advice please

[carracarra13]

hi folks am in a bit of a dilemma got to get rid of my vit (very reluctant to) its too small with bigger family now iv given thought to ether a Toyota surf or disco ,1st question  which would be cheep er to maintain?
2ND question, which would be the most reliable?

[Disco Matt]

Reliable is a tricky one - depending on how well a Disco was assembled it will either embarrass far more expensive cars or break down all the time! Bear in mind that the extra seats in the boot of a Disco 1 aren't particularly good for adults, so if you need seven seats on a regular basis then you might want to rethink. Mine has never failed to start and is near rust-free, but I've seen others of the same vintage with big problems in both departments.

Repair costs aren't necessarily any better or worse than any other car if you can find a good independent garage locally. That said, most Disco 1s are beginning to need replacement parts simply due to wear so bear that in mind.

Another alternative might be the Mitsubishi Delica - only available as a grey import but they seem to cope pretty well with most stuff greenlaning can throw at them, and being an MPV have plenty of space.

[Evilgoat]

Dont go Vit to Disco, from experience unless you spend a fair wedge of cash, you'll be crying in about 2 months.

Disco has had more faults in 2 months than the Vit has ever had, and if its a Satanat Vit, you'll really be in for a shock in terms of rust. :)

Sad to say, I'd stay Jap and would not have brought the dicso knowing what I know now.

[bilge rat]

im om me third disco now. actually got two at the moment and theres always something want doing to one of them , i do love them but they do seem problematic to say the least. part are cheap though and plenty of them. iff your handy with spanners and a welder and are not to bad for time id go for a disco . but iff its down the garage every time something goes wrong id go down the jap line......

[Evilgoat]

rangie rover i would go for i have had two now one 1st was manual and now got an auto both has been the 3.5 v8 and they are not that bad on petrol plus you got the comfort i got my second one cheap because of teething problems but all sorted now. But if you want to stay jap then go for the shogun 2.5 turbo intercooler diesel they are as strong as an ox and very reliable and parts are cheap if you go to milner off roading but at the end of the day it is your choice

PAJ/Shoggy 2.8TD are prone to fuel pump problems :) 2.5 afaik dont suffer from this.

[Budgie]

I think you'll get more vehicle for your money, newer as well, with a Disco but if you don't want to take up a new hobby in mechanics then go with the Surf.  ;)

[gtomo2]

2.5 td paj i found was lacking in power it was on a auto box which made it even worst. but must say inside was good and loads of pritty switches to play with. But did find it very thirst as well. Just my penny worth. the car was only owned for about 3 weeks before it went back and disco was given back. It had big engine problems beening import it needed new starter ring, new starter, gearbox and a few other bits. But must say some people have got them and had no problems with them.

[Range Rover Blues]

IIRC the jump seats in the back of a Disco 300 series are not suitable for children until they are big enough to sit in a seat without a booster seat, so realisticaly you need a DII.