Should You Buy a LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 3? (LR3 TEST DRIVE & REVIEW)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2024
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I know it's hard to believe but the Discovery3 has been around for 15 years! Should you buy one or are they more trouble than they're worth? Let's find out...
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Your videos are superb, informative and entertaining. Great to have honest realistic advice from someone who knows what they are talking about. Thanks.
Thank you! Cheers for watching :)
We are professional doing all kinds of land rover crankshafts. If you need land rover deiscovery tdv6 2.7L or tdv6 3.0L,Please add my WhatsaApp:0086-15222403526; Skype:jaydenindustry
We are professional doing all kinds of land rover crankshafts. If you need land rover deiscovery tdv6 2.7L or tdv6 3.0L,Please add my WhatsaApp:0086-15222403526; Skype:jaydenindustry
And then buy a defender just kidding well a defender can be good for touring but not long trips because of its noise
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I had one for about 8 years - loved it - although cost wise it was like having a mistress, in Paris, who has a penchant for crack and bollinger.
Hhahaa
@@HighPeakAutos I sold it 4 years ago and its still going. Want it back now. I miss the Pain
Haha they do get under your skin
@@HighPeakAutos They do - alot like your excellent vids. However its your fault im hankering for a RR 5.0 Supercharged. The fun polizei have nailed the lid shut on that one!!
Best comment on the internet today 😂
The best thing about the Land Rovers is the wonderfully comfortable ride. Hard to beat it!
Having owned one a manual, black, HSE model for 7/8 months I’m in love with it, and sure it has its problems (mostly electrical) & sure every time I drive it I’m worried it’s going to go bang & drain my wallet & sure it fails to pass every 2nd fuel station but being 23 years old & owning such a cool, practical & characterful vehicle I don’t think I’ll be selling it any time soon!
Just fix it quick and do service regular then hope it doesn't give you problems.
I still own a 2005 4.4L V8 model, and it's still running strong with nearly 200k miles on the clock! Absolutely no issues with the engine whatsoever, the only problem is high running cost, but the comfort and agility for such a big vehicle is just superb.
I've got exactly the same year and engine type as you. 2000+ miles without a check engine light 😜
That must have cost you a small countries gdp
Is it a JLR 4.4 or BMW? Whats the mpg like around town?@@thedatboi_
Can’t forget that time when Clarkson drove one of these up that mountain.
Qasim Mir no doubt it feels hovering over mountains
th-cam.com/video/E_jqz2J_zc4/w-d-xo.html
Then he forgot to gave the key to the crew that want to bring it down
Yes, he mildly flattened a bit of Heather (which grew over within weeks) and the green loons went ballistic saying he'd practically destroyed the mountainside. 😄
It's still there, keyless thanks to Clarkson leaving with it in his pocket.
I bought a v8 one about a year ago. Did my homework on it and spoke with the service department at the dealership where the seller said it was serviced. This car had just under 100,000 miles when I bought it. I’ve put over 80,000 miles on it going to our cabin in the mountains which is miles off any paved road and I take it to NY many times a year. It still runs as well as the day I bought it. My advice is to keep it maintained and it will run forever.
I agree! There are too many people bashing LR's on the internet. My experience has been largely good :)
I have a 2007. It has been across the Aussie alps and outback about 20 times. It can outdrive any other 4x4 on any rough surface in comfort. Love it.
Pleased to hear it!
Loving my 05 V8 HSE. Every time I walk away from the car after parking, I always look back at it ❤️
They're great cars. Still look good after all these years
@@HighPeakAutos They actually keep looking better and better.. They are becoming more and more iconic as the new ones become more modern.
Yes I bet you look back thinking that just cost £20 to pop to the shop lol.
@@kingquadking6075 and I enjoyed every quid I spent.
@@hans6304 ....on that bmw engine !!
In 7 years I took my Disco 3 from 78000 to 250000! I loved it and only sold it because I moved to London after a separation and was doing very high millage for work. I replaced all airbags and they were just starting to activate the warning light again, and the airbag compressor. I wish I still had it and as soon as my finances allow!
Some people just don’t understand what Land Rover ownership is. You don’t choose the car, the car chooses you...
the car chooses your wallet kid.
I got a 2006 Lr3 V8 se and its the best I owned so far. It got 180,000 miles on it and still drives like a champ. Every-time I drive it feels like a dream. I just love it man.
The V8 is lovely isn't it
how’s it going, still have it?
I had a disco se for 7 years. Differential problems, air suspension problems, it killed 6 batteries, internal finishing quality issues, dashboard cracking after 4 years, door autolock issues, park brake stucked, cooler water sensor dead, engine hoses started to crack after 5 years, egr issues. .. But I love it! It runs smooth, silent, confortable and my family feels safe in a case of car crash. I made my mechanic happy.
I feel sorry for you If you had bought a Land Cruiser you would have had stress free ownership Honestly I am being serious Think of the money you would have saved and the re sale value of a Land Cruiser is high
Hi Matt, I really enjoyed your calm, intelligent and informed analysis of the LR3. I have a 3D Modeling and Animation business in Bahrain and travel to Saudi Arabia to visit business clients. My LR3 V8 HSE has 240500 on the clock. I ensure it is correctly maintained and I am happy to say it has returned faultless service over its two years in my possession. Driving in Saudi is VERY challenging because of road conditions and the unique and almost suicidal driving style of Saudi motorists. The LR3 has an imposing presence on the road that tends to protect me from the "crazies". I love the styling of my LR3, almost architechtural in its treatment of upright surfaces and utiliterian design. I watch your videos several times a week and always enjoy your narration and the rolling hills that are often seen in the background. Living in a desert environment it is encouraging to see glimpses of my green homeland. Keep up the great work Matt, and by the way good luck with your new academy website. Kindest regards..Stephen
Hi Stephen, thanks for watching. Good choice with the V8. They’re great cars. All the best
Stephen are you still active on this account?
At home we have had an 07 discovery 3 v8 hse since new and by far the most reliable car in the family and the one that receives the most use out of all the cars we have. Already 13 years old, with a lot of km on the clock and little maintainance needed. The only things that we had changed over the years are both front air springs, bushings, front hub assemblies, the alternator, 1 front xenon light and that's it, apart form the normal maintenance like the oil, batteries, breaks and tires. Really happy with this car, usually do road trips, carry big and heavy items (not towing) and some off roading and never had have any trouble with it over the years.
We've had an '05 Disco 3 for the past 3 years (relatively high mileage but regularly serviced by the one previous owner from new) and to be fair it's been more trouble than it's worth. We expected to have to replace things like tyres (not cheap) and brake discs/pads, but we've had to replace several suspension components (I know, components subject to wear in a used car), a suspension compressor, wheel bearings (another wear prone part), CV joint, we've had the tailgate refuse to open, there's water leaking into the front passenger footwell when it rains (the Land Rover specialist we go to can't find the cause), the list goes on.
The engine itself is pretty bomb-proof (the 2.7 TDV6), and gets 30-ish to the gallon on the motorway which the car loves to be on, but get it in the hills where I live & you're lucky if you manage 18 to the gallon.
You can fit a lot inside the vehicle, the shape is extremely practical (I think they dropped the ball on the new one in that respect, much less practical rounded shape - don't think you'll be getting a king-sized bed in that!).
It's very comfortable to be in too, though the Land Cruiser Amazon we had previously was even more comfortable (needed side steps to get in that one though!).
In conclusion, don't buy a Discovery 3 unless you can afford to maintain it. We service it every year (we don't do more than 10,000 miles per annum) and there's always something that needs doing. The Toyota rarely needed anything doing (except that one time.....when we managed to shear some splines off the driveshaft). I expect to have to replace tyres, brake pads and discs, and maybe the occasional alternator - I do not expect to have to replace or repair a major structural component of the vehicle every few months, which is what you seem to get with a Land Rover. They're great if you like to get your hands dirty working on your own car, but if you're paying someone else to do it I'd go for something more reliable.
If you still have it and haven't found the leak causing water in the foot well check/replace the sunroof seal. Ive read it can cause a leak and water will run down the A pillar and end up in the footwell
@@krisfoutre7981 There is supposed to be a drain that channels water down the A pillar and into the nearside wing ('fender' to the septics amongst us), this apparently is where the blockage usually occurs - design flaw in my opinion if you can't get to it easily to unblock it. Were I younger and less arthritic I'd take the wing off myself & find the problem, but paying someone else to do so is going to be another £1k down the drain (so to speak).
When inside the vehicle you can clearly see it's based on the previous generation of Range Rover, so issues like this should have been sorted out already. But JLR seem to think they're above the day-to-day tedium of actually fixing their design errors, which is why I'd never buy a Land Rover again (unless it's an original Series or Defender for my son, he needs to learn how to get his hands dirty).
Just my twopenneth, hope you and yours are well.
@DBD 34 Goldie Luck has nothing to do with it, Land Rovers are unreliable. Toyotas they are not, but if you like getting your hands dirty (not many people do these days, sadly) older Land Rovers are actually quite easy to work on.
2005 lr3 hse 220k miles 4.4 v8 goes everywhere I want. Many miles in mohave desert. Outstanding fun . Have owned 3 land cruisers, Montero SR, touareg v8.
@@brianmoore4778 If you're in the south-west then the Land Rover's biggest nemesis (rust, or 'tin-worm' as Top Gear liked to call it) won't be as much of a problem as here in the UK. Our '05 HSE has a similar milage to yours, maybe closer to 230k, and has started to rot on the rear chassis crossmember. That's something else I'm going to have to sort soon. But it's a comfortable vehicle, and I do like the leather. 😁
I bought an 05 plate disco 3 HSE two years ago. I did exactly you suggest, service it well, look after it, and it has never let me down. It is a superb car, brilliant, smooth ride, and looks stylish. I would not want to change it for a Cayenne, ML or X5 of the same age.
Thanks for your comments! Thats exactly my point. They're not too expensive to maintain, they're expensive to repair (when people don't maintain them!)
i own a 4.4L V8 petrol with 198,000 miles. Ive only replaced the radiator and water pump. Runs like a charm to this day.
Pleased to hear it :)
We are professional doing all kinds of land rover crankshafts. If you need land rover deiscovery tdv6 2.7L or tdv6 3.0L,Please add my WhatsaApp:0086-15222403526; Skype:jaydenindustry
Dude your lucky man my dads LR3 is failing like hell. But I love it and he does to soo we’re not selling it anytime soon
My first car ever 97 Disco, 2nd car ever 06 LR3 w/ 208,420 mi whoa!
We are professional doing all kinds of land rover crankshafts. If you need land rover deiscovery tdv6 2.7L or tdv6 3.0L,Please add my WhatsaApp:0086-15222403526; Skype:jaydenindustry
I have a 2006 LR3 V8 in the US. Excellent SUV but like all 4x4’s just maintain it. Those people that say negative things just don’t know how to take care of an advanced machine like a Land Rover.
K am n Uganda but also loving n I've loved yo engine
I’m currently running an 06 4.4 V8 HSE Buckingham blue with beige interior. it is my daily driver and i have been running it for a few years faultlessly. I also occasionally off-road it as well and I’ve recently upgraded to 20” L322 wheels on 33” tires. besides the fact that i’m now averaging 11mpg even with highway driving, I absolutely love my D3 and I won’t trade it for another vehicle, at least anything that isn’t a Land Rover. The D3 just gives a special driving feeling, especially when you put some nice chunky tires and add little mods here and there
I think you've missed out an important part of the suspension comments. It is the ACE pipes (the pipelines underneath the car which connects the entire air suspension system) that fail, they are not physically protected by anything and they corrode after about 10 years. Sadly, they cost a fortune to repair because the frame of the car needs to be separated from the car for them to be removed and replaced. Unfortunately for me, I had to replace the front and back at a cost of around £5k - this was in a RR Sport but it is the same system the Disco uses. Top tip = check the ACE pipes have been replaced if you are buying one, if not check for any corrosion of them underneath the car.
Craig Miles I’ve never had that happen to me, but it has happened to a friend of mine on a RR sport. He managed to get them replaced for around £1800 at a specialist LR garage
@Rahmi Acar Good tip for short term repair. Point remains they still replacing.
Jeep Commander owner here. Needed 7 seats, towing, comfort, and crucially reliability. The Jeep has been absolutely flawless, and the looks have grown on me. When choosing, it was a shortlist of Discovery 3, Commander and XC90. Glad I made the choice I did - I've owned Range Rovers in the past and when they work they are excellent, and I have no doubt on a good day a Disco 3 would be as good as or better than the Commander, but I suspect (and know from friends who have owned them) that the Disco can give you some extremely bad days/weeks too.
But chuffed the Commander got a mention, even if it was a jokey one - they are a bit under appreciated.
Thanks for watching! When I next get a nice Commander I'm going to do a video. You hardly see them any more :)
Landrover....turning drivers into mechanics since 1948
and we love 'em for it
There is a saying that after a long trip to Africa, on the ferry back from Tanger to Algeciras, Landcruiser drivers swap stories about what thay've seen - LR drivers tell each other what they've repaired.
hahahahahahahahahaha bro this is a classic comment
Yep true, I knew jack shit on cars and mechanics until I got a Land Rover 90 back in 2008, it were the old 4C NA diesel that needed a LOT of TLC and unfortunately I sold it a year later as I couldn't afford to spend anymore money on it - though it left me nearly in debt, I had it converted to 200Tdi power which the bulk of my budget was spent on.
@@notroll1279 , hahahahahahahahaahahahhahahh
Bought one 2008 2 years ago to tour round Europe in after an x5 purchase fell through, mine is an XS with a limited edition body kit, done 40k in it so far love it, did 3k miles in first 2 weeks of ownership
Good choice! Have you had anything bad happen with it yet?
@@HighPeakAutos Yes had both rear calipers done, new discs and pads but that's a service item really, a front wish bone and one side of the erg valve replaced, a new battery and a new electric viscous fan, (was damaged by green flag while they fitted a new alternator at roadside ! ) to be fair they paid for the fan £500 ! Probably spent about 1500 pounds on it in 18 months but to be honest we abuse it and its a lovely drive, we have done over 35000 miles in it since buying it so can not complain, disco 4 or new range rover sport next (want 7 seats). Have seen some 63 plate range rover sports under 30K with high miles, but not scared by mileage when you look at what you get.
Championship footballer car for top of range Mondeo money it's a no brainer.
"look after it, and it will look after you" - words to live by if you want reliable motoring. ;)
Most people don't look after their car and then they're surprising when it breaks down
@@HighPeakAutos Yep exactly, "an ounce of prevention....." :)
These are excellent responses, a car is a machine and as such will fail, regardless of what make it is. You must service your car. Or pay someone to do it.
same with a house/home, if ya don't look after it, it'll drop to bits around you!!
Well I once owned a Freelander that defied that rule.
Still have our 137k 54 plate S from 2004 till now in 2020. In its 16 year lifetime, it had new air suspension compressor, new air reservoir, new front suspension arms, auto box flush, re-conditioned handbrake & Gear selector, new air con compressor, new turbo actuator, new turbo, new brake lines, various new bushes. Have the Engine and drive train serviced, and it’s a smooth torquey V6 motor. Had it remapped to 225bhp, which drives much better and gives better mpg. Max 30mpg for the auto normal driving on motorways. Tough Interior is holding up well, leather interior still very nice and no rips despite a tough past few years. Despite all the above “maintenance” parts and normal wear and tear items, I can’t really fault it! Having said that, I won’t touch one without knowing it’s history or have tonnes of receipts of work done. That’s why I won’t sell mine, but run it till it can no longer run. Every time is in the garage for anything, £300-£1800 bills are expected, but it will last for a few more years each time. As with any LR, look after it and it will be an amazing capable vehicle that is timeless in drive and design. I had trouble finding something to replace it, every time the decision to keep it running wins out. There’s simply nothing that will Match it for the money, given all big LR or RR are £50k+ new.
Buy one with history and service it with deep pockets - this is not a vehicle to run on shoe string budget. Compare it with more recent LR/RR, it’s a real timeless bargain.
Been helping maintain my dads lr3 for the past couple of years. They’re designed to be worked on by lifting the body off the frame so very limited in what you can do at home without a lift. Also lots of wiring and pipes exposed underneath the body, leading to damage & corrosion. Not designed for easy maintenance or reliability.
I had an ‘08 US-Spec (LR3) SE7 with the 4.4 V8. Most practical, reliable Land Rover I’ve owned (of 9). Fantastic vehicle. Looked great in silver over black.
The 4.4 is great isn't it
High Peak Autos Yes but the 4.2 Supercharged is better. I wish LR had offered it in the LR3. Lowered, side skirts, firmer suspension. That would be cool.
Another great review, agree it’s a classic design that has stood the test of time.
Thanks for watching :)
In the early 90's Honda was in dire need of SUVs, so they rebadged quite a bit of SUVs from different brands until their own in house designed SUVs made it to market, including two from Isuzu and one based on the Discovery 1.
The view under the bonnet is all sealed covers - “no user serviceable parts”. The increasing complexity, dependence on electronic systems and the list of likely failures mean that the longevity of these cars as ultility vehicles is much reduced. My choice was down to Landcruiser or Shogun and fortunately I found a new LWB Shogun.
Those are just plastic shrouds. Easily removable.
My brother drives one and he seems very happy with his and he must have had it 8 years or so now. He’s also an Engineer starting at Leyland Motors and he is very pedantic about things like servicing etc. He’s one of those people who buys a new car and keeps it until it dies.
Good review and advice! The ones having problems with these are those who hasn’t got a really good mechanic doing what a mechanic should do. Maintenance AND prevention measures. I’m amazed over people thinking cars will hold up for years by never doing any maintenance. Those people are money pits. 😂
I concur
Hi there, just a few comments based on my personal experience of a Disco 3 TDv6 diesel:
1. A remap transforms the performance (190 to 245 bhp) and MPG of these cost about £300;
2. Air suspension compressor - can usually be fixed (very easy job) buying a repair kit off Ebay costing £15;
3. Suspension bushes wear particularly on the front end - replace on a regular cycle rather than wait for them to fail;
4. Engine is easy to service and reliable - engine oil and filter, parts will cost about £70 depending on the quality of oil you buy, plus 30 mins DIY time.
Really like the look of this car. I've been too afraid of it's reliability legacy to own one and too poor in the same time to feed it. But, Boy! Is it one of the best looking thing on the road or what?
Know what you mean. I had a Disco 3 manual. It's still my favourite car because of the manual gears. I bought it with my head not my heart, but kept it despite my head because of my heart. I called it "The Beast". It was hideously unreliable, of it could go wrong, it did go wrong, and expensively. It did wallow around corners, it did chew suspension parts, but I had it tuned and the engine ran much better, it became actually quick and the fuel economy improved by about 20%. I used to do about 500/800 miles per week, about half that in Sheffield, and still returned 32mpg average, which was awesome. I used to look for any excuse to get behind the wheel because I enjoyed it so much. The seats weren't comfy at all though, and I still loved driving it, which tells you a lot. I've been over Scottish moors in it, over the Pennines in snow a foot deep, through floods, and hills that would frighten most people, it just ate them all for breakfast. When it eventually had to be sold to save my marriage (it didn't), at 158,000 miles,I got a Freelander 2, which was nice, very comfy, quite capable, but it was just a nice car, a small car. I liked it a lot, but I never loved it. That started playing up at 90,000 miles and I got the worst car since I had a Fiat Uno back in the 90's - shudder - a Mitsubishi Shogun. I dreaded driving it. It over-steered and under-steered if was even damp on the road, the tracking had locked and couldn't be altered, it ate tyres, it sounded like a tractor and drove like one too, but a very bad one. The seats were comfy though. I bloody hated it with a passion. I've now got a Disco 4. It's faster, very luxurious, very comfy, handles even better, just a way better car in every respect bar one. Character. It needs a manual gearbox. The manual gearbox connects you to your car, you drive it rather than pilot it. Would I have one again? In a heartbeat.
I’m with you, owned loads of LR products, never seen the urban legend that is the unreliability. I had the 2006 2.7 diesel SE Disco 3 which I ran alongside my 4.2 RRS HST. Loved them both but disappointed the interiors were basically the same apart from the driving position. Ran the Disco for 105,000 miles, aside from services, no issues. It’s the true Tonka toy of the 4x4 world and still look great today. Great review as always
Will Wonka Geeat choice with the HST. You rarely see those. I agree, I think people just love to jump on the bandwagon of hating LR vehicles. Not consistent with my experience 👍🏻
I've owned a 2006 SE V8 for 12 years and it has been an incredible car. If shopping for a used LR3 make sure it has had the control arms replaced/inspected and make sure driver and passenger side floorboards are dry. I replaced both sunroof drains and lower windshield cowl myself to keep the cabin dry. A mechanic may quote you an outrageous price but you can do it yourself for about $200 in parts and a Saturday afternoon. My only painful issue was two suspension air bags leaking and the compressor going out around 150K miles. My experience was that it was not cheap to fix at all.
I own a D2 and I love it partly because I can fix it myself (most of the time) and it drives fine. I can also get three kids, our bikes and camping stuff in without it flinching. I do love the D3 though. I drove a few at launch and thought it was excellent - very refined and a big leap forward. What bothers me is the maintenance cost - but secretly I'd really like a silver D3 HSE...:-)
D2 daily driver, I love mine and I wouldn’t swap it. It’s quickly becoming a classic!
You chose the perfect date to post about the Disco 3. 2.7 V6 diesel. Whenever I mention to any independent diesel mechanic that "I once owned an LR Disco 3", I get a wry smile, a shake of the head and condolences...
Wait - why condolences?
I love British cars, they are the most beautiful and refined, I opine. I've been affraid of buying one for the high maintenance prices and dishonest mechanics here in the US, and taking them to the dealership would be out of my possibilities, but at least I get to see them in your channel. Cheers!!!
Please can you do a review on the Discovery 4 because I hear most people saying it''s way different as compared to a disco 3
Brilliant follow up from the Range Rover video from someone who is clearly a Land Rover enthusiast, but is also aware of their flaws. The purity of the styling compared with more modern cars is interesting... Thanks ever so much indeed again, Matt!
I am a LR fan, hopefully I'm not too blinkered in my opinion of them. They're not perfect but that adds to their character. Thanks for your support :)
@@HighPeakAutos, that's a very fair assessment of how I feel about Rovers! They certainly aren't perfect either, but they are very cheap and many have been well cared for, but they do have their issues, and definitely plenty of character. Liking something which isn't perfect definitely makes your channel more interesting!
My favourite commentator on cars - I watch his videos for good entertainment, he is the best.
Great video, and I agree with you. People do hate on LR and RR for some reason. Yet seem to overlook problems with BMW and Mercedes. We have a disco 4 and love the big ol’ bus. Keep up the good work.
I can't honestly say LR are worse than any other brand. I've had more issues with other makes over the years
watched this when i was thinking about duying a D3, bought one November 2019, June 2020 now, cost me a few grand in repairs but its till the best thing ive ever owned, so glad i went for it
For a 4x4 of this age the styling looks so fresh.
I've had my discovery 3 for 7 years had no trouble only normal services.
I have now had my EGRs blanked off, much better consumption and better starting. Not going to get rid of it. Its great.
Nice one! No matter what the naysayers and trolls say (every vehicle has its faults :) ) once you've driven a D3 or 4 on long journeys, loaded or unloaded, every other vehicle in this category pales in comparison for comfort and the driving position/view.
Land Cruisers - yes, maybe. Solid or stolid? oh so agricultural :)
Couldn't agree more :)
Great car, had mine 5 years and sold to a forum member, fantastic cars that can do so many things.......I hope my replacement L405 lives up to its predecessor.......
I've owned the same year and model for about six months now, love it.
Pleased to hear it :)
Is it still alive ?
@@ojlbrickwork8092 Oh yes, still my daily driver
That's exactly what I do for every car I have bought, cambelts and followers,gearbox flush then engine terracleaned and fully serviced regardless if dealer says service has been done,maybe a bit over the top but piece of mind all the same 👍🏻
Seems to me,it's the sort of car you buy with a decent warranty.
Not necessarily inherently unreliable, but with lots of moving parts and it's ability to go anywhere (complete with horse box/ trailer).
But they look equally nice covered in mud up to the axles as they do washed and glowing outside harrods.
We should be proud of landrover for its design.
I agree :)
My 2006 Westminster Blue LR3 had such a ride, and the terrain control was so much fun. I miss it to this day.
I’ve got a 2006 version of this, owned for 5 years now, all of the faults you mention have happened to mine plus central locking, high pressure fuel pump, drive shaft... it’s a money pit, 6k in total repairs :-( And it has full LR service history. The only plus IMHO is that it still looks as good as new, doesn’t outweigh the unreliability issues though.
I love my LR3. But, I also service it myself. I'm a fan of the LR3, but, I wouldn't recommend it to someone, who prefers a mechanic for repairs. I find it reliable, but preventative maintenance is key.
I have the 2008 LR3 HSE. I have over 250k miles on it. Never been stranded on the roadside. Only issue seems to be I piss people off when I pass them. I don't think they like being overtaken by a British vehicle here in America. Lol. This is my second LR. Excellent, dependable vehicle. I will buy another when the time comes. I will drive this 2008 model until my mechanic says it's not worth repairing, as I did with my 1998 LR Discovery. So far, she's showing no signs of laying down. Cheers!
What's bizzare is in Australia we have the 2.7 diesel in a locally made Ford Territory and they are amazingly reliable without the crankshaft issue. LR owners replace their naffed diesels with the Territory V6. I personally didn't like the air suspension when I had one but most do so there you go
you should start a business shipping them over here...
I've owned a 2004 D2 TD5 for 7 years now. I would describe it as a loveable b....stard. It's never broken down and left us in the lurch but it does make sure my tool box never gathers dust. There's always some little issue or other that needs attention. I love it though and still think the higher spec (mines an ES Premium auto) D2's look classy. Would love to upgrade to a D3 but am scared off by talks of £2000 for timing belt change and lots of onboard computers. The D2 has several computers but switching the ignition off and back on usually shuts them up if they start throwing a tantrum. Great video review, many thanks for sharing.
Thats a good way of putting it! I've recently done a timing belt, they have two, but I had it done for £300 - so don't listen to the negative people! Thanks for watching! :)
I agree. And I think if you like mechanics then it can be enjoyable
My Disco 4 has had all the problems. I still have it as its a superb car. BUT. Cambelt service=£900. Front suspension bushes (only one per side goes every 18 months at average mileage (£800). After 2 lots of these, I polybushed. Same price, but one fix. Air compressor failure. Get an upgraded complete compressor, don't attempt to upgrade the 3/early 4 one. £600 fitted. All specialist prices. Electrics- cheap £7 bulbs upset the computer. Fuel sender- always will stick on empty. Its a drop the tank job. £250. Turbos. They'll go. £600 per side. mpg for us in the 3.0 Diesel Disco4 is between 25 and 32 mpg in all driving scenarios. Handbrake also failed. £200. No EGR valve yet...
The reason I bought a top spec discovery 2 td5 over a d3 is because it’s so much cheaper to run. For sure the d3 is a better vehicle but the road tax is nearly double the price, the performance is only marginally better, fuel economy no better.
The big thing is when it comes to repairs, in the grand it costs to change an egr valve, you could buy and swap out the whole engine in the discovery 2.
And when a topspec low mileage discovery 2 like mine cost just under 3 grand it really doesn’t justify spending over 3 times the price for a similar spec and mileage discovery 3.
It’s a good vehicle but for 10 grand I’d rather get a tdv8 Range Rover l322
I still run an disco 1 lol
We have one as the family throw in car, mums got a new Porsche Cayenne, dads got a new ford ranger and golf r and I’ve got a 2013 rr sport, and it’s everybody’s family favourite, ours is an early 2004 with 140,000 miles, we’ve got a garage so do the bits needed, and agreee that the gear box flush was a big one, lower arms are quite expensive, they tend to go about every 100k depending on use, but as a car it’s highly capable, and we don’t have to treat it with woollen mits, dogs in the boot, muddy welly’s on the mats, down narrow lanes, yet it’s still a respectable looking vehicle 15 years on
Wow, great choice of cars! I agree, they're great all-rounders. As you say, they will do everything you ask of it whilst still looking the part :)
Great video. Just bought one the same on an 05 plate with 106k miles. After 10 years of TD5 ownership its a very refined vehicle. Love the auto box and its in smashing condition. Yes, its a big fat lump of a thing, bit like me really. Plan on enjoying it till retirement in 3 years then it will have to go.
Good stuff! :)
Our auto disco 3 has has done 200,000 miles and the only thing that’s wrong with it at the moment is the turbo is going, it’s expensive but the car is brilliant value overall.
Tygwr Wasley 2.7 has single turbo...
Hi, I have a Freelander 2 2.2 TD HSE auto and apart from the shocking interior plastic quality the vehicle has been a great worker. Regular towing of up to 2 tons. I bought the F2 purely to avoid the D3 service expenses. I have however had.... two exhaust gasket failure both times stranding the vehicle. Once burning through a small wiring loom.. I changed out the cambelt 20k km early (224k km) and was amazed at how good the belt still was, it looked good for another stint. All the other bits have been wear and tear stuff which occurs on any cars. So far I have uprated the brakes to EBC which helped a ton. So maybe a d3/4 is on the cards...
There are 2 belts to change at 5 years or 105k miles, sunroof channels/gutters block up, steering wheel fabric (faux leather) disintegrated so worth changing for a real leather type, air con if it goes can be a body off job unless your specialist L R servicing garage can rebuild it from underneath! These are expensive to own because of the running costs but almost no other car out there makes you feel like King of the road in a grown up Tonka toy!! Oh & once it's up to speed on the motorway will happily sit at 90mph all day if you asked it to! Don't forget that none of its rivals have quite such a robust interior either. I've owned 2 HSE D3's an 08 & a 55 plate the 55 plate being better for the lower road tax! Wish I'd never got rid of it! 🙄😒😁😥
Gave serious consideration to buying a Disco 3 in late 2008, especially as it's British. I read everything I could about it and came to the conclusion that if you got a good one it would be great but if you got the Friday Afternoon Special it would be a nightmare. In the end a neighbour bought one new only to have it sit down and go into limp-home mode on the way home from the dealership. They rubbed salt into the wound by trying to charge him for re-delivering it to his house after they fixed it. So I bought a Subaru Outback instead and still have it. That has, aside from standard service items, required an EGR valve (£100 and 10 minutes work as it's right on top of the engine). Less exciting than a Disco but bog-reliable square-nut engineering and proved itself capable of dragging a Massey-Ferguson 35x out of a waterlogged field.
Im a mechanic for 28 years DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE VEHICLE !! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!!!!!!!
Can you elaborate why
To be honest, I've only a passing interest in many of the cars you review but the combination of your openness, understated wit and the production values of each video make for an oasis of quality on TH-cam. Many thanks.
I appreciate that! Very nice of you to say so
Rather buy a Ford Granada, V6, 3 litre, for much more power, and common reliability
Nice video and a good review, although speaking as a non off-roading Disco 2 owner, I bought it because I wanted one. I keep it because it has enormous character and practicality!
Sleepy Cat Pictures Thanks! They’re great off road but they’re not very nice to drive are they - or at least, not as nice as the Disco 3 👍🏻
@@HighPeakAutos You are right. They are distinctly agricultural and I remember how disappointed I was with the ride when i first bought it. But, put another six people in it and toddle off to the sea side and the ride changes completely. Then, it makes sense.
Landrover Disco series 1even with its possiable problems is still the best car I have ever owned and Landrovers are equiped to go 4 weel driving without buying any extras. Landrover are still one of the best 4 wheel drives ever
Great review again !
The TDV6 (manual) is the best Disco I ever had, About reliability I agree, I never had big issues, key is Maintenance and service.
But my philosophy with cars in general ( if you can't fix it don't break it )
and never buy a car you can't afford to maintain. Nevertheless maintenance costs of a Disco or Land rover in general are relatively low compared with Toyota, Mercedes or Nissan
with a used 10 k Disco you should avoid the official service centers, they always will try to drain your pockets like a Brazilian stripper in a night club.
Land rovers are made for DIY repairs and maintenance in mind, even in the most remote places on this planet.
Of course there are cars (SUV) that preform better on the road, like the Audi Q5 Q7 Volkswagen Touareg , Mercedes GLE, but they suck in terrain and versatility .
In regards of fuel economy, power to torque ratio and versatility and terrain capabilities the disco realy is a class on its own.
I agree! Thanks for your comments. I appreciate it :)
I had the discovery mk11 1999 version with all the bells and whistles, and I couldn’t keep the oil in or the rain out. However its been the only car I’ve had that’s given me a grin from ear to ear every time I got in it. Just wished I could of afforded to keep it.
Great review. As a vehicle, I'd like one. I've only known two other people who've owned a Disco, and they've both had fairly serious engine issues - but very loyal to their cars. Great tank of a car though. Certainly looks safe and tough - classic design too.
Passed over the D3 for a Land Cruiser. Still not sure how I feel about my choice, my heart said Land Rover but my head said Toyota and I went for the latter. It's been a bulletproof monster so far, but I still look at D3s with a little envy when I see them out and about.
Had both lr3 for me
@@brianmoore4778 are you the English rugby commentator?
Great video as per usual, see you are going up market with your reviews by having multiple cameras, and even a chase car for external shots...very impressive 👍😀
You didn’t mention the Toyota Land Cruiser! I would say that’s the other main competitor... although they seem to be about double the price! Great job on the video! Very informative! I just brought a 2006 LR3 4.4 with a coil over conversion, 2” lift and nice sized Nitto Ridgegrappler 285/60’s on 18”Tterrafirma rims and I absolutely love it!
Good choice. The 4.4 is the one I would go for
Owned a D3 2.7 TDI HSE 54 plate from new and maintained a FSH with the dealer. Sold it after 6 years and 80k having had ALL the 3 problems you highlighted. An EGR bypass kit off eBay will cost you less than £50 and take an hour to fit if you know one end of a spanner from another. Build quality and electrics not as good as Audi or BMW which will cause issues as they get older. Must agree with you though - there isn't much else out there if you want one vehicle that will do everything from climb a mountain, seat 7 in relative comfort and tow a house when required. Create a maintenance fund from day one (and be prepared to use it) and you won't be disappointed.
Would be interested in your views on the X5 - E53 vs E70, do you have much experience with them?
Great videos, by the way. Keep up the good work!
I've had several E53 and E70 X5's. When I get another Ill do a vid :)
9:05 Doesnt the tdv6 engine have 2 timing belts? The regular one at the front of the engine driving the camshafts but one at the rear of the engine that drives the fuel pump. People hardly ever get the latter changed as they're so awkward and expensive to do
What a comprehensive review!!
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Well on your way to reaching 10,000 subscribers in such a short amount of time 👍👍Brilliant and well deserved 👍👍. One of the best and most honest reviewers on TH-cam ( FACT )
Thanks for your support from the beginning :)
Did I just hear that correctly? Get the auto gearbox flushed to avoid crankshaft failure?
Can some please explain how they are linked? Cheers in advance
Graham Atsea The two aren’t linked in the slightest.......ones in the engine, the other in the gearbox! Crankshaft failure is only really an issue on the 3.0 Discovery 4.
The original oil pump casings on the D3 are weak and when they snap they ruin the engine. It can be avoided by fitting the later, stronger type casing.
Basically makes everything else he said entirely irrelevant because he clearly has no idea what he’s talking about. He sells them so probably has a few weeks driving experience across his 15 ownerships.
I’m sure he’s a better salesperson than a mechanic
Actually there is a link between the two components. If the torque converter is worn and causing vibrations, there is a possibility that this can contribute to the eventual failure of the crankshaft. That said considerable investigation has shown that bearings that have turned in their mountings block the oil holes and contribute to the crank failure. It is a know issue with the Discovery 3. Has happened to me with my 2005 tdv6.
@@craigsantilhano2565 Interesting, vibrations from the auto box putting additional strain on the crank. Makes sense when it's explained.
Similar, but the reverse way, to my manual Shogun with a DMF, the DMF is designed to help isolate the harsh deisel knock (on firing at tdc) from the manual gearbox bearings as it can damage them and cause premature failure.
My dad has an 07 HSE 2.7 in black, with privacy glass. He does very little mileage in it, and so it’s only got about 60k miles on it. He’s had it for about 6 years and not had one single problem at all! It’s been utterly reliable. Yes it’s big. Yes it’s heavy and yes, it does like a drink. BUT. It’s very comfy. Actually surprisingly quick if you boot it, (maybe it’s the size of it but certainly feels quick) and it rivals a transit van when all the seats are down.
Seriously considered one for after the slk but just couldn’t justify the fuel burn as I currently do quite a few miles. Thank god for the Jag 😀
Acarsguy Pleased to hear it. I’m glad to hear from someone else who hasn’t had any issues with them either. I can’t just be a lucky one 😉
High Peak Autos Sure there are plenty more than you two! Perhaps people are scared to admit that their Disco’s are actually reliable 😂
Great vid , I'm 3 weeks into owning my disco 3 and I love it, as you say it's poles apart from disco 1 and 2 and I've had 4 of them , overall it's a lot of car for the money
I agree, they're great value for money and a lot better at lots of things than many of its rivals
U leave us poles alone matey lol. Polo
NO don't bother,ive had 2 and spent a fortune on both. My rule of thumb for these is when the warning lights come on its £200,and they will come on, it is a shame because I still think they are the best looking 4x4 by far(sorry)apart from a defender of course. Anyway you pays your money you takes your choice or chance. When they work they are immense. Great vid very informative.
had one for 6 years from 2011-2017 , no issues at all but to be fair I am a light user
TDV6 Oil Pump! Make sure you get the upgraded one as the original has the tensioner mount on it which has a weak casting. (Have a RR L320 with same engine, and chassis, and lots more)
Actually they are beautiful cars and they make connection with you, like raising a child with all the costs.. Love is not cheap :) Nothing feels better than a disco3-4 in my opinion. Love them.
I had a Disco 3. Loved it. One thing you need to be aware of is on some models the oil pump had a tendency to fail resulting in catastrophic engine failure. So check out that issue on the forums and if in doubt replace it . Usually best done at the same time as the belts and water pump. BTW there are two belts , so make sure both have been changed.
Thanks for that. I've had a couple of comments about the oil pump. Id never heard about that issue before. I'll keep that in mind
love your videos, dude - I like your willingness to share your overt and well articulated opinions
Thanks! Thanks for watching :)
I have had 5 Discos and RR Sport. Never had any problems. The last one a 2016 RR Sport 3.0 V 6 diesel. The best car I have ever owned; love it.
Pleased to hear it
Simple thing is ...if you can't afford to maintain it ,don't buy it
daystatesniper01 my dads discovery 3 has failed a lot lately after 14 years but it still runs. And yes he can agree but he loves it. Just maintain it enough and you’ll be fine.
Amen. That’s why even if I work as a Toyota dealer mechanic I refuse to own any Toyota and drove nothing but BMWs. Much better interior and performance. Exempted from BMW stealership charges as I service my own cars.
Then buy a Range Rover?
@@droge192 your grammar and logic is flawed, you write like a Sun newspaper reader. D3s are great.
555 pounds for road tax,wow thats very cheap compared to Ireland who want 2350 euro or 2000 pounds for a 2010 3.0litre V6 SE.
I had a black disco3 hse. Best car I have ever owned by far. I never had any issues with it apart from ripping the side wall of the tire on a root when I took it down a green lane.
They're great cars :)
@@HighPeakAutos I want to get another one:) I miss the ride, how it just wafts over everything. Comfort and quietness and the harman karden sound system in a box witch makes great accustics.
Thank you High Peak Autos for a wonderful, informative and honest review! I am glad I come across your video as I've been considering trading up from my D2 V8 to a Disco 3 4.0 V6 petrol. I am aware of the problems that can develop for the Loin motors ( due to lack of servicing, and being in Australia we rarely service anything ). Eagerly awaiting your next review! Tommy
Thanks for watching! We never got the 4.0V6 over here, but I'm intrigued
Been thinking about a Discovery for years.... you’ve tipped me over the age... Discovery 3 here we come !!
If your budget allows - go for the Disco 4. Massively better and more reliable. Else, be sure to keep some funds spare 'just in case' :-)
Thanks... will look at the 4! Good tip
The design is so attractive, to be honest this is one best designed old school medium SUV outhere. But here in Asia this car has a quite bad reputation in reliability and the maintenance cost is on the high side. Although here in my country the resale price is quite stable and it is good from an owner view point, but for the one who buys a used premium SUV, the price is not reasonable. This is absolutely not for those who look for a working horse.
Thanks for the video. Just about to purchase a 55 plate G4 Challenge from a main dealer with 18k miles (they'd forgot all about it until I approached them with an offer). Been sat for quite a while so servicing everything mentioned in the video and a few more bits.
Thats definitely a keeper
I had a disco 4. EVERYTHING went wrong. Why didn’t Tata work on reliability? It would have been the best car in the world !
They did it so you would have to buy more. Duh 🙄.
Before I buy any car I check your videos and your spot on every single time. I also have you in mind when looking at a car im buying and check all the areas you state your videos,. Keep em coming and thanks
Wow. Thanks
@@HighPeakAutos only being honest, I'm just in the process of looking at a discovery 3 tomorrow and watched your video, anything else I should look for before I part with my money
Its a 57 plate GS, 100,000 full history it's a manual one.
£7,000
Another top class review, I loved my 4, keep them coming!
Thanks for watching!
Hows the 4 drive been looking on line at the 4, are they a silky smooth drive over crappy roads etc
Replaced mine with a Nissan Qashqai, no cambelt to change, 150bhp, cost peanuts, just 50Euros for an oil change 5W/30 and changed the headlights to pass the French MOT (CT) and the biggest expense a piece of A4 paper from Nissan to say the damn thing was homologated to EU specs.......219Euros !!!!
Good video, love the Disco3