Landcruiser or Landrover ??

As the owner of a '97 300tdi Disco, and a '97 75 series L/C trayback I cannot identify either with having any long term problematic faults.
Both bought new, both now just over 200k/km. maintained by me from new, blah blah. (this is definately a non LR forum!)
Of the two, the Disco tows our 1.9t. van easier than the L/C, and also returns better fuel economy. If there is a downside it is the initial lack of torque (hill start with the van) that can be concerning with the LR. But the fact there are 10 forward gears makes the job easier, just start in low range, then move to high.
If it were my choice it would be the Defender, but not the td5, prefer the 300tdi which is much more DIY friendly as to mechanical work.
The AULRO site is a good place to look.
Best of luck.
furph

Hi Jeff and Debbie, Furph is spot on in my opinion. As a Defender owner i also tow and carry up to two tonnes. The only thing now is Toyo has the v8 to throw into the equation. Depending on$$$$ to invest i would also look at the Disco 3 tdv6, a very reliable & economical motor with HEAPS of grunt. But as stated Aulro is the site to get the relevant info.

Cheers Axle.

If you get a troopie, get the post 2001 with the factory TD motor - heaps of grunt for towing - 380NM at 1400rpm, and if you want more add a Dtronic/Exhaust/Intercooler.

The normally aspirated Troopie and the 90Kw TD5 might be a bit lacking when pulling 2.5T.

J & D
We went through a similar thing.
Had a Disco TD5 but went to a TD Troopy '02.
We towed the camper (Odyssey) with the TD5 which was fine but the power just wasn't there even with a chipa and intercooler upgrade.
Also the auto was not suited at all to steep downhills offroad, need crawl gears installed. Scary stuff that. Defender would be fine.
We now tow a 3t van and have chipped the Troopy and added bigger exhaust.
Miss the economy of the TD5, Troopy does about 16.5lt/100 avg but power is plenty.
Have always had a big soft spot for the Defender, but same motor as TD5 and space is much tighter than the Troopy front and back.

We also chose the Troopy because we can sleep in the back. No need to carry a tent for side trips. Big advantage. Great for Fraser Isl, BUngles, Simpson.
Also had concerns about getting parts for LR. Simpson desert breakdown $?,000's back to a dealership. Cape York / Canning - $$$???.

As soon as you get over 2t I think the Defender would struggle as soon as you hit any sort of hill. You'd have to chip and do the exhaust and intercooler to have a chance.
Cheers
John

Troopy has the low down power required to tow such a big van, has 180 L tanks & would be the more reliable of the two. Both are relatively uncomfortable cars in comparison to your old Range Rover but the defender takes it to a new low, particually the "B" pillar getting in the way and leg/foot room. Dust too is impossible to keep out. A mate said he could see the white line on the road through the gap in the door when he picked it up from new :-)
IMO the Troopy comes out on top particually as a tow vehicle, the Landy being cheaper. Both will do the job fine.

Cheers Craig........