Thread: What disco to get

In the D4 there were a few different V6's available, early models could have the 2.7 which was an upgraded version of the unit used in the D3. The 3.0 was offered at the same time and through its lifetime came in various tunes TDV6 and SDV6. Reliable is not generally a word used for the 3.0 as they have various issue with the crank breaking being the most expensive, also prone to splitting inlet manifolds and and other less terminal problems.
The 2.7 is considered the most reliable but stopped somewhere around late 2011 early 2012, it came with the 6spd ZF as did the early 3.0 with the 8spd coming around MY2012 (dates vary between UK and rest of world ) .
Not to say all 3.0 will go pop and some have had good mileage and trouble free motoring if well maintained and by that i mean NOT following the LR service schedule, 10k intervals is recommended if you want longevity but at this stage you are buying an almost 10yo vehicle so you take your chances.
There is also the petrol SCV6 (3.0 supercharged V6 ) in the last few years but that is really only a city car unless you tow a tanker everywhere you go.

i recently chose the 2.7 primarily due to lower cost and better availability of replacement engines (shared with ford territory hdi) by the time it was used in the D4 it seems it was improved on the earlier D3 ones

main disadvantage (some might see it as an advantage) is it will be early model 2010/11 & you will have poverty pack, (though some have specific optioned extras, mine has rear ac and front parking sensors added, ive even seen rear diff lock and electric seats) but you wont get hse, though some features could be retrofitted, i upgraded the head unit to android

another big advantage is 2.7 will fit factory 17" rims ! so chunky cheap/common tyre sizes

also the 2.7 can have engine mods installed via GAP tool yourself, eg egr / remap (the 3.0 must go to a tuner $$$)

also 2.7 only has one turbo and maf, so less to go wrong and a bit more engine space

also the 2.7 fuel belt at rear of engine is not timed, so easier to replace and if it snaps it wont damage your engine

i tow 3.2T van, but you wont be overtaking up hills

6 speed transmission is also likely cheaper to replace or repair, though i havent checked this

the 2.7 is also lighter (smaller engine and brakes), so that leaves more capacity for towing and extras