4WD Towing Reviews

Apherel · 15 October 2007, 08:34

Here is a thread for reviews for anyone contemplating a new 4WD for towing.

This review is useful at the heavy towing end of the market. Focus is on the favourite Australian 4WDs, and this magazine won't review cars without low rations or with space saver tyres (ie "serious" setups only). Models may be a bit different from the other markets, and the Territory is an Australian only model. Disco3 comes up tops on this test.

http://www.overlander.com.au/vehicle...--Large-Wagons

codprawn · 15 October 2007, 13:28

A great test - interesting to note that the DIESEL Disco is almost as good as the big petrols from everyone else - the V8 Disco is better again!!!

"From the intelligence of its removable tow bar to its relaxed freeway cruising to exemplary rough-road behaviour - once the rig is set up right - both Discos stood hat, head, shoulders and chest above any other vehicle on test. The 4.4-litre petrol V8 was quicker than the two Japanese biggies and would possibly use less fuel when driven more gently. But the Disco diesel almost matched the Toyota and Nissan petrols for grunt - and their diesels for frugality - with far better towing ability. Combine that with a cavernous and versatile interior and the diesel Disco - here we go again - stacks up as the best on the planet."

Not bad from Australia - they usually love their Japs!!!

Apherel · 15 October 2007, 14:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apherel

this magazine won't review cars without low rations

Sorry for the typo: I meant low ratios, low rations (of beer) are a disaster!

Japanese 4WD, especially Toyota, are totally dominant in sales, Land Rover's limited dealer network is a big concern for many in the more remote areas.

Lostboy · 15 October 2007, 15:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apherel

Land Rover's limited dealer network is a big concern for many in the more remote areas.

'Cos it's such a pain in the rectum waiting weeks for all the spare parts necessary and a mechanic to do all the warranty and recall work.

codprawn · 15 October 2007, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lostboy

'Cos it's such a pain in the rectum waiting weeks for all the spare parts necessary and a mechanic to do all the warranty and recall work.

I didn't realise the South of England was that remote..........

Carl · 15 October 2007, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lostboy

'Cos it's such a pain in the rectum waiting weeks for all the spare parts necessary and a mechanic to do all the warranty and recall work.

waiting weeks for the parts,because they have run out,because they are forever going wrong,as for the mechanic he is snowed under with work,poor bloke

codprawn · 15 October 2007, 16:20

Then let me recommend this company to all you poor English people who can't get LR parts.

http://www.bearmach.com/company/history.html

Lostboy · 15 October 2007, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

I didn't realise the South of England was that remote..........

I avoided the problem by not buying one in the first place

Yours in loneliness

Lostboy

(Gone fishing somewhere in southern England, oh, caught something already!)

Carl · 15 October 2007, 17:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Then let me recommend this company to all you poor English people who can't get LR parts.

http://www.bearmach.com/company/history.html

so how do they get on with the warranty department at land rover,you welsh wibba

gavin · 15 October 2007, 20:02

You need to read this if you are using a Landy ,especially when towing

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/autom...and_rover.html

And ask yourself is your Landy affected by this Quater of a Million
vehicle recall

http://www.web-rover.co.uk/nav.php?p=news&nsel=54

In 05 Landys still had faulty seat belts
06 put em in park and they drive away

read on http://www.autobuyguide.com/land-rov...lls/index.html

Only 33000 affected here, brake lights come on at will, handy for towing eh http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=119713

Customer service yeah

http://www.brittany-internet.com/Lan...8/Default.aspx

codprawn · 15 October 2007, 20:51

The thing is Gavin some makers just don't bother with a recall......

A poor mate of mine is not too amused with his Pajero at the moment - he's just come out of hospital after a quadruple heart bypass and his engine has blown - he's also had to have 2x auto boxes and 3 alternators!!!

Still his mother's bought him a 50" Plasma TV so he isn't too pissed off.............

bedajim · 15 October 2007, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

The thing is Gavin some makers just don't bother with a recall......

A poor mate of mine is not too amused with his Pajero at the moment - he's just come out of hospital after a quadruple heart bypass and his engine has blown - he's also had to have 2x auto boxes and 3 alternators!!!

.............

Surly that’s down to the surgeon

Hope he's ok

codprawn · 15 October 2007, 21:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

Surly that’s down to the surgeon

Hope he's ok

He seems fine now - been a right shock actually - 5 weeks in hospital - not nice - pipes everywhere!!!

Apherel · 16 October 2007, 05:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apherel

Land Rover's limited dealer network is a big concern for many in the more remote areas.

Should have guessed this would start a "reliability" discussion. There are relatively few gripes on the Australian Land Rover forums about Disco 3 reliability. Probably more gripes about the dealerships.

The issue is more of access for regular servicing, given the need for computer diagnostics, and parts and availability of knowledgable mechanics when something does go wrong, or is pranged in the bush. This goes for any low volume import, not just the LR. I wouldn't travel 100's of kms to a LR dealer if there was an alternative make closer.

Lostboy · 16 October 2007, 10:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apherel

Should have guessed this would start a "reliability" discussion.

Yep! The trouble with easy targets is everyone loves to shoot at them!

codprawn · 16 October 2007, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apherel

Should have guessed this would start a "reliability" discussion. There are relatively few gripes on the Australian Land Rover forums about Disco 3 reliability. Probably more gripes about the dealerships.

The issue is more of access for regular servicing, given the need for computer diagnostics, and parts and availability of knowledgable mechanics when something does go wrong, or is pranged in the bush. This goes for any low volume import, not just the LR. I wouldn't travel 100's of kms to a LR dealer if there was an alternative make closer.

I agree there - nobody loves their gadgets more than me but all the car makers now seem to be sticking electronics on cars just for the sake of it!!!