I use the generic green pre-mixed. I was going to Oreilly's for most of my stuff, but lately have been getting pretty poor customer service in there so I've been going to the AutoZone.

 

Prestone full strength, mix with 50% distilled. I always carry peak in case I need a top up, but I haven't needed to top up in a year now. Knock on wood

 

I'm surprised that no one uses the factory recommended stuff. I do not in any of my BMWs because their price is literally 4X as much, $20 for a quart as opposed to $20 for a gallon of G-05 concentrate, which I use exclusively in them. The 50/50 pre-mix green stuff you guys are talking about runs $15-$20 a gallon and the LRN2279 is $26 in concentrate form so it's actually cheaper than the pre-mix. Now I've been around long enough to know that just because the factory recommends something, that doesn't supersede what hundreds or even thousands of enthusiasts have experienced in the real world. A judgement based on price alone isn't really enough to sway me, I was interested in finding out if there was a reason NOT to use the factory stuff. Especially given that the price difference is negligible.

 

For me it's really just about ease of access. I can grab the generic pre-mix anywhere. Closest LR dealership is 45 minutes away or I'd have to wait for a shipment.

 

How much of this stuff do you guys go through that having a couple gallons sitting on the shelf isn't enough? Are these vehicles that prone to catching you with your shorts down?

 

I just keep a gallon on the shelf. I've actually managed to fix all my detectable coolant leaks.

Just if I were out on a trip I like to be able to run in and grab something off the shelf as much as possible. It's mostly a patience thing I guess.

 

I'm doing an engine rebuild, but head gaskets and coolant leaks are very common for 4.0/4.6 engines.
So most of us keep a gallon or 2 in the back, in the hopes of limping home.

 

Again, I appreciate everyone's input...especially on such a common topic.

 

I use peak green as well. I will grab the "high mileage" version if I can find it, no big deal if not.

 

Hey I didn't want to ask so I was happy you brought it up! I've had my first D2 for lest than a week so I have a million stupid questions. I d/l'd all the manuals I could get my hands on and have read through hundreds of posts already but sometimes the comfort level isn't there and you have to ask for the 11 billionth time "what's the best oil to use" or "where do I find X part" and you can almost hear the whole forum groan in unison...