Hi Blackheather,
I Love my V10. I do quite a bit of towing off-raod, TVAN, Tandem Trailer with 10-15 Dirt bikes.
If you want horses, comfort and torque when you need it, the V10 is with-out question the holly grail.
I had a Holden VX 5.7 300kW for 4 years, and the V10 blows it away in style, economy, driving pleasure and comfort on the bituman and off-road.
There are a couple of issues you need to be aware of, but setting them aside, I would purchase the same again even at the new price tag. I purchased my v10 as factory executive, my V10 was used in all the Aussie adds.
The issues:-
1. Tyres for off-road work can be an issue, 19" rims
2. Rear boot space is limited for long trips with no trailer
3. OEM tyres are crap, suggest do your home work and get high tyre wear rating between 300 to 500.
4. Diesel fuel quality can sometimes see economy go high, 13/100km, generally economy is 11.2 to 12.6/100
5. Can not fit winch
6. Very little under body protection
7. Difficult to fit recovery points, must use screw in hook provided.
8. Lack of aftermark accessories
9. Lack of room for full size spare, when ordering, get one included.
All the positives, the following is what most Cruiser and Patrol owners would love to have:-
1. Auto levelling.
2. Full height control.
3. Dual Battery.
4. No external moving parts on engine to faul, only A/C drive shaft.
5. Centre and rear diff locks work fantastic.
6. Traction system is responsive and works well.
7. Brakes are fantastic, will stop you instantly.
8. Low range is great and traction with combined diff locks, 4motion control is great off-road.
9. Cabin features are functional and easy to reach.
10. Safety of 10 air bags.
11. Safety of ESP is fantastic.
12. Off-road traction at high speed is fantastic.
13. In cabin comfort, silence and when driving long distance, comfort is No. 1.
14. Towing 1.5 ton is easy, vehicle handles very well, auto levelling is great.
Test drive R5 first then v10, don't be scared to put the foot down, it will put you back in the driver's seat, R5 is fine, but compared to V10, it more like a Sunday church drive. Sorry R5 owners.
I have a friend with V6 Disco 3 and he complains the Disco 3 lacks the get up and go when towing 1.5 ton when towing, compared to V10 it is laim.
If you live in Melbourne, I can arrange a test drive of my donk.
Cheers
Gerald