Hello from Worcestershire in England

[KeithL]

Hello everyone. We currently drive a 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2 for our green-lane adventures but it is getting a bit long in the tooth and it's not unknown for it to develop a fault. We are looking to replace it with something a bit more modern, better equipped and more comfortable. We first looked at the Grenadier when it was announced a couple of years ago but held off until the car was a bit more established and any teething problems had been resolved - we got caught out once before by being an early adopter and didn't want to repeat the experience. In the meantime the new Toyota Landcruiser 250 was announced which showed great promise but in the UK they are virtually unobtainable and we're not going to spend £80K on a car we have only seen once and we have never driven. Someone we know recently swapped their Toyota Hilux for a Grenadier and are very pleased with it so we thought we would take another look.

I have joined the Forum to see what people think of their cars, find out what the support from Ineos is like, learn of any issues we need to watch out for, and look out for any tips that might be of help. We are looking at a Trialmaster Station Wagon with a few extras but haven't decided between diesel or petrol at this stage. Petrol avoids the issues with DPF filters and Adblue and is cheaper in the UK, but diesel give much better fuel consumption and torque, which is no bad thing in a truck of this weight.

 

[Max]

Hello Keith.
Welcome on board a forum of like-minded people who are interested enthusiasts or and owners. All with different and varied thoughts but generally a fairly positive collective here that can give many critical thinking approaches as you will see on the forum.

I have the Trialmaster Station Wagon Scottish white with the black roof. IMO, the black roof shortens the height of the vehicle and has a better proportional look.

My other extras are the Saddle Leather plus the rear door table, side steps, heavy duty rubber matts, black alloy rims and BFG KO2 tyres.
I do have the Diesel and now 56000klm in and the motor is still freeing up with better economy on the way. I didn't have an option in mind the diesel is IMO the best for the style of driving I am doing with the Gren, it is safer and the torque is brilliant. So towing becomes a breeze.
And it hasn't come without the new vehicle syndrome, the steering is different and is fantastic once used to it, you will read about the footrest but I can not understand all that. I think your driving position can be an issue, It takes time behind the wheel to master that. I sit high and as far back as I can but still want to see the front corners of the mudguards.

Recalls on Transfer-case, door opening push buttons, engine cover.
Warranty claims on side steps rusting after heavy duty dirt rock rock chips, Oil feeder hose to the turbo becoming common on here and raised air intake indicator OZ only.

The vehicle is a game changer for me and my wife. Good luck with your new vehicle

 

[KeithL]

@Max , if we had known we could have popped in when we we were over in Queensland last November.

Useful information - thank you. We are also looking at Scottish White, and it is interesting what you say about the black roof. I will pass that on to the design team and she will take a look. We don't ever tow anything so the petrol/diesel choice is a little less clear cut for us. Are Ineos responsive when there are issues?

 

[CRH]

@Max , if we had known we could have popped in when we we were over in Queensland last November.

Useful information - thank you. We are also looking at Scottish White, and it is interesting what you say about the black roof. I will pass that on to the design team and she will take a look. We don't ever tow anything so the petrol/diesel choice is a little less clear cut for us. Are Ineos responsive when there are issues?

The IA side steps rust just from road use. Had mine replaced under warranty but expect to rust again. Will purchase aftermarket ones when out of Warranty.
I think in UK the mpg of petrol to diesel will be more obvious. The DPF filters are in petrol vehicles nowadays but don't worry with a diesel you will get to enjoy the DPF burn function, and anyone else within a 5 mile radius You do get used to it but bit of a shock first time.
My safari windows still leak when parked facing up hill after many attempts to fix but OK on flat or facing downhill.
The heating, HVAC system is a mystery to it's self, so ask your mate how he's getting on with that.

Other issues have cropped up over the world but then so do other vehicles.

You need to take on a long test drive, think about it, then try another one. You won't be able to add lockers or the additional wiring and switches after production so decide what you want. If you are greenlaning I'm guessing you will want the lockers.

Also check where you nearest dealer is with regards to service and warranty work. Also ring them to check they are offering both as not all do currently.

I use mine mainly for long distance (UK) driving and mild greenlaning. The vehicle is far more capable than I need.

Conclusion;
I love my vehicle and plan to keep as long as I can easily get diesel

 

[KeithL]

Thank you @CRH . More useful info.

 

[KeithL]

My safari windows still leak when parked facing up hill after many attempts to fix but OK on flat or facing downhill.

Is it common for the Safari Windows to leak? We rather fancied those as it lets in more light as well as being useful for ventilation.

The heating, HVAC system is a mystery to it's self, so ask your mate how he's getting on with that.

What is the particular issue with the HVAC? I haven't really looked at it in depth.

 

[CRH]

Is it common for the Safari Windows to leak? We rather fancied those as it lets in more light as well as being useful for ventilation.



What is the particular issue with the HVAC? I haven't really looked at it in depth.

The safari roof leak was common at first, seals were changed and most were sorted. There is 1 drainage hols at the lower outside corner for each window. Some have had a repair to the connectors for this too. The problem with me is that the window and roof is angled down so they only put the 1 drain hole at the bottom. My drive is steep, when I reverse down the safari windows can be flat or angled back so the drainage hole becomes useless. The latch has been tightened which may have helped a bit. The seal has been re-done that many times I'm sure that it probably doesn't sit right due to the silicone probably not being cleaned properly by the technician, just a guess. So I don't think it will ever be right. If i park facing down or on the flat, which i can now we have sold a car it doesn't leak.

The heating system is temperamental to say the least. It doesn't do auto very well, extreme hot or cold are good if the aircon is gassed. In-between is hit and miss, it can be ok, you adjust then it goes cold unless on full heat. Blows hot out the back and cool up front warm face and cold feet. There are 2 expansion tanks either side of the bonnet at bas of windscreen that must be topped up or this will happen, or get worse. As I said ask your friend about how he is getting on with his, especially the heating.

 

[acwiltshire]

@Max , if we had known we could have popped in when we we were over in Queensland last November.

Useful information - thank you. We are also looking at Scottish White, and it is interesting what you say about the black roof. I will pass that on to the design team and she will take a look. We don't ever tow anything so the petrol/diesel choice is a little less clear cut for us. Are Ineos responsive when there are issues?

Welcome Keith
I was an early adopter and have a diesel Fieldmaster in Donny Grey. For a 2500 miles i was leant a petrol one whilst mine was having issues with water ingress ( that eventually was rejected and I got a brand new one ).
So i short I have put 2700 miles on my first one , 2500 on the petrol and now 6700 miles on mine.
The diesel is a must IMO the torque and delivery to the road is superb. The petrol did 19 mpg and the best i have had yet in diesel is 27. I dont tow.

Best features - road presence, comfort of long trips, and the Grenadier grin

good hunting
Simon

 

[KeithL]

Thanks Simon. Glad you are enjoying your car.