Thinking about taking the plunge

[metal_monkey]

Hi,

Been thinking for a long while about getting a disco, and am about to take the plunge, just a few questions.

I'm looking for a TD5, so I guess thats 99 or later. Will I get anything good for £8k?

What trim level would have CD Multichanger, Climate Control, Cruise Control and a Trip Computer?

Really what's the Fuel consumption like? I do 4 miles to work and back at about 45 mph in traffic, and currently get 25-28mpg in my 2.2 vectra. How would the disco compare....? (From looking around here it seems to do about the same)

Whats the score with LPG? How much does it cost, how do you use it and how many mpg do you get once its running...?

How much are tyres? I would be doing 95% road and 5% soft off roading (I'm a scout leader so fields and tracks, no Camel Trophy stuff!!!)

Finally, what should I watch out for when buying....

Muchos Gracias....!!!

[suggs]

Hi prices are well down on Disco's so you should find a few at that money check out ebay theres normaly loads on there, you should have a choice of GS spec cars and you may get an early XS for that money with half leather twin climate multiplay CD etc, it may have cruise but if not theres a kit available for about £50, mpg about 22-25, LPG is more of an option on a V8 petrol rather than a diesel. i used to have a 2001 TD5 XS and now have a V8 ES...

[TimM]

The ES is the top spec and has EVERYTHING, but as has been said, the lower speced ones will suit if thats all you are after.

If you get a TD5 (i.e. a Diesel) then you will get similar consumption to what you have now, it will be a little bit down as it doesn't sound like you are going to get it warm on such a short trip, but if you go for the V8 then you will notice a increase in fuel bills - that is where the LPG becomes a consideration.

Where are you from though - I'm sure there will be Mud-Clubbers around your area who will be able to show you theres (best thing is to click on profile at the top and add your location as then we'll always know where you are and you will get invited to our pub meets and greenlaning trips etc).

[thermidorthelobster]

What trim level would have CD Multichanger, Climate Control, Cruise Control and a Trip Computer?

The line-up goes S, GS, XS, ES.  IIRC, XS has a multichanger, and so do some GSs (mine for example).  I think Climate Control might be the same.  Don't worry about Cruise because you can fit it yourself for 50 quid.  I'm not sure if any TD5s have a trip computer - I've never seen one, anyway.

Really what's the Fuel consumption like? I do 4 miles to work and back at about 45 mph in traffic, and currently get 25-28mpg in my 2.2 vectra. How would the disco compare....? (From looking around here it seems to do about the same)

25-28 seems reasonable.

Whats the score with LPG? How much does it cost, how do you use it and how many mpg do you get once its running...?

About £1200-2K to fit.  You'll lose space (underneath or in the boot) for a tank.  The range will not be great unless you get a hulking tank.  But the fuel is about half the cost of petrol, at about the same mpg (slightly less on lpg maybe, but not much difference).  This means that you're paying about the same for fuel as if you doubled your economy - so you could have a V8 Disco for about TD5 prices.

On the minus side, it can be fiddly to get it all running right, and adds complexity to your engine.  You'll spend your life trying to find LPG garages which aren't out of LPG or the pump is broken.  Personally, I'd stick to a nice reliable diesel, although I have lpg on my 101.

Finally, what should I watch out for when buying....

Decide whether you want ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement).  It's fantastic on the corners, but is slightly prone to going wrong.  It's standard in ES and XS, I think.  If you have it, listen for a noise which changes in pitch with the engine (not the turbo).  It should be audible but not loud.

If you have air suspension at the back (all 7 seaters, many 5s) then make sure the truck sits level.  Press the dash button to raise the back (only works if the doors are shut) and make sure it goes up evenly in about 30 seconds without making too much noise.

Apart from that, keep an eye out for the usual things like chassis rust and leaky sunroofs, and drive a few as you'll notice differences in drive quality.  Look out for dodgy head gaskets, but if the water level's down in the reservoir, don't worry, they all do that :)

[thermidorthelobster]

I forgot to say, you can check for ACE by looking for a hydraulic ram connected to the anti-roll bar in the O/S front wheel arch.  Some people don't know they have it.  It may be prone to a noisy pump (as described) and also leaks.  Make sure all the recalls have been carried out.

[metal_monkey]

Thanks!

I'm in Northants so fairly local to everywhere...

[TimM]

I'm in Northants

Not a lot of notice I know, but there is pub meet tonight details here local to you, head down and you might find a few in the car park