Hello all, I am based in Germany and I am looking to buy a Discovery 4 / LR4.
I have done a bit of research and I am still not sure whether to go for a locally sourced 3.0 Turbo Diesel or import a 5.0 Normally Aspirated Petrol from the UAE. Including transport and import of a 5.0 from the UAE, the cost of both alternatives should be very similar.
Here my Pros / Cons list
5.0 Petrol
Pros
Currently, no foreseeable restrictions entering German cities
Less vulnerable to variable fuel quality
More relaxed cruising on the German Autobahn
Cons
Appalling fuel economy
Less torque
No heated seats!
3.0 Diesel
Pros
Better fuel economy
More torque
Cons
Potential ban from entering cities here in Germany
Fuel quality and possible problems with DPF and ECU
Availability of Diesel fuel for private vehicles in some East European / Asian countries
As you can see, I currently have found more pros for the Petrol than the diesel, but the 2 Pros that I have for the diesel are very important points and more immediate as I am not sure when and how often we will be travelling more further afield!
A point on which I am unsure at the moment is reliability:
I have read quite a bit about engine and crankshaft failures with the 3.0 Diesel.
How widespread are the problems, how seriously should I take this point?
How reliable are the supposed improved post 2012 diesel engines, and from which VIN?
I have not found much information on the reliability of the 5.0 normally aspirated petrol engine, I take that this is due to one of two reasons:
1) There are no known major problems – people are more likely to write their opinions if they have something to complain about!
2) Fewer vehicles on the road with this engine, and those on the road generally have lower mileage / are not used as hard as the diesel engine versions.
What are the known weak points of this engine?
I would welcome your experiences / views / opinions.
