Thread: the reliability curve.

i dont mean for this to become a lr v jap thing. as said, all cars have their issues, pros and cons.

if LR had the reputation for reliability of a l'cruiser they'd be the most sought after large car in oz. the squeaky wheel is the loudest and mech issues get yelled from the rooftops. we hardly hear from the bloke whose had no probs. you guys here now have offered your experiences of relatively trouble free motoring.

basically, will the 4 lt v6 do 300-400k? does it pack it in at 200k?
good v8's are rare as rocking horse ****. i probably dont need the speed or fuel bill. however, if the 6 is just as thirsty, may as well follow steve's advice.

we just want peace of mind. up in the hills at 10pm with a packed car, tired kids and a storm brewin, need to know it'll get us home.

2006 Land Rover Discovery 3 HSE Sports Automatic

That one looks pretty neat to me (except the messy wiring), HSE V8 with all the fruit and a bunch of extra weight, er, stuff. That vehicle is hardly run in and has a real nice set of factory options.

Naw, we're not getting into LR vs Japs ... just shooting the breeze ...

The problem with the whole reliability thing is that it is random and unquantifiable ... mine is excellent, others may suck ... you know what I say about reliability ... NRMA Premium care, sat phone/PLB, plenty of water (etc etc), all good --> I take that stuff in any car when I go to remote areas, irrespective of alleged reliability or otherwise.

Originally Posted by Epic pooh

2006 Land Rover Discovery 3 HSE Sports Automatic

That looks like its worth having a look at. Fit a Traxide DBS and some new tyres (copper tyres won't get you far, even if they are new) and it would be a good thing.

One thing to consider with engine choice; the D3 was designed around the TDV6 and the V8. They are both a much better drive than the V6, which was only fitted as an afterthought.

Personally, I don't think it suits the vehicle, but many are happy with the V6 and that's fine. I'm not knocking them, as it was a cheaper way of getting into a D3 and different people have different priorities. I'd suggest you try and drive all of them and just buy the one you like. They are all pretty solid engines and all are capable of high mileage if properly maintained. When buying at that sort of mileage the condition of the individual vehicle will be more important than which engine it has.

Cheers,
Jon

I've just been through the same dilemma, posted a very similar question and got similar, useful, answers from the lovely aulro community. For what it's worth I went for a D3 TDV6 HSE. My rationale . . . . . While petrol is probably cheaper overall when you factor in depreciation, servicing, initial cost etc I could face the psychology impact of seeing the trip computer register 16 or 18 litres per hundred as I've heard tell.

I also included in my budget a nominal $1000 for initial servicing and repairs which got used up but it was good to know tha it was already accpunted for.

Overall I feel as if I've got a hell of a lot of car for my money

Hi Rich,
Well written, enjoyed the read as several others have I would suspect. "Raped ape" = perfect, great minds eye view there. My Disco TDV6 caught fire as you correctly mention, I can also relate to several of the other issues, one you didn't mention was the EGR valve, mine buggered up and due to it being a 2007 model it had to be replaced, that was four days of my life I will never get back.
I don't think I'll go back to the diesel again, I would mine a go at a 4.4 V8 next, sounds like fun.

Thank you for the post, enjoyed it.

gday nomad, 'I don't think I'll go back to the diesel again'. thats a big call. illuminating. surely it cant be that bad. or just not as good as the excellent 8.
like not wanting blue ribbon once having tasted connoisseur cookies and cream. like refusing to drink tooheys new after knocking back a 150 lashes.

you guys all have your rides, and love them. anyone there who doesn't love their d3? as said, all have their faults. geez, my missus drives me nuts sometimes but i wouldn't trade her. (well, if a new, young, sporty, well built machine, with two big beautiful, ah...driving lights was offered...)

geez. do we go deep into the red and go straight for a d4? as great as they seem, the jump in overall quality from a good d3 is not that big relative to the price. No. i wont even go there. cant decide on a freaking engine let alone what car.

too much fruit suggests a hard life to me. low kms, looked after, good tyres, bull bar. the rest i can build up.

on a slight tangent, the most beautiful campsite by a clear stream in the snowys suitable for a family for a week is...????

Originally Posted by pinko001

do we go deep into the red and go straight for a d4?

Not unless the 3.0 is high on your priority list.

Originally Posted by Graeme

Not unless the 3.0 is high on your priority list.

...meaning the 3 litre engine has less problems?