Thread: SIII Fuel Consumption/Running Costs

Originally Posted by migasson

Hello to Everyone!

I'm new here so a big hello Have a Disco Series One TDI that i'm selling without RWC (any takers?!), and thinking of "upgrading" to a SeriesIII!

For the 2.25 petrol, assuming it's standard, unmodified and running well, what's the average fuel consumption?

And whats the average running costs?

Thanks

Wow you call that upgrading

Expect about 17 - 20 mpg maybe a little more out of the 2.25 driven right

If you had a over drive it could get better , you will nowhere have the economy of the disco Tdi

Its alot to do with the gearing of the 2

Running cost,s of the old series 3 are fairly cheap if your parts are sourced at the right places

Ta very much, very useful indeed- i'll consider a couple of other factors as well in my potential purchase, maybe a Series 3 with a Tdi fitted!

My Series III LWB 4 cyl petrol was dead standard apart from free wheeling hubs.

My best effort was 16,000 km up the Oodnadatta and Tanami Tracks to Broome for an average of 16 litres/100km. It was a very leisurely trip. I didn't bother looking at the speedo much. I generally kept an eye on the vaccuum gauge instead.

Normally on a trip I used 18 litre/100km.

Around town I used 20 litres/100km and on very short trips in the winter it got up to 22 litre/100km.

Those were figures calculated from complete records kept over 23 years.

Parts (other than consumables like tyres) cost me around $5000 for 23 years and 200,000 km. I reckon $200 a year for parts is pretty cheap.

Having an overdrive helps Landies no end. I have a 2a swb 4cyl. I achieved at best 14.8L/100km (19mpg) when towing my caravan back from QLD pre-overdrive, at a leisurely 72kmh. Conversely, I have seen 10.4L/100km (27mpg) at 80kmh empty, with overdrive.
The very worst I've seen was when I towed my FC up from Katherine on a trailer. 60kmh, 21.6L/100km (13mpg), 5hr trip, avoided overdrive for fear of breaking it. End result: new project at home, and savaged wallet.
The best way to save fuel in a series Landy is to go slower. If I do 90 or 100km I suffer at the bowser, so I stick to between 80 or 90 unless I'm in a hurry. Everyone else, feel free to overtake!
Hope this helps.

Dan.
69 2a 88" pet4, 74 3 109" pet4, 68 2b FC pet6.

Take the roof off for better consumption.

On my '76 SWB Game edition, I was running 20L/100kms. I removed the roof, found a hoop set and have ordered a bikini top from Exmoor. I am currently running an incredible 10L/100kms.

Admitedly you need to be in a temperate climate area (Sydney for me), and you take a chance with the occasional storm + dew can be an issue if you leave it in an outside car park.

It also drives like a go-cart and is much more fun

Fuel consumption will depend largely on whether it is a long or short wheelbase and how you drive and maintain it. In good condition I have found averages of round 15 for an 88 and closer to 20 per 100km for a 109. Unlike others, a recent careful test of the overdrive and free wheel hubs on the trip to and from Cooma this year showed insignificant difference for either.

Things that really will make a difference to consumption are tyre pressure (and type), dragging brakes, and poor tune, particularly worn carburetter. As well, driving technique makes a big difference.

As far as running costs go, depreciation should be practically zero, so there is the biggest part of your costs gone. Parts are relatively cheap, but you can expect more non-scheduled maintenance than with a newer vehicle - after all, a Series 3 will be at least twenty five years old, and could be thirty-five. And you are likely to have to catch up on previous owners' neglected repairs and maintenance. Tyre costs should not be very different from the Discovery, depending what type you run. Since you can do virtually everything on it yourself, this could save a lot if you have the time and skills.

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

In good condition I have found averages of round 15 for an 88 and closer to 20 per 100km for a 109. Unlike others, a recent careful test of the overdrive and free wheel hubs on the trip to and from Cooma this year showed insignificant difference for either.

That pretty much sums it up. I used to get 17-18l/100 consistently from my 109" IIA when it was a petrol (and I drove sensibly). And I DIDN'T have FWHs.

If you can change oil, filters, gear oil, oil seals, then the servicing costs will be quite low.

Hi all,
How do the 2.25L diesels do economy wise?
Thanks,
-Mark