Anyone have any experience owning/running on these 4x4 beasties?

Looking at the 2.7td which seems to only come in auto. I'm sure there the Merc unit but what about the autobox? Anything to look out for, electrical, mechanical, etc
They don't seem the most economical thing in the world to drive/own even for a derv but mileage won't be a lot. Did consider the petrol but not sure if I could live with that. I don't tow and it will just be a local smoker and hopefully something that will get through the snow - if we get any this Christmas time.

Most of them seem pretty good spec.