Thread: Towing a Disco

Originally Posted by johnclv

Thanks all for your replies

As far as the Toyota thing goes, I have been traveling around OZ for 2 years. I started in my Disco but had so much trouble with it I swapped over to a Cruiser which I have had for a while now and I can tell you which has been not only more reliable but also tows a lot better.

I bought my disco for $36K, spent about $16K on parts and maintenance and could only get $12K when selling it.

You don't have to look far in the country to see that it is Toyota and Nissan country out here and that would not be the case if if they were more unreliable then other makes.

If I pull into a country town and wanted to find parts for a Toyota or a Disco I would know which I am more likely to find.

Its easy to work on. I don't have a oil filter up under the exhaust manifold and I have space under the bonnet.

Yes the disco was nice to drive etc, but if I add up the pro's and con's its my cruiser any day

LOL sounds like you must run a fruit n veg shop cause ya shure know how to buy lemons

Tell ya mate to get him self a fat ass hungy like yours and fit free wheelin hubs to the rear diff so he can free wheel it when towing and he can then join the toyota tuff gang like you

Tho if ya mate is smart the only advice he will take from you is to log on here him self to get his own advice from like minded people

I can tell you are all jealous

I have just done a round trip from Karratha via Karajini to Tom price. How many Land Rovers did I see?

I saw one Disco 3 and one Defender on a flat tray getting towed into Karratha which by the way no longer has a LR dealer. ( Nearest one is Perth. )

How many LR did I see the mining companies buy/use?? None of course

Look, if you are happy with yours, good on you. I am happy for you.

I talked to many LR drivers in my two year trip around OZ an a lot were unhappy.

In the time I had mine when traveling around OZ ( I have been on the road for 2 years now ), just in 9 months alone, I had the following issues

1. Double Cardon joint ( however you spell it )
2. Exhaust man studs
3. XYZ sensor on gear box
4. Auto gear box failure
5. Roof lining falling down
6. Rear door not opening due to dust ingress
7. Gear box mounts broken
8. Side doors not opening due to dust.

In my opinion, not a car that could handle a lot of dust, heat and corrugations.

How many issues have i had with my cruiser that only had 50K less on the clock, absolutely nothing and its had a hard life. Gibb river, Tanami desert to name a few.

So to me it speaks for its self.


Good luck with yours, you will need it

Seriously John

Take your Toyota, have a great time, and nick off

Every fault you basically quoted (bar xyz) has been the same issues experienced by my mates cruiser...

And the other day I watched 3 flatbeds go through Pt Augusta...

2 Cruisers (100 and 200 series) and a GU 3.0L

So get off your high horse.

if we have to listen to stuff about the LC 100 turbo whatever.

Regarding the disco being towed behind a bus with the front wheels off the ground.

As others have said not the thing to do with a constant 4WD system even on a Japanese make. Should only be considered on a vehicle with a selectable 2WD system.

If your friend is going to use one of those "dolly" trailers to connect the Disco to the bus, then he should be investigating the regulations in each of the states he wishes to traverse. NSW has weight and speed limits on their use, I am sure the Disco is above the permissible weight and the speed limit from memory is 80KPH max when in use, even for dolly trailers registered in other states.

Originally Posted by lokka

Tho if ya mate is smart the only advice he will take from you is to log on here him self to get his own advice from like minded people

I can't get hold of my mate in Karratha, because he is one his way down to the Southerns LR ( approx 3000 KM round trip ) in Perth to get his immobilizer fixed, the doors are locking on him when he is inside the car and he can't get out

Ever notice how these Toyo drivers are always saying how reliable there cars are yet you never see anyone driving them on anywhere but motorways, soccer games and the local supermarket carparks?

John if it is so indestructable come out on a trip, I bet you I can break it and have it flatbeded home. That way you can tell Roothie about it and pat his bum in the special top bloke fashion.

I should say, thanks to all over the last few years for all the advice.

I only really jumped back onto this forum to ask a question for my mate, not really to rubbish LR's

I do think I had a real lemon when it comes to LR's but I am enjoying no longer stressing out about my car anymore.

If my LR had not been such a lemon then I would still have it.



So good luck to you all

We all have our preferences and our prejudices. It's good to see that someone gets out and enjoys their 4WD whatever make it is.