anyone using a land rover discovery diesel as a tow vehicle....comments please
blaze said
09:34 AM Apr 13, 2015
series I disco would fit your budget. The tdi300 diesel is a great engine. Had 1 that had 360000km and still going strong, I put over 100000km while I owned it, half of those off road In mainly desert country. Would have another in a heartbeat cheers blaze
-- Edited by blaze on Monday 13th of April 2015 09:36:22 AM
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:41 AM Apr 13, 2015
The latest model has 18" 55% profile tyres.
I would consider them totally unsuitable for use off the bitumen, but fine for towing on the bitumen.
Earlier models were better in that respect.
Cheers,
Peter
rockylizard said
10:13 AM Apr 13, 2015
Gday...
to you diandken.
Let me begin my experience/advice with these definitions firstly -
ob·jec·tive adj.
a. Existing independent of or external to the mind; actual or real;
b. Based on observable phenomena; empirical;
c. Uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices.
sub·jec·tive adj.
a. Dependent on or taking place in a person's mind rather than the external world;
b. Based on a given person's experience, understanding, and feelings; personal or individual.
Having said all that, let me tell you objectively about my experience with my December 2006 Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto SE.
I bought it in May 2010 when it had 72,000km on the clock - it now has 178,000km on the clock and has towed my 2,600Kg 23foot van for at least 80,000 of those Km.
When travelling on highways, cruising at 100-110kph, without the van, I get between 8.3ltr/100km and 9.0ltr/100km. Towing the van I obtain an average of 14.9ltrs/100km - I have seen a best of 12.1ltr/100km (Canberra to Richmond NSW) and a worst of 16.9ltr/100km (Normanton to Mt Surprise QLD pushing a strong headwind). I maintain a spreadsheet with actual litres/Km recorded.
I usually travel at 85-90kph when towing - although with a strong headwind I stay closer to 80kph as it saves a bit of fuel.
I have owned 60, 80 and 100series Landcruisers (petrol, diesel & turbo diesel), Hilux (petrol, diesel & turbo diesel) and Hyundai Terracan. [I have also owned Falcons and Fairlanes] I have found the 'standard service' costs to be no dearer than any of those vehicles. I changed engine oil/engine oil filter each 5,000km in the other 4x4s, but because the 'recommended' change interval with the Landy is 12,000km, I change oil and filter each 6,000km. The auto is a 'sealed for life' gearbox. However, on advice, (and from common sense) I have changed the filter and oil in the transmission when there was 80,000km and 130,000km on the clock - as precaution.
The Discovery 3 is the most comfortable car, let alone 4x4, I have ever owned. I have taken the Landy into the same places I have taken any of my previous 4x4s and find it the most competent 4x4 I have owned - and that comfort on the road is still there while 4x4-ing.
I find the Landy the best tow vehicle I have owned as well. The 100series Landcruisers towed very well - but are not as comfortable or 'unfussed' as the Discovery.
In the 5 years and 106,000km I have owned this vehicle I have travelled predominantly in outback QLD/NSW/SA and across to WA. I have not been stopped on the road once due to a problem. I have no problems finding service when required. If I need a service other than oil/filter change, I have either found an 'independent' or a dealer. I have used Mercedes, Audi, and VW dealers for service on occasions as they are used to servicing 'modern technologically advanced' vehicles.
The only things that have gone 'wrong' have been; an alternator at 82,000km, air suspension compressor at 123,000km, brake light switch which is critical to the Discovery's computers (they cost $45 and are simple to change so I have a spare I carry now and it is quite simple to change it over).
I have replaced the brake pads once in the 106,000km and front rotors once.
I have met more than 20 other Discovery 3 and/or 4 owners in my travels. None of them had anything but good words for their vehicle and none regretted the purchase. None, like me, have had any issue with 'reliability'.
I apologise for the long-winded history but I like to try to provide some empirical advice to temper the comments that will follow from other posters who will only have comment on why they would not own one - usually because someone they know told them how bad their friend's brother's Land Rover is/was.
But I must add in conclusion. The purchase of ANY vehicle is a personal one. ALL vehicles are worthy and good value - some individual examples of ALL makes can be 'lemons'. However, the greater majority of vehicles on the market are excellent these days.
All vehicles sold since about 2005 have increasingly utilised 'electronics' and are quite complex. No dealer of any vehicle carries spares to cover anything but 'service items' - if something breaks or fails that is not a 'usual service item' - and the list is considerable - then you will wait anything from 24hours to a couple of weeks for the part to be obtained from main store and shipped.
Would I buy another Land Rover Discovery - yes.
Cheers - and enjoy your motoring - in whatever you buy - John
Goldfinger said
12:24 PM Apr 13, 2015
Here's my last Landrover TD5 Diesel...have owned three to date....fantastic ride when they remain on their wheels... Big downfall is the now lack of Dealerships throughout Australia...and hugely expensive to fix.....they require special service equipment, hence many dealerships did not upgrade and took on other franchises.. If buying one always get underneath with torch as they invariably suffer oil leaks and its important to know where the leaks are...can be big bikkies....they have the best most comfortable view in the business IMO...LandRover Discos that are about 4 years old and previously owned by Doctors or whatever are the best buys as they have taken the initial depreciation of price hit...and consequently they don't hold their 2nd hand values which is good for us...if you get a good one..treasure it...the one in the photos was a beauty and only done 140K when it met its waterloo due to the trailer having flat tyre round a sweeping bend in very high wind...good luck..Hoo Roo
Great post John, wish there were more like it, instead of the opinionated subjective diatribe we often get on this site !
Henri....
Goldfinger said
12:42 PM Apr 13, 2015
G'day Henri, your recent March thread questioning why there were so few views/posts...would seem to be at odds with your above statement describing 'opinionated subjective diatribe we often get'.....with respect I am just happy to read posts and varied points of view from members...and don't class it as diatribe at all....I don't necessarily agree but I will defend their right to make their points of view known....perhaps I'm 'opinioniated' as you describe simply by having an opinion....words like those don't encourage open discussion in my opinion....Hoo Roo
deverall11 said
02:09 PM Apr 13, 2015
Very well written article Rocky. No need to apologize as it was to the point and no BS.
Larry
usedtobe said
02:37 PM Apr 13, 2015
Thanks for your opinion Goldfinger, I was referring to judgements given about products such as vans cars etc that do not have anything other than a point of view that is without any foundation in fact other than the posters opinion.
This does not conflict with my concerns that there were so few posts at all, we are all on this site because we want to read informed and interesting comments but surely they ought to be based on something like verifiable facts, or we degenerate into the Holden/ford kind of argument we all grew up with.
Having an opinion or view is surely the purpose of this site, just base it on evidence rather than hearsay or prejudice. The recent posts re Jeep is my example for this, sure there are lemons and bad service by manufacturers but balance it with the recognition that life is full of contradictions and failures, don't just reply with a comment like "I don't like it either" or "don't buy this" without giving a reason.
I like you, would defend your right to an opinion, and think that you just need to back it with more than a 'thought bubble', as you so have just done in your post. I think we actually agree more than can show in these brief posts.
I was bought a plaque by my wife 40 years ago which I have tried sometimes unsuccessfully, to follow. It says "it is better to close your mouth and appear stupid, than open it and remove all doubt"..
Maybe we could all do with that plaque on our desks ??
Sorry I offended you, it was not my intention, henri.......
Izabarack said
04:24 PM Apr 13, 2015
My only experience was with a Disco 3. Fantastic vehicle to drive and tow on the blacktop. Shocking off the road; could not even drive over a gutter because the exhaust and tow bar did not have enough ground clearance. A Cooper brand tyre let go and did $25,000 worth of damage to the near side rear. 11 weeks to fix it with parts and glue imported. Dealers don't seem to know diddly about fixing electronic problems. Completely different story with a friend's Discovery with the Isuzu motor. Cannot kill it.
Iza
The Doo crew said
04:51 PM Apr 13, 2015
Had a TD5 powered 110 series for 4 years in the Pilbara towing a 3t service trailer on & off road.
Put 120 000 on it on mainly unsealed roads & the only issues had were the aircon leaked on the passengers floor constantly & it used to strip a serpentine belt about every 10 000 kms (always carried a spare) I suspect from the aircon compressor not being aligned correctly.
Worked it hard everyday & it never let me down, even blew a RHF tyre late one night at speed & pulled to a stop without any change in directional stability, loved the Landy. The company changed us to V8 landcruisers, a move they regretted just on fuel consumption alone.
Radar said
05:52 PM Apr 13, 2015
DiandKen hi, if you are buying new I would think you would enjoy one of of the most technical advanced cars on the market and will have years of enjoyment from it.
Myself my experience was with a 9 year old Discovery TD5 auto 2002 model it did the job of pulling my 2 tonne caravan rather well for the most very economically 12 litres to the 100 ks. But it was an older car and it did have a failure and it was a common fault with cars getting on in years.
We sold it and now old a new car, well was new but not necessarily better just more room to carry equipment when we are away from home.
As for repairing or servicing any average mechanical shop would do it, they are very simple car really some parts were surprisingly cheaper then I experienced with previous cars.
Hope this helps. Ralph.
Cowboy7307 said
06:03 PM Apr 13, 2015
I have a Disco2 1999 TDI5 great vehicle to drive Great ride ,and with out pulling i put in $50 and that in tassie is around the 36 lt mark i get over 400ks ,better than my Subaru forester
I have pulled a 1ton caravan and no trouble , we have just updated in size to 18foot so have just done a short haul so to early to tell , i will be honest i think mine might struggle on hills with new van but time will tell
Thy will be one of the most comfortable cars on the market
Goldfinger said
07:18 PM Apr 13, 2015
I found only one mechanic in the whole of Bendigo that would even touch my Discovery to diagnose/ tune/service/renew gaskets etc....the rest said take it to Melbourne...used to be one in Shepparton and they changed franchises as well.....Its really only the dealerships that have the specialised equipment that can diagnose/read fault codes for any faults and tell you the state of the Nation...
If you google L/Rover dealerships throughout Australia you will perhaps be surprised as I was when I found there is only a handful left...I came from Pt Lincoln where one is still going strong and I presumed they were still plentiful...no way....its only the dedicated that will work on the motors if required so I settled for a Mitsubishi with some 500 dealerships throughout Australia it gives more peace of mind for our big lap...
They are inherently safe structure wise, as I was hanging upside down in mine for some 20 minutes and the roof cavity did not crush my head...wouldn't like to have taken my chances in too many other vehicles..that was my first accident in 49 years......just trying to give an overview as what was is not necessarily now with Servicing Centres/Dealerships...Hoo Roo
Plendo said
10:13 PM Apr 13, 2015
Welcome diandken, you will find many people with lots of experience here, and I am sure you will enjoy.
We tow a van that is often loaded between 3.3 & 3.4 tons, with an 8 speed (mY 2013) disco 4, it does the job effortlessly, without fuss. It is far and away the easiest tow vehicle I have ever used, as there is no need for load leveling, once you have it set up, simply hook it up and tow.
Consumption empty is around 10 in the city, and typically 8.2 on a trip (we sit on the speed limit according to the GPS).
With the van on the back, the best we have seen is 13.8, and the worst is 14.6. We typically tow with the cruise control set between 95 and 100kph.
I tow using a mitch hitch (raises the tow ball by about six inches) as our van sits high on independent suspension. I have also recently fitted Clearview mirrors, also a great change for towing.
I could not recommend a Disco highly enough, they are a great tow vehicle.
delapan said
01:58 PM Apr 14, 2015
I agree my 2003 Disco V8 petrol is the best car I have ever owned.."
diandken said
06:52 AM Apr 15, 2015
thanks for all your comments looks like a land rover discovery is the way to go
anyone using a land rover discovery diesel as a tow vehicle....comments please
series I disco would fit your budget. The tdi300 diesel is a great engine. Had 1 that had 360000km and still going strong, I put over 100000km while I owned it, half of those off road In mainly desert country. Would have another in a heartbeat
cheers
blaze
also this mob is great for help ad ay info
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/
-- Edited by blaze on Monday 13th of April 2015 09:36:22 AM
I would consider them totally unsuitable for use off the bitumen, but fine for towing on the bitumen.
Earlier models were better in that respect.
Cheers,
Peter
Gday...
Let me begin my experience/advice with these definitions firstly -
ob·jec·tive adj.
a. Existing independent of or external to the mind; actual or real;
b. Based on observable phenomena; empirical;
c. Uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices.
sub·jec·tive adj.
a. Dependent on or taking place in a person's mind rather than the external world;
b. Based on a given person's experience, understanding, and feelings; personal or individual.
Having said all that, let me tell you objectively about my experience with my December 2006 Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto SE.
I bought it in May 2010 when it had 72,000km on the clock - it now has 178,000km on the clock and has towed my 2,600Kg 23foot van for at least 80,000 of those Km.
When travelling on highways, cruising at 100-110kph, without the van, I get between 8.3ltr/100km and 9.0ltr/100km. Towing the van I obtain an average of 14.9ltrs/100km - I have seen a best of 12.1ltr/100km (Canberra to Richmond NSW) and a worst of 16.9ltr/100km (Normanton to Mt Surprise QLD pushing a strong headwind). I maintain a spreadsheet with actual litres/Km recorded.
I usually travel at 85-90kph when towing - although with a strong headwind I stay closer to 80kph as it saves a bit of fuel.
I have owned 60, 80 and 100series Landcruisers (petrol, diesel & turbo diesel), Hilux (petrol, diesel & turbo diesel) and Hyundai Terracan. [I have also owned Falcons and Fairlanes] I have found the 'standard service' costs to be no dearer than any of those vehicles. I changed engine oil/engine oil filter each 5,000km in the other 4x4s, but because the 'recommended' change interval with the Landy is 12,000km, I change oil and filter each 6,000km. The auto is a 'sealed for life' gearbox. However, on advice, (and from common sense) I have changed the filter and oil in the transmission when there was 80,000km and 130,000km on the clock - as precaution.
The Discovery 3 is the most comfortable car, let alone 4x4, I have ever owned. I have taken the Landy into the same places I have taken any of my previous 4x4s and find it the most competent 4x4 I have owned - and that comfort on the road is still there while 4x4-ing.
I find the Landy the best tow vehicle I have owned as well. The 100series Landcruisers towed very well - but are not as comfortable or 'unfussed' as the Discovery.
In the 5 years and 106,000km I have owned this vehicle I have travelled predominantly in outback QLD/NSW/SA and across to WA. I have not been stopped on the road once due to a problem. I have no problems finding service when required. If I need a service other than oil/filter change, I have either found an 'independent' or a dealer. I have used Mercedes, Audi, and VW dealers for service on occasions as they are used to servicing 'modern technologically advanced' vehicles.
The only things that have gone 'wrong' have been; an alternator at 82,000km, air suspension compressor at 123,000km, brake light switch which is critical to the Discovery's computers (they cost $45 and are simple to change so I have a spare I carry now and it is quite simple to change it over).
I have replaced the brake pads once in the 106,000km and front rotors once.
I have met more than 20 other Discovery 3 and/or 4 owners in my travels. None of them had anything but good words for their vehicle and none regretted the purchase. None, like me, have had any issue with 'reliability'.
I apologise for the long-winded history but I like to try to provide some empirical advice to temper the comments that will follow from other posters who will only have comment on why they would not own one - usually because someone they know told them how bad their friend's brother's Land Rover is/was.
But I must add in conclusion. The purchase of ANY vehicle is a personal one. ALL vehicles are worthy and good value - some individual examples of ALL makes can be 'lemons'. However, the greater majority of vehicles on the market are excellent these days.
All vehicles sold since about 2005 have increasingly utilised 'electronics' and are quite complex. No dealer of any vehicle carries spares to cover anything but 'service items' - if something breaks or fails that is not a 'usual service item' - and the list is considerable - then you will wait anything from 24hours to a couple of weeks for the part to be obtained from main store and shipped.
Would I buy another Land Rover Discovery - yes.
Cheers - and enjoy your motoring - in whatever you buy - John
Here's my last Landrover TD5 Diesel...have owned three to date....fantastic ride when they remain on their wheels...
Big downfall is the now lack of Dealerships throughout Australia...and hugely expensive to fix.....they require special service equipment, hence many dealerships did not upgrade and took on other franchises..
If buying one always get underneath with torch as they invariably suffer oil leaks and its important to know where the leaks are...can be big bikkies....they have the best most comfortable view in the business IMO...LandRover Discos that are about 4 years old and previously owned by Doctors or whatever are the best buys as they have taken the initial depreciation of price hit...and consequently they don't hold their 2nd hand values which is good for us...if you get a good one..treasure it...the one in the photos was a beauty and only done 140K when it met its waterloo due to the trailer having flat tyre round a sweeping bend in very high wind...good luck..Hoo Roo
Henri....
Larry
This does not conflict with my concerns that there were so few posts at all, we are all on this site because we want to read informed and interesting comments but surely they ought to be based on something like verifiable facts, or we degenerate into the Holden/ford kind of argument we all grew up with.
Having an opinion or view is surely the purpose of this site, just base it on evidence rather than hearsay or prejudice. The recent posts re Jeep is my example for this, sure there are lemons and bad service by manufacturers but balance it with the recognition that life is full of contradictions and failures, don't just reply with a comment like "I don't like it either" or "don't buy this" without giving a reason.
I like you, would defend your right to an opinion, and think that you just need to back it with more than a 'thought bubble', as you so have just done in your post. I think we actually agree more than can show in these brief posts.
I was bought a plaque by my wife 40 years ago which I have tried sometimes unsuccessfully, to follow. It says "it is better to close your mouth and appear stupid, than open it and remove all doubt"..
Maybe we could all do with that plaque on our desks ??
Sorry I offended you, it was not my intention, henri.......
Iza
Put 120 000 on it on mainly unsealed roads & the only issues had were the aircon leaked on the passengers floor constantly & it used to strip a serpentine belt about every 10 000 kms (always carried a spare) I suspect from the aircon compressor not being aligned correctly.
Worked it hard everyday & it never let me down, even blew a RHF tyre late one night at speed & pulled to a stop without any change in directional stability, loved the Landy. The company changed us to V8 landcruisers, a move they regretted just on fuel consumption alone.
DiandKen hi, if you are buying new I would think you would enjoy one of of the most technical advanced cars on the market and will have years of enjoyment from it.
Myself my experience was with a 9 year old Discovery TD5 auto 2002 model it did the job of pulling my 2 tonne caravan rather well for the most very economically 12 litres to the 100 ks. But it was an older car and it did have a failure and it was a common fault with cars getting on in years.
We sold it and now old a new car, well was new but not necessarily better just more room to carry equipment when we are away from home.
As for repairing or servicing any average mechanical shop would do it, they are very simple car really some parts were surprisingly cheaper then I experienced with previous cars.
Hope this helps. Ralph.
I have a Disco2 1999 TDI5 great vehicle to drive Great ride ,and with out pulling i put in $50 and that in tassie is around the 36 lt mark i get over 400ks ,better than my Subaru forester
I have pulled a 1ton caravan and no trouble , we have just updated in size to 18foot so have just done a short haul so to early to tell , i will be honest i think mine might struggle on hills with new van but time will tell
Thy will be one of the most comfortable cars on the market
If you google L/Rover dealerships throughout Australia you will perhaps be surprised as I was when I found there is only a handful left...I came from Pt Lincoln where one is still going strong and I presumed they were still plentiful...no way....its only the dedicated that will work on the motors if required so I settled for a Mitsubishi with some 500 dealerships throughout Australia it gives more peace of mind for our big lap...
They are inherently safe structure wise, as I was hanging upside down in mine for some 20 minutes and the roof cavity did not crush my head...wouldn't like to have taken my chances in too many other vehicles..that was my first accident in 49 years......just trying to give an overview as what was is not necessarily now with Servicing Centres/Dealerships...Hoo Roo
Welcome diandken, you will find many people with lots of experience here, and I am sure you will enjoy.
We tow a van that is often loaded between 3.3 & 3.4 tons, with an 8 speed (mY 2013) disco 4, it does the job effortlessly, without fuss. It is far and away the easiest tow vehicle I have ever used, as there is no need for load leveling, once you have it set up, simply hook it up and tow.
Consumption empty is around 10 in the city, and typically 8.2 on a trip (we sit on the speed limit according to the GPS).
With the van on the back, the best we have seen is 13.8, and the worst is 14.6. We typically tow with the cruise control set between 95 and 100kph.
I tow using a mitch hitch (raises the tow ball by about six inches) as our van sits high on independent suspension. I have also recently fitted Clearview mirrors, also a great change for towing.
I could not recommend a Disco highly enough, they are a great tow vehicle.