Be gentle with me!!

Hi there!
I've been a member for a little while and have just been reading other posts - thought it was time to bite the bullet!!

I don't own a LR yet but that is where you can help...

I'm undecided - do I get a Disco 3 or a Defender 90 SW??? I've been working my way through the pros and cons of each, but I change my mind every couple of days.

I live in mid Wales. It'll get 80% road work including some towing. The 20% off road will be fairly light - nothing too extreme.

There's very little in the initial cost - but servicing costs, parts etc, lean towards the 90. Looks and comfort, the D3.

Help!!

Welcome mate!!!!!

Under no circumstances must you compare a D3 with a 90.

Get yourself a diesel Discovery 1 or 2 for everyday use AND a 90 with a big V8 for high days and holidays and scaring old ladies

Simples!

griffman said:

Welcome mate!!!!!

Under no circumstances must you compare a D3 with a 90.

Get yourself a diesel Discovery 1 or 2 for everyday use AND a 90 with a big V8 for high days and holidays and scaring old ladies

Simples!

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Why the hell not?

I have a D3 and a Series, and have owned 'fenders, d1, d2, etc.

The OP is looking at 90% road work. On that basis alone get a D3... it is a very good vehicle, especially for towing. 100k it has a big service which is a bit of a pain, but, other than that it's good. Less desirable to being stolen too.

The 'fender is rough and ready, good for chucking a sheep in the back or for heavy modification, but, it's really not that comfy to drive long distance (yes i speak from experience)

I'd go with a D3 if i were you, when you need it off road it will be very capable, get a descent set of A/T's on it and you;ll be fine

I'd get the D3. Land Rover know what they are doing, and a D3 is a good bit of kit. If you want to be able to fix everything yourself though, get a 90/ Disco 1 or 2

Thanks,

You've addressed a couple of issues already that I was concerned with.

Biggest issue with the 90 is the ease with which they get nicked! I'll have to invest in an immobiliser and a pedal lock of some kind, and probably try to get a kill switch fitted. I don't do massive mileage, so the 90 will be comfy enough. I'm average build so the defender fits me quite nicely.

Biggest issue for me with the D3 is the cost of servicing and potential cost of all the electronic gadgetry if it plays up! But at least I'm pretty sure it will be outside the house when I get up every morning!

Both will happily take me off road with a load of pigeon decoys, nets, guns etc.

I'm looking to spend about £15K. Think the 90sw is winning!!

Tommo394 said:

I'm looking to spend about £15K. Think the 90sw is winning!!

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£15k on a 'fender when you could get a fairly top spec D3

Bump said:

£15k on a 'fender when you could get a fairly top spec D3

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I'm looking at an immaculate 03 or 04 plate csw with about 40k on her. The 4 rear seats give me 6 seats. Not keen on the 2 rear seats in the newer ones. No room left in the back!

She'll last me for years!

Bump said:

£15k on a 'fender when you could get a fairly top spec D3

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Looked again at a 07 D3 with 50k - same money! Lovely truck!

One other issue??? Manual or auto?? I think I prefer manual, but I heard concerning rumours about the manual gearboxes? Any truth in that?

Aaaaaargh!!

if the off roading is anything more than a few green lanes or fields get a fender, if not get a D3 imho

With the money you have to spend and what you want it for,I'd go for the Disco 3 myself. Its a much,much better allrounder. I've been driving a defender around for work for the last 18 years and they're a great workhorse or plaything. But not for everyday stuff. You only have one backbone.....look after it!

Welcome to LZ.

Have you test drove either yet? If not then I would as really it's going to boil down to personal preference and what you're expecting out of it really. My Defender is my daily drive and I find them comfortable, even on a 3 or 4 hour drive, and really wouldn't want to drive anything else. Td5's and Pumas make decent mile munchers, especially the more top of the range ones. Defenders aren't exactly loaded with gadgets though, so if thats important, look at the Disco. The Discovery is a lot more car like than the Defender and you probably won't find a better tow car anywhere than a Disco 3 or 4 either.

Like I said, try them out for yourself and see which suits you best. With the Defender you either get it or you don't. If after 10 minutes of driving it you're grinning like an idiot then you get it and you'll probably not want anything else. If you're not grinning then you don't get it and probably never will (buy a Disco). Have fun trying them out :crazy_driver:

Great advice folks. Thanks. I'll keep you posted...

Disco 3: Very comfortable, looks nice, good offroad
Defender: Best 4X4XFar!!!

Oh when I have the money this Disco is out the door and a garden shed bearing the green oval will be rolling onto the drive!!!

SteveT247 said:

With the Defender you either get it or you don't. If after 10 minutes of driving it you're grinning like an idiot then you get it and you'll probably not want anything else. If you're not grinning then you don't get it and probably never will (buy a Disco). Have fun trying them out :crazy_driver:

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+1, Draughty, noisy, leaks........ I wouldn't have it any other way:crazy_driver:
:welcome2: to the mad house

After some comments from members in the D3 forum, think it's gonna be a win for... the 90sw.

D3 just seems too expensive to maintain.

Is it a coincidence that when I type D3 and keep my finger on shift when I press 3, it comes up with £...?

Welcome Tommo!

:welcome:
You will have fun whichever ya get, personally been down this path, but went with what really ticked my want boxes...got a 110 and love it!
Disco probably more practical in some ways but all down to what floats ya boat, and parts cheap as chips

If you going shooting etc, then get a Defender. It's easier to clean

UK_Landy said:

If you going shooting etc, then get a Defender. It's easier to clean

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Your supposed to clean them

Why wasn't i told

Tommo394 said:

After some comments from members in the D3 forum, think it's gonna be a win for... the 90sw.

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Good man. Now when you get one I'd advise the first accessories you buy are a warm coat and a hat

(just kidding, they're not that bad)