D3 or not D3

Thinking....Just thinking mind, about buying a Disco 3.

I've owned a P38 4.6 in the past then had a few Jap 4x4's (Trooper, Patrol and Pathfinder) but presently own a P38 4.0.

The Q is, will a Diesel D3 Auto be sprightly enough off the mark reason being I had a 'shot' of a diesel P38 and was well disappointed to say the least. Wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding' springs to mind. Getting 18mpg on the present P38 so need to be a bit more 'minded' in that Dept.
I wanno go whoosh if needed.

go for a test drive mate, only way to be sure

Jonnyb1990 said:

go for a test drive mate, only way to be sure

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+1, the 2.7 TDV6 is a nice quiet smooth engine, not 'quick' though.
The later 3.0 TDV6 is meant to be the one to go for If you have the ££££

Did you know that the D4 body needs to come off the chassis to change the cam-belt?
Personally, I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole.
Sadly, when the last D1 rusts away, my love affair with LR's will end.
I did however have a test drive of a 55 plate Jeeo Grand Cherokee recently with the Merc 3.0 Td engine. 215 bhp, 0 to 62 in 9 seconds. Shame the dash styling looks like it was sub-contracted out to Lada though!

Yeah I know about the 'body off stuff' will only happen every 100k/5yr hopefully.
Oh, I had a Landcruiser as well. Need something a bit more PR to jump about in. Not unlimited on the ££££ front so it'll be a 3.
I suppose it will need to be a test drive. Hope the sellers not a F***y

Just bought a disco 3 tdv6, love it, great drive and really smooth.
Having it chipped as it will improve power and economy hopefully.
Mines done 85k so belts will be to do at some point, heard of the body off job but I'm hoping there is another way, either way I don't care will just give me chance to clean it all up underneath.

Vincemcdonald said:

Did you know that the D4 body needs to come off the chassis to change the cam-belt?
Personally, I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole

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The cambelt on the D3 CAN be done without lifting the body, I can only assume the same goes with the D4

Yeah the cambelts can be done with the body in but theyre a right PITA to get to.

I love them though

Don't think it's the cam belt that's the problem it's the belt at the rear of the engine which I'm told drives the fuel pump

lee3022 said:

Don't think it's the cam belt that's the problem it's the belt at the rear of the engine which I'm told drives the fuel pump

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Thats the second belt yes but everyone calls it a cambelt.

Thing is .... Wife loved, I mean LUVVED 'her' Pathfinder, so I viewed some really nasty ones including an Auto one (these are defo not pretty with regards the gear selector) and she's said 'maybe a Disco 3 would look better' ..... Result. Happy days.

A Disco III in TDv6 2.7 auto form is a VERY nice vehicle and more than adequately responsive in std trim of 190bhp.

Try one and I think you'll find the same and just bare in mind that you can re-map it for about £250 and take that 190 to 250BHP !!!!!

They are a MUCH more refined vehicle than any previous Disco.

I would have one in an instant if I could afford it.

BTW, all that body off business for doing the cam-belts is just utter nonsense.

the Electrics can be a nightmare tho, the lad that works for me is having a right battle, it's in the main dealers as we speak, they gave him a Berlingo van to use, lot simpler!!

Thanks for that 'Big Lad'. Its a lot of car for around £6 - 8K and if I keep it for 5years minimum ..... makes a lot of sense.

The cam belt is actually an easy job,as said its the fuel pump belt at the rear of the engine that is the problem.On D3/RRS its not timed so apart from being a bit tight and a skin rasher,its all doable.The 3ltr D4 engine fuel pump belt IS timed and is possibly more of a problem.(Not had to do one yet)
Taking the body off may be a good option,at least it makes it easy to sort out the rest of the rubbish that needs doing - rusted brake pipes,rear suspension bushes etc.
Agreed they are pleasant to drive,but out of warranty they are an expensive and at times awkward vehicles to own.Be prepared for some large bills if you choose to buy an older one without factory warranty,even a clutch change is an expensive job,as are EAS compressors,suspension components etc.

I wont show my dad this thread... just persuaded him to swap his L200 for a disco 3 instead of an L322!

All said not many big classic (time will tell) 4x4's are without there foibles. (new word for me!). I've owned 2 P38's (amongst some real dross and crackers) and have encountered most of there issues including suspension and dead electrics, keep yer cool and you will overcome without heading off to major garages.

HelpBob said:

All said not many big classic (time will tell) 4x4's are without there foibles. (new word for me!). I've owned 2 P38's (amongst some real dross and crackers) and have encountered most of there issues including suspension and dead electrics, keep yer cool and you will overcome without heading off to major garages.

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Yes every car has its issues and the bigger more expensive ones will have bills to reflect this.
Had my disco 3 for 2 weeks now and it's great, lovely smooth drive and very comfortable, I'm going to have it chipped/remapped for better fuel economy, has plenty of power for what I need it for as standard.
If buying one I'd go for an SE, all the refinements but unless it was an option no sunroofs so no leaks or problematic motors, still has leather and built in sat nav which is cheap to upgrade to new maps etc, make sure it has landrover mats as they are £115 to replace, privacy glass in the rear windows around £200, side steps £150 ish, make sure suspension works as new compressor £400 plus fitting, electric handbrake adjuster sticks and would be £250 ish, goes through bushes so replace with poly ones and above all make sure it has a proper history full of receipts not stamps as they don't mean squat, you pay more for low miles obviously and there is a big price difference between high or lower miles.

My dog was born in Doncaster - Small World! SE sounds good although I do prefer cloth seats, open for discussion though. Cheers.

HelpBob said:

My dog was born in Doncaster - Small World! SE sounds good although I do prefer cloth seats, open for discussion though. Cheers.

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Nooooo cloth is just wrong in a discovery but each to their own, be able to get the vehicle cheaper too.