Advice needed on model decision

Thanks for the feedback guys. The extra coin into the house isn't needed as that is paid for already, unfortunately I still like to be tight with my money. The 19 inch rims is an issue but I have already discovered GOE for 18 inch rims, offroad is where the car will spend about 20% of its time assuming the wife doesn't claim it as hers. The upgrade to the ECU for the extra power is something to consider, but as stated I can not find a dealer here in Tasmania with a 2.7 to try, there is one about 45 minutes away but it is a D3 and wouldn't give me a fair idea apart from power, this may be an option to gauge power alone.

Only things that are on the need to know list are cost of timing belt at 100,000klms seems to be the klms of the second hand versions on the mainland and the auto transmission pan with filter upgrade, the cost of an ARB bullbar with winch is about $4000. Lift kit not needed, Llams I would investigate if the need arose. I have put off the JEEP for now until I can answer these questions and become happy with a decision.

I have the 2.7 TDV6 in a D3 & after the BAS remap it's a lot more enthusiastic ...
Almost a different car to drive and almost ( Not quite) as good as the 3.0.

The 3.0 gets the 8 speed auto too.

Budget was also the issue for me & now after 3 years & another 80,000 Kms it's still an awesome car.

Which ever you choose, you won't be disappointed.Especially after the remap.
Richard

So a BAS remap is the go I shall investigate into that a bit more, the TDV6 is an option if I can find one. The no warranty on an expensive parts car is a bit of a worry but I'm sure others have had things go wrong with cheaper cars. Now to start looking and eventually decide.

Wheel & tyre size is another consideration. Smaller rims and tyres with taller side walls are generally better off road. There is more tyre choice for 17" & 18" rims.

The 2.7 comes with 18" rims but you can fit 17" rims. On the 3.0 it's either 19" factory rims or 18" GOE rims.

If you're not doing huge distances or pulling heavy loads, you may want to look at the petrol V8. Maintenance is a lot less on this sweet engine and purchase cost may cost so much less for the V8 that you never spend the difference in fuel prices - particularly at the current low price environment. On gentle highway drives I got around 12.5 litres/100km (calculated from the bowser, not the optimistic trip computer) and my 3.0 turbo-diesel gets around 10 litres/100km.

If you are indeed offroad 20% of the time, it is a big help to find one with the auto-locking rear diff. I found on sand dunes the extra power of the V8 just about offset the 180kw 3.0 turbo-diesel with a locking rear diff. The petrol V8 came with 19" rims but can happily take stock 18" rims, which helps a lot offroad.

Best of luck in the looking.

I have had the D3 2.7TDV^ for 6 years and never found the power wanting, even with towing a camper trailer offroad... well, actually once, when I was climbing up a hill and the turbo hose blew.. :angry:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Damo4runner

.......assuming the wife doesn't claim it as hers. ...

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Good luck with that. My wife always takes the D4 if there are 2 cars in the driveway when she leaves to go anywhere! Be it a 4 or 400km trip.


BTW: I (we) have the 2.7, and echo the others comments, I am sure that the 3.0L is great but I don't find the 2.7 lacking.

Pat

Ok you have me convinced I am making it my mission to test drive a 2.7, worse case I will do it in a fortnight when I go to Melbourne for a quick visit.