Land Rover, Land Cruiser, 4 runner

[Skiusa2005]

My girlfriend and I have decided to buy another car. We both drive sedans and have needed to borrow friends suvs and trucks to move things at times. We also find it hard to go camping or take our bikes somewhere etc..... I've decided to buy a new car but am having trouble making a decision. The choices are between 96 - 98 Land Rover Discovery, 94 -96 Land Cruiser, or 96-98 Toyota 4 Runner. I like the looks of the Land rover the best, but they seem to have a lot of electrical problems. They dont have a good rep as reliable cars, but they are awesome off road. I know the Discover series II is a lot more reliable, but I can't afford one. Land Cruisers are bullet proof (reliable), and according to some people have better off road capabilities than a Discovery. The disco has a center differential lock and a 170 hp 8cyl. The Land Cruiser has a front, center, and rear differential lock with a 220 hp 6cyl. I don't like the way the land cruisers look quite as well though. My girlfriend prefers the 4 runner over all of these, and of coarse would only settle for the limited . I must admit they look nice, but arent as big or capable.

If anyone here knows much about any three of these cars, please advise and let me know your opinions. I know a little about all three and some history on them, but not enough to be any type of expert. So let me know what you think

[Shayaan]

What's your price range? Then I can help you better

[Jolt]

Why dont you get a Tribute?

-Jolt ^^

[Skiusa2005]

Well It depends I guess, no more than 16K. I don't really like the tribute that much, and they seem really small too.

[seldomseen]

My lady has a '03 Land Rover Disco HSE, it has incredible off roading capabilities. We opted for the Land Rover simply because we own property in Maine, and enjoy utilizing its capabilities during the summer and winter seasons. There are also a lot of hills were we own property too. Our Disco has been mechanically sound since we purchased it. However, our Land Rover is brand new and is still under warranty. Gas consumption is poor with Discos though.

With the budget you all have, I would honestly suggest that you get the Toyota! Or another Japanese SUV. You will have more peace of mind in terms of reliability. I also think the Toyotas will meet all of your SUV needs.

- Regards,

[Duncan]

TLC all the way! The 4.2-liter six in the previous-gen Cruisers is pretty strong and is basically guaranteed not to break unless you seriously abuse it.

Second choice would be the 4Runner (which is just as reliable and powerful with the V6), but everybody and their brother's got one of those. Me, I'm an individualist of sorts...

...but not so much that I'd risk spending any money on the Rover. Apart from the basic mechanicals (the 40-year-old V8 engine, for example), I wouldn't trust anything on the Discovery not to break down when you least expect it. However, this is based solely on what I've heard about Discos in general, and the newer models (like the 2003 mentioned above) are probably better overall now that Ford's keeping track of their quality a little better.

Duncan

PS: Though the Tribute is a nice little wagon and has proven more reliable in recent months, it's pretty much out of the league of the other three vehicles where off-road ability and features are concerned. So I'd hesitate to recommend it in this case, though I'd probably choose it over a RAV4 or Suzuki Vitara for day-to-day use.

[Skiusa2005]

Well, the dealership I work for just took in a 2000 Discovery. I know the first series disco wasn't very reliable. BMW made some changes and the sold them to ford when the Series II was released. Supposevly its not as bad. I like the way it drives a lot, although am not to much for the color of the car. (Beige) Regaurdless it has impressed me, but I can't get over their reputation from earlier years. I'm still checkin out the other two (probably get a 4 runner). Thanks for all the imput. More is always Welcome

[MilleniaFalcon]

My cousin used to have a late 80's 4 Runner and had it for over 10 years and sold it. It was sold in awesome running condition. Body had the basic wear and tear so the paint wasn't in mint condition. But reliability always go to Toyota's favor. Toyota engines just seems to last quite a long time. Why get something that doesn't have a solid track record compared to a Toyota? Or get a Pathfinder. Nissan always have bulletproof engines. Get the 4 Runner if you love your girlfriend.

[Milenia21]

I would get the Land Cruiser just because it is bigger and it reminds me ore of the Lex LX450 which is real phat. You could convince your girl that the Land Cruiser is just a bigger, better 4 Runner!

[Duncan]

Originally posted by Milenia21@Nov 30 2002, 12:43 PM
You could convince your girl that the Land Cruiser is just a bigger, better 4 Runner!

More appropriately, it could be said that the 4Runner is a smaller, more capable Land Cruiser. But either of the Toyotas would probably be my choice.

The Pathfinder was a good suggestion as well. If you go that way, look for an SE model - they have everything you'll need without the frilly styling details on the LE.

Duncan