Disco vs Patrol vs Cruiser

Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:19
ThreadID: 85891 Views:3831 Replies:10 FollowUps:19
This Thread has been Archived

Related Pages

First time 4by buyer needing advice
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Rob! - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:27

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:27
ford or holden?
AnswerID: 452442

Reply By: Member - Toyocrusa (NSW) - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:30

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:30
First advice would be to expand your question.Give some details regarding age of vehicle, purpose of use, type of fuel,transmission,etc. The more info the more help you will receive. Cheers,Bob

AnswerID: 452443

Follow Up By: GreenBNE - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:31

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:31
Thanks! messed up the post but question below)
0
FollowupID: 725118

Reply By: GreenBNE - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:30

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:30
Ok, so got posting a thread a bit wrong.

So this is where I am up to and looking for advice from the more experienced 4x4 drivers on the site:

I am looking to upgrade from my busted 1991 Pajero (which was bought out of necessity) to a decent diesel 4x4 which can go wherever I want to take it, carry 5 adults and a load of gear and pull a ski or small boat (and is sub $30k). My shortlist was a Patrol (4.2TD - read about the 3 litre issues and absolutely no interest in playing that lottery) or Cruiser 100 series (again 4.2).

After looking at and test driving a TD5 Discovery this is now on the list and noticed a LOT of Navara's up in Cairns (which I assume will be used up beach)

That's the background so my quesitons are: Where would you rate the 3 vehicles on:

a) Towing capability
b) Offroad capability (up beach primarily)
c) Reliability
AnswerID: 452444

Follow Up By: Member - Toyocrusa (NSW) - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 14:15

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 14:15
I think your $ will limit you with Landcruisers and Patrols as they hold their value in Diesel.Don't discount Prados, Pathfinder,Pajero diesels as they are all good vehicles to fit your criteria. Bob

0
FollowupID: 725122

Follow Up By: guzzi - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 16:10

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 16:10
The turbo diesel 4.2 patrol will tick all those boxes and has the toughest drive train of those listed, price may be a problem as they are discontinued and even stuffed ones are bringing big bucks.
The 4.2 TD landcruiser also ticks all your boxes, not quite a tough in the drive train as a patrol, but has better build quality. Live front axle probably not available in 100 series TD, and still very expensive in the 80 series.
Disco with td 5, available with live axles front and rear, not as robust standard as the toyo or patrol, will tow 3500kg, very comfortable, well looked after they are a good buy for the price, they do have their weak points and I would advise doing your home work on all you have mentioned.
Prados etc are also well worth a look.

Heres a few forum sites;

http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/ For patrols

http://www.lcool.org/forum/index.php for land cruisers and toyota

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/ for landrovers of all sorts.

I currently own an 80 series NA diesel, it would be near perfect with the patrol 4.2 td in it, hows that for a foot in both camps :)
Goodluck with the reasearch.
0
FollowupID: 725127

Follow Up By: GreenBNE - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 17:48

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 17:48
Thanks for the feedback. I've been doing some pretty extensive research but always good to get opinions from real owners.

As with anything, found a heap of pros and cons for each:

Patrol - Pro - great to look at, will go ANYWHERE, holds value, parts readily available Con - rare as hell, pay around $30k for a 10 year old one with 260k+ on the clock that has done serious work

Cruiser - Pro - reliable, go almost anywhere, hold value, parts available everywhere Con - similar to Patrol and dull as dishwater inside

Disco - Pro Great to drive, look at and be inside, good value versus the others Cons - Expensive to repair and more difficult to get parts, not as accomplished offroad.

Patrol body and engine, Toyo reliability and Disco interior, features and price and we would have a winner in my book!, Anyways, more looking and maybe some further advice on here will help me out!
0
FollowupID: 725143

Follow Up By: garrycol - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 19:54

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 19:54
Discos are not more expensive to repair than the others, nor are parts hard to find if you know where to look. What makes you think that discos are not as accomplished offroad - a standard disco is a match for a standard cruiser or patrol. When comparing vehicles make sure you are comparing apples with apples.

Garry
0
FollowupID: 725165

Follow Up By: equinox - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 20:06

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 20:06
Hi GeenBNE,

Not sure about some of your pro-and cons there in regards to Cruiser and Patrol.

Patrol "Go Anywhere"? Then how come I never see any more than 600 kms from the coast. I thought it may have something to do with proximity to spare parts I'm not sure. I note that you will mostly stick to the coast so may not be an issue. I noted this at Esperance once where the Patrols outnumbered the Cruisers about 10 to 1.

Cruiser "Go almost anywhere"? Where can't it go?

And I note your comments on looks and fair enough, some vehicles look better than others, but shouldn't influence your decision at all, its not a fashion parade, besides you can grow to love the ugliest of vehicles :)

Regards
Alan

Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.



Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 725168

Follow Up By: Member - Michael and Chris (QL - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 20:44

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 20:44
equinox, Thats is funny and it isn't even friday
0
FollowupID: 725181

Reply By: Member - Joe n Mel n kids (FNQ - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:30

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 13:30
all are good but if travelling along some roads you are only allowed to take a cruiser, Patrols and Disco's are not allowed ...
LOL
AnswerID: 452445

Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 19:19

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 19:19
Except when a tow is required.
Robin Miller

Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 725161

Reply By: Member - Paul&Bill M riverton- Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 17:01

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 17:01
In my opinion you need a gu nissan patrol with a 4.5 v8 landcruiser motor landrover tdi300 suspension perfect 4 wheeldrive.
AnswerID: 452466

Reply By: snoopyone - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 17:31

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 17:31
Just to give you an idea of prices I'm selling my 2005 TD Cruiser in a couple of months and expect to get about $45,000 for it

There is one advertised on the C & M forum with 93,000k on it immacualte and he wants $61990.
I think he's dreaming as you could buy them new for that.


AnswerID: 452468

Follow Up By: GreenBNE - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 17:51

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 17:51
Thanks, for the price range I've seen (on average) 00 Patrol w/ 250k's, 02 Cruiser w/ 200k's and 04 Disco w/ 100k's
0
FollowupID: 725144

Reply By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 18:47

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 18:47
Saying decent diesel probably knocks you out of the best cars on your ABC list below GreenBne

I would encourage you to look at the cars I choose 4800 Patrol and also 80 series cruiser both petrol.

You question is often asked , but what influences people more than the cars features is what they believe the car features are - some 90% fall into this trap.

Take your example of the 4.2 Patrol , many a persons favourite car here.

You refer to towing ability - would you know that 4800 Patrol have more torque at 1000 rpm than it has anywhere.
This torque then continues relativily flat to redline at some 5200 rpm.

In sand this is a killer - once when given a 4.2 from Nissan we took it on a matched dessert drive and it was significantly behind the Petrol car and yet only delivered 17% better fuel economy when working hard - working hard kills underpowered cars.

We simply won't own any car that won't get to 100kmh in more than around 15 secs for saftey reasons.

Depending on which camp you are in the Petrols true running costs are + or - 10% of the diesels anyway despite using 30% more fuel.
Remember depreciation is the prime cost in owning a car.

Then you need to move on the engine heat - a well known issue from this old design - whereas with the Petrol I simply removed its unnecessary 2nd thermo fan.

We could then talk about noise - some 9 db higher in those cars.

So its important to get to know you cars are what you really want from them - the disco for instance has reliability as a main issue compounded by difficult access under bonnet and more often than not
requires a trip to the service centre - of which there are very few.

Against this almost every aspect of the 4800's can be self done and is less critical due to a number of things like fuel pumps which cost $79 compared to some thousands for high pressure diesel items.

I have just quickly gone over some things above can can explain more fully if required but really if you need a car that can do the job well below $30 as is argueably one of the lower life cycle costs options then check out these cars.
Robin Miller

Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 452478

Follow Up By: Axle - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 21:19

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 21:19
Robin are you saying the 4.8l patrol is developing its 420NM of torque at a 1000rpms ,,,???


Must be able to take off in top gear with the van on......lol.


Cheers Axle.
0
FollowupID: 725187

Follow Up By: pling - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 21:24

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 21:24
I agree with Robin, don't write off the 4.8 Patrol, a great all rounder.

I had one for 6 years and 180,000 km's without one problem.

We did 5 Simpson crossings, Anne Beadell, the Cape etc. They use fuel but are bullet proof.

My first trip to Kimberly's was in a new new Disco and it came back on the back of a truck.

Could not get people to work on them in the bush. They do not want the hassle of explaining why the parts they order never match the model and delay you to sitting waiting.

If had not experienced it, I would not have believed it.

If you are going out of the city, go Patrol or Cruiser.
0
FollowupID: 725190

Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 21:42

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 21:42
Hi Axle

No not that good - just typing this without reference to my library so figures approximate but 4800 has around 360nm @ 1000 , whereas the 4.2Td had a max of 330nm around year 2000 and next facelift around 350nm.

So min of 4800 was more than max of diesel.


Hi Pling

I remember your story , so sad , I liked some aspects of Disco's but like a 3lt patrol you have to think carefully about support before taking them to far.

-------------------------------------------------
I just re-read my post above - talk about bad grammer , at least twice I put you instead of your etc.

The spell checkers no good here as it often takes 30 second to re-load a post

Good night all
Robin Miller

Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 725193

Follow Up By: goddosglory - Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 22:45

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 22:45
i have a 4.2 std landcruiser..averages around 20 litres per 100 ks. at 90-95 kph
towing a bit over 2 and half tonne pop top van..i have been right around and through this great country and it has not let me down once...when i first left home i was dissappointed with the power..but now i have got used to it..i realise it,s not a race...comfort ..reliability..and that smug feeling that you bought the snatch strap to help others..lol
0
FollowupID: 725199

Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 12:19

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 12:19
Hi Robin, I was just reading in 4WD Action where one fellow supercharged his 80 series 6 cyl petrol and was getting 187 KW and 580 NM of torque.

Makes the diesels look a bit sick.

I agree, the petrol motors are grossly underestimated when people are looking for a vehicle. They might be thirsty but they sure can pull.

Cheers Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 725240

Reply By: Alloy c/t - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 12:46

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 12:46
Buy a Jeep , 2.7 diesel is the motor Nissan wish they had , 5 speed Auto is the gearbox Toyota stole the design from , lever transfer box gives 2wheel drive /part time 4x4 / fulltime 4x4 and low range 4x4 , put a standard jeep up against a standard Tojo or Nissan and see who goes futherest of the beaten track ,,,,, it wont be from Japan.
AnswerID: 452544

Follow Up By: Member - Paul&Bill M riverton- Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 13:19

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 13:19
Your dreaming .lol
0
FollowupID: 725248

Follow Up By: Crackles - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 13:50

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 13:50
You're partly correct Alloy in that the Jeep (particually Wrangler) will leave the Japs for dead in the real rough stuff but you shouldn't go comparing vehicles that wont do the same job. The Jeep wont tow 3.5 tonne nor carry 650kg, doesn't have the range nor have space to fit 2nd batteries or pack large amounts of gear for touring. They are a lightly built 4x4 great for a weekend warrior. Best option, buy one of each :-)
Cheers Craig............
1HZ TD 100 series
TD JK Wrangler
0
FollowupID: 725249

Follow Up By: Alloy c/t - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 16:13

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 16:13
Crackles I'm talking about the fullsize 4door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited [or even better the Rubicon which comes with standard front and rear diff locks], can tow 2.5 t , is actually larger in size than an 80 series , fuel ? gets down to 8.4lt per 100klm sitting on 110klm an hr h/way cruise controlled a smidgen over 2000rpm.
0
FollowupID: 725270

Follow Up By: Alloy c/t - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 16:27

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 16:27
Paul & Bill , the only people dreaming are the ones who believe that the the only 4x4 worth the name comes from Japan . Question for you , What company / name is the manufacturer who has made more 4x4 vehicles than any other manufacturer in the world as of 2010 and has been in the buisness of 4x4 the longest ????? Funny that its a JEEP.
0
FollowupID: 725272

Follow Up By: Crackles - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 16:57

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 16:57
"Crackles I'm talking about the fullsize 4door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited"
So was I & as I have one I've got a pretty good idea of it's capabilities & limitations. While it's dam good at what it does it's not the vehicle I'd choose to tow a big van or do the Madigan crossing. Joining the Jeep Club certainly opened my eyes to how capable they are compared to the Toyota's I'd been driving for 25 years. On soft sand, big dunes, steep hills, deep ruts & mud, a Wrangler definately takes it up another level.
Cheers Craig............
0
FollowupID: 725276

Reply By: Member - Gavan F (WA) - Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 13:17

Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 13:17
Hi GreenBNE

Over the Past 20 years iv'e owned A Lada Niva,Range Rover,Landrover Series 2a ,2 x Disco's TD5's a Mitsubishi Triton and Finally a Landcruiser 105 1HZ.

I really, really wish that i'd skipped all the crap and just brought the LandCruiser in the First Place (Especially as it would have been an 80 Series back then) Go the electronic factory TD at the premium price and you will have a ball heaps of Power and Torque ,lots of accessories and you will be able to buy spares anywhere in Australia.

Gavan

AnswerID: 452912

Reply By: xxx - Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 16:00

Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 16:00
GreenBNE

The Disco II won't carry five adults and their gear.

Four is tight. Three adults better.

The TD5 is a good cruising car, but if you load it with 5 adults and try and tow as well, you will be asking too much of it.
AnswerID: 452931

Sponsored Links