Wednesday, Jul 30, 2003 at 18:22
mmm, I think I would generally prefer a faulty electric window to a conrod hanging out the side of
the block on the Anne Beadell...
if my only criteria in vehicle selection was reliability (and I realise this is a pretty important one with outback travel), I would own a GQ and indeed I looked at a few. However, they are very truck-like to drive compared to a Disco , uncomfortable seats and pretty average fuel economy (even in TD form). The Disco is a great car to drive and just as capable off road as a GQ...and the 200tdi's are actually quite reliable with good longevity (housemates has 400Kk on the clock; mine 250Kk and still going strong and getting 10k/l touch wood...)
it's interesting that GQs are much cheaper than their 80-series counterparts due to perceptions of quality/reliability based on the situation in the 80s. Discos are cheaper than equivalent Patrols for the same reason so there are many bargains with either compared to 80 series (which are certainly not the final word in reliability). I have to admit however that 300tdi Discos (94-98?) are potentially dodgy...
also interesting to note that the most common reasons for Simpson recoveries are
suspension failure (overloaded vehicles regardless of brand, but vehicles which start heavy such as 100 series and GUs are the worst offenders - and I would argue also do most damage to tracks) and electronic engine management failure (a function of most newer vehicles). At the end of the day, I think most mechanically-controlled diesels made in the last 15 years and in lightly loaded vehicles with good tyres will prove fairly reliable...
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