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An inelegant solution but the repo guy will take it off your hands - problem solved! ;-)
tidester, host
I have since replaced my Michelins with big meaty Nokia Hakka LT10s which call for 85psi. I run them at 50psi all around and I'm happier than a clam at high tide. But I also run a bigger risk now of rolling my truck in an emergency than you do.
Caveat Emptor.
Odiopus
Thanks - wasko
It's 33F this morning, there was a ton of frost on the trails and I had a cautious bike ride!
Thanks for the tip! -Bob
Did you see that the "Editor's Most Wanted Midsize SUV Over $45,000" was the Range Rover?
Steve, Host
Let's see, how does that Snow Dance go....??
Yeah, but were you wearing shorts and sandals?? :-)
tidester, host
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!
All is well.
Steve, Host
http://adn.com/24hour/nation/story/604763p-4674497c.html
photo from the ANC Daily News
Steve, Host
tidester, host
Steve, Host
Bob
No Disco news unless you want to read about not so great mpg: New cars headed in reverse on fuel usage
Steve, Host
Bob
Comparing the 2003 to the 2003 4Runner, whats should the main argument be for a Disco?? Starting to compare them both, and the 4Runner is more powerful, better warranty, less expensive. Finding it hard to stick with the Disco (even though I want to so badly!!).
Option for option ONLY, a comparably equipped 4Runner is $40,588.
I used an S Discovery with comparable options. I wanted to avoid the 18" wheels and ACE as there is no comparable on the 4Runner side. Even with the dual-sunroofs it was only $36,995!
Now I don't think even the most ardent Roverphile would argue Toyota's reputation for putting together a long lasting, trouble-free product. But there is little doubt in my mind that the Disco would beat it off-road especially over the long run. it's just built a lot tougher, with heavier-duty bits and pieces. It also has a longer warranty, better dealership service and sales ratings, and it's even CHEAPER!
The Disco has a 4 year, 50k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
The 4Runner has a 3 year, 36k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
I bet Toyota hopes that no one realized that they have priced themselves up to and above the LUXURY nameplates.
Sure you could get a lower trim level 4Runner and save a few bucks, but then you really don't have a comparable truck do you?
The new 4Runner is a cool truck, but make mine the Brit!
They are quite comparable vehicles in 2003. Yes the Runner is more powerful but it is not by much at all. The Runner is way quieter as far as the engine noise goes, it is a little quicker off the line too. Those are the only advantages over the Disco I saw, oh and the whole reliability issue. Runner gets 3 MPG better gas mileage in town and 1 MPG on the highway better.
The Disco seats are far more comfortable and supportive, the ride and handling are stiffer and more responsive, and as stated in a post above, over the long haul I'd bet the Disco would hold up longer under adverse off-road conditions than the 4Runner would. The Disco warranty and dealer service is better than Toyota, it's better looking than the '03 Runner with it's cladding, Disco's engine has been around longer than the new Runner V6, and even the V8.
Again, I think they are very comparable vehicles. You really can't go wrong with either one. I do not regret my Land Rover purchase, in fact, each time I see a new Runner, I am that much more satified with the Disco! It is a really fun truck to drive!
Good luck with your decision,
Dave
Not to stir your kettle or anything, but this has been my personal experience. I can vouch for it. My sisters in law have bought three 4WDs apiece in the space of time it took me to pay off my Rover. They thought they were saving money to spend a little less than I spent on the Rover... and their most recent purchases each cost more than I paid for the Rover 4 years ago. In their search for durability and reliability they have tried Jeep Grand Cherokees, Ford Explorers, Ford Escapes and Dodge Durangos. Now they each still have 5 years of payments to make, and I have a free and clear Rover. And mine has been *FAR* more reliable than any of the six vehicles they've tried.
Sorry, but those are the facts. And a hint: you won't get your "six mouths to feed" in a Rover anyway. How about a minivan?
Regards, -Bob
Which would you say will retain a better resale value (say 5 years), Disco or 4Runner?
Also, during your evaluation of the new 4Runner was it considerably roomier than the previous 4Runners? That's one item I disliked with the 2002 4Runners. Seemed as if it was more of a pain to get in and out of, where as the Disco felt much more comfortable. I'm always taking long trips (beach, skiing, etc.) and want the passengers to feel comfortable for the long hours.
Last question...what is the difference between a Discovery and a Discovery Series II? I find dealers selling both, but can't find out the difference.
Thanks
His friend had a 4Runner and it needed rebuilt at 108,000 miles so Mike did it. Then he thought "ya know my Disco would probably benefit from a rebuild" so he tore it down and it was basically still within tolerance.
At 6 years age my Disco still feels as tight and drives as well as (or better than) a new truck. It's the only vehicle I've owned where I can say that. And it's been more reliable than any of the 13 Hondas I've owned. And it lives a hard life (ahem) with me.
Of course it's subjective, but the things that matter to me point me toward the Rover.
There are many differences between the DI and DII. The DII is even more reliable and stronger in the drivetrain. It offers roadholding features like ACE, and it has a longer tail for more storage. But I want my Disco short for offroading, and I never corner hard enough to want ACE. And, to me the view out of a DI is less claustrophobic than the DII. The DII has Bosch systems vs. Lucas (big thumbs up), and it went to Range Rover axles with fewer moving parts than the early DI axles. But how many of you have exploded a differential lately? For offroading I'd go with a DI with lockers and upgraded halfshafts. For mainly road use, look for a DII.
Regards, -Bob
I highly respect the Disco...my brother has one (2001 model) with only one minor problem so far (driver door lock froze).
TIA
Cheers
Pat
I considered the BFG Trac-Edge... if I hadn't got a good deal on the Nokians I would have gone that route. But I think I would have regretted it by now, they're not as good in deep snow.
Avoid the Blizzaks and Alpins... one of them (I forget which) uses a spongy soft "open" rubber that sticks well for a few thousand miles but wears quickly. My Nokians have DEEP tread.
Last winter we got 36" snow in 24 hours and I took my Boy Scout troop out playing in it. I broke trail down an unused road, and I was pushing snow with my headlights. When I got where I wanted to go, I stopped but couldn't get my doors open! I had to climb out the back hatch. THAT'S how well the Hakkas work in deep snow.
Enjoy your Disco! You might find that one set of wheels is plenty good enough.
Best regards, -Bob
It's always tough to say what resale value a car/truck will have. I'd have to say that the Runner has a better shot at a higher resale value than most vehicles in it's class due to it's (and Toyota's) reputation. There is a considerable depreciation waged against the Rover in the first year for some reason, almost $4000 more than that of a 4runner.
I owned a '94 Runner for 8 years, I spent a lot of money repairing things after 36K miles when the warranty ran out. CV joints, controller arms, valve cover gaskets, clutches, transmission (3rd gear 2x, and 1st gear 1x). So, even though I sold this truck for $8000 with 145K miles on at at 9 years old, I feel that the resale value still didn't get me all my money back I sunk into repairs on what is supposed to be the most "reliable" truck available.
I have read many reports of problems with Discos. The reports on later model years having troubles are few and far between. I am comfortable with the Disco reliability baseed on this as well as folks on this board reporting the high miles they are putting on their trucks.Seems like as long as you take care of the truck, it will take care of you.
The new Runner is definitely more roomy inside. However, the front seats sit a little low. The back seat is way better this year than any previous model. The Disco back seat entry/exit and knee room are quite tight, the Runner is a bit better. Once inthe backseat of either vehicle, it was comfortable. Sitting in each of these trucks during my shopping trips, I felt that the Disco was more solidly built, more comfortable, and used higher quality materials.
It was a tough decision to be honest, but I am very happy with the Disco, no regrets> It is a much more fun truck to drive than the Toyota, handles like a sports car, well, at much as any truck can, very tight, very responsive.
Bob
Thanks for your feedback. I test drove a 2003 Disco S last night, and it reaffirmed my commitment to the ride. I still have not taken the $Runner out (i will this weekend), but perhaps my mind has been made up already! Anybody in the Washington DC area recommend a dealer (rosenthal, alexandria, rockville)?
Thanks again.
I had decided before driving the Runner that I was buying the Disco and the only thing that'd change my mind was if the Runner just blew me away. I was impressed, just not blown away.
The Rover dealers here in NC are all about 2 hours apart from each other and will NOT deal with anyone from another city (region) if they know you are not from the region they serve. I called around to other dealers and they asked where I was coming from. Once I told them they referred me to the local dealer and wouldn't even talk to me anymore.
Good luck.
1. Land Rover has a stronger LO-range (3.X vs. 2.57); HOWEVER, crawl ratio actually favors the 2003 4Runner with V8 (35 vs. 28).
2. Traction system on the Disco acts quicker than 4Runner...a good thing.
3. However, the Disco's traction system decreases it's action above 30 mph (not very important); 4Runner's system has no limit that i know of.
4. 4Runner does have stability control that can be shut off; Disco does not.
5. 4Runner has a LOCKABLE center differential; Disco (prior to 2003) did not.
6. 2003 4Runner's disc brakes are bigger.
Overall, for pure off-roading, the 2003 Disco 4wd system is probably a bit better, simply because it acts quicker.
In my view of the offroading world, you cannot separate 4WD performance from the suspension to which it attaches. Without long travel suspension your wheels will not stay in contact with the ground and your 4WD quickly loses ability to keep you moving.
My neighbor has a venerable FJ40 with the V8 engine swap. It's a fine truck and well maintained. But it has leaf springs and very limited suspension travel. Two summers ago we were in a situation where we had to climb a ledge, it was about 30" and fairly hard soil, nearly vertical. He let me go first and it was no problem getting my wheels up on it, then jockeying and going up. He just shook his head, smiled and said there was NO WAY he could get up that thing... and he was right. It's all in the suspension.
For the average Joe who wants to slop around in goo once in awhile, both the 4R and DII are fine. But if you're going Star Trek style, where no man has gone before, get something with long suspension travel, lockers, skid plates and short overhangs.
About resale: the trick is to buy a Disco with 9 months on the clock. They're out there in droves. People take the bite then regret it financially. You get the truck you want for the price you want, with a ton of warranty left.
Marsha: Mike runs expeditions down to South America and back with his Disco. That explains the BIG mileage.
Adverse weather: I drove to Kenai and back yesterday, 300+ miles in a driving snowstorm. I was caravaning with 4 other 4WDs and none of them were comfortable over 30mph. I took the lead and it was hard to hold back and wait for them. Eventually I just let my speed go and I was able to stop 5 times on the way back to clean the headlights and they still never caught up until our appointed grouping up point. The Rover is absolutely unshakeable and unstoppable in ugly conditions... I was refreshed though tense. The two Fords, the Subaru and the Chevy were not, and their drivers were a wreck when they arrived.
My $.02 -Bob
Cheers
Pat