Discovery 3? Any good?

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ReadySalted

Active Member
Posts
444
Once again I find myself coming back to landrovers...

I haven't been around here for a couple of years since I currently have a VW t5 camper/ bike van. I sold my last landy (92 defender 110) a few years ago for the t5 for the purposes of using it as a camper, and transporting my off road motorbike around.

Nowadays my needs are changing. I'm a little bit older so about to start a family, I have a dog, and my motorbike satisfies my off road needs nowadays. I'm after something to take shooting, tow my bike, and transport my mrs and the dog on days out. Frankly I'm sure a Ford Focus would do all of that, but I have always pined for the newer discos and im at point where i could just about justify having one. My question is really, as a family car are they decent, and reliable-ish? The old man had an early l322 and it never seemed like it was ever without an error code showing. I'm budgeted to about 6-6.5k which doesn't get you much, perhaps 2006/7 and 120k miles. That kind of thing.

I've considered l200s and navaras but they don't have the same appeal.
 
ReadySalted said:
Once again I find myself coming back to landrovers...

I haven't been around here for a couple of years since I currently have a VW t5 camper/ bike van. I sold my last landy (92 defender 110) a few years ago for the t5 for the purposes of using it as a camper, and transporting my off road motorbike around.

Nowadays my needs are changing. I'm a little bit older so about to start a family, I have a dog, and my motorbike satisfies my off road needs nowadays. I'm after something to take shooting, tow my bike, and transport my mrs and the dog on days out. Frankly I'm sure a Ford Focus would do all of that, but I have always pined for the newer discos and im at point where i could just about justify having one. My question is really, as a family car are they decent, and reliable-ish? The old man had an early l322 and it never seemed like it was ever without an error code showing. I'm budgeted to about 6-6.5k which doesn't get you much, perhaps 2006/7 and 120k miles. That kind of thing.

I've considered l200s and navaras but they don't have the same appeal.
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hi mate

i done a buyers guide which i hope will give u an idea what to look for

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

for a half decent D3 ur looking around £7-8k , they are an awesome landy , but must be bought with care , otherwise will turn into a money pit
 
If you dont have a spare slush fund I would be wary of buying ANY large complicated 4x4.

If you keep on top of maintenance great car, let it slide and prepare to be financially raped.
 
lynall said:
If you dont have a spare slush fund I would be wary of buying ANY large complicated 4x4.

If you keep on top of maintenance great car, let it slide and prepare to be financially raped.
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ur not wrong there concerning the slush fund , as we all know especially when things like belts / oil pump cover etc aren’t done
 
I forgot to say Ive ran mine for nearly 3 yrs with no error coeds showing.
Now needs front lower arms and torque convertor, that will be the thick end of 2k Im sure.
 
Okay. As with most cars particularly landys I plan to keep a bit back for early repairs. Nobody ever sells a pristine car so I always expect something to come out of the woodwork within months of buying. Perhaps I’ve just been unlucky with landys in the past.

There’s a local one which has with all the specs im after (although I’m not fussy on colour, interior etc.) but the trouble is it is v8! I was pretty dead set on the tdv6. This particular one does have lpg which might help. Just wondering how much more expensive the v8 will be to run? It’s up around 150k miles so not sure if that’s over the hill?
 
Lpg on the 4.4 v8 in an issue, or more specifically a valve recession issue!
Like everyone else I like v8s, but its a complicated car, then they add another complicated system on top, in my view just more to go wrong, on the plus side theres none of the diesel issues to worry about.
 
I read that for lpg they should have different valves. I’m guessing it is a switched system so I could just run it without lpg but then more expensive and the damage is likely done. It was apparently a Prinns conversion. I don’t know if that means anything or is a good or bad thing. It’s tempting but most of them around here seem to have 140k+ on the clock whereas I was hoping more for as close as 100k as possible! Even the 10 grand models seem to have well over a hundred thousand now.
 
I have been through both front wheel bearings, electric park brake and air suspension compressor........oh, and several error codes with no specific fault being found, a troublesome oil pipe................possibly 3 grands worth..........but I do love the car, ride quality is awesome and it is great for lugging the family, dogs, bikes and camping gear.
 
That does sound a lot, but over what time period is that? If it's twelve months I think I might be bighting off more than I can chew. If it's 3 years then probably not too bad. All the landys I've owned have cost a bomb to maintain. I think the defender cost me a clutch, two tyres, brake discs, a diesel pump, and about two alternators within twelve months. lol and yet here I am contemplating another landrover, and this time one with a lot lot more to go wrong!
 
3 yrs, total parts costs 3547 quid, incl 6 tyres (900quid) all mots, oil every 5k, rear prop (200), cambelt incl aux belt and pulleys (320), battery (90), all discs/pads (upgrade to v8 spec incl new callipers 312), drivers seat foam and heater element (168), basically 25 quid per week, not incl road tax(500) or insurance (350).
Hardly do any miles now roughly 100 per week.
 
lynall said:
3 yrs, total parts costs 3547 quid, incl 6 tyres (900quid) all mots, oil every 5k, rear prop (200), cambelt incl aux belt and pulleys (320), battery (90), all discs/pads (upgrade to v8 spec incl new callipers 312), drivers seat foam and heater element (168), basically 25 quid per week, not incl road tax(500) or insurance (350).
Hardly do any miles now roughly 100 per week.
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in all fairness i think that sounds pretty good , considering these vehicles cost £50-60k new, but at least you’ve now got a decent landy , also when u start separating modifications and service costs i think they arnt that bad to run when u also compare them to other makes

that reminds me i must change my engine oil, done it last year and i’ve only done 2,000 miles, wondering if i should also replace the fuel filter , did check the air filter and that’s still nice and clean

ive replaced cam belts and oil pump casing, compressor, air tank, front and reservoir valves , new set of tyres

know it would be a different story if i had to rely on a garage to do repairs , also like ur goodself having the gap iid has indeed saved a lot

still think it’s worth every penny , considering how versatile it is
 
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I had one for 7 years before trading in for a RR. I had a few issues but considering the mileage and time I had it for it wasn't to bad. From memory:

EGR valves (warranty job).
New alternator.
New front lower suspension wishbones.
Compressor for air suspension.
Lower tail gate operating cable snapped (did it myself - part was about £25 but dealer wanted £ 240 labour).

Fantastic vehicle and the 2 rear seats in the boot are proper full sized seats and will take an adult comfortably so a real 7 seater.
Get it serviced by a good independent.
 
gstuart said:
in all fairness i think that sounds pretty good , considering these vehicles cost £50-60k new, but at least you’ve now got a decent landy , also when u start separating modifications and service costs i think they arnt that bad to run when u also compare them to other makes

that reminds me i must change my engine oil, done it last year and i’ve only done 2,000 miles, wondering if i should also replace the fuel filter , did check the air filter and that’s still nice and clean

ive replaced cam belts and oil pump casing, compressor, air tank, front and reservoir valves , new set of tyres

know it would be a different story if i had to rely on a garage to do repairs , also like ur goodself having the gap iid has indeed saved a lot

still think it’s worth every penny , considering how versatile it is
Click to expand...


2k is that funny area, do I or dont I, I probably would for piece of mind but would say another year wont kill it, or just leave it until the summer.
My 90 did 300 miles between mots and the oil is still clean so didnt change it this year.
Think my Metropolis was 47k when new!
 
The latest I'm looking at is in good nick with the specs that appeal to me (auto, leather interior, satnav, tdv6), its got 100k on the clock and has got proof of a cambelt change so looks good. It's really stretching the budget at around 7.5k but seems like that might be money well spent vs. a 6k model with 150k on it and no proof of maint and could end up costing thousands more.

My hope is that the disco will be a good all rounder for camping trips in the summer, and shoots in the winter. Plus towing my bike a couple of times a month. My worry is that it won't live up to its reputation. Does anybody here NOT recommend them?
 
lynall said:
2k is that funny area, do I or dont I, I probably would for piece of mind but would say another year wont kill it, or just leave it until the summer.
My 90 did 300 miles between mots and the oil is still clean so didnt change it this year.
Think my Metropolis was 47k when new!
Click to expand...

thks mate , will change it inthe spring along with a new engine filter

wish to check my ATF level before it gets to cold, don’t know how easy it is to check access to the level plug , may i ask did u use the iid to check the temp or an infra red thermometer on the gearbox sump

know i must do that california stop update , drives me nuts when i’m in traffic with going on and off the accelerator
 
ReadySalted said:
The latest I'm looking at is in good nick with the specs that appeal to me (auto, leather interior, satnav, tdv6), its got 100k on the clock and has got proof of a cambelt change so looks good. It's really stretching the budget at around 7.5k but seems like that might be money well spent vs. a 6k model with 150k on it and no proof of maint and could end up costing thousands more.

My hope is that the disco will be a good all rounder for camping trips in the summer, and shoots in the winter. Plus towing my bike a couple of times a month. My worry is that it won't live up to its reputation. Does anybody here NOT recommend them?
Click to expand...

hi mate

what year is the D3 ur looking at please, good the belts have been done , has there been any mention with regards to the oil pump cover and rear belt being done , rear belt is for the fuel pump , body doesn’t need to come off

have u checked out the disco3 forum as a few D3s come up for sale and u know they have been well looked after from other members

have u test driven one yet , may i ask where abouts are u in the u.k. as someone who owns one maybe near u who may show u around one without a salesman breathing done ur neck
 
I just bought one with 78k on the clock 55 plate (now 82k) and I payed to much for it. But the air compressor, belts were done recently, the guy I bought it from agreed to fix whatever it needed before I got it, so he had to fit new windscreen, rear suspensions parts, front bearings. I knew the suspension and disks were going to need some work but at the time they were not bad enough to get it done without taking the ****. It's a 7 seat SE model with not a mark on it and the interior is perfect. The EGR was blanked and the guy before me replaced all the lights grill etc. for Disco 4 ones so it looks pretty similar to the 16 plate D4. I must admit its fantastic to drive I had a Disco 1 which I loved but they are different cars. I think your going to be hard pressed to get a good one at a reasonable spec for 6-7k with history and lower miles.

So far the front wishbones were done cost £330 fitted from my local landy chap, normally around here its about £550, the front disks and pads are cheap, thee are going to get done next week probably less than £200 fitted and I might get the back done whilst I'm at it. I will keep to a keen service routine with this one, I think they need it.

I went into D3 ownership with the attitude that it had to be cheaper than running my new AMG SLK which I departed with and guess what, so far so good, that car costs about £1k a year to service. So I think its all relative, my 90 is cheap as chips to service and run, but the Disco is used as the family car and is massive compared to the D1 and is great to drive for a 2.7 tonne vehicle. As an aside my other half and I don't argue about the seat position any more, you just press a button and the seats and mirrors etc move to where you left them, ohhhh like having me A6 back again.

So yes buy one, but get the right model, and check the belts compressor etc and assume the suspension will need replacing every 80k. Of which the big spend is the rear air suspension. Lastly if your going to buy one private as the owner if you can park it on the level and remove fuse 3 for the night, if you come back in the morning and its wonky there's a leak somewhere and your into money from the start.
 
SpaceDawg said:
I just bought one with 78k on the clock 55 plate (now 82k) and I payed to much for it. But the air compressor, belts were done recently, the guy I bought it from agreed to fix whatever it needed before I got it, so he had to fit new windscreen, rear suspensions parts, front bearings. I knew the suspension and disks were going to need some work but at the time they were not bad enough to get it done without taking the ****. It's a 7 seat SE model with not a mark on it and the interior is perfect. The EGR was blanked and the guy before me replaced all the lights grill etc. for Disco 4 ones so it looks pretty similar to the 16 plate D4. I must admit its fantastic to drive I had a Disco 1 which I loved but they are different cars. I think your going to be hard pressed to get a good one at a reasonable spec for 6-7k with history and lower miles.

So far the front wishbones were done cost £330 fitted from my local landy chap, normally around here its about £550, the front disks and pads are cheap, thee are going to get done next week probably less than £200 fitted and I might get the back done whilst I'm at it. I will keep to a keen service routine with this one, I think they need it.

I went into D3 ownership with the attitude that it had to be cheaper than running my new AMG SLK which I departed with and guess what, so far so good, that car costs about £1k a year to service. So I think its all relative, my 90 is cheap as chips to service and run, but the Disco is used as the family car and is massive compared to the D1 and is great to drive for a 2.7 tonne vehicle. As an aside my other half and I don't argue about the seat position any more, you just press a button and the seats and mirrors etc move to where you left them, ohhhh like having me A6 back again.

So yes buy one, but get the right model, and check the belts compressor etc and assume the suspension will need replacing every 80k. Of which the big spend is the rear air suspension. Lastly if your going to buy one private as the owner if you can park it on the level and remove fuse 3 for the night, if you come back in the morning and its wonky there's a leak somewhere and your into money from the start.
Click to expand...

hi , great write up, i’ve had mine a year , bought it as a project and has indeed been interesting , i had to replace the curtain airbags , was fun having to remove the headlining

next job is new upper wishbones , along with new rear brake hoses and the 2 x short brake pipes, seeing they have to be removed when replacing the wishbones i may as well replace them at the same time

may i ask did u also get ur oil pump cover replaced , replaced mine at the same time the belts were replaced , also rear belt was done,

done the usual things , ie, compressor , air tank, reservoir and front valve , blanked the egrs,

bought a gap iid diagnostic reader , has been a godsend as i just redone my suspension recalibration , saves on garage costs, lol

bought some silicone intercooler hoses months ago, just haven’t got round to fitting them yet ,

all in all i’m also very impressed with the D3, best landy i’ve owned so far , is great my dogs have so much room on the middle seats and leaves me enough space in the boot

651CAB52-4800-4E92-AE0E-1379313D71DF.png
 
ReadySalted said:
Does anybody here NOT recommend them?
Click to expand...

I think provided you go into D3 ownership with your eyes open, have the patience and ability to do a chunk (I.E. most :)) of the work on it yourself, and are able to purchase your own diagnostics, then you stand a good chance of getting a decent, very capable vehicle.

I wouldn't contemplate one without diagnostics - it'd be like trying to run a D1 without being able to weld :D:rolleyes: :eek:
 
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