Discovery 3 or 4? TDV6 or SDV6?

So I’ve sold my Defender and now time to start looking for a replacement. I need something with 7 seats, so it’s probably got to be either Discovery 3 or 4. But which is the better option to go for? I know that pre 21st March 2006 Discovery 3’s have a lower road tax, but there aren’t so many nice ones around in this age range. So my question is is a late Discovery 3 better than an early Discovery 4? Also if I go Discovery 4 there’s the choice of TDV6 or SDV6, although the insurance seems quite steep on the SDV6.
Also some pointers of things to look at would be good too.
Many Thanks

As I understand it D4 TDV6 6 speed box with 245bhp, SDV6 with 8 speed box 255bhp, SDV6 came in around 2011/12.
Both of the 3.0 litre can have crank issues, 2.7 can also have crank and oil pump issues.
Well worth some serious research.

I think there are some SDV6 with the 6 speed gearbox in, as I’ve seen a few on 10/11 plates with the auto shift lever and not the 8 speed rotary dial.
Are all three engines closely related? I’ve heard about issues with the cranks on the 3.0 litre D4’s so I was thinking that maybe the D3 2.7 unit would be better, especially from towards the end of the production run??

SR4x4 said:

I think there are some SDV6 with the 6 speed gearbox in, as I’ve seen a few on 10/11 plates with the auto shift lever and not the 8 speed rotary dial.
Are all three engines closely related? I’ve heard about issues with the cranks on the 3.0 litre D4’s so I was thinking that maybe the D3 2.7 unit would be better, especially from towards the end of the production run??

Click to expand...

I am not a 100 percent on that, but would hazard a guess they don't really know what they are selling?

Edit to add, yes closely related, so closely thay will fit in each others engine bay, 2.7 also shared with peugeot and renault, but for some reason (front wheel drive?) itheir engine blocks are different, jag 2.7 and 3.0 are a straight swap and are often used as a whole car can be cheaper than just an engine!

SR4x4 said:

Are all three engines closely related? I’ve heard about issues with the cranks on the 3.0 litre D4’s so I was thinking that maybe the D3 2.7 unit would be better, especially from towards the end of the production run??

Click to expand...

All TDV6 engines can suffer sudden crank failure, but it seems the more powerful 3.0L version suffers it sooner.

Plus 1 ref the 3.0 , seems to suffer more with the crank issues

If I was going for a D4 would get a warranty , if u look on the discovery 3 forum there’s a few that are recommend and what is and isn’t included , u could buy a discovery 3 and use the extra money u was going to spend on a D4 away for anything that needs doing

plus decent diagnostics is very important , will pay for them selves very quickly

also hope that helps a little , plus I done a D3 buyers guide at the top of the discovery section

As previous posts both snap cranks 3.0l has more power seems to cause more issues look for service history look at gstuarts buyers guide at the start of this thread

have you considered a 7 seat Discovery 2 td5, not pricey, £8000 with less than 100,000 on the clock, and money saved ready for any repaires needed

Some people are looking at the oils, and think a slightly thicker oil at the low end is better for longevity.

I indeed use 5w 40 in my 2.7s as recommend on Lr time he makes some good points 5000 miles or 6 months change regardless of mileage I think is the key, none of the five I have bought have been serviced properly, I am convinced, oil always thin and piddly doesn't help with a known weak point, remember doesn't the SD stand for simply dependable, looking for a D4 project myself at the moment, have had D3 for years with no major issues apart from the one's I inherited but am quite swayed by D4s

There are 7 seat conversions available for the L322 without the snapped crank option .

J