Disco 3 - to buy or not to buy?

[Beardylong]

Hello out there in Disco land. My first post on this forum. I've owned a couple of Disco 2s and a Freelander but am thinking about getting a Disco 3. I've got £15-20k to put in to one. The only issue is that I've heard from various people (including my old garage) that they can be very expensive to maintain - much more than the Disco 2, for example. I've also heard that the earlier models should be avoided at all costs.

I hasten to add that I'm not a DIY mechanic so my local independent Land Rover specialist is going to get my business. I'm afraid, however, of investing in a money pit.

So, should I go ahead and get a Disco 3?

By when did they iron out the initial teething problems - model year wise?

What sort of things should I be looking out for?

I'm a big LR fan and I'm sure the D3 will be a big jump on from a D2, but I just need that bit of reassurance. Over to the experts!

 

[Houm_WA]

I don't agree with either statement. While I haven't owned a D2, from what I hear they had plenty of issues. The LR3 has a few things to watch for but by and large it's been reported as being far more reliable than the D2. As for the model year aspect, I'd say 2008 and 2009 are better than the earlier years but only under the assumption that the earlier year models haven't been sorted out. If an early-year LR3 has been well maintained and all the common issues taken care of, there would really be no reason to avoid one.

Some of those common issues: EAS Compressor tires out depending on mileage. EPB actuator, alternator is good for about 100k miles, rear hatch latch actuator, lower control arm bushings (front); and finally, the differentials. If they haven't been well cared for they start getting noisy around 60k miles. Not the fault of the owner. LR spec'd fluid changes at 90k miles and it should've been more like 20k. So if you drive one that doesn't whine, you're good but change the fluid in both diffs ASAP.

I'm sure others will fill in other common issues that I've left off.