Hi,
Been reading the forum for a while, but this is my first post. I hope it's not been asked before and I just can't use the search function the way it should be used.

I am planning on buying a 2002 - 2004 Vogue early next year, I have been keeping an eye on prices and even test-drove a couple. I was planning on getting one that has been LPG converted to save on the fuel costs. A friend recently told me that I would get a better fuel economy if I bought a diesel. Is this true??

Is the running and servicing costs going to be less with a diesel than LPG.

I thought I would ask the people who are most likely to know.

Thanks in advance.

Quote:

A friend recently told me that I would get a better fuel economy if I bought a diesel. Is this true??

You'll also pay more for a Diesel RR. Where as you can pick up a 4.4 Vogue very cheaply these days, either already converted, or with the money you save you can spend that. I sold my LPG converted Vogue for £10,100

You also have the benefit of using a lot of BMW components which are cheaper than LR and interchangeable with the BMW M62 engine as used in basically every V8 BMW. 

smile Dan that was cheap RR motoring £10k is the annual depreciation on a new vehicle for the first few years

Vogue wrote:

smile Dan that was cheap RR motoring £10k is the annual depreciation on a new vehicle for the first few years

I paid 12K for it and had it for 2 years, so really that's not too bad I don't think... But I bought smart just before road tax revision and hoped to sell it for nearer 12K.

Either way, love my new one. Just gotta get it converted ASAP. 

now thats a perfect example of good value motoring, a cheap tinny eurotrash box would have cost more

The main thing I have found having driven both LPG V8 and Diesel is the accessibility to the LPG stations. Wander off piste and it gets all expensive again. Spent far to much time on holidays chasing none existant LPG stations on unreliable map overlays.

Other factors - Maintaining an LPG equipped V8 at the top end of the engine is twice the work if you do need to strip it down. If you dont service your own cars and do need to strip the top end down - such as head gasket replacement then twice the work = twice the labour costs. Some Garages won't quote on repairs to LPG cars so you need to find one sympathtic to LPG. An LPG system is just something else to break. They also require service with in line filters that need to be changed so they aren't fit and forget.

Many Landrover dealers won't touch LPG'd cars as trade ins.

With regard to the cross matching of BMW parts - if you are looking at the TD6 this is also a BMW engine so I'd forget that as a decission making point.

When you come to sell Diesel will hold its price better, many folks will shy from a aftermarket LPG conversion and prefer something standard. Though an enthusiast who is also a petrol head may snap your hand off.. though at a price.

As for the cost / value... sit down and do the Maths, it really depends on the milage you do.

There is an argument that service costs on Diesels are higher. I just paid my local Landrover dealer to service my TD6 - £140 using non genuine landrover recommended parts. I.E. same but without the gren oval on the box.

Whilst I love the sound of a V8, especially through tubular sports manifold systems... there is the reality that the diesel for me makes far more sense. If a sexy exhaust note is what you desire then TD6 can deliver.

Click here.......Brrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmm 2010 Disco XS TDV6, 2009 Freelander 2 GS

Previous Landrover products -1990 110 TDI CSW, 2003 TD6 Vogue - RRC TD Vogue, RRC v8 Fleetline, Disco ES V8 LPG, 101 Ambulance "Morph", 1964 SIIa Auto Powered by Jag 4.2 Lump - "Percy".

Quote:

Many Landrover dealers won't touch LPG'd cars as trade ins.

Vogue wrote:

Quote:

Many Landrover dealers won't touch LPG'd cars as trade ins.

most won't even work on one either, or even allow it in the workshop...

Really? Can't say I've ever had a problem. Even had recall work done with no probs.

Plus in reality who uses LR Dealers other than whilst you're in the warranty period. If you can afford to use the dealer you can afford not to have LPG! 

Is there a safety issue with LPG, what if someone shunts you on the motorway, can it explode?... 2004 black Vogue TD6

Safer than petrol in a crash or fire...

It's not like it's new tech! 

Do Eurostar still stop LPG cars from going on the trains through the tunnel? 2006 Mercedes CLS
1991 Retro-style Mini
But really finding it hard to fight the urge for a S/C...

had lpg on my chrysler voyager, had that from 18 months old and kept it for 6 years, never had a prob..lpg was 26p a lt when i first had it..never had a prob finding a station and must of ran it 95% of the time on lpg
all i can say that i done 50,000 miles in that and it was a great car made better due to the lpg... V8 facelift Range Rover Autobiography 22" wheels.
1976 Harley Davidson Iron Head Sportster

M44K TS wrote:

Do Eurostar still stop LPG cars from going on the trains through the tunnel?

Thanks for the advice, yous are a helpfull lot. I am starting to consider a diesel option a bit more now. I will keep you guys up to date with any purchases and I am sure I will be on for more advice and help.