The Peoples D5

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Homestar

Thanks - Then they’re brain dead for choosing the Cruiser then, but if there was $20K plus difference I could understand that price may be a factor not everything else.

---

Umm,not really,many buy the cruiser for other reasons,thats why they outsell the D3/4/5 by a massive margin.

Remember also many get quite a large fleet discount,which puts it a lot lower(price wise) than the prices in these magazines.Dont ask me how i know.

But lets not get into a brand war,and stay on topic[biggrin]

Good to see some discussion on the new model.[biggrin]

I love the fact that someone is actually using a D5 for something other than just picking up the kids at a soccer match.[thumbsupbig]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

It depends on which versions are compared and which options are chosen, of course. Main drawbacks of the D5 were the 20 inch wheels and 85 litre fuel tank, from memory (I'm in the bush).

---

I’m definitely inspired by Lee’s bush use of his D5...On further reflection, I’m impressed by the D5’s capability and it’s definitely sleek and would be a fantastic tourer. It’s clearly responsive to many people’s priorities. But the main drawbacks for me with a D5 remain: price (+ a cursory look at optioning costs, it really adds up with required extras for bushability), 20 inch wheels, curved interior space makes load carrying more difficult, air suspension. ...All no problem for the occasional weekend camping trip or certain kinds of touring, but not good for serious long term bushability. Happy to be proven wrong, but despite the tech and refinement advances, a D5 simply isn’t practical for a true bush life IMO. Perfect for some, but not for me.

It will be very interesting to see how the next Defender stacks up. If it’s a cross between the old Defender and the D4 it will be a winner.

The D5 is a direct competitor with Toyota 200 and Prado, but not 79 series wagons, whereas the D4 kinda was, due to its boxy shape. However Land Cruisers can still run 16 inch wheels and they have big fuel tanks, standard suspension, live axles, plus a massive country service agent network, which are all reasons people buy Toyota’s.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Homestar

What model Cruiser were they comparing it to? I

---

They had a D5 TD6 HSE with a list price of $103k, but came with $17k of extras.
The Cruiser was a Sahara with list price of $120k
The Patrol was the TiL at $89k

Currently at the hospital with a student with a fractured ankle. All plastered and awaiting her mother to arrive. Never a dull moment here.