MK9R
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 11:23 AM |
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Should i buy a TD5 Disco?
With the arrival of the 3rd child, the the wifes ford focus is too small, the mondeo estate fits everyone in (just about) and the massive pram. The
kids are squashed in teh rear as to the 2 car seats for the younger ones only leaves just enough space for the 9 year old to sit in the middle and he
can't have his booster seat (he almost doesn't need it). Trouble is the 9 year old and 3 old now fight as they are sat ontop of one
another and the 9 year old isn't exactly comfy, especially for longer runs. We now can't take an extra passenger (kids friend,
mother-in-law etc) with us So ideally we want a 7 seater.
I detest big people carriers, apart from the S-max, but can't afford one of those, and the midi MPV's (i.e. scenics, zafira's, which
i also hate) are just not big enough. I tow my race car all over the place and we live in a rural area that is traped between steep hills and the
occasional snow can either stop us getting home or like last winter stopped me getting to work.
So i've been looking round and within the budget i have a top of the range 2002, 7 seater TD5 disco with only 60k miles. We took it for a drive
and i was pleasantly surprised. The wife also likes it (and she will use it most days anyway), nut is concerned about the size. The disco is actually
125mm shorter than the mondeo, but is slightly wider, but it feels bigger, which i think is putting her off. Her main concern is getting it down the
narrow lane (high walls each side) to our drive way (she caused 2k worth of damage to the mondeo last year trying to get out).
I know the earlier discos had a terrible reputation, but the 2002+ are supposed to be OK, and doesn't do too bad mpg (1.8 mondeo only does 29mpg
with the wife around the village etc), i just wondered what people thought of them and the running costs?
[Edited on 17/8/09 by MK9R]
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 11:27 AM |
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I would get a swb shogun tbh, their far better built, cheaper and higher spec. Fuel consumption is fare, lwb ones can be a bit scary on the fuel.
Fame is when your old car is plastered all over the internet
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MK9R
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 11:31 AM |
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Whippy, will have a look. The disco is the ES premium, so top spec (leather, electric everything, big alloys....) and is local sonipped out to see it
yesterday, so still open to other cars/ideas, but must be a manual box
Got about 8k to play with, any other suggestions?
[Edited on 17/8/09 by MK9R]
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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MK9R
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 11:37 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
I would get a swb shogun tbh, their far better built, cheaper and higher spec. Fuel consumption is fare, lwb ones can be a bit scary on the fuel.
Just looked at mitsi, was looking good until i saw 3rd row seat option, it fills the entire boot space, the disco allows you have just 1 seat down
and still have good luggage space 
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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CraigJ
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 11:40 AM |
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i had a SWB shogun 2.5td. was shocking on fuel, drove like there was a hole in the tank.
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MK9R
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 11:43 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by CraigJ
i had a SWB shogun 2.5td. was shocking on fuel, drove like there was a hole in the tank.
LOL! Seriously what did it do?? Been on few landy forums and people seem to get 28-30+ driven normally, 34+ on a run, mid 20's towing (my mondeo
only doe 22-24 when towing)
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 11:58 AM |
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my sister has a lwb 2.8 tdi shogun, beautiful car inside and very roomy but it must do around 20mpg at best. I've used a swb one for 2 weeks
which I also used for towing cars and it was far better on fuel than my landy were. Saying that regardless of what manufacturers claim the majority of
1.8 upwards rarely gets better than 40 mpg for normal driving.
Fame is when your old car is plastered all over the internet
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02GF74
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 12:20 PM |
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nissan xtrail? a 4x4 llok-al-like that feel more like a car. dunno if they seat 134 people.
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mad4x4
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 12:21 PM |
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I had an ES Spec TD5 Disco (auto) II for 6 Months
I hated it ! . It was under powered , guttsy, Unreliable, Leaked, Driving position was crap (i'm 6ft2 and could get the seat back enough, and
G/f at 5ft2 had the wheel in her chest to reach the pedals)
My g/box leaked my Power Steering Leaked my sunroofs Leaked.
Landrovr cut off the 4x4 cable to fix the box and it was on back order for 10 weeks
Basically old it after 5 months and bough a ford ranger.
Look at Linky to Difflock Forum
Think that thread sums it up.
Scot's do it better in Kilts.
MK INDY's Don't Self Centre Regardless of MK Setting !
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morcus
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 12:29 PM |
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The folding seats in the back can make people quite car sick because of they move alot because of where they are compared to the wheels and the
suspension. I have first hand experience of this, so make sure your kids won't get sick before you buy.
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f1ngers
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 12:40 PM |
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My wife has had a D3 TDV6 SE from new for almost 3 years and is the best all round 4x4 we've owned so far. Previously had Frontera's,
Shogun, LR TD5 and despite the weight the D3 returns low 20's around town and towing and high 20's on a run. It has proved very reliable
(50K) and the only thing that has broken was the heated rear window which was replaced under warranty. The tyres (Pirelli Scorpion Zero) are lasting
for about 20-25K, all wear out together and cost about £150 a corner. There are cheaper alternatives but it really depends on use The Pirelli's
are a good all rounder - nice and quiet on the road and work well off-road typically towing a horse box in and out of muddy fields! Servicing costs
are high but not extortionate and are cheaper than her sister's X5. We would normally replace it after 3 years but values have dropped quite
considerably so we will keep it until it starts to become unreliable. I hope that is of some use to you
[Edited on 17/8/09 by f1ngers]
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mark chandler
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 01:31 PM |
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Make sure it does not gain oil, the injector fuel rail is part of the head casting, they do go porus and poor diesel in to the block.
Other than that once chipped they can be quite sprightly.
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4littledevils
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 02:19 PM |
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Well, to add another disco owners view. I have a TD5 ES 1999. It has cost me a small fortune, so I can point out the pitfalls so far. New gear box at
88k. Injector loom done. Rear airbags replaced with springs. Sunroofs used to leak, but doesnt now. Radio went wonky when the water dripped from the
roof into it. That's it so far. Moral of this, either know a good mechanic who works for a pittance, do it yourself or get a decent Warranty
Apart from these things, I think it is a wonderful vehicle (always been a Land Rover fan though). I have 4 children so the space is essential.
Just dont frighten yourself when searching for common problems on the internet (you never know, it may not suffer them all).
As for the rear seats causing sickness, I have never found this to be the case. Bear in mind though, the ES has the hydraulic actuators to drastically
reduce the body roll.
Andy
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kevmcdo
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 02:37 PM |
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Go for the Disco, I am on number 4 ( 3td5 and a v8 with lpg ) and they are far better than the others for the money. The td5 is a simple and robust
engine that is very easy to get more power from. I tow the kit car with mine and you have to remind yourself that its there.
Just dont go near the v8 thirstier than an elephant at a watering hole!!!!
Just returned back from a tour of Ireland with mine, 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 dogs and a roof box and I got 31mpg.
Car standard apart from a k&n filter and EGR blanked off.
Repairs can be steep if you use main dealer but local 4x4 garages are very competiative.
Good luck
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MK9R
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 02:44 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by kevmcdo
Go for the Disco, I am on number 4 ( 3td5 and a v8 with lpg ) and they are far better than the others for the money. The td5 is a simple and robust
engine that is very easy to get more power from. I tow the kit car with mine and you have to remind yourself that its there.
Just dont go near the v8 thirstier than an elephant at a watering hole!!!!
Just returned back from a tour of Ireland with mine, 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 dogs and a roof box and I got 31mpg.
Car standard apart from a k&n filter and EGR blanked off.
Repairs can be steep if you use main dealer but local 4x4 garages are very competiative.
Good luck
I like that answer! 31mpg with the roof box!! What sort of speeds were you doing, and what kind a roads? Whats the MPG like towing?? Been looking
at EGR valve, what kit did you fit?? Does it knacker up emissions at MOT time?
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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kevmcdo
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 02:53 PM |
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Speeds varied from 40 to 60mph on country and A roads, motorways at a steady 70mph.
I went for the Alisport EGR removal kit, bit more pricey than some but far better quality, emissions have never been an issue for me come mot time and
my last one even had a decat pipe fitted without issue.
A power box will give you an extra 25 bhp and a big boost of tourque. I have used both Dastek and VanAaken in the past and both gave very good results
with a lot less gear changes being required.
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Jon Ison
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 02:58 PM |
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Ive not read all the above but we are X disco owners, we will never be disco owners again.
Long list head gasket been the final straw, that said the guy that bought it from us 3 years ago as had zero trouble, guess we fixed all the
niggles.
We nor have, wait for it, a Kia Sorrento, best car we have had in this class by far.
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sucksqueezebangblow
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 03:45 PM |
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I love my MK II Disco TD5 but hate the MK III with a vengance. If you do go for one get the MK II with a manual box and the occasional rear seats,
they face forward in the MK II.
I've had mine chipped and intercooled (much bigger intercooler) and get about 190-200BHP at the crank. I've also had it reupholstered in
black leather by a local Rolls Royce upholsterer (cloth on drivers seat began to wear) and am about to fit a 3" stainless non-cat exhaust from
Griffin Power Systems. I've had the Disco 7 years but have kept it as there is no family car I like better.
It's a real Q car and raises eyebrows in the traffic light grand prix. 
Excuse the pun by the Disco really Boogies! 
Oh Yeah, If you do go for one listen out for any rattling or ringing from the catalytic converter. The internals are ceramic and can collapse. Mine
did, blocked the exhaust, reduced the power dramatically and tried to blow the head off. Best to just remove it anyway and replace it with the link
pipe as fitted to the earlier MK IIs.
[Edited on 17/8/09 by sucksqueezebangblow]
Better to Burnout than to Fade Away JET METAL ~ AndySparrow © 
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MK9R
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 04:01 PM |
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Cheers, where is the cat, in the downpipe or underneath? Been looking at egr removal and possible power chip, any reccomendations
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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locoboy
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 04:20 PM |
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I manage the running of a 4x4 breakers and we specialise in LR discos from 1989-2004.
They all have problems but whcih cars dont?
But, we sell engough spare parts for the Td5 discos to keep me and another 3 blokes in job - that in its self says enough!
Common items to ckeck are
Power steering boxes - leaks
ACE pipes and valve block - corrode and leak
wheel bearings - chant buy the bearing it needs to be the complete hub and we sell them 2nd hand for £90 each
head gaskets
Check for oil in the ECU loom, they have a BAD tendancy to draw oil via capillary action from inside the injector cover down the wiring loom into the
ecu and then it starts to missfire and then woutn start etc, ECU if 150 quid and a replacement clean loom is £100.
Intercooler hoses, they often perish
Exhaust manifolds warp and blow
Gearboxes - well its a landrover, they are supposed to only do 80K miles before a rebuild!
propshafts wear like no bodys business on the front of a TD5, they have a double UJ on one end and are over £300 new, we sell them for £125
Transfer box, again often give knocking on taking up drive
Sunroofs WILL leak
the window switch surround will come loose
the electric seat controls will stop working or you will knowch the button off with your ass! £40 from us
The central locking actuators WILL pack up £45 from us
The sunroof motor will probably sucomb to the water leaking in the sunroof £50
The ABS / hill decent and TC light will come on when the shuttle valve in the abs pump pack us, £1000 from LR or £180 from us.
At the end of the day its called a disco because when your driving it you have that many lights on the dash at once it feels like your at one!
That said they have a massive following and if you do buy one keep my details - you will need it!
We also break mitsi's and for ranger too - dont get me started on them as they are just as bad in their own way.
Suffice to say i dont run a 4x4 of any sort, although if i were to it would be the L233 range rover as they seem to be the best to date for
reliablilty and predictablity.
Last word of advice, DO NOT GO NEAR A P38 Range Rover - If you do you will be personally securing my job for another month!
ATB
Locoboy
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CraigJ
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 05:16 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by MK9R
quote:
Originally posted by CraigJ
i had a SWB shogun 2.5td. was shocking on fuel, drove like there was a hole in the tank.
LOL! Seriously what did it do?? Been on few landy forums and people seem to get 28-30+ driven normally, 34+ on a run, mid 20's towing (my mondeo
only doe 22-24 when towing)
Used to get 20-25 mpg in the shogun. just driving normal not towing. my old Impreza used to be better on fuel.
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richard thomas
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| posted on 17/8/09 at 05:55 PM |
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I have a 2000X TD5 ES. Had it for 2 years. Does 30mpg on a run, not much less around town, i reckon. Good caravan tow car, does 20mpg then.
Sunroof leaks occasionally - drains need a clean out.
Rear suspension airbags need replacing - droops when parked, but soon as you start it they pump back up again. £80 per side, going to get round to it.
Common mod is to replace with springs....but could affect insurance.
Fuel pump packed in this year...has happened on other cars of mine though.
Fitted cheap EGR bypass from fleabay - no probs with emmisions. No increase in performance either...
Leaks oil from transmission....they all do. Start worrying when it doesn't...
Wouldn't change it for the world - definitely a keeper, this one!
Did seriously consider a shogun at the time I bought it. What swayed me was the fact that although the LR will break down, I can fix it myself - very
simple engineering. The shogun is less likely to go wrong (probably), but in the event that it does you might find yourself getting new large items
shipped from Japan with the delays that go with it.
Make sure that if you do by a TD5, it's a manual. Auto's get about 8mpg less all round!!
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sucksqueezebangblow
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| posted on 19/8/09 at 12:05 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by MK9R
Cheers, where is the cat, in the downpipe or underneath? Been looking at egr removal and possible power chip, any reccomendations
I had mine done by the Derv Doctor in Derby Linky, but also asked them to replace some exhaust studs and
skim the manifold which they said they'd done, but I later found they hadn't. The intercooler and tuning was pretty good though.
Since then I've found Bell Auto Services Linky who certainly seem to know their stuff. They can do
aftermarket manifolds, variable nozzle turbos, intercoolers, remaps, switchable maps, boost guages, EGR blanking etc.
I'm hoping to have the variable nozzle turbo fitted by them in a couple of weeks time, along with a boost guage.
oh yeah, I think the cat was in the downpipe but am not 100% sure. If I can recover the link pipe I'll let you know and you can have it for
postage (new 3" system is being fitted today).
[Edited on 19/8/09 by sucksqueezebangblow]
Better to Burnout than to Fade Away JET METAL ~ AndySparrow ©
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MK9R
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| posted on 19/8/09 at 12:15 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by sucksqueezebangblow
quote:
Originally posted by MK9R
Cheers, where is the cat, in the downpipe or underneath? Been looking at egr removal and possible power chip, any reccomendations
I had mine done by the Derv Doctor in Derby Linky, but also asked them to replace some exhaust studs and
skim the manifold which they said they'd done, but I later found they hadn't. The intercooler and tuning was pretty good though.
Since then I've found Bell Auto Services Linky who certainly seem to know their stuff. They can do
aftermarket manifolds, variable nozzle turbos, intercoolers, remaps, switchable maps, boost guages, EGR blanking etc.
I'm hoping to have the variable nozzle turbo fitted by them in a couple of weeks time, along with a boost guage.
oh yeah, I think the cat was in the downpipe but am not 100% sure. If I can recover the link pipe I'll let you know and you can have it for
postage (new 3" system is being fitted today).
[Edited on 19/8/09 by sucksqueezebangblow]
We tried the car again last night and bot like it alot, the wife is just a little dubious about the size and getting it in and out of our drive,
although i thought it was easier than the mondeo when we tried it at the disco is shorter and visibility was a lot better
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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sucksqueezebangblow
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| posted on 20/8/09 at 10:35 AM |
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The garage has still got the downpipe (the bit that replaces the pipe with the CAT in) from my old system if you want it but you'll have to let
me know sharpish so I can go and get it before they throw it away.
It was the newest bit of the system, about three years old while the rest of the system (the bit that failed) was seven years old
Regarding the parking, my wife handles the Disco okay. It tends to be easier as the "square" style of the bodywork makes all the
extremities visible. A few tricks that help reversing; adjust LH electric mirror downwards to see more of curb just before reversing, lower drivers
window to lean out to see RH side, or open drivers door slightly to see curb (but take care not to back the open door into anything).
[Edited on 20/8/09 by sucksqueezebangblow]
Better to Burnout than to Fade Away JET METAL ~ AndySparrow ©
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