Maybe a odd question for a Landy forum but I've just got rid of my series 1 Discovery, long story short to much needed doing to and I haven't the time to do it myself. So, I'm saving for a Disco 3 but this will take at least 18 months to 2 years. In the meantime I need a 4wd capable of towing a horse box. I don't want another Disco 1 or 2 because it needs to be reliable and not in need of constant repairs (due to fact I don't have much spare time to keep on repairing it, and I'm unable to weld). So I'm sure many of you have had other 4x4's in the past and I'd be very grateful for any recommendations. I only want to spend a maximum of £2k as it eats into my Disco 3 savings fund! At the moment I'm swaying towards a Nissan Terrano. Please don't laugh and many thanks!
Alternative to Disco while saving for Disco 3
- Thread starter bblake
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Jap is the right route to take. I'd try a landcruiser
tacr2man
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When you are into s/h vehicles make isn't a big factor , its what use , and the type of owner they have had that is important , bang for the buck , and subject to previous comment jeep takes some beating esp on lpg
The Terrano is a great car in 2.7 or 3 litre diesel but there are others . How much weight do you need to tow? The Fourtrak is excellent at towing, though you will have to shop around. You will get an early double cab pick up for 2k but it will likely have had a hard life ( as will the Fourtrak) hence the need to be as choosy as two grand will allow. I'm not sure how much the diesel Frontera will tow but two grand buys a lot of Frontera ( I wouldn't go anywhere near the two litre petrol whatever it's towing capacity, which is likely tiny anyway, worst car I have ever driven, like a brick on four sponges).
An off the wall thought if you can cope with the fuel consumption - a Ford Explorer, next to no money and tows well, and a few around
An off the wall thought if you can cope with the fuel consumption - a Ford Explorer, next to no money and tows well, and a few around
Thanks guys, hadn't considered Ford Explorer so will take a look. Frontera I just don't fancy, maybe to similar to a Freelander!!! Will also look at Land cruisers although I fear they might be out of my price range for something half way ok (I'm happy with just ok for my budget). Jeeps, quite like them, any one know what parts are like though, cost and availability?
Max towing weight probably just short of a ton, a horse box full of hay is the most I do. In the past my Disco V8's and 300tdi have been perfect and for this.
Max towing weight probably just short of a ton, a horse box full of hay is the most I do. In the past my Disco V8's and 300tdi have been perfect and for this.
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A ton? Do you need to have a 4x4 for that low a weight?
Yes because it's towing through muddy fields all year round. I've also got a two litre Mondeo and it doesn't even consider towing the box empty on mud, let alone fully loaded! We also live in the sticks and for our job we need four wheel drive to get to clients in snow and floods.
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Would a 4wd volvo xc or audio all road etc do it? Or may be some scooby? You get a lot for your money on them as opposed to proper 4x4s
Actually the Volvo I'm also considering. Don't want a scooby. The only thing preventing me is I'm used to Landies and like a proper 4x4. If I get a Volvo I think I wouldn't be happy as it's a big compromise!
tacr2man
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Downside on explorer 4 ltr v6 ohc is timing chain problems , if rattly can be expensive to repair .
jeep parts availability good , not particularly expensive. engines relatively trouble free , dont expect rover type class , its an american design .
where abouts are you in UK ?
jeep parts availability good , not particularly expensive. engines relatively trouble free , dont expect rover type class , its an american design .
where abouts are you in UK ?
Thanks, I'm on the West Berkshire/Wiltshire border.
Yes cheap parts, expensive labour though. I've had Disco's for nearly twenty years and always had the time to repair them myself. Now I don't have the time and paying for repairs, and the time I'm without the car, is just not practical. I'd love a another Disco but they aren't practical for everyday use anymore.
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My main concern for JC is that when they do go wrong, they go wrong rather expensively
tacr2man
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In view of the limited towing weight you mention another possibility , and probably tops on reliability is a honda CRV with auto trans 2002 model on has the chain cam engine , boring car but very reliable . They are rated 1600kg IIRC
A better bet than something which will snap in half or lunch its head.
Also older Nissan Xtrail is pretty bullet proof
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henrytilly
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you could try an isuzu trooper just go for the 3.1 engine not the 3 ltr
biketeacherdave
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Buy a terrano the 2.7 not the 3 ltrltr then you can run it on svo at 45 ppl straight in the tank we have been running one for 6 years
