin, there were times I wished I simply had a Troll or a Cruiser! Enjoy mate.

The most important part of a car is its seat... and how comfortable/ergonomic/accessable is the whole setup. If you are'nt comfortable drving it.......

- I virtually threw away a NEW v8 Holden due to defective seats... (Test car was totally differant feel etc from what got delivered) - Traded it in on a VW Passat, with surprisingly comfortable chairs... Put a Renault 16 seat in, and drove it for over 500,000km

From my own observations, ( Defs 110, 130, D2 diesel, and two RR Classics,) I reckon you need to be a particular size, shape and flexibility , before you can be "trained" to like the LR seats and positioning.

Like fungus, the Classic is growing on me, though losing a several of my 117 kilos would'nt go astray...

I've still got my '89 Pajero, 'cos every now and again its nice to drive a full-size (interior) car with a use-able boot space and substantial headroom...

James in Gosnells

1995 Classic Range Rover, with working air suspension....and not much head-room at all!