Hope_5

Hope_5

Active Member
Hi, currently got a 1995 300Tdi manaul Disco and been thinking about a new one.

Having a look around but don't know the pro and cons of the different ones out there.

So, couple of questions that I'm sure will start a debate (i know everyone has their own ideas on whats best ;)) but really just looking for some info before taking the plunge.

V8 LPG or Diesel? No idea what an LPG kit is like. How do they cope off road with the tank under the car? What to look out for\good or bad points? Are the expensive to fix if they brake?

Manual v Auto? How are Autos off road? What to look out for\good or bad points?

New Disco will only really be used as a 2nd car so occasional Green Laning \ Pay and Play.

So.... Opinions please...
 
I've only ever had Auto's as that is what I prefer, and I have been told they are prefered by many off roaders as they make life a little easier.

Imagine you going up a steep bank, when you find you need to change down. As soon as you put the clutch in to change you have lost momentum. With an auto you can just press and go and the gearbox can change to any suitable gear without you needing to worry and just concentrating on steering and throttle.

Just my opinion anyway. :)
 
Never diven an auto but many offroaders do seem to prefer them. If you plan on wading a lot, with a deisel theres less electrics to get wet but you dont get that nice V8 rumble and power. You can get a tank in the boot if you are worried about clearance, mine stick out about an inch lower than the chassis but this has never bothered me. Ive never had any problems with my LPG kit off road. V8 LPG fuel costs are about the same these days as a deisel, I suppose its a preference thing, if I needed to go on a proper long distance expedition for reliability and ease of finding fuel I would prob choose the TDI but I do love my V8. Ive driven both TDI and V8 LPG Disco 1s and personally much prefer the V8:)

One thing I must mention however is the fact that the ignition system on a V8 LPG has to always be in tip top condition otherwise it will not run correctly so good plugs and leads are a must. Hope this helps.
 
I've had both V8 manual and auto, both have pros n cons.
The manual would pull a load much better I personally thought and not as revvy as the auto.
Fuel consumption is pretty much the same in both (crap), but on a run the manual cruises at a little lower revs
The manual was a little quicker off the mark but the auto is brilliant around town.
And the auto is much better off road than the manual as one less thing to think about.
Not much between them IMO and the gas tanks are pretty tough but could easily make a rock-slide guard for them.
Regards Steve
 
Thanks for the feedback so far!!

As i'm not mechanically minded (a little knowledge can be dangerious) I'm erring towards sticking to the Diesel - less things to sort out if they go wrong (as I like water\wading) it sounds like.

So - Auto v Manual?

@ Gizgrey - sounds interesting but you are a looooong way from me!!
 
Had both the v8 is comfortable as an auto good off road and on 300tdi is good as both but can be used every day as is better on fuel. Auto is a bit sluggish though
 
I love manuals but yesterday I test drove a manual 300Tdi and there is no way the wife would be able to drive one smoothly. I thought the power characteristics actually suited an auto better as there was a big hole until you got 1800rpm on the clock and it seemed very high geared too. Fine on the open road but a bear through town so I am going to look for a 300tdi auto.
Was surprised that for a behemoth vehicle, 3 child car seats will be very tight across the back due to the rear wheel arches intruding on cushion space. Leg room in the back not great for adults either and the boot is not that deep but who cares.
 
I was driving my TD5 auto offroad today and I can tell you it's much better than the manual I normally drive. Quite impressed actually.

For on-road the auto is ok but really benefits from a remap. When towing remember that torque converter lock-up occurs in both 3rd gear as well as D.
 
Thanks for the replies!! Forgot about this fred...

Went for a newer 300Tdi in the end and stuck with a manual. Can never seem to control me left foot, couldn't get used an Auto...
 
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