Defender 110 or Discovery 3?

Hi All

I'm new here (pls be gentle) and, if things go my way, will be new to LR ownership in the coming months.

My question is, faced with a budget of <£12k (which includes any p/x value for a 10 y/o 530d Touring), which of the following cars would you buy:

- Defender 110 TD5 County. 2002. 79k miles. 1 owner.
or
- Discovery 3 2.7 TDV6, 2005. 75k miles. ? owners.

For me, at moment anyway, it's not a question of comfort but more long-term ownership as this is likely to be a car for another 5 years or so. Fuel consumption doesn't even come high up the list of priorities.

It will replace my wife's 530d that does in the region of 5-6,000 miles/year but, on an ongoing basis, is likely to be driven by me unless I'm doing business miles. We need a load lugger as we venture to Cornwall regularly with the kids/dog, also do a fair amount of camping throughout the year and I'm getting fed up trying to pack everything into the back and/or roofbox of either of our estates.

Having read through the forum, I hate bringing the question of reliability into the subject but, would a Defender (circa 10y/o) be more reliable than an early Discovery 3?

I'm also on the lookout for a buyer's guide for each vehicle, but can't seem to find a single source. And any recommendations for an independent for sales/service in the Gloucestershire area would also be appreciated.

I can almost hear you all groan as you're thinking "oh no, here's another newbie without a clue what he wants", but any pointers, guidance, do's, do not's, etc. would be much appreciated.

TIA

Simon

do you like defenders or have you lived with one?
I love em , but some people dont, where as the disco 3 is a good "general public" type 4x4 that car drivers can like.

110 every time, less gizmos to go wrong and iconic

110 gets my vote.

When faced with a similar choice earlier this year I settled on a 110.

Why? More verstile than a Disco 3; better depreciation; easier to maintain; more fun; more load space;
Downside - not as comfy; heating not as good; fewer goodies

I had a 2006 Disco 3 for just over a year. Lovely car to drive but did like a drink if you like to keep up with the general traffic flow (which you can do as its pretty happy at speed) or pootled around town. Mine was also in the higher road tax bracket, so when we sold the boat we used to tow with the Disco, I couldnt justify (or afford) to keep the car. It had a few mechanical quirks, but I would have another if I could afford it. As far as maintenance is concerned, I had the engine cover off once................. and put it straight back on. Have a look on www.disco3.co.uk for some pointers of what to look for with the D3.

I now have a 1987 ex plod 110 with a 200tdi engine. Much easier to do work on - not sure how the TD5 engine compares with the tdi for ease of maintenance. he 110 is a totally different beast to drive from the D3, and both put a smile on my face but for different reasons. The 110 will probably hold its value better long term than the D3, but if you aren't putting a high priority on fuel economy at todays prices, then residual value may not be too high on your list either.

You really need to try both and see what suits you all best.

Defender every time!:5bdriving:

Depends on what you want and how you see yourself.

Given that I am among Land Rovers greatest fans, I had a D2 for 10 years. Upgraded to a D4 when they came out. Loved that motor, extreme comfort, very clever and sophisticated engineering wasted on most people who drive them. Where I live, they became the official vehicle for the school run mums!

Now drive a 110 CSW, more challenging to drive, more challenging to maintain, (but far less expensive than main dealer servicing)
No more worrying about car park dings, everyone else comes off second best!
Can use it as a working vehicle without damaging interior trim (D4 drivers door card damaged by closing door on seat belt buckle - £450 inc fitting)
Easier to personalise and bolt on goodies that make it work for you.
All in all, love it!

Can only echo Tazz's comments:

Tazz070299 said:

When faced with a similar choice earlier this year I settled on a 110.

Why? More verstile than a Disco 3; better depreciation; easier to maintain; more fun; more load space;
Downside - not as comfy; heating not as good; fewer goodies

Click to expand...

Wow! Great responses, thank you.

Gonna spend the weekend looking at both. I have driven a D4 for a weekend and done the LR Experience in one, but will need to drive the D3 as I expect it's a little different.

SWMBO is trying to steer me towards the D3 even though whatever we buy will be driven by me in the most part. I think she's worried about any school runs she may have to do in a Defender.

Thanks again for all you comments. Could still do with any feedback on local specialists to the Gloucestershire area?

Cheers
Simon

If the ~Disco is a manual - read this

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f8/clutch-failure-discovery-3-a-74817.html