Disco 3 (LR3) Thinking about buying a project...

Hi chaps,

I've really enjoyed myFreelander project that is nearly there now (barring a small hole in the tail gate and a couple of VCU bearings). The engine is rebuilt, the front suspension has been renewed, along with the front and rear brakes. The problems with the HDC have now been sorted. And now I am thinking of a Discovery.

I've always really liked the look of the D3 and they are, by all accounts, very capable machines. I've been idly looking at some. My thinking is of getting a fairly basic S model (sat nav is massively out of date now - best go with aftermarket IMO, and seats can be changed if needed - and I'd prefer manual seat operation for their simplicity anyway).

Still not sure where all the buying "bear traps" are on these cars. Gary's excellent write up is certainly helpful, and I can see that the TDV6 engine has a weakness with spinning their lower bearing shells.

What gives me the fear is that the specialists appear lift off the body of any major work on the engine/transmission. I work on the drive/ in the street, so that is a no-no for me. So I guess the question is whether buying a D3 with engine problems is even remotely "sensible" (i.e. can I actually reach things to fix? Can the lower part of the engine be worked on without separating the body from the chassis? etc.) Or should I be extremely wary of a highly complex machine that has been packaged to fit inside a Rizla packet???

Thanks!

rob_bell said:

Hi chaps,

I've really enjoyed myFreelander project that is nearly there now (barring a small hole in the tail gate and a couple of VCU bearings). The engine is rebuilt, the front suspension has been renewed, along with the front and rear brakes. The problems with the HDC have now been sorted. And now I am thinking of a Discovery.

I've always really liked the look of the D3 and they are, by all accounts, very capable machines. I've been idly looking at some. My thinking is of getting a fairly basic S model (sat nav is massively out of date now - best go with aftermarket IMO, and seats can be changed if needed - and I'd prefer manual seat operation for their simplicity anyway).

Still not sure where all the buying "bear traps" are on these cars. Gary's excellent write up is certainly helpful, and I can see that the TDV6 engine has a weakness with spinning their lower bearing shells.

What gives me the fear is that the specialists appear lift off the body of any major work on the engine/transmission. I work on the drive/ in the street, so that is a no-no for me. So I guess the question is whether buying a D3 with engine problems is even remotely "sensible" (i.e. can I actually reach things to fix? Can the lower part of the engine be worked on without separating the body from the chassis? etc.) Or should I be extremely wary of a highly complex machine that has been packaged to fit inside a Rizla packet???

Thanks!

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hi rob,

i was exactly in ur shoes regarding these , wanted it for more room, better off road capability ,due to height restriction of the hipp, something that was comfortable and quiet on the motorway , don't get me wrong i enjoyed my hippo but wanted something different

they are like chalk and cheese between the freelander and D3

agree regarding the technology, i didn't want it all either, plus ins is more expensive as u go up the models

ref the oil pump casing , it seemed from 2007 onwards they were an issue , i just replaced mine as a matter of course when all the belts etc were done

buying one with engine faults i would be very concerned , recon engine are 5k

u will need a good diagnostic , £400

my D3 is my favourite landy by far, expect around 22 mpg around town 32mpg on a run

winter time it will drop around town , as the fuel burner heater will kick in below 5 c ,

may i ask have u test driven one yet , if not ur more than welcome to come over and have a test drive in mine, can also show u round it, what to look for and being able to spend time looking round it , without having a salesman down ur neck , i can put the kettle on and u can take as much time as u like

inc all the work i've done, how assessable they are, what can cause issues etc , have an A4 book that i started , where i've listed what i've done, parts replaced etc

just send me a pm and can organise a test drive for u no problem

if u do get one i'm happy to come with u to have a look, can plug my diagnostic reader into it , that would make a salesman nervous , lol plus can give u a hand working on it,

Thanks Gary - I have to pop round sometime anyway to pick up those roof bars! But yes, definitely will take you up on your offer and experience with these cars

rob_bell said:

Thanks Gary - I have to pop round sometime anyway to pick up those roof bars! But yes, definitely will take you up on your offer and experience with these cars

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no probs, that's what i thought , being able to fit the roof bars and also give u time to have a chat about the D3 over a cuppa

that way u can at least see what there like to drive, what the location of parts are and accessibility issues etc

just send me a pm and can organise a day

Thanks!

Upper steering arms have arrived today: hope to get these fitted this week so can get tracking done. Then I can take the Hippo on linger trips again!