Advice on buying a Disco 3

Hi All,
I'm in the market to getting a Discovery 3 (As much as my budget allows!)
I have a max spend of 20k. I reckon I could probably get a 2007-8 model with around 50K on the clock.

What I wanted to find out was how to decipher the mental model / range codes. Does anyone have an original price list or reference to work out wtf these models feature?

As far as I can work out, it sort of goes like this:

GS - Basic, often cloth
XS - Like the HSE, but not?
S - ?
SE - ?
HSE - The top of the range
HSE, luxury / premium - The daddy at the uber top?

Also, please let me know what to look out for in this model and year (big services and fixes around 50-70K miles, known problems, model upgrades - I think it was 2009)
Or, if there are any other posts you know of.

Many thanks in advance!

Cliff

Hi Cliff, You don't say what configuration of engine/gearbox you are thinking of?

Cheers
Dave

Hi Dave, I'm probably thinking standard 2.7 diesel in auto. This is the most common?

The V6 diesel/6speed ZF auto is an excellent combo.

The diesel engine is used in Jaguar products, Ford, Peugeot and Citroen cars also. It was a Ford/PAS collaboration.

The 6 speed ZF gearbox is used in Merc, BM, Jaguar, Land Rover, Range Rover and Ford cars.

So no big design issues there, however the EGR valves in the v6 engines can cause problems.

The ZF gearbox is supposed to be a filled-for-life unit but most owners find that after 70,000mls or so a gearbox oil and filter change improves the life/reliability/smoothness.

The Discovery III is worlds apart from previous Discos, much better as an everyday car. Just bear in mind that it's still, big and heavy so doesn't give the performance/mpg of a family saloon.

Excellent as a tow car and off-road, if you need that theres little to beat it other than a Range Rover.

When considering the value of service history, a stamped service on it's own is pretty worthless imo, it's only any value if accompanied by invoices which show EXACTLY what was done.

Best of luck with your search, buy the very highest spec you can afford, the pleasure stays long after the price is forgotten.


Cheers
Dave

Thanks Dave - Awesome advice!

No problem Cliff, best of luck to you in your search.


Dave


PS Don't worry about the Electric Parking Brake -EPB - All modern Jaguars have them, I've had 2 S-types and they were both perfect in this respect.

The thing to budget for is a new, top quality battery, all modern cars are stuffed full of ECU's and must have reliable volts.

Hi Dave, I ended up with an ultra high spec HSE, older but took your advice on getting the best spec available!

Cliffsta said:

Hi Dave, I ended up with an ultra high spec HSE, older but took your advice on getting the best spec available!

Click to expand...

Hi Cliff, I'm delighted for you, the HSE spec is a beautiful car.

The very best of luck to you and most of all - ENJOY!!!!!




Dave