Changing religions Cruiser to Disco???

[mickyd24969]

Ok at the risk of asking a redundant question!

The lease on my 100 Series (V8 GXL, ARB Bull Bar, warn, 2" lift, ARB roof rack and Black widow storage, extractors and chip) is up - time for a decision!!!

I don't want a 200 - obvious reasons and have narrowed down my choice to either a Landcruiser 76 wagon and a D4. Very different trucks, but both excellent at what they do!

My concerns with the D4
1. Tire size - man WTF! Can you get any decent AT for 19" rims???
2. How does the air suspension react to heavy loads? My mate's Sahara lowers when he has too much weight on board - to access height. What will happen when I put a bull bar and winch on?
3. Do the airbags perish over time? 4+ years, what effect does salt water have on them?
4. Several of the threads here highlight the Disco's quirkiness and character - should a Toyota owner read that as faults and annoyances???

I've always had a soft spot for Discos, the time just hasn't been right!

Mickyd24969

[rmp]

A 76 vs a D4. Hmm. What were the obvious reasons for discounting the 200?

Anyway:

1. No. Buy the 2.7 and run 17s instead.

2. Never any trouble for anyone, it handles any load.

3. Not that we've seen.

4. Generally, no, unless you count things such as the switchgear layout not being in the designated Japanese positions.

If you had shortlised the 76 why not also the Defender? Carries more than the 76, more space, less fuel, better handling, better offroad unless the 76 has lockers, ABS and all wheel drive, 6 speeds not 5, front and rear track the same!

[mickyd24969]

Discounting the 200 due to poor value for money!

I know the 2.7 is the option if I want the 17", but man the 3.0 is a SWEET engine I went for a test drive yesterday and am absolutely astounded by the engine and the on-road dynamics!

[nosliwedaw]

You can get a Pirelli Scorpion ATR in 19". Depends on what you consider to be decent?

[chuck]

Mickeyd

You can run Goodyear MTR's in 255 x 55 x 19.
They are a bit noisy however they will do the job.
I run them on my D3.
I find them good on civil construction sites after rain & they are good off road.
On road I find them good both wet & dry.
I have not yet locked them up on bitumen however I drive knowing that I have MTR's fitted.
They are legal & will not void warrantee.
In fact there is a landrover part number for them.

There is some talk that continental will bring out a good AT in 19" shortly.
They currently have it in 18" but I cant remember the name.

Regards

Chuck

[ADMIRAL]

mickyd

I have just been through the same decision making process, only I came from a Patrol not a Cruiser. I crossed the 200 off the list because of it's size. Great as a tow vehicle, but not ideal if getting off road. I went for the 2.7 for affordability, and a greater, or if you like easier suitability to off road. ( 18" std rims but you can retro back to 17's )

The 'quirks' are just as numerous on the 200 series. In the end, you have to accept that any of the modern 4wd's are going to be chockabloc full of electronics. The more truck like 4WD's ( and I include the 76 series ) are in a time warp. Nothing much has changed. I thought about a new Patrol, but not for long.

Early days for me, but no regrets so far. This is not the Disco of old. Take the step

[Neil P]

My mate's Sahara lowers when he has too much weight on board - to access height.
3. Do the airbags perish over time? 4+ years, what effect does salt water have on them?
4. Several of the threads here highlight the Disco's quirkiness and character - should a Toyota owner read that as faults and annoyances???

The Sahara wouldn't hold up a full complement of passengers , never mind
a load as well . I was far from impressed with that aspect of mine.

The air bag susp life is an unknown since the pressure is more that of
previous Disco rears . As for years of service , you won't own it then !

D4 has the later D3 computer hardware. The height sensors will always
remain a weak point for faults. As for salt damage , you take your own
chances ie. if you stuff it up, you wear the hassel of the consequences.

How many years lease are you arranging ? Does it include service fees ?
If you're going to belt-Hell out of the susp , maybe springs will be more
suitable.

[CaverD3]

There has been no problems with belting the hell out of the air suspension. With the springs you will need aftermarket springs anyway there is no longer a sprung version.

Someone has found a supplier to make 18 inch wheels to fit the D$ 3.0L, do a search.

[DiscoSaffa]

Someone has found a supplier to make 18 inch wheels to fit the D$ 3.0L, do a search.

This is good news!!

[p38arover]

I note that a recent 4WD of the year comparison discounted both the RRS and D4 3.0 owing to damage to rims off-road - 5 ruined rims between them.