Disappointment

El Duderino - so you were disappointed that you drove a D3 and it behaved like an on-road vehicle - rather than a back-jarring, teeth-filling rattling, oversprung/underdamped purpose-built off-road car.

When you get drive it over some harsh terrain - you will get the same feeling. It makes hard tracks feel like dirt roads. :D

One data point on the ride quality - my father has had lots of operations on his back, including fusing vertebrae with screws and bone grafts, and none of them have fixed it. He can't drive very far in his AU Falcon wagon without suffering in bed for a few days afterwards. I have driven him down from Kiama to Adaminaby a few times - and he gets out of the D3 as if he had just driven to the local shops!

I have had more than my fair share of problems with the D3 - but still, I love it!

Cheers,
Rob

Once time has arrived to upgrade the D2, which unfortunately is a wee way off thanks to owing more than I should...A D3, or perhaps even 2nd hand D4 will be purchased...I can not think of a more suitable replacement, especially because it will drive more like a car...The best 4 x 4 x Far...you betcha! :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CaverD3

The nut behind the wheel can make a lot more difference to the off road capabilitity than the ones on the vehicle. ;)

---

that's perhaps the most impressive thing about a D3 -they can make even an average driver look good off-road...

As for the argument that a vehicle can be too plush, I find that argument kind of amusing...comfort...what a terrible thing. It's why I bought a D1 and now D2 rather than something like a Defender - I only want ruggedness on the outside of a vehicle...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by feraldisco

I only want ruggedness on the outside of a vehicle...

---

Personally, I love a rugged interior. Anything with a metal dashboard will get my vote. Non of this bendy and snappy plastic crap for me thanks.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by D-Fender

Personally, I love a rugged interior. Anything with a metal dashboard will get my vote. Non of this bendy and snappy plastic crap for me thanks.

---

Which is all well and good until the crash and your face gets rammed into a steel dash...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BigJon

Which is all well and good until the crash and your face gets rammed into a steel dash...

---

Series Land Rovers are speed limited to reduce the risk of this........:D

Re Series LR's being speed limited - yes, they are. Check the design of the Stage 1 if you doubt it - deliberately severely detuned the V8 to make it unable to exceed 110km/hr, which the factory believed was the fastest you could safely drive the leaf-spring chassis.

But re design brief of the D1 - don't make me laugh. Design brief was clearly "Make the Range Rover chassis a 7 seat-capable family 4wd to compete with the Mitsubishi Shogun" (to use the UK branding of the Pajero).

Compare the present versions of both Disco and Pajero - similar, but yes, the Disco costs more. And delivers a LOT more. And still shares a chassis with a Range Rover. I say, same design brief, but the world has changed a lot in 20 years.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by D-Fender

Personally, I love a rugged interior. Anything with a metal dashboard will get my vote. Non of this bendy and snappy plastic crap for me thanks.

---

Can't remember anything breaking off the interior of my Discos in 10 years of use and abuse... As for the furphy about hoseout interiors, it's not that difficult to just use a decent set of floormats and seat covers...it's rare to drive through door-high water/mud and that's what decent door seals are for... Owning vehicles like XBs and HQs over the years, with similar levels of NVH and creature comforts as Defenders, I know how much more refreshed you feel after spending a day of touring in a Disco with comfy seats, aircon, cruise and pretty good NVH levels for a 4WD.

I cut some rubber sheet from Clark Rubber to fit the floor space. Covers all the carpet. Not hose out but brush out. :D

Th advantage of the D3 is being refreshed when you get there. Travelling long distances in a noisy cramped cabin can leave you tired on arrival.

Why do people compare a Discovery with a LandCruiser? If the Disco is supposedly a poor mans Range Rover wouldn't it be the Land Rover equivalent to the Son of LandCruiser (Prado)

Compare flagships with flagships

Compare the 200 to a Rangie

Budget versions with budget versions

Compare the Prado or a Kluger to a D3

and utility vehicles against utility vehicles

Compare the Troopy or the unbreakable hilux to a Defender