I have a 2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto towing a 2,600kg loaded (over the scales) tandem van.
Bought the Landy mid 2010 with 72,000km on the clock - now has 152,000km on the clock. I travel full-time and would have towed for about 70,000km of those 80,000km.
Landy has never stopped me on the road and has proved to be extremely reliable. Only non-service bits replaced are alternator at 80,000km and Suspension Air Compressor at 147,000km. Oh and tyres of course
I change engine oil and filter every 6,000km (LR service interval is 12,000km). Auto trans is "sealed for life" but I don't trust that so changed the auto oil and filter and changed from the Landy plastic pan to the Ford steel pan at 78,000km - which makes it easier and cheaper for future filter changes. I also changed the auto oil and filter again at 141,000km.
I have owned Landcruisers or HiLux previously but wanted something that was comfortable, economical and towed 3,500kg easily. Landcruisers (even the 200 series) are just that bit rough and particularly the 200 series just too bulky to punt around in the bush.
Servicing costs are the same as what I was paying for the 100 series Cruiser I had previously and running costs are better. Of course, the Land Rover dealer network is nothing like the Toyoto/Nissan mob. But, I have found a few independent places on my journeys that know sufficient to provide service. I have taken out RACQ Total Care and also have Land Rover Roadside Assist - they will get me going or to an authourised agent as long as they can get to me in a two-wheel drive vehicle. They will also tell a RACQ-type mechanic how (or what) to fix.
I keep a spreadsheet for fuel usage - actual kilometres/actual litres - and have averaged 14.3ltr/100km for the 80,000km. Best consumption when not towing has been 8.1ltr/km travelling on highway in 6th gear predominantly sitting on 110kph. I get about 15ltr/100km around town.
Best towing van was 12.2ltr/100km Canberra to Richmond Sydney - no tail wind, I just think those flat smooth freeway-type roads are so economical. I get similar consumption between Albury and Melbourne.
Worst towing the van was 16.9ltr/100km pushing a strong easterly from Normanton to Mount Surprise.
The Discovery 3 is not just the best car I have ever owned (It is limousine-like on the highway), but is also the best 4X4 I have driven and definitely the best tow vehicle I have owned. The 2.6ltr V6 turbo 147Kw/440nm @ 1900rpm pulls the van effortlessly. When towing I sit on 85-90kph (1,900/2,100rpm) and auto uses 5th gear. I let it decide which gear it wants and I just keep the revs around 2,100-2,600rpm up hills.
Sorry, the only "real" Landy I have owned was a Series III back in the 1980s - loved it heaps as long as ya didn't want to be in a hurry anywhere on a sealed road. But get it in the bush and it was unstoppable. I believe the Defender is much the same - albeit quite truck-like.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Sunday 13th of October 2013 08:32:08 AM
mr glassies said
10:45 PM Oct 12, 2013
hi alll
does any one here tow with a landy ether in disco or defender attire
fors and against are alll welcome im not trying to start an argument just want peoples opinions
sorry yes im thinking on the keyboard
dibs
blaze said
11:07 PM Oct 12, 2013
24 foot van with a series 2 disco, td5 that has been remapped and has diesel gas installed. like my landies, lovethe rangies but cant afford a diesel model so I have the disco for comfort. defenders are truck like to ride in as well as durability. the series 3 and for are greatly advanced on the earlier models in all aspects.
cheers
blaze
landy said
11:40 PM Oct 12, 2013
Hi, We tow a 23-1/2 foot van weighing 3.2 ton, with a 1999 Defender 130 (remapped ecu) with the TD5 motor and, as Rocky lizard has said, it is a truck. The Defender is a vehicle you either love or hate. The Defender has a slightly lower gear ratio than the Disco II so it is a shade slower but better geared for a tow vehicle. The 130 is about 18 inches longer in the wheel base than the standard 110 model. In our case we have the dual cab model which still allows us to have a full size tray. This is handy as they can legally carry 1-1/2 Ton whilst towing 3-1/2 ton. We also have a 60 liter water tank and a second fuel tank of 125 litres under the tray, this gives us a fuel capacity of 200 liters, a range of 2000 klms running light and up to 1350 klms towing the van. Also as Rocky lizard said off road the Landy is almost unstoppable, the Defender probably more so than the Disco(sorry Rocky)but they are both very capable. On several occasions, not of our choosing we have ended up in some very, very soft muddy wet situations with the van on the back but the Defender has got us through every time. One problem you will find if you decide you want a TD5 Defender is that they are normally a fair bit more expensive than a Dicso of the same sort of vintage. Landy
PS Something else that is probably worth mentioning if looking for a TD5 powered Disco is that on some of the early ones the means to lock the center Diff was not fitted and you could not lock full 4WD.
-- Edited by landy on Sunday 13th of October 2013 08:55:41 AM
-- Edited by landy on Sunday 13th of October 2013 09:05:54 AM
GaryKelly said
02:55 AM Oct 13, 2013
John. I just copied and pasted your comments about your Landy to a Landy enthusiast mate of mine in Oregon. He has one and his wife has a smaller LR. I'm sure he'll be impressed.
Plendo said
05:35 AM Oct 13, 2013
Hi Dibs,
I have a Disco4 SDV6 SE with the 8 speed box, I am just in the process of setting it up to tow, and will be able to report how well it goes as a tug after February (when the van arrives). I have been driving it around for a few months, and what John says about being limousine like is just so true, and with 600nm available it is just so smooth, no mater what you ask it to do. I also experience 10.5 to 10.8l/100 around the city, on a trip I regularly see very low 8s.
I have had experience towing a large boat (about 3ton) with a Range Rover Sport, which is basically the same spec as the prior Disco4, with the six speed box. It did it so easily, I was nervous about towing without a WDH, but it was no problem, the suspension auto leveled, and the coupling did not seem to transmit the trailer noise I have become used to. This heavily influenced what I decided to buy.
Good luck with your decision.
wendyv said
05:38 AM Oct 13, 2013
We towed with Defender 110 tdi - a 1996 one - from 1998 to 2012. Did 350,000kms in the Defender; towed the van about 120,000kms with it. Loved the rig. The "Truck" would go just about anywhere - and did. We travelled Cape York, the Simpson, all over the Kimberley, Gulf country and lots more. It towed our van well - van probably weighed close to 2 tonne in full travel mode. Once we learned to use low range low gear to take the van down steep hills, all was well! It could get a bit noisy and hot inside, and was definitely not dustproof - those were the trade offs for its off bitumen ability. Was quite capable of towing at over 100kmh on open road. Pick up was a bit slow, though, until the turbo kicked in.
JayDee said
03:53 PM Oct 13, 2013
John
How can I talk to you privately re Landrovers??
I will return your call. My phone no. 0400389029
Cheers
Jay&Dee
Kiwi-as said
02:29 AM Oct 14, 2013
I advise you to remove your ph no from here and do it with a PM.
Radar said
05:46 PM Oct 15, 2013
Hi All,
I now owned my 2002 Discovery TD5 coming up towards the 3 year mark, I have it serviced by independent Workshop who hates me but continues to do my work on both my cars the other being a Subaru Outback 2002, I just say to him if you can't fix this one you can't fix any, any he gets into it and I don't have any concerns.
Now a for reliability a window winder, a bearing on the fan belt pulley neither were expensive from experience, reasonably priced to service. Car now has 170000 ks and I have had it from 135000 ks. Not a long time
Running cost around town 12 lt./100 ks. best 10/100. With the 2 tonne single axle caravan driven mostly about 90 kph. worst 15.5/100 and the best 12.8/100.
Generally in 13/100 towing the caravan, I now done about 4500 ks in the last 18 months mostly country roads. I do keep a spread sheet.
I have had up grade on the exhaust, computer remapped, yes the car is a lot better to drive gaining fuel economy with it.
This Land Rover come at low cost compared to other makes, it is "my mid life what ever" and I wanted to own one but I do wished I had of owned it from new it would of been so much better but it didn't happen.
I have not mentioned it but the auto cost about $5000 to do up, I could of got out of it lot cheaper but I wanted it done right for longevity, that happen at 150000 ks and consider it bad luck. Most auto's go for around the same as other brands of cars common in the mid 200000 ks plus mark. A non repairable electrical switch costing $900 condensation leaking onto the switch from a air conditioner causing most of the problem and generally happen after the car was parked, short piece of hose in time would of saved heaps.
I am not influenced by long range fuel tanks or the norm, I do like a basic well behaved comfortable car with it better then average braking system and suspension.
Would I own one again a big yes, would I stand there and debate it no. I like my Subaru better but it will not tow the caravan legally. Ralph.
Gday...
I have a 2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto towing a 2,600kg loaded (over the scales) tandem van.
Bought the Landy mid 2010 with 72,000km on the clock - now has 152,000km on the clock. I travel full-time and would have towed for about 70,000km of those 80,000km.
Landy has never stopped me on the road and has proved to be extremely reliable. Only non-service bits replaced are alternator at 80,000km and Suspension Air Compressor at 147,000km. Oh and tyres of course
I change engine oil and filter every 6,000km (LR service interval is 12,000km). Auto trans is "sealed for life" but I don't trust that so changed the auto oil and filter and changed from the Landy plastic pan to the Ford steel pan at 78,000km - which makes it easier and cheaper for future filter changes. I also changed the auto oil and filter again at 141,000km.
I have owned Landcruisers or HiLux previously but wanted something that was comfortable, economical and towed 3,500kg easily. Landcruisers (even the 200 series) are just that bit rough and particularly the 200 series just too bulky to punt around in the bush.
Servicing costs are the same as what I was paying for the 100 series Cruiser I had previously and running costs are better. Of course, the Land Rover dealer network is nothing like the Toyoto/Nissan mob. But, I have found a few independent places on my journeys that know sufficient to provide service. I have taken out RACQ Total Care and also have Land Rover Roadside Assist - they will get me going or to an authourised agent as long as they can get to me in a two-wheel drive vehicle. They will also tell a RACQ-type mechanic how (or what) to fix.
I keep a spreadsheet for fuel usage - actual kilometres/actual litres - and have averaged 14.3ltr/100km for the 80,000km. Best consumption when not towing has been 8.1ltr/km travelling on highway in 6th gear predominantly sitting on 110kph. I get about 15ltr/100km around town.
Best towing van was 12.2ltr/100km Canberra to Richmond Sydney - no tail wind, I just think those flat smooth freeway-type roads are so economical. I get similar consumption between Albury and Melbourne.
Worst towing the van was 16.9ltr/100km pushing a strong easterly from Normanton to Mount Surprise.
The Discovery 3 is not just the best car I have ever owned (It is limousine-like on the highway), but is also the best 4X4 I have driven and definitely the best tow vehicle I have owned. The 2.6ltr V6 turbo 147Kw/440nm @ 1900rpm pulls the van effortlessly. When towing I sit on 85-90kph (1,900/2,100rpm) and auto uses 5th gear. I let it decide which gear it wants and I just keep the revs around 2,100-2,600rpm up hills.
Sorry, the only "real" Landy I have owned was a Series III back in the 1980s - loved it heaps as long as ya didn't want to be in a hurry anywhere on a sealed road. But get it in the bush and it was unstoppable. I believe the Defender is much the same - albeit quite truck-like.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Sunday 13th of October 2013 08:32:08 AM
hi alll
does any one here tow with a landy ether in disco or defender attire
fors and against are alll welcome im not trying to start an argument just want peoples opinions
sorry yes im thinking on the keyboard
dibs
cheers
blaze
We tow a 23-1/2 foot van weighing 3.2 ton, with a 1999 Defender 130 (remapped ecu) with the TD5 motor and, as Rocky lizard has said, it is a truck. The Defender is a vehicle you either love or hate. The Defender has a slightly lower gear ratio than the Disco II so it is a shade slower but better geared for a tow vehicle. The 130 is about 18 inches longer in the wheel base than the standard 110 model. In our case we have the dual cab model which still allows us to have a full size tray. This is handy as they can legally carry 1-1/2 Ton whilst towing 3-1/2 ton. We also have a 60 liter water tank and a second fuel tank of 125 litres under the tray, this gives us a fuel capacity of 200 liters, a range of 2000 klms running light and up to 1350 klms towing the van. Also as Rocky lizard said off road the Landy is almost unstoppable, the Defender probably more so than the Disco(sorry Rocky)but they are both very capable. On several occasions, not of our choosing we have ended up in some very, very soft muddy wet situations with the van on the back but the Defender has got us through every time.
One problem you will find if you decide you want a TD5 Defender is that they are normally a fair bit more expensive than a Dicso of the same sort of vintage.
Landy PS Something else that is probably worth mentioning if looking for a TD5 powered Disco is that on some of the early ones the means to lock the center Diff was not fitted and you could not lock full 4WD.
-- Edited by landy on Sunday 13th of October 2013 08:55:41 AM
-- Edited by landy on Sunday 13th of October 2013 09:05:54 AM
Hi Dibs,
I have a Disco4 SDV6 SE with the 8 speed box, I am just in the process of setting it up to tow, and will be able to report how well it goes as a tug after February (when the van arrives). I have been driving it around for a few months, and what John says about being limousine like is just so true, and with 600nm available it is just so smooth, no mater what you ask it to do. I also experience 10.5 to 10.8l/100 around the city, on a trip I regularly see very low 8s.
I have had experience towing a large boat (about 3ton) with a Range Rover Sport, which is basically the same spec as the prior Disco4, with the six speed box. It did it so easily, I was nervous about towing without a WDH, but it was no problem, the suspension auto leveled, and the coupling did not seem to transmit the trailer noise I have become used to. This heavily influenced what I decided to buy.
Good luck with your decision.
John
How can I talk to you privately re Landrovers??
I will return your call. My phone no. 0400389029
Cheers
Jay&Dee
Hi All,
I now owned my 2002 Discovery TD5 coming up towards the 3 year mark, I have it serviced by independent Workshop who hates me but continues to do my work on both my cars the other being a Subaru Outback 2002, I just say to him if you can't fix this one you can't fix any, any he gets into it and I don't have any concerns.
Now a for reliability a window winder, a bearing on the fan belt pulley neither were expensive from experience, reasonably priced to service. Car now has 170000 ks and I have had it from 135000 ks. Not a long time
Running cost around town 12 lt./100 ks. best 10/100. With the 2 tonne single axle caravan driven mostly about 90 kph. worst 15.5/100 and the best 12.8/100.
Generally in 13/100 towing the caravan, I now done about 4500 ks in the last 18 months mostly country roads. I do keep a spread sheet.
I have had up grade on the exhaust, computer remapped, yes the car is a lot better to drive gaining fuel economy with it.
This Land Rover come at low cost compared to other makes, it is "my mid life what ever" and I wanted to own one but I do wished I had of owned it from new it would of been so much better but it didn't happen.
I have not mentioned it but the auto cost about $5000 to do up, I could of got out of it lot cheaper but I wanted it done right for longevity, that happen at 150000 ks and consider it bad luck. Most auto's go for around the same as other brands of cars common in the mid 200000 ks plus mark. A non repairable electrical switch costing $900 condensation leaking onto the switch from a air conditioner causing most of the problem and generally happen after the car was parked, short piece of hose in time would of saved heaps.
I am not influenced by long range fuel tanks or the norm, I do like a basic well behaved comfortable car with it better then average braking system and suspension.
Would I own one again a big yes, would I stand there and debate it no. I like my Subaru better but it will not tow the caravan legally. Ralph.