Long term running costs of used Disco 3/4

[DeclanM]

G’day everyone,
I know, another newbie running costs thread. I have done a search and found a few really helpful threads, but none quite answer my whole question. I mentioned in the introduction section that I will be looking to buy a Disco 3/4 in the next year or 2 (I do enjoy early planning). I’m deciding between the V8 and the diesel(s) and I want to get an idea of long term running costs. There are quite a few threads around about fuel consumption and the gist I get is that the diesel is around 10-11L per 100 combined and the V8 is around 15-16 combined. I have also gathered from here that there is no significant difference between servicing costs.
Around the time I will be looking most of the Disco 3’s will be getting up in km’s (probably many of the 4’s as well). I will be looking to keep the car for around 10 years or so, and this is the point of difference from the other threads I have found. I want to get a better sense of the running costs of the diesel vs V8 over the 10 years, bearing in mind that these will be used engines with relatively high kms at the time I buy. The running costs I am looking for will not just include fuel, servicing, insurance, rego, etc; but also engine rebuild costs (I assume this will need to occur at some point) and the like. I am curious if the costs of rebuilding the diesel will be far greater that the V8 or vice versa, and whether this will lead to a clear winner for operating costs.
I’d appreciate any advice people can offer me with this. I’d probably prefer the V8, but I do love the torque rush of diesel engines so I wouldn’t mind going with either.
Thanks

[D3mike]

I get 10.7l/100ks for my D3 2.7l TDV SE - and thats mostly (85%) highway driving with bullbar, winch, long range tank, roof pod, awning, kaymar bar, wheel carrier, water carrier & snorkel and recovery gear.

Would imagine city driving to be higher fuel consumption.

I'd get the diesel.(My last 3 vehicles have been)

D4 3l engine supposed to be more efficient.

D3mike

[NavyDiver]

2 air compressors, alternator, battery, both front control arms and might need 2 more soon, gearbox, radiator, timing belt...yep some other bits. Still happy and still a lot more coin in my pocket that the 80k to 120k a new one would have hurt my pocket. I did try to buy a new one but the silly dealer wanted to sell me a D4. I wanted a D3 for the rubber options 17 inch gave me. I am getting about 12-14 litres per 100km in my diesel D3. I am at 270,000km in a 2005 D3SE. LED lights in the back avoid too regular stuff ups and several other mods like LLMAS, long range tank and other bits make mine fun, reliable, comfortable and almost as good at swimming as I am. I give mine a slow but tough time in some vic high country every chance I get. Killed a patrol, killed a Lada. Yet to harm my D3 beyond some TLC needs. If you drive a lot or drive off road get the diesel, if not save the coin on the V8 and use the change to pay for petrol for a year or two.

I have told you but please don't show she who must be obeyed

[TerryO]

Personally If I was buying a high mileage D3 I would get the V8. Try and find a thread on here of one failing or even needing major work or to be rebuilt.

There are plenty about TDV6's failing, often with relatively low mileage. Yes they sold many more diesels than V8's but I have not seen one post about a blown up V8 anywhere.

Yes the V8 uses more fuel but its cheaper to buy in the first place so take that all into consideration. Plus they go like stink.

Good luck.

[DeclanM]

Thanks for the responses so far guys, some interesting points. The idea I'm getting is that the TDV6 is the one to get if kms are reasonably low, but once they start getting up there then V8 is the better option.
Does anyone have any ideas about the cost to rebuild a TDV6, or replace if it dies? Do they cost much more to rebuild compared to the V8?

[TerryO]

To date with a TDV6 its been a case of buying a new long engine from LR rather than rebuilding it.

Prices people get quoted from workshops to supply and fit vary from around high $12,000 to $20,000 for exactly the same job. So its important to pick the workshop carefully.

Re the 4.4 V8, as I said as far as I can remember that discussion has never been had on here yet, so who knows?

Most people love their diesels and would never buy a petrol V8, the difference for me is I also own two V8 petrol Disco's and I know from direct comparison the cheapest part of owning one of these vehicles by far is buying the fuel. Having said that I to think the diesel is a great engine and for towing a heavy caravan it wins hands down.

[Grumbles]

Killed a patrol, killed a Lada.

You get an elephant stamp and go to the top of the class for the Patrol but as for killing the Lada......oh my goodness.......shame on you...shame, shame, shame.

[scarry]

Forget about fuel costs,that is the cheapest part of running a vehicle.

Sure,the costs are reverlent,but not a major.

Depreciation is also a cost in the long run.

Repair costs are the issue with the D3/4.

If you can find a good independant mechanic or do the work yourself,that would be better,will save you lots of $.

Don't get me wrong,they are fantastic vehicles,but repairs will come along,and they are often not very cheap.

Sourcing a good well serviced vehicle is a must.

A good search on here,which you have done is a great source of info,as is DICO3.CO.UK and other sites.

Good luck.

[DeclanM]

Geez that is a pricey process. That would certainly kill any chances the TDV6 has of being more economical than the V8; assuming that it happens of course.
I would hope to find a good independent workshop, and try to do a lot of the work myself (another reason for the V8, no idea about diesel engines), as these beasts can be expensive when things need replacing (although I don't think much more expensive than a Landcruiser or something).
For those who have done any touring; whats the availability of premium unleaded like in some of the remote-ish places in Australia (preparing myself for the laughter)?

[TerryO]

For what its worth 95 is ok and a long range tank will get you one hell of a long way before you need to refuel.

There are plenty of petrol V8 Cruisers driving around the country side so for most places should be ok.