Discovery Series 1 - V8 vs 300TDI?

[Altrezia]

Hello there,

My mum is thinking about a disco to tow her horse box. There's litterally hundreds for sale, in all forms of spec, but which is the best? We like the ES (air con and leather is nice, as its not ONLY for muddy fields) but what else is important? She likes the look of a local 3.9i V8 auto, but is it a good choice? is the diesel better for towing, or the v8? Whats the economy like on a V8?

Thanks for any advice you guys can give!
-al.

Edited by Altrezia on Sunday 16th September 19:54

[signia]

Economy is poor.

I filled up on Saturday and 50 miles later, I was down a quarter of a tank.
The V8 however sounds gorgeous. I wouldn't swap it, unless going through a deep ford...

Tdi is a sensible option if you're using it as a daily driver.

I don't think there's much difference in their towing ability, other than the V8 will pull things a lot quicker

[rustybin]

The Diesel is definitely the sensible option. After-all with a horse on tow you are not looking for neck snapping acceleration (which is good as you won't get it with the V8 either). Having said that, I love my V8 and you will save a few bob on the purchase price as the diesels are more popular. For the best of both worlds why not see if you can find an LPG converted V8?

[Dr G]

Neither engine will set the world on fire - most important things to check for are proper servicing and RUST!

[Altrezia]

Cheers guys.

Got a couple of 300's lined up, but will keep an eye out for LPG V8's also.

Ta

[rustybin]

Dr G said:

Most important things to check for are proper servicing and RUST!

Don't worry if you cannot find any rust though. It is a very easy job to have some put in. If necessary, you can always have some of mine.

[Dr G]

hehehe

[biglepton]

I've run several 300's with TDI's and V8's on gas.

TDI manual tows best and uses least fuel. V8 auto nicest to drive - 17mpg on petrol and low 30's on LPG, costwise. Avoid TDI autos like the plague! If you get a V8 on gas it needs two things - a box to advance the ignition when on gas as LPG is 114 octane and needs advanced ignition to perform. Surprisingly many single-point conversions don't include one but you can buy one from RPI engineering (www.v8engines.com). With one fitted they drive far better on LPG than they ever did on petrol. You will also need decent leads as the std LR ones aren't up to LPG use so fit some Magnecor ones.

Having run all of the above at some time, I'd get a TDI manual for simplicity and go for the lowest spec possible - electric leather seats and electric sunroofs might appeal, but as the electrics start to fail on older ones, you'll wish you had a simple one!

[falcemob]

Check for rust around the rear wheel arches, (especially where the lower seatbelt anchors go) inner and outer sills and boot floor. Also check the body to chassis mounts as they rust as well.

[Hooli]

if you go for a TDi make sure the cambelt has been done. its not a quick jb so will cost if you have to fork out for it.

[cptsideways]

Transfer boxes!!! on the manuals blow up on higher mileage ones.

Rust! lift the boot floor cover up

[Altrezia]

Thanks again chaps!

[Altrezia]

She went and bought one yesterday.

1996 (N) 300 TDI ES, in metallic blue.

Cheers guys!