Discovery and Mercedes tow car test in the latest mag

[MichaelE]

I have read with interest the test between the Discovery and Mercedes ML in the
latest Mag edition.

It seems the test was pretty close but i don't think the test shows the
complete picture of ownership?

The Disco retains 64% after 3 years but is more expensive in the first instance
so this wipes away some of the gain, but its running costs which they haven't
taken into account!

For a start the Disco Road tax is £465 a year , the Merc is £215 ( £750
difference over 3 years) plus as you don't tow all the time the fuel consumption
becomes important, with a difference of 7 miles per gallon this equals approx
£28 loss per fill up (90 lts) compared to the Merc.

Average 12k a year = approx 20 fill ups =approx £560 a year extra to fill up
the Disco.

Running costs are very important these days and the Disco will cost an
approx £2000 extra over 3 years to run.

Servicing is about the same serviced every year.
It does seem now that Discoveries reign is coming to an end even What car now have the BMW X3 as its 4x4 of the year.

 

[otherclive]

Totally agree and that's why I've just bought an 18 yr old Pajero on which everything still works for less than either the Disco or Merc wheels.

 

[Gybe]

With the Mercedes you'll not have the pompous just pay us loads of money we're doing you a favour B S attitude and experience that comes as a part of most LR dealerships I've had the misfortune too deal with

 

[Martin24]

Well done on the Pajero Clive!! Loved our LWB that we had!! And at least you haven't got the dreaded BMW or Mercedes badge image problem with it!!

 

[Parksy]

Totally agree and that's why I've just bought an 18 yr old Pajero on which everything still works for less than either the Disco or Merc wheels.

A Paj is hard to beat as a towing vehicle, I'm guessing that you went for the 2.8?
Pajero's benefit from regular engine oil changes, for average 10 000 miles per year every 3 months is recommended, use semi synthetic 10w/40, and fuel and air filter changes, at least every 6000 miles. You should have some good years of trouble free towing with the Paj, I've had three to date.

 

[otherclive]

Yes she' a liitle beauty. 1995 SWB auto 2.8TD with 74000 miles on the clock. Had new Falken Wild Peaks fitted yesterday and all the oils have now arrived from Opie; that's tomorrows job. Plan to get her undersealed as shes in such good condition it would be a shame to let her deteriorate. Came with new towbar and I need to fit a 13 pin socket. The XC70 looks a little jealous of all the 'gifts' being lavished on 'Madge'. I think the Pajero will do the C&CC and CL/CS vistits and the XC70 for the Caravan Club sites (standards you know!!!!)

 

[Parksy]

............. I think the Pajero will do the C&CC and CL/CS vistits and the XC70 for the Caravan Club sites (standards you know!!!!)

I dunno though Clive, Pajero's are thirsty beasts so CC members might award you bonus 'posh points' for being wealthy enough to run a Paj.

 

[Surfer]

I have heard a rumour that most imports from Japan cannot tow anything in the UK as they are not plated to do so and that they are startingt o clamp down on them. I have no idea how true it is, but if it is, it does raise a lot of concerns for Hi Lux Surf owners as none of them are plated with a gross maximum train weight and could be towing illegally. I know my Surf never had a gross maximum weight for vehicle or train weight I have no idea on the Pajero. Road & Construction regulations state that it shoudl have these weights on the VIN plate. Has any one else heard about this as I think it is just a rumour?

 

[Parksy]

At a guess I'd say that these regulations apply to vehicles imported within a relatively recent time frame.
I also read the 'rumour' on Caravan Talk

The relevant facts and figures are on the paperwork supplied by the importers and therefore a correctly imported 'grey' import from Japan would be exempt, and mine was properly imported.
The the age of the vehicle would mean that mine is outside the regulatory period anyway so I won't be losing any sleep over these regulations as far as my towing vehicle is concerned.

 

[Surfer]

At a guess I'd say that these regulations apply to vehicles imported within a relatively recent time frame.
I also read the 'rumour' on Caravan Talk

The relevant facts and figures are on the paperwork supplied by the importers and therefore a correctly imported 'grey' import from Japan would be exempt, and mine was properly imported.
The the age of the vehicle would mean that mine is outside the regulatory period anyway so I won't be losing any sleep over these regulations as far as my towing vehicle is concerned.

I asked the poster to post links as on the Surf forum there was no mention of it so isuggest that it is a figment of his imagination!

 

[billy2]

Iloved my Pajero 2.8 manuall L/W.Got rid of it when speedo hit 210.000 mls .Was like new underneath as never encounter salt or ice on the roads ,had it waxolyed by my local garage before i started to use it as they come in just black paint.Bought an xtrail after that for better MPG but not in the same class as the Paj and didnt keep it to long as although better MPG reliability was an issue and started to become expensive.
I now run a Mercedes ML 270 Auto,it is turning out to be a cracking car good MPG realy nice ride (bit like driving your favourite armchair)and a good looker to boot.

 

[RayS]

Hi Billy, agree with you about the ML270 - had mine for 8 years before changing to current E class - new ML far too much money.
If yoour is some years old, suggest you check the service book to see if MB change transmission oil at some service. On mine (51 plate) I was told it is a 'sealed for life' gearbox. However, there was a spate of gearbox failures from around 70,000 miles onwards.
Pre-failure symptoms included a reluctance to change to a higher ratio e.g. having just crested a hill, and the change lever becoming very hot to the touch. It may be worth considering having the fluid changed by a MB specialist where the labour charges will be about haolf those of a main dealer. Google Mercedes Benz Owners and you should be able to see a list of such specialists registered with this club.

 

[Essexeddie]

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[billy2]

Sorry only just picked your message up Ray.Yes think its a good idea to get the oil and filter changed in the auto box,have read on problems with some when towing mine has been fine up till now.I am thinking of a major service before putting van on this year so will get a price to include that in the service.I find its great to tow and so relaxing being auto.Mine is a 2004 with 81.000 mls on clock looks and runs like a new one,realy happy with it,payed well under £5000 so got myself a bargain.