4v4 magazine 4WD of the year

[ozscott]

LR have never had maintenance issues...they have vehicles that are very rugged and well engineered but require maintenance. For example they had an ultralight, powerful and quite torquey alloy V8 for decades when everyone else was using heavy cast iron. But because it was allow it needed to be looked after more so than cast iron competitors....a lot of people just didnt get it. They didnt change the coolant at the required intervals (which were several services apart BTW) or they would top up with the wrong coolant - hence they would sludge up or corrode and the whole thing would go pair shaped. The alloy motors make for incredible stock off road performance - walking with ease over objects that would leave the others spinning and running out of twist. But, like anything, if you want the goodies, you have to maintain them. The only thing that let the LR down somewhat - back when they were distributor based ignition systems, was the ignition system. Easily overcome by replacing the Lucas components with Lucas components when required, but I concede that they required replacement too much. The best way to overcome this is to get say a Performance Ignitions Schorcher Dizzy (holden V8 cap and rotor, Ford base, with Australian Bosch HEI module). In the later models they got it right. I have a 95 with the Shorcher ignition - awesome. I have an 02 Disco aswell - it came standard with an awesome ignition and fuel managment system that is the best you can get your mits on - full German Bosch Motronic straight from the 7 series BMW of the same vintage and re-mapped for off road torque etc.

In my 95 I have had no change of drivetrain or engine components at all, save for the dizzy. I just replaced the alternator that lasted 230,000ks. The alternators on LR V8s are huge. The 95 is 100 amp and the 02 model is a 140 amp.

I love the fact that these babies just go and go.

Cheers

[bugman]

Sorry team,

Been away for a while.

In terms of price... the Range Rover Sport was around $115K I think from memory. But it does have the new twin turbo V8 diesel. I haven't driven one of the porsches or BMW 4wd but this thing was like a sports car in terms of power and handling. Of road - everything was a touch of a button. I kid you not but you could use no feet on any pedals and it would just climb where you pointed it. Just click the button to tell it what terrain you were in and it would set the suspension and power required and off it went.

Most people know I love the defenders as I still own a 2000 model. The new beast does have a lot more luxury in it than mine but still nothing compared to the standard toyota, nissan etc. I have not heard any bad news about the new Ford engine although I don't think it has the same pickup as my TD5 chipped. I think they start at around $47 but you wont get much change out $55+ once you want a few things.

I haven't come close to a Hummer but if they're anything like the older bigger models that needed serious maintenence every 5k then I can't see many people opting for them. I've got no idea on the price.

I went for a ride in the new twin turbo v8 diesel landcruiser last weekend. What can I say power is not a problem. I just think that you pay a lot of money for the toyotas that still run pretty basic 4wd technology. Having said that I still like the Prado because has a big family wagon it fits us more now than the extreme offroad capabilities I once wanted. These things are dear - in the $90ks if you want a few extras.

Phil - family is well and busy visiting, rellies, holidaying, hunting and fishing. I've been watching your weather with a smile. Must admit it's been blowing here. At the Lakes over the weekend and the new rig was surfing down 1.5m waves IN A LAKE!

Brett

[Reel Hard]

Get the Range Rover Brett. You know nothing else will make you as happy.

[reidy]

Thanks Chris, I think you are right. Although these articles are a ' guide ' to some that are seeking to enter the 4 x 4 market or get value for money or upgrade, it basically boils down to a couple of aspects in relation to your purchase.

Budget and Intended Use, and to a lessor degree " is the vehicle a tax deduction ?".

For me, it was the initial price that got me in, Paid 18k for a vehicle that had a redbook and ins value of 31k. That and it was exactly the configuration I wanted... dual cab/ tray back manual turbo diesel with 110kw.

Brett, have the Rover mob solved their maintanence issues or was that just unique to the older models ? I see you've sent a heap of Tassie weather our way...... thanks..... Dams are getting a good soaking. And further, have you devoured all that Emperor yet ? How is the family ?

Cheers Phill

Is the reliability issue with Landrover fact or myth?If it is Why were there so many Landies still on the road in the 80s?(old series 2s and newer 3s).Admittedly a lot carried a red motor(as we know the old 4 was a bit underpowered)Is it a case of its a spartan basic vehicle so its not relible.The TDi has problems with the timing belt but changed every 150000 odd ks they go and go.I feel the biggest part of the myth is the fact that you have to learn the quirks of the vehicle to maintain it correctly.Ive owned cruisers,a patrol,a jeep (bugger knows why)and a little f40,I loved my bundera but i love my 130 fender more.
Cheers
Reidy

[Horse]

Some of the maintenance problem comes from letting some chimp try to fix them if they do break. Stick to places like MR and the job gets done properly first time and at a reasonable price
I have had Landies for over 20years and have spent a lot less than most people with 4X's

[driveon]

Some observations relating to some of the comments made above.

I only run 20”low profile road tyres on my landy because I have no choice as I have Brembo racing breaks fitted ( as standard ) and only 20” mags fit over them.

Lowering my low profile 20” tyres for off road use, which I do when ever I can, makes a huge difference to the offroad ability of my Landy.

If you are considering buying an RRS, first have a good look at the Discovery 3.

The D3 does not have the grunt that the TDV8 gives the RRS but in just about ever other area, the D3 is as good or better than the RRS.

The D3 is more comfortable than the RRs, has far more interior room, is as good off road, is one of very few genuine 7 seaters, has a bigger cargo area than either the RRS or RR.

I’ve driven all three and while the RRS is fun to drive, the novelty soon wears off and the D3 is a much smarter buy from a family point of view.

Last and most obvious, the D3 is heaps cheaper and LR are selling D3 V6 SEs at barging prices at the present.

As to Land Rover reliability, in the past, with some models, it has been anything but good but the D3 is proving to be one of the most reliable vehicles, 4x4 or otherwise, on the market.