Hi all
Feeling a bit depressed reading all the DPF thread so thought I might change the theme a bit by updating on our vehicle. And you can tell by the title that the dreaded DPF has not struck us -- yet.
Just on that we use (mainly) Caltex just cause the local is about 4 cpl cheaper than the supermarkets even after the docket discount. We have used 1 tank from Coles and now on a tank from Woollies. The vehicle is not used as a daily driver and most trips would be 30+ kms. Although I did try last week to emulate short drives by driving into town 2.5kms leaving the car for 30 minutes and driving back. Did this 6 times over 2 days.
But back to the theme.
Vehicle done 7200 kms now and about half with the camper (1.2T approx loaded) attached. Have observed fuel use at below 11 l/km but only on highway driving and not loaded, generally around town is showing 11.5>12.5. On our trip this weekend we did over 1000kms and noted 15.5 l/km on the way west with a raging head wind and 13.4 l/km on the way back. Not unhappy with the latter given the load we had on and can't blame the car for the head wind. These readings are only from the display panel but arithmetic checks on this weekend show about the same level.
Problems??
1)Vehicle delivered with a leaking oil seal which took a couple of goes to find as it was minute and seemed worse only after lots of kms travel. But fixed now.
2)Bluetooth connection unuseable but fixed after I raised it with dealer. But why was the car delivered with the problem when they obviously knew about it??
What do we like??
1)Vehicle is extremely comfortable to drive, quiet, handles the camper load no worries and has power to spare. We can now pass slower vehicles with the camper on whereas with the 3.5L NM it took a long time to wind it up.
2)The diesel "rattle" reported by some is only noticeable at low revs in too high a gear, ie when the driver is slack. The vehicle wants to stay in a higher gear and unless it is kicked back or changed manually then it rattles. Ours has not had an "ECU upgrade", if such a thing does exist.
3) Instrument panel is great, clear, easy to read.
4)Rear vision mirror auto dimming a real safety plus. As are the head lights, so much so that I will not bother putting the driving lights on.
5)In car DVD set up was great this weekend with the gkids in the back. We would not have selected this if it had been an optional extra but we are now happy with the fact that it is there.
What don't we like/not happy with??
1)There are some "wank" factors on the vehicle that are unnecessary and it would have been better with real value items. For eg the seat warmers will probably never be used but keyless entry/start would help us grey haired lot when we struggle to fine the keys amongst the pocket or hand bag rubbish. Reversing sonar is old technology and would be enhanced by vision. Cannot turn the rear sonar off (permanently) even with the trailer on and yet cheaper vehicles have this option.
2)Suspension is marginally or no better in handling a load than the NM, which is disappointing as they claim to have upgraded it. So much so that it is off to the doctors for some work and more money.
3)Minor but the really dark interior is ordinary--- especially the dark carpet/rear mat covering which all show the dirt badly.
4) The 18 inch rims/tyres obviously present an issue if you want to fit off road tyres and I am yet to resolve what we will do.
5)The rear wheel position and cover is a botch. I would be surprised if the plastic cover does not shake apart the first long trip we do off bitumen. I have arranged with 4x4Equip to modify it so I can remove the cover easily before heading out and so that we can use the axe/shovel holder on the spare wheel. Will not look the best but will be much more practical.
So, all in all as you can probably tell, we are very happy with the vehicle.
Just that now I constantly drive along checking the display panel for the dreaded indicator lights to show up....
Feeling a bit depressed reading all the DPF thread so thought I might change the theme a bit by updating on our vehicle. And you can tell by the title that the dreaded DPF has not struck us -- yet.
Just on that we use (mainly) Caltex just cause the local is about 4 cpl cheaper than the supermarkets even after the docket discount. We have used 1 tank from Coles and now on a tank from Woollies. The vehicle is not used as a daily driver and most trips would be 30+ kms. Although I did try last week to emulate short drives by driving into town 2.5kms leaving the car for 30 minutes and driving back. Did this 6 times over 2 days.
But back to the theme.
Vehicle done 7200 kms now and about half with the camper (1.2T approx loaded) attached. Have observed fuel use at below 11 l/km but only on highway driving and not loaded, generally around town is showing 11.5>12.5. On our trip this weekend we did over 1000kms and noted 15.5 l/km on the way west with a raging head wind and 13.4 l/km on the way back. Not unhappy with the latter given the load we had on and can't blame the car for the head wind. These readings are only from the display panel but arithmetic checks on this weekend show about the same level.
Problems??
1)Vehicle delivered with a leaking oil seal which took a couple of goes to find as it was minute and seemed worse only after lots of kms travel. But fixed now.
2)Bluetooth connection unuseable but fixed after I raised it with dealer. But why was the car delivered with the problem when they obviously knew about it??
What do we like??
1)Vehicle is extremely comfortable to drive, quiet, handles the camper load no worries and has power to spare. We can now pass slower vehicles with the camper on whereas with the 3.5L NM it took a long time to wind it up.
2)The diesel "rattle" reported by some is only noticeable at low revs in too high a gear, ie when the driver is slack. The vehicle wants to stay in a higher gear and unless it is kicked back or changed manually then it rattles. Ours has not had an "ECU upgrade", if such a thing does exist.
3) Instrument panel is great, clear, easy to read.
4)Rear vision mirror auto dimming a real safety plus. As are the head lights, so much so that I will not bother putting the driving lights on.
5)In car DVD set up was great this weekend with the gkids in the back. We would not have selected this if it had been an optional extra but we are now happy with the fact that it is there.
What don't we like/not happy with??
1)There are some "wank" factors on the vehicle that are unnecessary and it would have been better with real value items. For eg the seat warmers will probably never be used but keyless entry/start would help us grey haired lot when we struggle to fine the keys amongst the pocket or hand bag rubbish. Reversing sonar is old technology and would be enhanced by vision. Cannot turn the rear sonar off (permanently) even with the trailer on and yet cheaper vehicles have this option.
2)Suspension is marginally or no better in handling a load than the NM, which is disappointing as they claim to have upgraded it. So much so that it is off to the doctors for some work and more money.
3)Minor but the really dark interior is ordinary--- especially the dark carpet/rear mat covering which all show the dirt badly.
4) The 18 inch rims/tyres obviously present an issue if you want to fit off road tyres and I am yet to resolve what we will do.
5)The rear wheel position and cover is a botch. I would be surprised if the plastic cover does not shake apart the first long trip we do off bitumen. I have arranged with 4x4Equip to modify it so I can remove the cover easily before heading out and so that we can use the axe/shovel holder on the spare wheel. Will not look the best but will be much more practical.
So, all in all as you can probably tell, we are very happy with the vehicle.

Just that now I constantly drive along checking the display panel for the dreaded indicator lights to show up....
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