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I can only add my observations re: the TD5 2.5 engine, if that's any help?

A number of years ago we hired a TD5 Defender to pull our 1750Kgs MTPLM twin-axle caravan. We travelled from Kent around the M25 and A3 to Portsmouth to catch the ferry to the IoW.

Apart from one short stretch of A3, just beyond Guildford if memory serves me right, we could cruise in 6th gear, come hill or dale. (That partcular hill in question necessitated dropping to fifth!) and we could maintain a constant 56-60mph over any road condition.

Once on sight, driving it solo was an absolute joy.............. even Mrs 'D' drove the vehicle; something she won't normally do, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

It climbed out of Ventnor (those who have climbed the hills know what I mean) with consumate ease even though we were laden with four adults, two children and a dog.

The only awkward thing was the tight hairpin on the climb; the Defender just made it but you have to get your line right. The Discovery has a superior turning circle so this should not cause you a problem.

The vehicle we hired had 38,000 miles on the clock and was sourced from a very well-known national company which specialises in 4x4 hire to the construction industry. As such, this had been a well-used example and probably not treated with kid-gloves.

It was sad to hand the thing back as it made driving and, more importantly, towing a pleasure.

I can only assume that should you take the plunge you will also enjoy the benefits outlined above but with all the cossetting and creature comforts that you will find yourself surrounded by. There is, of course, the thorny issue of how your new vehicle will perform when it has XXX,000 miles under its belt but if it has a full LRSH and has been well maintained and not abused it shouldn't be a worry.

Best of luck with whichever vehicle you decide to buy.

Have you considered a Toyota Landcruiser Colorado 3.0 TD auto/manual?

Very reliable, my old AUTO Colorado [D-4D engine] did 30mpg solo - 25mpg towing 1486kg caravan.

We have a 2002 discovery 2 TD5 ES.   this is a fantastic car, you wont regret getting one, they are very comfortable on long a journey, have loads of grunt, a load cappasity of 750kg, can tow 3500kgs, getting your horse trailer off muddy fields wont be a problem, their off road abilitys are legendary!! (just do a search on youtube) you'll be amazed!

alot of uninformed people will tell you they are unreliable, this simply is not true, 75% of ALL Land Rovers EVER made are still on the road today, lets see if anyone can say that about their euro box or Japanese 4x4!!!??? also if their good enough for the emergency services, i guess their good enough for me!

Hope this helps    

Quote: Originally posted by Defender on 04/3/2011

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I can only add my observations re: the TD5 2.5 engine, if that's any help?

A number of years ago we hired a TD5 Defender to pull our 1750Kgs MTPLM twin-axle caravan. We travelled from Kent around the M25 and A3 to Portsmouth to catch the ferry to the IoW.

Apart from one short stretch of A3, just beyond Guildford if memory serves me right, we could cruise in 6th gear, come hill or dale. (That partcular hill in question necessitated dropping to fifth!)

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Quote: Originally posted by mattlad on 05/3/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by Defender on 04/3/2011

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I can only add my observations re: the TD5 2.5 engine, if that's any help?

A number of years ago we hired a TD5 Defender to pull our 1750Kgs MTPLM twin-axle caravan. We travelled from Kent around the M25 and A3 to Portsmouth to catch the ferry to the IoW.

Apart from one short stretch of A3, just beyond Guildford if memory serves me right, we could cruise in 6th gear, come hill or dale. (That partcular hill in question necessitated dropping to fifth!)

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Errrrrr........

Defender TD5's have a 5 speed gearbox.
The Defender TD4 has a 6 speed gearbox.

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Errrrrr... Defender TD4??? never seen one of those!!  is that a special??? lol

I do more work on Land Rover's than is healthy, not because they cause trouble but simply because I enjoy what they can do for there owners.

I have owned and used them in all conditions sometimes in very poor conditions during rescue and recovery and wouldnt consider any other 4x4 for towing.

A couple of years ago we had a blow-out on a single axle caravan, it caused no problem and the Land Rover was easy to control from the 2nd lane with no risk to anyone.

Providing your maintanance standards are good it will reward you.

Errrrrr........

Defender TD5's have a 5 speed gearbox.
The Defender TD4 has a 6 speed gearbox.

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I stand corrected. 5th it was, all the way, except for a spot of 4th! Apologies if anyone felt I was misleading them

Still a damn fine engine though!

Quote: Originally posted by Defender on 06/3/2011

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Errrrrr........

Defender TD5's have a 5 speed gearbox.
The Defender TD4 has a 6 speed gearbox.

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I stand corrected. 5th it was, all the way, except for a spot of 4th! Apologies if anyone felt I was misleading them

Still a damn fine engine though!

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Quote: Originally posted by mattlad on 06/3/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by Defender on 06/3/2011

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Errrrrr........

Defender TD5's have a 5 speed gearbox.
The Defender TD4 has a 6 speed gearbox.

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I stand corrected. 5th it was, all the way, except for a spot of 4th! Apologies if anyone felt I was misleading them

Still a damn fine engine though!

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I know! I've got one!

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Well it was about 4 years ago when we hired it. That's the problem with memory and aging........ the two were never mean't to  mix! 

Quote: Originally posted by bluesriff on 05/3/2011

75% of ALL Land Rovers EVER made are still on the road today

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