I need help choosing a Landy

[Andrea]

Hi everyone,

I'm wondering if someone could offer me some good sound advice. I'm in need of a new tow vehicle upgrading the series 1 Landrover Disco. I want to know if the D3 is a good second hand option for pulling a caravan approx 20 footer, and is a D3 good for going off road? Is there any issues with a D3? I have loved our current Landy but now it's getting older and is a 3.9litre petrol engine I wanted to upgrade to a Diesel for better fuel economy. My biggest fear is repairing these vehicles when they go wrong. I have experienced this first hand and when out in the bush it's very difficult to find someone to repair them. So if anyone can give me some pointers on the D3 as I can't afford the costs for a D4 or alot of repair work I would really very much appreciate it.

Merry Christmas to you all

[AnD3rew]

Have a read through the FAQ pinned at the top of the page there is some good info up there.

But in short yes the TDV6 is one of the best towing rigs around and will be very economical compared to what you are used to.

They are not unreliable but there are things that go wrong, compressors, front bushes, etc I'm sure others here have a much more comprehensive list. But all makes have their issues.

Yes it can be tough finding a dealer outside of major centres. But here I have a story. A mate of mine was travelling up around Karratha and on his trip a guy with a D3 had a major breakdown, his car was put on a truck and taken to a city dealer and was fixed within 10 days. My mate who was in a Prado threw a piston and his car went to the local Toyota dealer who was so busy with mining vehicles it took six weeks to get it fixed and he had to fly home and then fly back to get it.

For both of them the trip was over, for both it was expensive. A Toyota or Nissan is no guarantee of reliability.

[camel_landy]

Compared to what you've got, the D3 will be a real eye-opener. The TDV6 is very reliable, brilliant tow car and amazing off-road.

FWIW - I'm not sure if you guys get the choice but if you do, the Auto is the way to go.

M

[TerryO]

Any reasonably late model Disco (2005 on) can be troublesome and very expensive to repair compared to a D1 when things go wrong.

The diesels can have issues and are far more expensive maintanace wise than a petrol V8, but the economy of the diesel is far better than the V8, a bit like your 3.9 D1 compared to a TDI. The V8's have very few issues though and go like stink.

Many of the parts that can commonly need replacing as the D3's get oldef are becoming far more affordable now but labor costs aren't.

If your planning on towing make sure you get the auto serviced as this will greatly extend the auto's life and its not uncommon that second hand ones even with high mileage have not been serviced.

We have a diesel D3 for towing our van and it does a great job but it is more expensive maintainance wise than our D1, however the D1 is like driving a HQ Holden compared to a D3 that drives like a new VE. They are great but be prepared for higher running costs.

cheers,
Terry

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I think you are already heading in the right direction,,
research, research, research. read EVERYTHING,, reviews, complaints, stories,
dont limit yourself to local cars, lots of great cars are bought interstate--
The D3 may or may not be servicable by the same people you currently use,.
That 2.7 is a magical engine,, racing mate got booked in WA for speeding(120odd),, with the 3T car trailer on,,

[Andrea]

Thank you all for replying. It's all very confusing trying to find the right tow vehicle I'm beginning to think no one is perfect.

[scarry]

A good D2a is also a good tug.There are some low mileage ones around.

Whether you go V8 or TD5,there are also some issues,but as others have said,research on here is your friend.

The D2 is way cheaper to run than a D3/4.Particularly if you do the work yourself.

But a D3/4 is in a world of its own,a massive jump up in comfort,drivability,power,etc,etc.

Good luck with your choice

[Calis]

Hi Andrea,

I agree with Pedro_The_Swift.

D3 would be awesome as others have already stated. I stretched a bit further for a high K's D4 just cause I wanted the current shape and upgrades from the D3. Not many cheap high km D4s about but worth looking around. 2.7ltr is cheapest but see more 3.0 twin turbos but not with many high K's ( i havent looked recently) so I settled for a 2.7.

Also I managed one without a tow pack so I knew it hadn't done towing previously. Worth looking at. I'm having the Mitchel Bro tow hitch installed Thursday

Costs wise it all depends on what vehicle you get. As the old story goes some are brilliantly trouble free and some just aren't.

Not so many people to fix em in the bush I'm told. Also local servicing locations are good to check if you live out of town.