Hi all, first post so hope I am in the right place.
We're due out third child this year and having looked at pretty much every suitable car on the market, the Discovery still tops our list. Size, ride height, up to 7 seats.
The thing I am keen for some advice on from the fountain of knowledge on here, we have been advised to look at the D3 and D4. However our budget (£15k/£16k) would seem to either buy us a low mileage D3 (2007/2008 around 50-60k miles) or a high mileage D4 (130k miles plus).
Looking at our options; I would really be appreciative of some advice on what model, year and mileage you think would be something to consider. Also what I should look for when viewing suitable motors.
Thanks in advance.
20th Apr 2016 9:39 pm
Deanos_Beano
Member Since: 21 Feb 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 563
Personally I would wait for a well looked after D3 on this forum that has had the cam belts done and 7 year service and spend 700 on a warranty for peace of mind
I have a low mileage early D4 but would have probably gone for the D3 off here and saved myself 5k or so in hiendsight if I honest .
20th Apr 2016 9:43 pm
Sloane Ranger
Member Since: 20 Apr 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 8
Thanks for the suggestion; do you know much about the reliability between both models and are there better release years to look for?
Thanks again.
20th Apr 2016 10:01 pm
Deanos_Beano
Member Since: 21 Feb 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 563
Hi
I don't know so much as I'm new to the breed
However it seems the 3.0 TDV6 is where you want to be for your money , I'm sure you will get some experienced advice come along soon
I've banked on 2.3k running costs this year with tyres 7 year service and warranty and next year 1.5 k and 3 year .5k
On a D3 08 ish you prob won't need anything like that if can belts done and it's had a warranty direct or similar and had shed loads of work done already
20th Apr 2016 10:13 pm
Fitzy73
Member Since: 09 Feb 2014
Location: Truro
Posts: 2407
From what I have read on here, I would consider the D4 to offer greater reliability, although I guess it is all relative when talking about Land Rover reliability
Before purchasing my D4 2 years ago with 65,000 miles, I considered a late high spec D3, but I just preferred the D4 and knew that was the one i wanted.Andy
20th Apr 2016 10:21 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 13909
I would go for a high mileage D4. These beasties are better used and mileage isn't an issue for them.New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
21st Apr 2016 12:43 am
jamesbilluk
Member Since: 07 Aug 2015
Location: worcester
Posts: 35
When I was looking for a Disco I was after a D4 , and went for one with just over 100,000 miles, It did need the cam belt service which I had done (not cheap so wished I had found one that had been completed before...) It's now at 115,000 miles, and feels like new still.
18th May 2016 7:24 pm
GLYNNE
Member Since: 06 Oct 2006
Location: KENT
Posts: 4645
I can't see the mileage in the ad so I guess it's high
18th May 2016 8:01 pm
jamesbilluk
Member Since: 07 Aug 2015
Location: worcester
Posts: 35
Seems to have done 197K that one Does look in good condition though.
18th May 2016 8:08 pm
Red Merle
Member Since: 30 Aug 2014
Location: Liskeard
Posts: 7438
There's lots of cars that I wouldn't consider at that mileage. However, for one of these, looked after properly, with one owner and full service history, over only 5 or 6 years, those miles wouldn't bother me 2011 - 2015: 3 x FL2
2015 - 2017: 2 x D4
2017 to date: FFRR SDV8
2023 to date: FL2 as a second car
2021 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200
2022 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200 & sidecar!
(One of only two known to exist in the world!)
18th May 2016 8:26 pm
quantumjohn
Member Since: 16 Sep 2008
Location: London
Posts: 345
If you go for a high mileage D4 make sure it has had the belts service done. This is a £1000+ affair.
Another consideration is how many miles you do a year on average.
I don't do many miles a year so am happy to buy well looked after higher mileage vehicles that after 3+ years of ownership have more reasonable average mileage.
Member Since: 20 Sep 2005
Location: Home and Happy
Posts: 6917
I did 97K in a D3 from new and 98K in my D4 from new - now just over 6 years old.
D4 better choice, as pointed out, high mileage not necessarily an issue
Belts? - been quoted £600 for all 3 - not sure where £1K comes from - main dealer?
Suspension and steering bushes will need checking - that can come to about £500 for the fronts which are the most expensive
D4 better sorted, better suspension, better engine, cabin plusher (I guess that's personal) and slightly better economy.
I'm not knocking D3's - loved mine, but given choice, that's the way I'd jump - either way, you wont be disappointed.
26th May 2016 7:14 am
Sloane Ranger
Member Since: 20 Apr 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 8
Hey thanks guys and sorry its taken me half a year to say thank you.
We will be buying in the next few months. I like the look of the D4 but budget will only get me a high miler.
Have heard the 3.0L is more solid and reliable than the 2.7L, any thoughts on that?
Thank you.
5th Jan 2017 8:39 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72787
D4 3.0l has a habit of snapping crankshafts, at least with the later D3 2.7 engines you can replace the dodgy oil pump.
5th Jan 2017 8:41 pm
Sloane Ranger
Member Since: 20 Apr 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 8
So would you go for the 2.7 2009
Or perhaps a better spec lower mileage D3 2009?
Main reason for the purchase is we need 3 full seats across the back for baby/toddler seats, a boot we can fill with kids pushchairs pranks and still get the shopping on, oh and now living more remote, 4x4 gives us more security if we need to get about in bad weather.
I guess either would do, if both 2009 and 2.7L, is there that much difference?
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
