Subject: Diesel or LPG? Author: Rob Date: June 10, 2010 at 23:01
Hi,
I`m looking for a 4x4 which will tow >3500kg. I know a Disco will do it, and am pretty sure a Trooper, Patrol & Landcruiser will also. What i`m really after is peoples thoughts on whether to go for Diesel or LPG?
I`ve got a small budget, upto about £2500, so any diesel would be an older unit, such as the 200/300tdi in a Disco, and not a TD5.
I`d guess with a Diesel I`d be looking at about 15-18mpg when towing, and about 10mpg with a big V8 on LPG. Obviously the costs of LPG would even that out. In people sopinions, would I be better suited to getting a diesel or a V8 LPG`d petrol 4X4?
All opinions and advice greatly appreciated.
Rob
Replies:
Author: Paul Date: June 15, 2010 at 00:03
I have a 1996 4.6 v8 auto Rangerover(134000 miles) converted to lpg several years ago using a RPI system. I can hold 110 litres of gas which gives me about 250 miles towing and 300 solo depending on conditions. I tow a Baily Senator Indiana with ease- it is a joy to be able to be in total command of the rig upto about 70mph if required and also be able to overtake or pull away at junctions with confidence. Back calculating with the much cheaper cost of gas means that this is a very economic vehicle when you consider the power and luxury - it equates to 30 MPG if my sums are right based on LPG cost 0f £60-65 a fill. The Rangerover can be expensive to repair but so can Jap stuff and my experience is that the jap stuff is a lot more thirsty and parts are actually a lot more costly. I have not had a problem with the Rangerover for the 3 years I have had it basically, although i have worried if it did as there are a multitude of things that could go wrong! I have looked for a cheaper,better buy but can't find one and thus am going to hedge my bets by buying a newer model - lets hope it is a wise decision but hey thats the same for any motor - they all break down some time and they all cost you money the question is how much.... I would thoroughly recommend the Rangerover but you need to source a good local mechanic to make sure you can afford to service it at a reasonable price -I have one! I could spend £1500 to repair the climate control ,cruise control and a few other cometics but there seems little point when they are just not really necessary
