Thread: What do I replace my dead D3 with? D3, D4 or RRS?

My take as an independent nobody is:

Early 2.7 fuel system is more robust but will still have the weaker oil pump, but can be changed.

Later 2.7 has more fuel system issues but it's still reasonably robust but has the weaker oil pump.

The last of the 2.7 allegedly had the newer oil pump, but I'd still be changing it, some had problems with spun bearings.

In my experience the 3 litre is by FAR the worst for reliability, snapped cranks, turbos inlet manifolds.

I'd personally pick the last of the 2.7 in the D4.

Agree with shack, late 2.7 is the go. I don't agree with the post 07 2.7 problems, if anything they are better but ALL 2.7's are fallible to the weak pump and it just comes down to maintenance . D4's seem to have come down a lot in price so a neat 2.7 D4 should be in your price range.

Awesome, thank for the feedback guys.

Can't comment with authority on the failure rates, though I'm certainly happy with my 3.0L for power and economy. The discos, as you mention, are also king in terms of rear storage - square shape, and big.

That said, the RRS of similar years, with it's TDV8 is attractive, and if you can reorganise to utilise it's boot, it could well be a solid option. They also have Supercharged petrols..

The other option that may be worth consideration is a 'proper' range rover? If you're in the used market, and have some experience up your sleeve, you will know what you're getting in to, but could well be worth it.

That all said, sticking with a disco, in the 2.7L engine, means anything you've added to your old rig will likely transfer across (roof racks, dual battery systems etc)

I had a 2009 RRS TDV8, bought it from a Newcastle dealer at 85,000 klms and it was a lovely car and towed the 3.0T c/van easily and although I don't monitor my fuel economy I never considered it was excessive even when towing the van. The only reason I sold it was 'cos it gave some minor suspension problems around 120,000 klms and I must admit that I freaked out and talked myself out of it. Extremely stupid I woz.

Sold it and bought a new Isuzu Mux which was dreadful in more ways than one, so kept it approx 12 months then bought what I have now, an MY13 D4 3.0 diesel.

I am very intrigued about the cracked inlet manifold saga and the extremely varying klms when they crack. I've now done 182,000 and no probs, yet read of them going at 100,000 klms. I intend replacing mine prior June when I take the van to the mainland, and don't want any hassles, so preventative m/ance is the key here, and the oil cooler will also be done.

But I am digressing. I've found the D4 tows the van better than the RRS and put that down to the slightly longer wheelbase and the updated suspension/brakes which apparently was done in MY13.

Now it has a Cambo tune with 210Kw and 700Nm which is more than the TDV8 RRS had, so I am delighted with the package. Fuel economy according to the car's 'puter (which I realise can be optimistic) is the same and the extra grunt is delightful.

As much as I like my 3.0, I think that it’s the worst ever happens to the motor I’d definitely be considering a TDV8 conversion. From what I’ve heard, they’re crazy reliable

I was always biased by the 17 inch tires I could fit on a D3. Noting I did not put them on much or nearly enough

I have always felt my 2 d3 TDV6 towing capacity /economy a significant plus. 3 tonne ish boat tow was hardly a change to my fuel use. A petrol car I had prior to the Disco had a over 30% hit to economy with the same boat. (Lexus RX 350)

The thoughts and experiences above are interesting plus.

Good luck with your choice.

For me - a V8 D4 would be the next step up from the D3 or a low KM TDV8 RRS (as long as I never take a V8SC RRS for a test drive)

I would only consider the 3.0 TDV6 if it was in the new Ranger or Everest.

Given you are already use to the fuel consumption of the 4.0L petrol, I would expect you will be able to get better fuel economy with the 5.0L V8.