[Which Discovery 4 / LR4 - 3.0 TDV6 or 5.0 V8?]

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.