D3 Petrol upgrade to Diesel?

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Originally Posted by Meken

Freelander 2 diesel is not a bad option - 10-11 around town 7-8 highway no van. We get no worse than 13 towing 1.6t van. Not as roomy but pretty darn close to as capable (except where clearance required) but if I had a pic of where I drove today I'd say you'd be impressed - about as close to a 3m high cliff as I think anyone would Attempt - all done with aplomb;)

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Yes for my run about the Freelander might be nice....I can get a newer one for the same $'s then the D3.. I just keep thinking should I pay more or take a chance on a older D3?

We could not tow the van with the Freelander.. and the wife would have to go in the boot :D Not sure you can put a dickie seat in a freelander?

I've looked at a few non Disco's in the price range Prado, Pathfinder, Pajero, Challenger and Territory. We have a kid in the back if we go 7 seater. Most have no third row airbags or anchor points. So pure safety the D3 wins out.
I think only the Territory does although the 3rd row does not split.

Hello Ean,

As indicated in the Notes the run from Ayres Rock to Coober Pedy had very strong head winds, always over taking and constantly travelling at 110km/h.

NTB

Put two jerry can holders on the poptop and then you will have the security of another 40 litres when towing and none of the inconvenience of a rear wheel carrier.

My D3 2.7 was getting 16-17 l/100 when towing the 1.5t camper trailer so I really don't think changing to a diesel will be a great advantage.

We went to check out a Territory today.. The wife was probably more impressed then I was.
No split rear seats
cannot flip forward the second row seat so need to either squish past or stand on the seat back to get into rear.
under $30k gets you a 2011/12 under 100k.. no leather seats etc etc

we've been looking at getting a second 7 seater - one that has a little more room behind the 3rd row seats than the D3. Try having a look at a volvo xc90

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Originally Posted by shanegtr

we've been looking at getting a second 7 seater - one that has a little more room behind the 3rd row seats than the D3. Try having a look at a volvo xc90

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We looked at a XC90 before we got the D3.. Read a lot about the auto's going I think they fixed this around 08 onwards. So yes maybe worth another look.

Not sure it would have enough grunt to tow.. They are very nice.
The Territory just felt inside like a Falcon.. Might just be getting to be a snob the D3 and Mini both finished a lot better.

edit: Had a look Diesel XC90's around the same $ as a D3. Get a year or so later..

It seems most autos that let go in them are T6's, and I did read something the other night that its mainly the ones in the states (front wheel drive?)

They should get cheaper in the second hand market as the new model is coming out next year

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Originally Posted by shanegtr

It seems most autos that let go in them are T6's, and I did read something the other night that its mainly the ones in the states (front wheel drive?)

They should get cheaper in the second hand market as the new model is coming out next year

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I think your right it was the T6.. LE and D ok.. Although been a while since I looked at them.. They drive nice.. We almost got one when we got the D3 it was down to a year older XC90 with 20k more and the D3. Both the same $.
Might have more room behind the seat although the D3 seat nicer to sit in.
Add the air suspension we felt it was a better drive.
Also the dealer with the D3 was really great let us have it for half a day.

Unless you looking for an excuse to have two Disco's then I agree with Ean, why not get a long range tank and rear wheel carrier that can be removed for everyday driving? You will have to do massive kilometres to justify another Disco to save the money on the fuel usage difference and older diesels are expensive to maintain.

Our TDV6 D3 towing a 2.5 ton dual axle off road pop top averages 17-19 litres on freeway driving at no more than the speed limit, far worse if even slightly above the limit.
On country back roads at around 80-90 kph it averages around 22-23 litres per 100 km.

In the long run it might be cheaper to trade in the wife than have to buy a new Disco. ... ;)

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Originally Posted by TerryO

In the long run it might be cheaper to trade in the wife than have to buy a new Disco. ... ;)

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thanks.. Maybe cheapest carry one Jerry can. Have to check laws where you can store then as I think they changed recently. Even a small one might be good for security on longer runs... Or we just stop every 2 hours and fill :(
yes looked at a few second hand D4's around $50k.. we get $10k trade in on the Mini so $40k change over and we get a D3 and a D4. The wife would like a D4 :)
Originally I said for school/creche runs I would look at a 5 seat car.. Maybe keep with Minis and get a Clubman $10k change over. Or a newer Countryman a few be around $20k swap over.. a D4 at $40k.. um...
The Discovery Sport comes out next year I say it be around $60k new for base..