I'm tired of my disco after one week

[nickw]

I am a toyota fan and have a semi restored 81 truck. However last week I picked up a loaded 1996 Discovery SE7 for a very good deal. So good I could not pass it up. It needs a few repairs, but I was going to drive it until the spring and sell it (make a few bucks) and get a cruiser.

I've had the disco for a week and I am already tired of it. It would be great if I was a doctor who stayed on road and could afford the gas. Sure is smooth, but I can't believe were it will not go. On road it drives great, off road well... um... it's no cruiser.

The savings in fuel and insurance will pay for a cruiser. I was initially going to keep the Disco until spring. But at an estimated $400 CND a month in gas, it has to go - versus $150 in diesel for a cruiser. Plus the disco is about $50 more a month to insure. I like going places (camping, fishing, hiking, hot springs etc...) and the disco is going to be to expensive.

I am going to get a Diesel 60 series instead. I was going to get a 81 from Japan, but after thinking about it I don't want to spend that much.

Anyways, sorry to ramble. I thought people would find this funny. I do...
At least I will be able to say in confidence to any Disco owner that I MUCH prefer a cruiser. I gave it a chance and its not for me. So everyone out there give yourself a pat on the back. You made the right choice!

Cheers,
Nick

 

[cruiser_guy]

Told you so!! If you come visit at Christmas maybe you can find a nice diesel '80 series here, even left hand drive. One teacher bought one last year for about $10,000 US.

 

[nickw]

I know, I know. I should of listened to people.
Oh well, at least I can still make some money flipping it.

I ran into a good friend this morning when getting some coffee. He has a 84 BJ60 with a rebuilt 3B. It has rust problems with the body, but the drivetrain is good. I jokingly offered a trade. I think he thought I was serious and politely answered "um, no thanks".

Cheers,
Nick

 

[cwb]

I"m not sure I buy the Disco being harder on gas than a Cruiser.

 

[nickw]

I"m not sure I buy the Disco being harder on gas than a Cruiser.

The Disco is an automatic with a 4.0 Liter V8 which has to run on premium (91 Octane or better). Around town I am getting about 11mpg, on the highway 14 or 15mpg. Thats also if I am being nice, the harder the gas pedal goes down the more gas it drinks.

When I first got it I was driving it hard trying to burn any carbon out. The trip back (about 80 miles) it got 11.18mpg on the highway. Ouch!

Any cruiser I get would have the 3B or 2H diesel engine with a 5 speed.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[brian]

So everyone out there give yourself a pat on the back. You made the right choice!

Cheers,
Nick

we know

 

[cruiser_guy]

Nick,
If you are seriously looking for a BJ60 (and I think the 3B is a better engine than a 2H) check the rear shock crossmember where it ties into the frame. That's the area where rust seems to start. I'll bet you won't find one without some serious rust issues. I'll e-mail you about a friend of ours who's 'Cruiser you can have a look at to see what I mean.

 

[nickw]

Hello Cruiser_guy,

Then engine in the Japanesee imports are the 12HT Turbo. I don't know tons about that engine. How good are they.

I also took the Disco out again tonight and I guess I should not slam it so hard. We went up a powerline, but intead of using the switchbacks we went straight up (There was a road). A friend (and Ih8mud member) was with me and we figured it was about a 30' slope. The Disco went up in 4 low with the center diff lock. At the top there was big rocks but I was able to come to a a stop and still get going again with minimal spin out. I am now thinking the factor holding it back is articulation due to the of lack lift. However a 1.75 inch OME lift should cure this. I would imagine that it would make a disco a capable off-road machine. However it still does not make it a reliable vechile or any better on gas.

None the less I am still going to get the cruiser. At least I can now say the Disco is not such a "soccer mom" truck.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[Arleaux]

I found my Disco capable in the woods,

Just got tired of the damn thing breakin.

 

[RoddQLD]

I've got the Aussie cruiser with the 12h-t engine. It is one of the best Turbo diesels out there. I get 26mpg on a trip (imperial gallons) and it has heaps of grunt. It is now up to 498000 kms, so reliability hasn't been an issue. If you got hold of one of these with low miles, then you will have a very reliable, and economical engine.