Thread: Potential Owner Looking for Advice

For you.......Using it for touring I'd say a Late 89 with 3.9 Litre or 1990 or 1991 Model.

If you plan on getting diff locks at a later stage, then a 87 & 88 Model that have the LT230 Transfer case & stronger CV joints.

Most important thing to do is take it to a experienced land rover mechanic
for an inspection.If you search this forum you will find one in Canberra I suspect.

I have an 89 model with 170K on it, and most things have been replaced (That's not including the modifications) . If you find one thats been maintained properly it shouldn't give you to much greif.

Buzz - an 89/90 Rangie is going to be a l.o.n.g... way away from a Touareg in terms of civilisation and luxury. Great touring vehicle, but they are getting on now.

Bobzed - would you consider a Disco 3 instead of a RRS? They are almost the same chassis (1 or 2 inches different in wheelbase) and there are a heap of aftermarket items for the D3. There is a degree of accessories for the RRS, but not as much as the Disco3.

If you wait for another 3 or 4 months the new Disco 4 is arriving is Australia, and it is yet another step up the luxury/quality scale towards a RR apparently.

I've got an L322 Rangie, which is a bit bigger than the RRS, but again, not a lot of customisation options compared to the RR Classic, Disco or the Defender.

If we want to go long distance 'road' miles we take the L322. If we want to go rough/muddy it stays at home and the Defender or the Disco get used.

Hi spudboy

Thanks. It's the wife's turn to pick the vehicle and it was when she was coming from road testing the D3, the dealer offered a deal on the RRS. The D3 is definitely in the mix. I'm in the LR Club of the ACT, so I know there's a fair bit of advice on the D3s there. We only have one RRS and I've already bee talking to him as well.

Cheers

Have you taken either of them for a spin? That might make up your mind pretty quickly.

Be warned though, once you drive the V8 diesel, you will want one. Stunning engine, and leaves my straight 6 BMW engined RR for dead.

Hi bobzed, I’ve had an RRS provided on a number of occasions as a courtesy vehicle when my RR has been in for a service and as my wife has a D3, so I can compere the two and the D3 wins hands down.

The RRS is a fun vehicle to drive but the novelty wares off pretty quickly.

The D3 is roomier, seats 7 adults, is more comfortable to drive, particularly on long trips, but as spudboy pointed out, there is nothing like the TDV8 for grunt but this is a small advantage in the overall decision making.

If your not real worried about getting a new vehicle then have a look at an early model L322 RR. They are available at bargain prices and won't devalue much.

I use to take my 03 RR off road when ever I got the chance, but I stuffed up with my 08 RR in that I have the wrong wheels and tyres for doing any decent off roading.

The 03 RR can be set up to do pretty well anything a D3 or RRS can do off road and do it in total comfort and again as spudboy posted, there is NOTHING like an L322 RR for long distance cruising, car or 4x4.

Hi drivesafe

Thanks. Interesting comments, particularly noting that you reckon the D3 wins hands down. I like the D3 as well and the after-market options are plentiful. I have driven the D3 for about 60km in the Murray Sunset NP and I was impressed. I'm yet to drive the RRS.

As I said, it's the wife's turn to pick, but she also likes the D3, but of course, she thinks the RRS is prettier . Because she's thorough tomorrow we'll be taking a Prado and a Paj for a test, which should make for some good contrasts. The V6TDI Touareg remains in the mix as well, but we're both aware of its limitations.

I'll keep you posted and I might even end up being a regular.

Cheers

Keep us informed and it will be interesting to get a non biased slant on the other vehicles.

But hope to see you on here as a regular.

Cheers and happy hunting.

Mate I stepped up from a D1 V8 to an 03 L322 TD6 and on the open road nothing comes close.The D3 would have to come into it but there's nothing like a RR. Pat