Wanting To Buy A Disco3 TDV6 SE

[stamosp]

I am contemplating on buying a Disco 3 TDV6 2.7 SE 10/05 with 180,000k's on it. It has by the book servicing up to 155,000 k's through Solitaire Land Rover it has missed its 167,000 service and is now due for its 179,000 k's service. I spoke to the previous owner and it was traded in on a new Disco 4 and had the air bag suspension replaced which was a common issue with this model and year. I am concerned about transmission as it was towing a trailer with electric brakes as it has electric brake controller fitted. I was told by previous owner it only towed a 1000kg’s-1200 kg. I know they say it is a sealed unit but by researching on the web they recommend you have it serviced between 90,000k's-120,000k's. I have driven vehicle it changes gears good in auto mode and when in sport mode it changes good no delay or lag in gear changes or shutters or vibrations at all. I hear it can be very costly to repair in the Vicinity of $6000-$7000. Hence why I will be getting it checked out by mechanic pre purchase inspection. I will be getting an extended warranty through my mechanic not from the dealer which is only for three months my mechanic recommends the 3-5 year one.


I am buying vehicle at wholesale with no warranty just 3 months rego and new plates. It is from Victoria and has done mainly highway k's hence why so many shortest trips it has done is 100k's minimum. Which I am told is good for a diesel motor never owned a diesel motor before or European car. I love the look of it the 3500kg towing capacity which I will be towing a 2000kg boat with one to twice a month also the comfort refinement and good visuals all around from drivers position. I can't afford a Toyota Land Cruiser Turbo Diesel for $40000 and this is way under $30000 which is in my price range. Can anyone tell me also when is the major service due or has it been done with the k's it is at currently. I would like to know what I will expect to happen bad and good with this model. If I do go ahead and buy it after I get the all clear from pre purchase inspection. I will be doing an engine service and transmission service straight away as I do not know what has been done to it and whatever else it needs to be done by the book or what my diesel mechanic recommends. Also even tho I will have no warranty from wholesaler the tyres have scrub marks and on the wear limit mark does the wholesaler have to replace tyres as they are UN roadworthy or not does anybody know I thought he does because of it being UN roadworthy not too sure on that. Any advice would be appreciated thanks.

[sheerluck]

Major service is at 7 years or 150,000km (I think) so it should have been done before now.

Transmission will need doing, get the steel sump conversion done.

When the tyres are replaced, make sure you get a wheel alignment done.

[SBD4]

Make sure the timing belt has been done and the newer oil pump it fitted. This thread explains the issue with the oil pump:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/190822-oil-pump-casing.html

[rar110]

With belt change, engine service, transmission service, change oils in transfer and diffs, you are easily looking at over $2k. Get a quote from a local specialist so you know what you are up for.

[rocmic]

Major service, that is timing belts in particular is at 168,000 km. That seems to be the service that was missed. SBD4 is right about the oil pump housing.
Rar110 is right about it being potentially costly. Get a quote. The good thing is that you would have 160,000 km before any more major servicing

[Graeme]

I thought the oil pump housing issue only arose with 2007+ models, not the early ones.

[sheerluck]

I thought the oil pump housing issue only arose with 2007+ models, not the early ones.

30% of the failures on the poll on Disco3 were 05MY Graeme.
DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Cam belt tensioner mount failure survey (http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic80001.html?vote=viewresult)

[stamosp]

I did not go ahead with purchase of Land Rover Discovery 3 had it mechanical inspection done and had to many issues that needed attention. All four brakes need replacing 80% worn and tyres needed replacing two worn on edge and the other two right on wear limit. Also steering wheel needs replacing all wrinkled and fatigue cost to replace $290.00. There is an Air Suspension Fault $1000.00 to repair. Front Lower Ball Joints U/S Arms $600. Also found Oil in Intercooler $? to repair. Also due to last service being at 155,000k's and currently at 179,200k's my mechanic said stay away from it so I will be looking for another with full history of service also pre purchase inspection well worth the money. Put a deposit on it of $500.00 Subject to a Satisfactory inspection report hope I have no issue's with refund of deposit so I am going to be looking for a S model no Air Suspension preferring Springs and Shocks with black leather seats hopefully white or silver in the future and prefer a lot lower k's see how I go. To all who responded to my thread thanks again and it was very helpful even tho Disco 3 get's a lot of complaints I still want to get one in the future cheers !

[Dagilmo]

Hi Stamosp,

Thanks for the update. Seems like a good decision to walk away. However I wouldn't discount the air suspension as it is one of the main features that make these cars so good. The key is to get a good one, they are out there. You just need to keep looking.

As for "the Disco 3 gets lots of complaints" I'm not sure that it's more than other cars? I don't spend time on other forums but my brother is looking at a Ranger and he tells me, that forum is full of people complaining about Ranger stuff. At the end of the day its the nature of forums. Rarely do we get on and post about a day of trouble free motoring. For instance I did Gordon's training day on Saturday. 1xRRS 1xD3 3xD4. All day out, over all sorts of terrain, no problems. Also I spent 2 weeks at Easter travelling all over the sate towing a camper without a problem. However I didn't post about either (until now:)).

P.S. GOE Day was fantastic. Learnt a lot and had a great day.

Cheers David

[stamosp]

I am going to take your advice on board and not going to be to worried about air bag suspension issue as long has full documented history on servicing and receipts showing what has been done on vehicle repairs etc . Also I will be looking interstate if also not just in Adelaide I have found something that I got my attention in Queensland
River City Group Pty Ltd
26 Hudson Rd
Albion QLD 4010
Its a 2005 Disco 3 HSE with 190,000k's Zambezi Silver $28750
TOP OF THE RANGE HSE TURBO DIESEL 7 SEATER.
Fitted with ARB Bull Bar,
electric winch,
spotlights,
snorkel,
dual battery
with extra power outlets,
bluetooth system.
With a full service history
any opinions thoughts etc on this year and model ?

[rar110]

I am going to take your advice on board and not going to be to worried about air bag suspension issue as long has full documented history on servicing and receipts showing what has been done on vehicle repairs etc . Also I will be looking interstate if also not just in Adelaide I have found something that I got my attention in Queensland River City Group Pty Ltd 26 Hudson Rd Albion QLD 4010 Its a 2005 Disco 3 HSE with 190,000k's Zambezi Silver $28750 TOP OF THE RANGE HSE TURBO DIESEL 7 SEATER. Fitted with ARB Bull Bar, electric winch, spotlights, snorkel, dual battery with extra power outlets, bluetooth system. With a full service history any opinions thoughts etc on this year and model ?

Mate if can stretch the budget a little more you should consider the private sale 2008 D3 in Brissy for a little over $30k. I could look at it for you to assess whether it's worth paying for a mechanical inspection by MR automotive or Knights HOR. Knights are probably better as closer.

[stamosp]

Looks good but want black interior thanks for the offer cheers

[rar110]

Looks good but want black interior thanks for the offer cheers

Yep, prefer the black too.

[Meken]

Knock em down that's expensive

[stamosp]

I am now looking at purchasing a Land Rover Discovery Series II TD5 it has around 150,000k's on it for $15,000. It belongs to a one owner from new and serviced every 10,000k's not the recommended 20,000k's. I am wanting to know before I was looking at a 2005 SE Disco 3 2.7 Diesel which has 140Kw and 445Nm. Compared to the TD5 which has only got 101Kw and 300Nm. I have been searching on the 2004 Disco2 2.5 Diesel compared to the 2005 Disco3 2.7 Diesel. The 2.5 Diesel is more durable and a lot cheaper to maintain than the 2.7 Diesel. My question is can they be chipped and exhaust done also larger intercooler and egr blanking without having any issues with the motor. I have been reading that you can get 160-165Kw and up to 500Nw out of the motor with not putting to much stress on it and making it unreliable or shorten its life span. This one has had fuel pressure regulator replaced and the injector harness replaced due to oil ingress and causing oil leak at front of engine which is a common problem. I now that they are renown for oil leaks the transfer case, rear main engine seal, r/covers etc. all leakers. I have had inspected by a mechanic and said to me they are renown for oil leaks. Even though it has been cleaned underneath but the usual leaks are still noticeable. Hopefully mostly seepage not oil dripping on driveway when it gets to that stage then must address issue. This one has no sunroof which I hear are known for leaking and no airbag suspension which also had issues no ACE. I do not know it has the three amigo's issue at all I have to ask if the lights come on for TC, HDC and ABS. I am wanting to increase the Kw and Torque but not to stress the engine out shorten its life any advice would me much appreciated. Also have I missed anything that I should know or look for which is a common issue with the 2004 Disco2 TD5. I have heard of engine mounts needing to be replaced but I think more for the V8 not TD5. I have decided to for the TD5 for $15,000 and keep the $10,000 for mods and future issues. Any advice would be appreciated and like to say thanks to who ever responds being good or bad comments. I like the look of it also and feels much more rugged and robust. I will be using mainly on bitumen and towing a 2.2 Tonne Boat the occasional dirt road or track not hard core 4WD cheers to all who reply.

[Markk]

Hi Stamosp

Im out there looking for a similar machine, I've been in limbo for over twelve months after selling my 1997 discovery. Its painful with out a Land rover.

Interesting you mentioned the one in Queensland did you look into that one as I have noticed it, and was considering a closer look. Id be keen to hear what your thoughts were. send private message if you prefer.

[winaje]

I am now looking at purchasing a Land Rover Discovery Series II TD5 it has around 150,000k's on it for $15,000. It belongs to a one owner from new and serviced every 10,000k's not the recommended 20,000k's. I am wanting to know before I was looking at a 2005 SE Disco 3 2.7 Diesel which has 140Kw and 445Nm. Compared to the TD5 which has only got 101Kw and 300Nm. I have been searching on the 2004 Disco2 2.5 Diesel compared to the 2005 Disco3 2.7 Diesel. The 2.5 Diesel is more durable and a lot cheaper to maintain than the 2.7 Diesel. My question is can they be chipped and exhaust done also larger intercooler and egr blanking without having any issues with the motor. I have been reading that you can get 160-165Kw and up to 500Nw out of the motor with not putting to much stress on it and making it unreliable or shorten its life span. This one has had fuel pressure regulator replaced and the injector harness replaced due to oil ingress and causing oil leak at front of engine which is a common problem. I now that they are renown for oil leaks the transfer case, rear main engine seal, r/covers etc. all leakers. I have had inspected by a mechanic and said to me they are renown for oil leaks. Even though it has been cleaned underneath but the usual leaks are still noticeable. Hopefully mostly seepage not oil dripping on driveway when it gets to that stage then must address issue. This one has no sunroof which I hear are known for leaking and no airbag suspension which also had issues no ACE. I do not know it has the three amigo's issue at all I have to ask if the lights come on for TC, HDC and ABS. I am wanting to increase the Kw and Torque but not to stress the engine out shorten its life any advice would me much appreciated. Also have I missed anything that I should know or look for which is a common issue with the 2004 Disco2 TD5. I have heard of engine mounts needing to be replaced but I think more for the V8 not TD5. I have decided to for the TD5 for $15,000 and keep the $10,000 for mods and future issues. Any advice would be appreciated and like to say thanks to who ever responds being good or bad comments. I like the look of it also and feels much more rugged and robust. I will be using mainly on bitumen and towing a 2.2 Tonne Boat the occasional dirt road or track not hard core 4WD cheers to all who reply.

Having just gone from a 363k 2000 D2 TD5 Auto into a 310K 2009 D3 TDV6 SE I can tell you that the difference between the 2 is astronomical.

Buy a D3.

You cannot reliably get 500NM from a TD5, especially if it's an auto as the auto ECU will drop it into limp mode at about 400NM to protect the auto. Increased output brings about increased exhaust gas temperatures which will require very close monitoring particularly when towing. Regarding towing, the D3 will be A LOT better to tow with, not only because of longer wheelbase, more power, more stable etc, but particularly because of the ratio of tow ball to rear axle vs wheelbase, which is far far better on a D3. Engine mounts go on any motor, the TD5 is no exception. 3 amigos is fairly common, and quite easy to fix. A "worked" TD5 will not match a bog stock TDV6 in any form apart from very serious offroading...

My recommendation is to buy a D3.

[patsaunders]

I have found something that I got my attention in Queensland
River City Group Pty Ltd
26 Hudson Rd
Albion QLD 4010
Its a 2005 Disco 3 HSE with 190,000k's Zambezi Silver $28750
TOP OF THE RANGE HSE TURBO DIESEL 7 SEATER.
Fitted with ARB Bull Bar,
electric winch,
spotlights,
snorkel,
dual battery
with extra power outlets,
bluetooth system.
With a full service history
any opinions thoughts etc on this year and model ?

I've enquired about this car, A guy bought it realized how much work it was going to be then traded it. The salesman is not very negotiable with the price as said he has spent around $4K on it already and there is still a small issue with the "leveling" of the suspension (one corner sits 10mm lower) he will "pay to fix this if needed". I spoke to the servicing mechanic and he said it was "f*****d" and needed $5-6K spent (reconcile this with the dealer spending however you want). If you have the time/budget it may be worth a look with all the bull bar snorkel etc taken away from spending down the track, but I would really be doing my homework on the service history as It doesn't seem to have been looked after over the years.

RE the TD5 I was in the same boat looking at modifying a cheaper D2 but if you test drive them both its pretty easy to end up back with the D3.

Good luck with your search I have to wait until saturday for mine, Its going to be a long week.

[Meken]

The more bits hanging off it the more likely it has seen some hard work - of course it could have been loved by an enthusiast or it just could have got by....