Advice on new car?? Landrover or???

[Busman]

This is probably a stupid question from a Landrover Fanatic, asking a Forum full of Landrover Fanatics, but the D3 may be time for a change over.
The D3 is an amazing vehicle, but l have spent copious amounts of money on mine, and think it may be time for an upgrade to maybe another marque type vehicle.
I had a look at the new Toyota Prado Vx today, a found it to be a really nice unit.
I qualify for a Silver Fleet Discount, which Landrover certainly do not offer.
That equates to about $6,500.00 off retail.
I have a few commercial Toyota vehicles, and they give me no issues.
I just think the after say 150,000kms, the D3 is showing it's ugly side, and many many thousands need to be spent.
Do l really want to go back to the same issues, or look at another make vehicle.
This is my 5th Landrover, and should expect relevant issues, as per normal, but the old bank balance is starting to hurt a little keeping them going.
What to do think everyone????

[discomaniac]

I went through the same process when it was time to replace the D3. Suspension, Auto and alternator repair costs were getting painful.
After driving the D4 3.0L, found that I was comparing all other products with the D4. Nothing else was quite as good overall. Some may have had lower price, perceived reliability, perceived resale value, perceived fine build quality, similar power, electronic gadgets etc, but not the complete package.
I felt very comfortable with the Land Rover D4 HSE package and was convinced that the D4 was an improvement in quality over the D3. After 6 Months and 12000km I have not been disappointed, not a single problem and a totally enjoyable driving experience. My 4th Discovery and the best by far.
Must be a........
Discomaniac

[Camo]

How about the new diesel territory? What I would be buying if I wasn't a Rangie fan.

Will you still need it to tow 3.5 ton? In that case a 200 series V8

Camo

[alittlebitconcerned]

Just reflecting back what you have already said yourself, you say the bank balance is starting to hurt and after 5 different cars spending copious amounts on them has been your LR experience to date. If you go with the odds you would have to expect things will be the same with your next one, and I think forking out what you have on 5 LR's makes you as much an authority on what to expect as the next guy.

In purely financial terms, just how much is it worth to you to own one?
If you knew how much your 5 cars were going to cost you (purchase price, repair costs, time off work sorting them out, maintenance, fuel costs etc) before you actually bought them, would you have still pulled the trigger? Especially if you were in your current financial situation?

You are having a head/heart battle which I completely relate to, but only you can decide which way to go because after all the friendly waves, the memories formed and the fun driving them, no one is going to offer to pay for all the repairs, it's your hard earned cash on the line.
My 2c's worth. Goodluck.

[Disco4SE]

16 months and 52,000Klm's down the track, the extremely minor faults fade way into the distance.
Take my wife & kids, but DO NOT attempt to take the Disco
Cheers, Craig

[~Rich~]

I step out of my D3 and go for a ride in a new 150 series Prado with the D4D engine and it's course compared to the TDV6.
The Disco is so much quieter too.
When Toyota updates the engine which should of come with the new model then they will complete their package to be comparable to the D4.

[sniegy]

Busman,
Dont always think the grass is always greener on the other side.
Working in the industry, we always hear of what happens to other manufacturers vehicles, dont think that the new vehicle you may pruchase (regardless of brand) will not have it niggling issues &/or problems. They all do!

All i would say (from another Land Rover nut) is drive the vehicles & compare everything, I think you will find nothing compares to the D4.
It is damn comfy, powerful & economical. Comes with heaps of std inclusions which other manufacturers call extra's.

So enjoy your shopping, all the best

[CaverD3]

If you work for large company you should qualify for the LR corporate discount.
Check prices and you may be surprised.
Prado should be compared to the 2.7L rather than the 3.0L but even then the 2.7 has more poke and is a lot quieter than the Playdough.
Tojo is a basic truck compare and make uup your own mind.
Get the extended warrranty and flick after five years?

[Disco4SE]

I'm with Sniegy, go for a decent drive in both vehicles, preferably on a variety of roads.
To date, I am yet to drive another vehicle that I would swap the D4 3.0Lt for.
Happy hunting..............and let me know if you do find such a vehicle
Cheers, Craig

[Dirty3]

How about the new diesel territory?

Seriously? A Ford Territory? I don't see a comparison.
Sure they might be nice, but they have their fair share of faults, etc. But if you intend to go off road, at all then they just don't stack up.

I've had the 120 series Prado, good car but nothing compared to my old D2, drove the latest Prado, nice too, but ugly and boring inside. The D3 however, must say I'm in love again!!