Disco 4 vs. LC 200 V8 D-4D vs. LC Prado

[flatso]

Good day to all. We are in the market for a 7-seater and originally thought a regular minivan would do. However the car will be mostly used for longer family journeys (the grandma comes along sometimes) and in about 18 months some off-roading and caravaning is in the planing.
The requirments are therefore a slightly used comfortable 7 seater with some off road and possibly towing capabilities all with an automatic transmission.
The Disco 4 is an attractive package. Even though I'm not too crazy about the fussy new facelifted looks, the new 3,0 diesel and 8-speed auto are compelling. My only worry is the horrible reliability stories.
The Land Cruiser 200 is obviously an absolute hammer of a vehicle, especially because of the stonking V8 bi-turbo diesel. The legendary reliability and off-road prowess somehow speak for the eyewatering second hand prices, but man are they expensive.
The Landcruiser J12 Prado is also an interesting proposition, a lot more sensible prices but perhaps not as comfortable (maybe?) as the above contenders and.

I am also open to alternative suggestions ; like a late model LC 100, preferably with the detuned Lexus V8 and Lexus trim (very expensive), a Patrol, Pathfinder or Pajero.

Thanks to all

[flatso]

longblackcoat said:

Look at the Mercedes GL as well - 7 seats, tough as old boots, big inside. Against that, they're thirsty and don't have such a good image as the Disco. As a car, however, they're a lot better (and I've owned both).

The Mercedes is a nicer place to be than the Toyota, but the residuals aren't as good. And getting it serviced at an official Mercedes dealer is a joke, if my local experience is anything to go by.

In any case, worthy of consideration.

How is the offroad performance of the GL? At the end of the day its still on the M-Klasse platform (along with the R-Klass). They did receive a lifting last year I believe, with a much better interior now then the original GL. A lot of threads on german forums complain about GL fit&finish and general reliability of the first gen. cars. They do however have a big V( diesel.