I intend to keep using the Tdi for as long as I can buy parts for it - or someone in Brussels decides that I can't drive it anymore...

Yes there are clear advantages with the TDV6 - its has excellent power/torque and good economy, but it is not without problems. I know as I used to work for Land Rover and drive them every day.

Yes the long wheelbase gives a nice smooth ride with minimul overhangs, but on a coiler, you also have a very poor ramp angle without the air suspensions ability to raise the vehicle - Im not a fan of air suspension either, the compressor should be a beefy unit that you can use to adjust tyre pressures and doesnt overheat every 10 minutes.

I havent been in the UK for the last 5 years, but on the first few years of the D3's production, look up under the back bumper and see the steel weights hanging off the chassis - done to try and balance out the engine weight beceause it caused excessive understeer - thats why the thing weighs 2.7 tons.

The disadvantages of a modern diesel are without question too and every vehicle is a compromise - my 90 Tdi is far from perfect, its slow, underpowered and unrefined, but its simplicity and light weight are winners for me -how long I will be allowed to drive it for is another matter.

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca