Why should I consider a Land Rover instead of a LandCruiser?

[Ashes]

Hopefully my intro gives you some idea why I'm here...

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread...022#post640022

I've recently started the search for a 4x4 and a lot of the general advice I'm getting leads me down the path to a LandCruiser or Patrol. I'm pretty sure I'm going to avoid the 3.0TD Patrol due to their reputation. Thought I'd come here for an unbiased view on the Land Rover!!

I have a family of 5 so a vehicle with 7-8 seats would be real handy at times when you need to carry an extra passenger or 2. Vehicle will mainly be a weekend driver but I do want to do a big semi round Aus trip with the family next year of the year after (Vic, SA, WA, NT) so it needs to be pretty big to live out of for 6-8 weeks and I want something more than capable of getting into (and importantly out of) the Gorge areas. Not looking to do real difficult terrain but I want a reliable and capable offroader. Must be an automatic so the Mrs can drive it. Would also prefer a Turbo Diesel but am open on this if the running cost equations aren't terribly bad.

Anyways, at the moment I'm faced with spending around $37-$40k on a 2000ish Landcruiser TD but I keep seeing 03/04 Disco's with better fitout, lower K's for less money.

What are the pro's and con's of the Disco vs' the Landcruiser? Why should I buy the Disco?

[Quiggers]

The LandCruiser is a much bigger vehicle than the Discovery, how old (or big) are your passengers?

GQ

[Ashes]

Kids are currently 10, 7 and 5.

In terms of size are you talking about cabin space, boot space or both?

[Redback]

I would say the (and i might get grief for this) Cruiser would be the better choice mainly because of it's size, with 5 people living out of the car for 6 to 8 weeks you could be a bit cramped in a Disco, the Cruiser is so much bigger inside.

Probably better suited for a big family if all the gear is going to be in the car.

If the D3 was one of your choices then that's a different story, that would be the only choice in my mind, it's the only genuine 7 seater on the market, not 5 adults and 2 kids but will fit 7 adults in comfort.

I was doing the excact same thing as you 3 years ago, choosing between the same 3 4WDs, i ended up getting the Disco and haven't regretted a single day since, but i tow a camper so room in the car wasn't a big priority and there are only 3 of us, most of the gear is in the camper.

Baz.

[Scallops]

In all honesty, I'd suggest that a major reason we here on AULRO have Land Rovers is because we love them - that is not to say they are not extremely capable and have other advantages - they are, and they do - but in terms of your criteria, I'd suggest you get the Troopy or similar because I imagine it's the best choice for you

But if you want to appreciate your vehicle, become one with your vehicle, and if you look at these things as more than a skin deep issue - then you will find more charisma in a Land Rover's wheel nut than in any Japanese 4X4. If things such as these matter to you - look into LR vehicles - otherwise - get the Toyota.

[ak]

Yes I agree with Baz for that sort of money it would be a D2 and D2's are not as big on the inside - load space wise as they look. There are four of us why wife and two daughters 8 and 10 and we only just have enough room when we go away if we are not towing a trailer.

[RonMcGr]

If you are not a total Land Rover fan, buy the Toyota Land Cruiser. It is a bigger vehicle with a larger luggage area.
It will be easier to get serviced and parts everywhere. Every second Property owner has one.

However if you want class, style, exceptional off road capability and a good ride, Discovery.

[dmdigital]

Firstly with the trip if you do intend to go to any remote regions then buy a diesel. ULP is not always available at communities and also in some areas (eg the Alice) there is only Opal available.

As for size a Disco is a great vehicle for long trips however it definitely isn't as big as a Cruiser. That said if you are going to get anything where you are putting people in the very rear seats you loose all luggage space. This means either a trailer or rof rack is needed.

As for other things to consider if you do get a Cruiser get a turbo diesel or the economy poor. Also Cruisers have half the service interval and can cost more for parts than a Disco. May come as a surprise, but I've done comparisons with Cruiser owners and watched them squirm.

I would say your biggest issue is space though.

[Utemad]

I know the load space of a D2 is longer than a D1 but for a weekend trip my wife and I can fill the load space (with the rear seats folded up so a 2 seater) in our D1. We do have an 80L fridge though.

The price difference between the D2 and the Landcruiser you could probably buy a camper trailer. There is your space issue solved.

[Quiggers]

Kids are currently 10, 7 and 5.

In terms of size are you talking about cabin space, boot space or both?

I have 3 kids, 16, 14 and 10. They're tall (relatively), they find the Disco a bit cramped, width wise.

But as your kids are yet to get to the teenage era, as they're younger, I'd go the Disco.

You'll be travelling with them for many days and nights, ask them (and the missus) what they want to ride in....

Being a kid expert the disco is considered 'very cool' and more loved (by many kid passengers) than some other 'parents' vehicles

...you may even find a late(ish) D2 with the onboard DVD setup.

put in cargo barrier and a shelf and you can stack a heap of gear in a Disco...

as the missus will drive your choice, get her to spend some time driving both vehicles...at speed too!

one is rather noisy at speed, the other is not... one is a truck, the other is a nice ride...

GQ