What's The Best Budget Off-Roader For $5,000? I Find Out By BREAKING One! ML vs. LR3 vs. Touareg

[@TFLcar]

Here’s what Happened when Tommy towed the ML to our mechanic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp-UamOte9KlppY

[@TFLcar]

@@dr-ok3sn We get almost no requests to switch to 4k. This is the first request in maybe two weeks. From our perspective its not worth the crazy editing and exporting times. We switched to 4k in 2015 and then switched back because nobody wanted or appreciated it

[@bernardhossmoto]

@@TFLcar same here, YT takes ages to process longer 4K videos

[@ColJonSquall1]

I was thinking it would be the ML during the intro, as the Touareg was built when VW was going tank mad with it and the Phaeton, and Land Rovers of that period usually don't have that kind of an issue, they tend to just be stall happy.

[@imaldon1]

Where's the Cayenne you guys showed months back?

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

@@TFLcar right! Who give a crap about 4k! You guys have great videos with great quality. I can see it just fine!

[@RichardVac]

ESP needed to be off on the Ml320, if you read the manual it tells you for extreme off road you need to turn ESP off. This will apply the breaks stronger on the wheels that needed traction, simulating lockers

[@schiopescuiustin-iacob3357]

I am stil driving an ML (270CDI- 2003). I have driven him in much more difficult Offroad paths (mud, stone&dust, snow&ice). And I strongly belive that the ML can much more than that if you at least disable the ESP.

[@markthorpe6847]

The ml might have lasted with a better driver.

[@tedinoue2727]

That’s exactly what I’m saying. Some terrain, my ML500 better than my G500.

[@oscarpallaresmedia21]

Totally

[@Theoneandonlyearthhuman]

Nope, the car couldnt handle it.

[@rastomasstanford7708]

I agree 💯.

[@RichardVac]

@@Theoneandonlyearthhuman I have an ML320 01 and have driven it on similar or worse terrain, I think Tommy forced the truck to many times and did not take the correct path till the end and that is why it made it up, but he already caused some internal damage to the transfer case, this ML's are built like real trucks, my ML is well maintained with fresh oils and it has served me 120k miles with nothing major broken, going through hard terrain

[@PoshCountry]

This was hard to watch. I wheel a ML over way harder terrain with far less struggle. Air pressures were way too high for that terrain.

[@laurensv4803]

I feel you, I've got the 430 from 2001 and never had any probz with eating terrain.

[@myauctionaddictionestatesa7451]

still delicate with open lousy diffs and t case

[@y4nnickschmitt]

@@Charismatic_Calvinist Yeah well most people don't know how to use tire pressure to their advantage. On another note, I don't think the terrain comes across on camera. So reading about how the ML owners all do WAY HARDER terrain on a regular makes me wonder....😂

[@Jester123ish]

@@myauctionaddictionestatesa7451 Not really open diffs, Mercedes use a torque proportioning system.

[@xxmeanyheadxx]

@@tallen7881 because traction is bad ...?

[@RoverRacer913]

Air pressure boys, everything would gave benefited with a little less psi

[@gpaje]

These guys are experienced off-roaders, I would think they would lower down unless they mentioned a reason for not?

[@RoverRacer913]

@@gpaje if its not a crazy long run or super "hard" trail, they don't always air down at all, you can see tire bouncing not flexing. I'm aware these guys are good, I have wheeled with them a few times, but again all the trucks will benefit if taken to 15-18 psi. Many times im sure they don't have the time to always air up and down while shooting video

[@ericksanchez7787]

They said it a couple of time that they test it the same way a average person going off road without experience would go so that means without airing down tires

[@Alienking01]

@@ericksanchez7787 then that "average person" should not expect to go far. Or maybe inform them self before going offload.

[@ericksanchez7787]

@@Alienking01 common let's be real here does the average person even do off-road like this the most they see is a gravel road and you defeneatley don't need to air down

[@MrTbeat15]

With a good driver the lr3 would have walked up that

[@IowaLR4]

agreed. he freaked out about blowing an air bag on a little bump? wtf?!? LR4 owner cringing here.

[@ZachKeller]

He should have been in mud and ruts, and manual gear, in 1 or 2nd gear. Rock crawl mode limits the throttle response so bad, it;'s almost impossible to bump anything.

[@jacoburias5865]

My dad used to have one and it would do 2x harder stuff and it was like bone stock I guess it depends of the driver.

[@AllForTheBetter]

I have pretty much the same set up on my Disco 3 and I can tell you that made me cringe... The Land Rover is a very capable vehicle.

[@littlejln213]

Tommy is not a very good driver. I am sort of surprised with how much time off road he has. But then again, he is young...

[@DaltonTk423]

I've owned about 5 ML's over a few years (good flipping cars) and i've taken them off road in the dunes, rocks, mud and they do pretty well. You are incorrect about pushing the "Low Range" button and that's it for 4x4. You have to push the ESP button as well or the vehicle will think you are using the on road traction control. The ESP button changes it from on road to off road traction control. these things are amazing. I was cruising the dunes at glamis with jeeps and buggies and those things are pretty capable.

[@RichardVac]

True the ESP off with low range 71.1 Kroll was at the time the lowest Kroll ratio you can get on an suv, improvements to the 2000 to 2004 ML W163 ware made and more reliable too, easy to fix because it has great access to all the main components like the alternator, starter, my 01 ML320 has being nothing but reliable, also note that Tommy's ML was a 99 model this vehicles were improved and corrected after 2000 models, the transmission and traction ratio was changed the back wheels 52% and 48% to the front also the transmission tuned better

[@dannyp9214]

Got my 04 Disco ii for $2500 w/118k miles in the beginning of the year in great condition and has been one of the best cars I've owned!

[@donhappel9566]

Good for you - now join your local Rover club and get that thing out in the dirt where it belongs!

[@johnCarter-tx4yv]

Lr3 with HD package. Best cheap off roader you will find. Learning to use the other terrain responses will greatly improve your outcome. Lifting with the air suspension removes too much articulation. Use your iid tool to just slightly bump up over stock to preserve as much articulation as possible while gaining that touch of needed clearance. I prefer mud/ruts for most everything. Think you will find that combo in low much more useful.

[@ascendantrobin3230]

“jeeze dad, youre freakin’ me out” 😂👌

[@littlejln213]

Please spend some money on an off-road driving course for Tommy, it's hard to watch.

[@tgw230]

He was so scared several times, Dad had to tell him, go for it!

[@c_dub1356]

It really is. To me, these guys are jokes. Like...who thinks “extra lift” is unbearable?! This guys intestinal fortitude is weak. Tommy, you suck.

[@Prawjekskinyblack]

You guys forget, they’re making reviews for the average driver.. not “Profesionals” like yourselves. They did an awesome review, the likes and views go to show.

[@joeyoung3319]

@@Prawjekskinyblack ... and THEY FAIL MISERABLY. The average driver better never take off roading tips from this channel. Tommy and his dad are 2 of the WORST off roaders on KZbin. FULL STOP.

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

If you think they are so bad, why are you here?

[@1QKGLH]

I haven't seen this kind of inept driving ever. You have to use a little momentum sometimes. Not creep up to a step, then give it 25% throttle and be afraid to give it more.

[@halflife103]

yeah, im starting to feel that they are setting a VERY dangerous example... especially since they dont have a disclaimer or anything. They hardly know what they are doing and it is going to cause someone some serious harm one day.

[@pawo007]

The 4matic computer on the '99 ML is too slow to efficiently move the torque around in those conditions. Later models have significantly faster reaction time and more effectively move the torque around as needed. Very true about the engine, the M112 V6 (and M113 V8 its big brother) are some of the best engines ever built by MB. Failure is very rare.

[@philtripe]

i heard that metallic screeching noise three times before it broke... it warned you, now you know when to stop

[@ElCapitan8]

Y’all take everything so slow. Not saying full send but dang you definitely need momentum.

[@dericklegall4581]

I am glad someone noticed. You drive so slow almost as if you want to stick the vehicle. You never hit a huge obstacle and then accelerate. Come on guys. Get off roaders next time to drive.

[@cameronreynolds9264]

@@dericklegall4581 i think theyre trying to test the 4wd systems

[@krane15]

It easy to be judgemental when you're not the one behind the wheel.

[@ElCapitan8]

Krane it’s not judgmental, it’s just an observation as a consumer of content

[@krane15]

@@cameronreynolds9264 Slow and steady wins the race. Rock crawling is not about speed, its about precision and strategy. The idea is to complete the course (or get to your destination) without breaking anything.

[@authenthuse5165]

Thanks for sharing the both the highs and lows of the day and not editing out the misadventure with ML! What you guys are doing with these older SUVs is pretty unique (at least in US). I am hoping you will get a first gen X5 and XC90 and do a similar comparo!

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

The X5 would do terrible. Had one. Ran like a bat outta hell but my stock disco II had a much better traction control and had far less wheelspin even with open front center and rear diffs.

[@boundish1]

@@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix Yep and the xc90 has a haldex type 4wd system and thats crap offraod.

[@jackshotton9222]

rochab77 Old X5 runs the same base as the L322 Range Rover just without the electrics, it’s actually not bad.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

@@boundish1 exactly, these crossovers were never meant for real offroad, just added traction in the wet and snow. People need to understand that. Vehicles with a body on frame like the LR3 and ML are much more robust with heavier duty suspensions, tie rods etc. That BMW awd setup is more for performance than offroad. Thats why these vehicles don't have 2 speed transfer cases or any suspension travel.

[@y4nnickschmitt]

@@jackshotton9222 No it does not. Hint: no low range. X5 were always known for being terrible off-road. Unless you really just mean off the paved road. ✌️

[@dus10remi]

For an under $5000 offroader, y'all should get an early 2000s Mitsubishi Montero. They are Japanese reliable and off road capable. They are popular here in Uganda and allover Africa, as the Pajero, for their ability to handle these harsh roads and remain reliable while doing it. Would like to see y'all test one out in those trails. I feel they are underated there in the states.

[@MannyScoot]

I bought a 1999 ML320 with 160,000 miles and paid $1,500 for it (very clean)...... and runs great and has cold AC......But then started replacing things: 1. New Michelin LTX tires $1,000.00 2. New Rotors and brake pads $1,000.00 3. New Amsoil oil change $150.00 4. Replaced the Crank position sensor $325.00 5. Front and Rear Differential service $400.00 6. Transmission flush service $350.00 7. New fuel filter and pump replacement $800.00 I have invested over $5,500 invested but man she looks and runs like a new truck and I love her !

[@antoniobitt7]

Hey! I just got one.. what tire did you get? Im still thinking where im starting to replace/work

[@WHELDON74]

Joe Ninety needs to go on an off road driving course. This was pathetic.

[@raybourne5781]

Looks to me you should of aired down ?... like around 15psi

[@simeonejena7919]

The young Man really need to go for offroad driving lectures........... They just made the ML look incapable when a good offroad driver with a corolla can pass with ease.

[@90FirstGenPGT]

ML was second hand. Who knows what abuse it took prior to them buying it.

[@dericklegall4581]

Nah, it wasn't driven properly.

[@90FirstGenPGT]

@@dericklegall4581 lol... so..... that means it would just break that easily? I've done some effed up stuff way worse than that to lesser vehicles and never broke a car that easy.

[@dericklegall4581]

Hahahaha. Actually this is the second time I saw an ML retired from a challenge early because of mechanical problems. Hmmmm.

[@jameshyatt1514]

Common amongst “open center diff” vehicles. You can lose a CV and the diffs will send all the power to that wheel and no movement.

[@S.D.P.]

The son is an incredibly incompetent off road driver.

[@dericklegall4581]

Here here to that!!!! Totally agree.

[@1STGeneral]

Such a 🐈 if his battery would have lasted he'd brought one of his Tesla's out probably an upcoming video

[@akemonjames]

lol, so lets see some of your content. Oh, wait we can't as none of you have any of your incredible driving skills...

[@S.D.P.]

@@akemonjames Triggered much?

[@joeyoung3319]

LOL... LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON. 😄😄😄

[@randomsomeone1617]

I'd buy my dog a Rolex before spending a penny to fix that ML.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Why, you can beat on it for cheap?

[@Mcmerc01]

@@richfarfugnuven6308 you can beat on the MLs for days, theyre strong as

[@buckhorncortez]

I'm guessing your dog would win the best dressed award at the poker game...

[@randomsomeone1617]

@@richfarfugnuven6308 You can beat your dog too, doesn't mean its a good idea.

[@randomsomeone1617]

@@buckhorncortez 😂👍

[@haanjamiis]

To be fair, VW went a bit easier line imo (at the step-up). Still both VW and LR3 are very cool cars.

[@PerryCaulkins]

Yeah the tuareg is pretty capable, much more so than I would’ve imagined, especially being unibody and independent suspension

[@16jnajm]

I kind of think they’re all kind of cool, but the Touareg is prob the coolest.

[@spiskur]

To be faiirrrr

[@gc2234]

If that LR3 had the rear locker fitted... like the VW....it would have destroyed the other two cars.

[@CarlosSanchez-dk7oh]

I have a LR3 and I have gone through over those kind of roots without any problems, you just have to go easy with the throttle and let the Landy do the rest...

[@markthorpe6847]

I think a proper off road driver would have made them machines perform alot better..

[@nickspassmore]

🥱 these three vehicles are just sitting there, unable to contain the excitement of meeting a trail captained by Mark Thorpe… Also the word you were looking for was those not them… At least you’re a professional off road driver, not a person who can write…

[@dieselbeatz6739]

@@nickspassmore type* not write

[@emersonvella]

I think I've driven through worse in a tiny Toyota Starlet...

[@AURTHIANTUBE]

After owning bottom VW vento to a R line toureg...VW gives awesome cars... More importantly...VW service across India to UAE....loving it....

[@aTROLLthatBanks]

Replace that ml with a 2nd gen Montero SR. Factory rear air locker and a center locker. super affordable

[@Doc_Martin_Monty]

I was just gonna add that they need to get a 2nd Gen Montero SR and even get a 3rd Gen. My 3rd Gen with the OME lift has 12-13 inches of ground clearance.

[@Alienking01]

would love to see that. A 2. Gen Isuzu Trooper would be nice too.

[@qieedishmael9897]

I love my gen3, people sleep on monteros but they are affordable, rugged, and can go almost anywere stock

[@scottiebake]

Yes that would be awesome get a gen 2.5 montero with the winter package so keen to see that! They have a great community following aswell

[@406Steven]

Monteros are highly underrated. Very good offroad and very reliable, the worst part is the MPG.

[@tiredwallflower]

I have an ml320 and I could have made it up that easy peasy 🥰 Definitely the driver. I've drove mine up a rocky river leavy and it was way more steep and had no problems. You have to know how to handle them and drive it 🤦

[@essjee6956]

But you’re a woman

[@shepchester3567]

Very entertaining and enjoyable video chaps, but a couple of observations if I may. The Disco 3 got its front wheels over the obstacle fairly easily, square on, and if the momentum wasn't impeded, would possibly got the rears over also? Whereas the Touareg got the fronts stuck square on, and needed to practically go around the obstacle to get past it. I think a rematch is needed to see if the rear locker really dose give the Touareg an advantage?

[@donhappel9566]

100% correct; the VW and Rover both went around the obstacle, just the Rover right where the VW went left. The only challenge there was the step up over that one root. At that point, tire height is more important than lockers as a taller tire will more easily roll over a vertical step like that. So while of course a locker is superior (and a manually selectable one is always more desirable than a computer controlled one assuming a basic level of driver skill) in this particular instance I don't think it was a deciding factor. Given the all important nature of line choice even on ultra-mild trails like this a rematch is in order.

[@shepchester3567]

@@donhappel9566 Thanks for the reply Don, and agreed re lockers. I'm no off-road expert, but experienced drivers have always told me that correct and consistent, speed/momentum is critical. Not sure if it would of made much difference, but can't help but feel, a tad more speed without hesitation, would of got 3 over on first attempt?

[@AnissaEx]

@@shepchester3567 You're absolutely right, these guys are shooting themselves in the foot every time they do one of these videos because they don't hit the obstacles with momentum. I'm sure its because they think they will break something if they hit it with speed, but the truth is the way they are loading up the drivetrain by trying to throttle over the obstacles when all 4 wheels are spinning is far more likely to cause damage as is evident by the ML breaking.

[@SveinMBortne]

I bought a new ML 270 diesel in 2001 and I still have it. Never had trouble with it. Exept 3 battery changes. That car is assembled in Austria I think. The ML have more capabilities than this driver have skills and knowledge. I also have a BMW X5 530 diesel. Super Car! Fast comfort and capable to do this hill. This look more like Family Flinstone testing cars.

[@michaeldobson8859]

The cliffhanger is difficult because the root ditches are as deep as half the wheel diameter. When that is the case off roaring with small wheels is difficult for any drive system. Big diameter tires like 36” or a 35” verses a standard tire is the way to go. The problem with SUVs is that it’s nearly impossible to install those bigger tires like you can in a jeep or a pickup truck. All wheel drive SUVs are for light off roading. I would not attempt to climb over a root wall 1/2 the height of the wheel height in an SUV.

[@glenneric1]

I like the troubling-news reality show music playing during the malfunction. I kept thinking, ' I hope grandma doesn't have heartworms'!

[@hivemind88]

I really love videos with both of you on a trip together doing a challenge. Entertaining and wholesome at the same time!

[@zr2dad5]

the russian market touareg had a front diff lock too. also the running gear is the same across all touaregs meaning the v10 tdi torque monster has the same as the base v6.

[@Shareefhamida]

Very great duo, great respect to pops for giving the green light to take cliffhanger #1 with momentum.

[@aussiefabricator3381]

Do you guys leave high way pressure in the tyres?

[@mbmann3892]

As a Mercedes enthusiast, this isn’t a far comparison. But that ML chassy is tough. But that’s about is

[@benzardaniel-ioan3358]

I have a 2,5 touareg I love it, I might be moveing to Australia în The near future and Im gonna ship it there.. Never gonna sell it

[@IanSR1970]

Do your homework first Benzar. I'm not trying to criticise your plans or deter you in any way, but it can be bloody expensive to import a car into Australia, & very few models are actually allowed to be imported unfortunately 😕 Australia is however a fantastic place for off-roading, especially in my home state of Queensland. Best of luck with your plans mate 🇦🇺✌🏻

[@michaelryan1620]

Waste of $$$

[@RobB-vz2vo]

I had a 2009 ML430. I went off-road on a fairly well kept fire-trail except for some potholes. I hit one of these potholes with the LHS rear tyre at 5km/hr. The front tyre got through but the rear tyre came to an abrupt stop. The ML then made a roaring noise from the tyre after I managed to get going again. When I checked I found that the tyre was pushed back approximately 30mm. When I got back on the bitumen the noise turned into a screech and left a feint skid-mark on the road.The mechanic said that the lower arm was bent and so was the body or chassis. He said that everything needed to be taken off the chassis and put back on straight. My insurance company wrote the ML off. The heavy ML combined with a full payload appears to be a bit fragile off-road.

[@randypurtteman1183]

I'm really surprised that you didn't air the tires down any. A common tactic while rock or obstacle traversing.

[@KL00100]

I actually like these mishaps it gives us a opportunity to see the capabilities of the vehicle and repair cost are.

[@arielfernandez6303]

I would like to see a Lexus GX470 in your line up 😊

[@peterouuu]

ariel fernandez would def be the best. but it’s hard to find a decent one for 5k now

[@krane15]

The Land Cruiser, aka GX470 is more of a Jeep competitor that any of these, since it was designed for old-school rock crawling (rather than technology) and has been around much, much, longer.

[@katarinaericka-kristavonbr7000]

You’re wrong on the ML you have to push the low range but you also have to turn off the ESP fir better off routing capabilities

[@thomasmullins1783]

Those land rovers are awesome offroad. My friend has one. But... air suspension just gave out and its sitting on tjres now. Switching to mechanical springs soon and getting rid of the air bags. Its the 2nd set of air suspension on it too and under 150k miles

[@rubenbraekman4515]

Once you replace the air bags on an old land rover with coils they're the best!

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

Most times the suspension goes out because the air dryer doesn't get changed. A sure sign is it being low when you go to start it in the morning. The LR has a much higher pressure air system than the others, and that's why it can raise up and down so much faster. It's somewhere in the neighborhood of 200psi.

[@TexasBroskiActual]

Easy fixing. Like the other guy said: change the air dryer which is like $40. Also change the seals on the compressor for about $80. Can do this stuff yourself with $30 worth of Harbor Freight tools lol.

[@superdashgaming6469]

I had a 99 ML and she was my favorite but this video reminds of the day it broke down on the road and it look the same exact

[@andreasdidik3772]

I cannot believe how cheap that used LR3 is. In my country, that one would cost around USD 55,000 ! Best videos as always, TFL team. BR from Bali Island, Indonesia

[@mikec5820]

Other than IRS architecture and European origins, this trio shares one more distinction: MotorTrend SUV of the Year winners 2006 Land Rover LR3, Touareg 2004, and ML320 Truck of the Year 1998 Good taste and great videos. Glad to see someone takin them out there

[@hunterevans6909]

My lr4 has the rear locking dif and I know from experience it handles terrain so much easier than without it.

[@amyfreeze9772]

Do you still have LR4?

[@Pierre-Henri]

Ouch ! A really bad noise when it broke. I would choose the LR3 for my part (even if my favorite budget family offroader would be an old Cherokee XJ or a Toyota Land Cruiser SW 8 series but forbidden choice ;-) ).

[@aarynj]

The skill is driving a car to it's strengths and finding a line that works. Ploughing into an obstacle which is not makeable isnt great. Watch the channel 4WD 24/7 channel. Some proper offroad in Australia

[@littlejln213]

What happened to 4wd action? Why did they change the name?

[@markdotn5051]

This isn't about who is the better driver

[@GTAYLOR1972]

I really love these off road videos! In a way I wish Tommy would bring back his off road trail series he started a while back- forgot what you guys called it? Also it should be noted the “unreliable” Land Rover was used to tow the broken vehicle down the mountain(where are all the Land Rover haters) 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tmwei396]

When you have only 2 choices to choose from that's not much of a win.

[@admranger]

I now think I need an LR3. New subscriber because of this series of videos with the LR3 and Touareg (breaking the ML was just a bonus!).

[@rigby8095]

This ML is awesome. My favorite!

[@Incountry]

ML was only made originally for US market, as a soft SUV, open diffs with simple TC software for poor weather and seasonal snow in certain states. It’s around 7+ years older technology than either of VAG and LR, they have Rock/crawler/uphill mode and downhill systems through sophisticated TC software and lockable diffs. The ML is a nice road vehicle but a serious off-roader it isn’t unless it’s modified with aftermarket “stuff....”

[@BYLRPhil]

This actually made me want an old ML...

[@roguedogx]

10:00 based on what I heard. I'm guessing there's a golf ball sized hole in either the transfer case or the transmission.

[@carlgirvin5587]

In all honesty that is the poorest off road driving I have ever witnessed, these vehicles have way higher tolerances than you have shown, what a shambles you guys need to grow some........

[@TFLclassics]

In all honesty you don’t know squat. Tell you what....Why don’t you shut up and show us how it’s done. Bring your rig to cliffhanger 1.0 and let’s see what you got. Otherwise, in all honesty, it’s all just so many lame words in a lame ass comment.

[@IanSR1970]

@@TFLclassics I really like all of your channels (especially classics), & I've loved many of your videos & have watched several of them more than once (including this one). I mean this with the utmost respect; there's actually some merit in what Carl Girvin stated above 😕 I'm not claiming to be an off-road expert, but I would've driven all 3 of those vehicles to the top without stopping & on the 1st attempt. The key to off-roading is to go as slow as possible but as fast as necessary, & nothing (& I mean absolutely nothing!!!) is as important as correct tyre pressure. 18 to 25 PSI & all 3 vehicles would've easily crawled to the top, over the roots & through the ruts without a challenge. I read another comment on this video where a bloke stated you guys don't drop tyre pressures to simulate what an average off-road driver would do. I'm not trying to start an international pissing contest, but even an average off-roader would drop tyre pressures here in Australia, & only an absolute novice wouldn't. I truly appreciate what you're trying to do, but you're never going to show people what those vehicles are truly capable of unless you air down. For the record I own a facelift 2001 ML320 riding on Radar Renegade 265/65R17 AT5 rubber. With traction control on & 18 PSI & low-range engaged I'd easily crawl up that hill blind-folded. I run 40 PSI on-road, & at that pressure I would need lots of momentum to "bounce" over obstacles (tree roots, etc) putting a lot of unnecessary strain on suspension, steering, & drivetrain components. Once again I mean absolutely no disrespect, but you're never going to be able to show the true capability of any vehicle off-road without airing down. Anyway, thank you for the many hours of entertainment & G'day from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺✌🏻

[@greyphantome2617]

How did you managed to put the mud terrain tyres on the vw? Any rubbing ? Also big mistake your air pressure seems to be high

[@wayneaiello]

I do stuff harder than this in my LR 3 all the time. I do have rear locker which helps. But you’re not gonna take out an airbag on an obstacle like that. Should have kept momentum going.

[@kennethgrant9926]

I have an lr3 without the locker I bash that thing over all sorts of obstacles they can take a beating

[@ryanlangan1060]

Gonna take Tommy with me next time I need to dig a grave. He's great at digging holes in one spot.

[@doughuibregtse5189]

Next time, put the shackle through the factory recovery point above the hitch - NOT the hitch receiver mount! 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@AK-Brian]

Even better, put the tow strap loop inside the receiver and then connect the crossbar pin through the eyelet. Adapters work, but like you said they're usually not necessary.

[@johnkemple]

really guys..A matchup that would never happen. This video works only to prove that if you try very hard to make vehicles fail on camera, you can do it.. No one is comparing these 3 vehicles. If your looking for a off road vehicle no way these 3 would be in anyone's comparison list. You guys are very good at attracting viewers though. So in the end this video proves that people must be extremely bored to accept this as great content.

[@wakert5826]

Why do I feel like I could have done this trail in my 1997 Ford Expedition.

[@thetetons744]

Thats cuz gen 1 expeditions are the best full sized off road suvs ever made haha

[@kyleevans1705]

My 01 would’ve butter smooth did this Eddie Bauer style

[@jasonlavelle3293]

Should of let some pressure out of the tyres, makes a world of difference

[@aaaviation1]

Tommys dad: Just go for it my dad: how come you have so many scratches on your car?

[@klausenburger8574]

I own a stock LRD3, V6, 2700cm3, diesel, manual gear shift, 265/60/R18 all terrain M+S reinforced tyres and i tell you that this car has a secret. On low range, second gear at 10-12km/hour speed, mud program selected with tyres at 1,6 -1,8 atm pressure, suspension at normal height this car will go almost everywhere. LRD3 is a heavy car, about 2,7 tones empty, so using it as an offroader it's not an easy task, but if you manage to crawl with enough speed , you will pass easy on hard terrain. Only backdraw is when ridding with low tyre pressure you must manage to avoid sharp stones and edges.

[@One_Bar]

Nah the first gen ML is remembered for being awesome in The Lost World. I’d love to have a clean low mile example.

[@RichardVac]

I have a 2001 ML320 and it has done so well in every terrain even harder than cliff hanger, crossed country with it and no problem, I think Tommy's ML transfer case was not maintained properly

[@One_Bar]

Teacno V very much what it sounds like, yeah.

[@onemansvintage]

Same. They’re a pretty nice rig especially with the options.

[@IanSR1970]

I've got an '01 facelift model luxury version ML320 with only 110,000 miles on it & I love it!! 🇦🇺✌🏻

[@IanSR1970]

@@RichardVac The (Borg-Warner) transfer case has a chain that can break, but thankfully it's a very easy replacement job 🇦🇺✌🏻

[@sandrodavitaia3395]

in w163 ml restailing version traction control is working much better when you are offroading

[@MAG8ms]

Finally! a test of Tuareg versus his competitors. Such tests I like! Thank you TFL and Keep it up!

[@SwamiAJCent]

At 5:24 there should have been a rather loud and audible clunk as the transfer case piston pushed the transmission into low range. The dash light will blink but if you don't hear the physical transfer case piston pushing from high to low, then you were never in low range.

[@SwamiAJCent]

Additionally at 5:10, you say starting the engine and yet clearly you didn't as the tach shows no rpm. And again at 5:24 clearly the engine is not running, the ML hasn't been started and yet your are pretending that it is as you continue to pretend that you have engaged the low range. Fake, you're a clown.

[@TommyboyGTP]

Put an ARB air locker in that LR3's rear diff and prepare to take over the world

[@turbovolvos40]

I believe ARB also has a front locker for the LR3, get one of those too.

[@BuildTheSandbox]

Used to have the ml. Off roaded it by eagle during the big fires and it handled it fine. Car was totally unreliable power steering pump failures and unbelievable creeking. Was fun though

[@shaunmeldrum4302]

I'm sad we didn't get to see more of this ML because I'm pretty sure it's in the movie 'The Lost World'. It looked pretty cool in that movie.

[@SEVENTEENPOINT1]

Well, Mercedes’ money is what made it look so impressive.

[@onemansvintage]

Shaun Meldrum they’re pretty cool rigs when you can find one in good condition. Off readers they are not lol. Though it has a decent 4wd drive system but not for this kind of driving

[@krane15]

It went down hill from there.

[@joegriffin6699]

Tommy, momentum is your friend. You need to get the wheels turning for the diffs , etc to work.. but you already know that. Great vid as ever.

[@DJ_Underwood]

Honestly, this really made me appreciate an old jeep even more.

[@yes8032]

I don’t care about jeep

[@fsb_-bf3th]

Lr3 will wreck an old jeep

[@brly4542]

Because then you'd know it was going to break, so you could prepare ahead of time?

[@LigerZeroFtw]

@@fsb_-bf3th Maybe in a race to a repair shop.

[@noahmcdaniel4920]

PSA: The 2010 touareg is considered reliable and it’s first gen. Unfortunately you’re probably not going to find one for $5k with less than 200k miles, but it’s definitely a great option for a budget off-roader, especially considering how great it doubles as a daily. I’d say the best way to balance cost of ownership would be to go for something like 70k miles for around $11k. You could put another 70k on it in 4-5 years and it’ll probably still sell for close to $8k. Other options are 40-50k miles for $14-15k, or 120k for like $9k. Even if you went super high mileage for less, the 2010’s were given above average reliability by JD power/car and driver, you might get lucky and find something that lasts 200-250k, and it’s still probably going to hold value well. I think first gen touaregs will be collectibles by the end of the decade.

[@AnissaEx]

I worked at an independent VW/Audi repair shop for 10 years and I have to agree with you...those Touaregs were so overbuilt that they never had any real problems. Sure they had their fair share of minor electrical problems that would throw CEL's, but when it comes down the the real hard-parts it was a solid rig. Really only ever did basic maintenance on them. (brakes, control arm bushings and timing belts primarily). They keep saying its not reliable yet it has never let them down off-road.

[@noahmcdaniel4920]

anissa coronado I got literally the best first gen touareg on the market in December, 2010 38k miles for 14.4k, dieselgate emissions warranty that covers a ton of crap from the turbos to the fuel system, then got in a minor wreck 3 months later... front end going about 15 mph. Only cosmetic damage though. I just needed some cosmetic repair, had no problems in 8 months so far so I’m hoping it’ll be ok in the long run. I’m just really bummed and hope it lasts alright, I waited on the market for so long for the best deal only to get in a wreck. There’s not a single 2010 Touareg nationwide listed right now with under 65k miles.

[@AnissaEx]

​@@noahmcdaniel4920 Congrats on the purchase! The dieselgate buybacks are honestly the best deals around right now on used cars. I mean you can't argue with the warranty's they have and they all were great vehicles to begin with! The V6 TDI's are super stout and make great power from the factory. With a tune, downpipe, plus deleting the DPF and urea injection and nothing will ever go wrong with it! Not to mention the power they make with tjsut those 2 mods! My shop was a Malone dealer and we did many tunes/deletes on the V6 TDIs. The only issues i ever saw were some of the early models eating up HPFP's because of the low quality fuel we get here. Just make sure to use top-tier diesel and maybe an additive like Stanadyne, that will keep the pump nicely lubricated. It's just too bad we didn't get the rear diff. lock with the V6's. Still with just a nice set of A/T tires it'll get you anywhere you really need to go anyway.

[@blaises1748]

Sooooo how about giving the LR3 a shot by not topping out the suspension with those lift rods? It's a downgrade, not an upgrade...

[@donhappel9566]

I've run them for years along with a ton of other mods and agree that for a dirt road like this they should have left the suspension in normal height as that's the equivalent of the stock off-road setting when using rods. The would have had more down-travel in that setting which would have helped in the cross-axle areas. However it wouldn't have helped get over the tree root. In that situation a taller tire would have more easily rolled over the vertical step; hitting it at an angle would have helped by causing one tire at a time to step over; or using a bit of momentum to carry the car over. Or you could just go around it entirely like they did with the VW. :)

[@blaises1748]

Don Happel why not just leave it stock then? No hate just don’t see the point of running it in tall mode at all times. My LR3 does just fine without the lift :)

[@donhappel9566]

@@blaises1748 It depends on how far you want to push the truck. They have minimal ground clearance at the rockers which on this vehicle translates to the same clearance everywhere, so they high-center easily. Having the option to go up a bit more can be helpful here. The fact is most owners don't really push these trucks - a simple dirt road like this video showed is about as 'off road' as a lot of them ever see. But if you actually want to play in the rocks having the ability to go up is handy even if you don't want to run there all the time.

[@blaises1748]

Don Happel yeah if I need that i just add 25mm via the GAP tool. But like you said most folks won’t try anything beyond a dirt road.

[@AnissaEx]

who needs droop travel?! hahah

[@omarzowila]

I like the Mercedes-Benz ML320 but I think it would look good with the OEM fender flares & the ML320 in this video is the same year & color of my family’s old ML320

[@arthuritchybollix5064]

Tow the Mercedes with the land rover that says it all

[@natehoule567]

Just came back to watch this video as this is the video that made me buy an LR3. What a great decision. Never loved a vehicle this much! Thanks for making this video!

[@cunawarit]

Whichever breaks it will be a small fortune to fix.

[@mizzorian]

all these cars are equally capable. The problem with the tree root obstacle is that the root is at the mid height of the wheel, which makes it extremely difficult to roll over since there isn't enough grip. This is like trying to climb over a wall belly high with just your legs and no jumping

[@zerimar6970]

One thing it's what the machines can do , and another what he can do with that ...

[@1fastnigel]

air down and choose your lines a little better... spinning up your tires like that in low range is just asking to break stuff... you might as well go do burnouts on pavement in low range and blow your CVs closer to home

[@Brownnproud91]

I would like to see a 2002-2005 explorer being used like this Also a 2011-2014 ford edge AWD Maybe even a chevy trail blazer 2004

[@Brownnproud91]

@@itsnick37 Not an off road vehicle. But I own one and I would like to see the awd being put to work

[@haydenbramich8275]

Definitely a cv joint or axle, couldn't you hear the shear? That sound when putting it back in park was the park locking ring trying to stop the transmission, because it was spinning the broken cv or axle, if it had a centre lock it wouldn't have completely lost drive

[@rossbowman202]

Touareg for the win again. Got to love it. Would love to see the Touareg do the No Pavement Needed Tour.

[@donhappel9566]

I only wish they hadn't by-passed the only obstacle on the trail with the VW so we could see if it would have actually made the same line they tried with the Rover. I actually think both could have done the harder line with lower tire pressure and a small bump. As it was at least the Rover got it's fronts over the root.

@@donhappel9566 If the LR had the rear locker it would have dominated totally.

[@Kattr824]

ML is a supermarket SUV. LR3 is a beast off road, with the right driver. VW as well. (Ex ML+Disco II, Current LR3 owner)

[@d1grizz]

Watched 5 seconds of the video and already knows it's gonna be the VW for the win.

[@Mk1Male]

It didn't win, they voted differently so it was a draw.

[@AnissaEx]

The VW is clearly the most capable of the bunch, but all 3 of them could have walked over this obstacle if they had a competent driver behind the wheel.

[@andrewlaw]

@@AnissaEx The Veedub is not more capable than the LR3 by a long way. Give them an LR3 with locking rear diff the same as the VW and see what's more capable. And what vehicle did they use to tow the ML uphill with? Yep the LR3.

[@osubeef]

I know this is an old video, but.... ...while I agree that the LR3 would have walked up if set up (and driven) properly, at least the driving style was consistent across the models. In general I think the LR3 would eat that Toureg for breakfast, especially an HD variant. I enjoy these TFL videos. Oh ...and Tommy, Hill Descent Control isn't really doing the work, Lo-Range is! HDC is nice to have in Reverse though, and it's a great torque arrester when you hit big holes.

[@StargateMax]

I don't know how reliable this test/review is because such old cars can easily have various different worn out parts and many things can just die unexpectedly.

[@niki3151]

When did cliffhanger get opened again?

[@supergearhead152]

Pretty sure Cliffhanger 1.0 never closed it was Cliffhanger 2.0 that got closed. They just don't take press cars to Cliffhanger 1.0 because they deem it too difficult and they don't want to possibly damage them so its only featured in videos with their company fleet.

[@jeepcollector91]

Should buy a 2006 Jeep Liberty 4x4 with the 3.7L backed with an automatic. You will find them with either the NP231 or NP242 transfer case. Install stock size BFG KO2's and install the factory skid plates if you don't find one with them already. The '06 has traction control but isn't fly by wire like the '07. You can find a decent Liberty for under $5k.

[@MrGromart]

Comparing LR3 with these two? lmao. Kiddo needs some basic off-road training. Struggled to watch it all 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@allaboutjeep4080]

Tflcar need to buy a 1999-2004 jeep grand cherokee WJ, keep it stock and buy some nice mud terrain tyres. You can pick one up over here in the UK for around 2000 pounds - they are probably more available in the US and cheaper. I bet that it would crush the others offroad.

[@adamrico3701]

Another amazing video from TFL. Thank you for making high quality content. Keep up the great work gentlemen! 🍻

[@MS831985]

What was the issue with the ML then? Transmission?

[@mosescortez711]

OH YEAH! OH YEAH! COME ON LAND ROVER!. Roman is inspiring it to go over obstacle.👍👍

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

I just realized how close you guys are to 1M subscribers. Let's get you guys that Play Button!