Disco 3 ownership

Hi, I have had a number land rover from series1 (first car) through via 88" 2A and two 109" Safaris to a discovery 300tdi which I have owned for 13 years, it is 23 yrs old. Have replaced boot, sills, inner wings and wheel arches, engine and all running gear excellent. Still does not stop me thinking about a Disco 3 (lower tax). Problem is the stories which abound about these cars, especially the cost of parts/repairs and reliabilty . Could some owners guide me with their views on ownership . Help would be appreciated on this matter taking into consideration that we are well past the three score and ten years but still enjoy our landy which gets used for various country sports.

Like all modern cars if looked after pretty damned good motors, BUT ignore any noises or things not slightly right at your peril.

I like mine a lot, owned 4.5 years and this year has been my first real big spend (2.5k) beyond the usual tyres/servicing and things Ive broken.
It does seem like some people spend a fortune and still own a poor/unreliable car.
The thing to remember is even though they are old/cheap, they still have 40k plus car running costs.

If you have a look on the D3/4 forum and search rusty cills you can see the earlier ones are starting to succumb to rot, especially if side steps have been fitted, mine had started to get a little crusty along the bottom edge where inner meets outer cill.

I actually find it hard to recommend any land product to anyone in case they get burned financially!

Hi

there’s also this which I hope helps

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/buyers-guide.312800/

plus 1 what’s been said , also they come up for sale on the D3/4 forum

welshspringer said:

Still does not stop me thinking about a Disco 3 (lower tax).

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Lower tax ones are getting old, so can be less reliable. Replacing a pair of wishbones will eat up any small savings in road tax.

welshspringer said:

Problem is the stories which abound about these cars, especially the cost of parts/repairs and reliabilty . Could some owners guide me with their views on ownership

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Parts are expensive, and most jobs are hard work.
It's easy to spend £1000 per year on general maintenance, and if something major breaks, you can easily triple your initial £1000 maintenance bill.

When they're good, they're very good, but when they're bad, they'll empty your bank account fast.

I have this feeling that although the D3 / 4 look fit for purpose my (keep) old di is still presentable and not costing any real money to maintain. So far over the last few year replacing inner panels less than £2K in fact apart from normal running costs tyres and a radiator (my fault) etc this is the bill for 13 years ownership and 69 k miles.

welshspringer said:

I have this feeling that although the D3 / 4 look fit for purpose my (keep) old di is still presentable and not costing any real money to maintain. So far over the last few year replacing inner panels less than £2K in fact apart from normal running costs tyres and a radiator (my fault) etc this is the bill for 13 years ownership and 69 k miles.

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I feel that is a very sensible decision, plus add in an unknown future for diesel vehicles!

Wife loves hers wouldnt be without it shoulda kept the terrano ran on veg oil basically a free car.

Factor in cam belts n oil pump find a good un you wont look back

biketeacherdave said:

Wife loves hers wouldnt be without it shoulda kept the terrano ran on veg oil basically a free car.

Factor in cam belts n oil pump find a good un you wont look back

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When was the last time you saw a Terrano?

Just looked 27 for sale on ebay so they are still around.

I gave ours to a mate he is still driving it to this day only problem was a seized brake caliper but he did drive it threw the local ford every day for almost a year.