Should You Buy a LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 3? (LR3 TEST DRIVE & REVIEW) 

Your videos are superb, informative and entertaining. Great to have honest realistic advice from someone who knows what they are talking about. Thanks.

I had one for about 8 years - loved it - although cost wise it was like having a mistress, in Paris, who has a penchant for crack and bollinger.

Can’t forget that time when Clarkson drove one of these up that mountain.

Loving my 05 V8 HSE. Every time I walk away from the car after parking, I always look back at it ❤️

The best thing about the Land Rovers is the wonderfully comfortable ride. Hard to beat it!

Some people just don’t understand what Land Rover ownership is. You don’t choose the car, the car chooses you...

Landrover....turning drivers into mechanics since 1948

Great video as per usual, see you are going up market with your reviews by having multiple cameras, and even a chase car for external shots...very impressive 👍😀

Another great review, agree it’s a classic design that has stood the test of time.

In 7 years I took my Disco 3 from 78000 to 250000! I loved it and only sold it because I moved to London after a separation and was doing very high millage for work. I replaced all airbags and they were just starting to activate the warning light again, and the airbag compressor. I wish I still had it and as soon as my finances allow!

At home we have had an 07 discovery 3 v8 hse since new and by far the most reliable car in the family and the one that receives the most use out of all the cars we have. Already 13 years old, with a lot of km on the clock and little maintainance needed. The only things that we had changed over the years are both front air springs, bushings, front hub assemblies, the alternator, 1 front xenon light and that's it, apart form the normal maintenance like the oil, batteries, breaks and tires. Really happy with this car, usually do road trips, carry big and heavy items (not towing) and some off roading and never had have any trouble with it over the years.

watched this when i was thinking about duying a D3, bought one November 2019, June 2020 now, cost me a few grand in repairs but its till the best thing ive ever owned, so glad i went for it

Brilliant follow up from the Range Rover video from someone who is clearly a Land Rover enthusiast, but is also aware of their flaws. The purity of the styling compared with more modern cars is interesting... Thanks ever so much indeed again, Matt!

Great review. As a vehicle, I'd like one. I've only known two other people who've owned a Disco, and they've both had fairly serious engine issues - but very loyal to their cars. Great tank of a car though. Certainly looks safe and tough - classic design too.

Thank you for your videos. Owned these from the get go have had problems but your videos have helped me avoid costly repairs keep them coming happy roving

love your videos, dude - I like your willingness to share your overt and well articulated opinions

I have a 2007. It has been across the Aussie alps and outback about 20 times. It can outdrive any other 4x4 on any rough surface in comfort. Love it.

I still own a 2005 4.4L V8 model, and it's still running strong with nearly 200k miles on the clock! Absolutely no issues with the engine whatsoever, the only problem is high running cost, but the comfort and agility for such a big vehicle is just superb.

What a comprehensive review!! Thank you

My favourite commentator on cars - I watch his videos for good entertainment, he is the best.

Having owned one a manual, black, HSE model for 7/8 months I’m in love with it, and sure it has its problems (mostly electrical) & sure every time I drive it I’m worried it’s going to go bang & drain my wallet & sure it fails to pass every 2nd fuel station but being 23 years old & owning such a cool, practical & characterful vehicle I don’t think I’ll be selling it any time soon!

"look after it, and it will look after you" - words to live by if you want reliable motoring. ;)

Thank you High Peak Autos for a wonderful, informative and honest review! I am glad I come across your video as I've been considering trading up from my D2 V8 to a Disco 3 4.0 V6 petrol. I am aware of the problems that can develop for the Loin motors ( due to lack of servicing, and being in Australia we rarely service anything ). Eagerly awaiting your next review! Tommy

Thanks for the information about the dicovery 3 as i have the HSE 2.7TD V6 bought in January love it

I bought a v8 one about a year ago. Did my homework on it and spoke with the service department at the dealership where the seller said it was serviced. This car had just under 100,000 miles when I bought it. I’ve put over 80,000 miles on it going to our cabin in the mountains which is miles off any paved road and I take it to NY many times a year. It still runs as well as the day I bought it. My advice is to keep it maintained and it will run forever.

Another top class review, I loved my 4, keep them coming!

Been helping maintain my dads lr3 for the past couple of years. They’re designed to be worked on by lifting the body off the frame so very limited in what you can do at home without a lift. Also lots of wiring and pipes exposed underneath the body, leading to damage & corrosion. Not designed for easy maintenance or reliability.

Another great video, my grandad had an 06 plate for around 4 years up to about 9 months ago and it had all the problems you listed bar the crankshaft failure but I sorted them at not a huge cost for him and he enjoyed driving it as he always wanted a discovery.

I bought an 05 plate disco 3 HSE two years ago. I did exactly you suggest, service it well, look after it, and it has never let me down. It is a superb car, brilliant, smooth ride, and looks stylish. I would not want to change it for a Cayenne, ML or X5 of the same age.

For a 4x4 of this age the styling looks so fresh.

You chose the perfect date to post about the Disco 3. 2.7 V6 diesel. Whenever I mention to any independent diesel mechanic that "I once owned an LR Disco 3", I get a wry smile, a shake of the head and condolences...

Great car, had mine 5 years and sold to a forum member, fantastic cars that can do so many things.......I hope my replacement L405 lives up to its predecessor.......

Really like the look of this car. I've been too afraid of it's reliability legacy to own one and too poor in the same time to feed it. But, Boy! Is it one of the best looking thing on the road or what?

I got a 2006 Lr3 V8 se and its the best I owned so far. It got 180,000 miles on it and still drives like a champ. Every-time I drive it feels like a dream. I just love it man.

My brother drives one and he seems very happy with his and he must have had it 8 years or so now. He’s also an Engineer starting at Leyland Motors and he is very pedantic about things like servicing etc. He’s one of those people who buys a new car and keeps it until it dies.

I have a 2009 hse lux v8 it’s really powerful for only 300 hp, I love all the features it has and it drives very well. My 2014 Range Rover supercharged 500 hp v8 is so fast it crazy I love any land or Range Rover they’re all great

I've owned the same year and model for about six months now, love it.

I own a D2 and I love it partly because I can fix it myself (most of the time) and it drives fine. I can also get three kids, our bikes and camping stuff in without it flinching. I do love the D3 though. I drove a few at launch and thought it was excellent - very refined and a big leap forward. What bothers me is the maintenance cost - but secretly I'd really like a silver D3 HSE...:-)

Another fantastic video we are 99 the discovery loved it gave it to her nephew for his first car still has it then we've been kicking around about getting another one here in Arizona this tons of Land Rover Range Rovers people love to look cool and those are cool looking rigs all the best enjoy your good work take care

I’m currently running an 06 4.4 V8 HSE Buckingham blue with beige interior. it is my daily driver and i have been running it for a few years faultlessly. I also occasionally off-road it as well and I’ve recently upgraded to 20” L322 wheels on 33” tires. besides the fact that i’m now averaging 11mpg even with highway driving, I absolutely love my D3 and I won’t trade it for another vehicle, at least anything that isn’t a Land Rover. The D3 just gives a special driving feeling, especially when you put some nice chunky tires and add little mods here and there

Bought one 2008 2 years ago to tour round Europe in after an x5 purchase fell through, mine is an XS with a limited edition body kit, done 40k in it so far love it, did 3k miles in first 2 weeks of ownership

Good review and advice! The ones having problems with these are those who hasn’t got a really good mechanic doing what a mechanic should do. Maintenance AND prevention measures. I’m amazed over people thinking cars will hold up for years by never doing any maintenance. Those people are money pits. 😂

Well on your way to reaching 10,000 subscribers in such a short amount of time 👍👍Brilliant and well deserved 👍👍. One of the best and most honest reviewers on RU-vid ( FACT )

Nice rundown of the Discovery 3. Much appreciated.

Hi Matt, I really enjoyed your calm, intelligent and informed analysis of the LR3. I have a 3D Modeling and Animation business in Bahrain and travel to Saudi Arabia to visit business clients. My LR3 V8 HSE has 240500 on the clock. I ensure it is correctly maintained and I am happy to say it has returned faultless service over its two years in my possession. Driving in Saudi is VERY challenging because of road conditions and the unique and almost suicidal driving style of Saudi motorists. The LR3 has an imposing presence on the road that tends to protect me from the "crazies". I love the styling of my LR3, almost architechtural in its treatment of upright surfaces and utiliterian design. I watch your videos several times a week and always enjoy your narration and the rolling hills that are often seen in the background. Living in a desert environment it is encouraging to see glimpses of my green homeland. Keep up the great work Matt, and by the way good luck with your new academy website. Kindest regards..Stephen

i own a 4.4L V8 petrol with 198,000 miles. Ive only replaced the radiator and water pump. Runs like a charm to this day.

My 2006 Westminster Blue LR3 had such a ride, and the terrain control was so much fun. I miss it to this day.

Where have you been all my life ? This is the best review/car opinion/short presentation video I have ever seen. Hats off to you

I had an ‘08 US-Spec (LR3) SE7 with the 4.4 V8. Most practical, reliable Land Rover I’ve owned (of 9). Fantastic vehicle. Looked great in silver over black.

I’m with you, owned loads of LR products, never seen the urban legend that is the unreliability. I had the 2006 2.7 diesel SE Disco 3 which I ran alongside my 4.2 RRS HST. Loved them both but disappointed the interiors were basically the same apart from the driving position. Ran the Disco for 105,000 miles, aside from services, no issues. It’s the true Tonka toy of the 4x4 world and still look great today. Great review as always

Great info- I have loved my 2005 for 10 years of ownership. Many happy miles and adventures.

Love watching your Land Rover videos. I’ve always wanted one of these, HSE model in black, I feel they look best in black.

Great vid , I'm 3 weeks into owning my disco 3 and I love it, as you say it's poles apart from disco 1 and 2 and I've had 4 of them , overall it's a lot of car for the money

We've had an '05 Disco 3 for the past 3 years (relatively high mileage but regularly serviced by the one previous owner from new) and to be fair it's been more trouble than it's worth. We expected to have to replace things like tyres (not cheap) and brake discs/pads, but we've had to replace several suspension components (I know, components subject to wear in a used car), a suspension compressor, wheel bearings (another wear prone part), CV joint, we've had the tailgate refuse to open, there's water leaking into the front passenger footwell when it rains (the Land Rover specialist we go to can't find the cause), the list goes on. The engine itself is pretty bomb-proof (the 2.7 TDV6), and gets 30-ish to the gallon on the motorway which the car loves to be on, but get it in the hills where I live & you're lucky if you manage 18 to the gallon. You can fit a lot inside the vehicle, the shape is extremely practical (I think they dropped the ball on the new one in that respect, much less practical rounded shape - don't think you'll be getting a king-sized bed in that!). It's very comfortable to be in too, though the Land Cruiser Amazon we had previously was even more comfortable (needed side steps to get in that one though!). In conclusion, don't buy a Discovery 3 unless you can afford to maintain it. We service it every year (we don't do more than 10,000 miles per annum) and there's always something that needs doing. The Toyota rarely needed anything doing (except that one time.....when we managed to shear some splines off the driveshaft). I expect to have to replace tyres, brake pads and discs, and maybe the occasional alternator - I do not expect to have to replace or repair a major structural component of the vehicle every few months, which is what you seem to get with a Land Rover. They're great if you like to get your hands dirty working on your own car, but if you're paying someone else to do it I'd go for something more reliable.

I had the discovery mk11 1999 version with all the bells and whistles, and I couldn’t keep the oil in or the rain out. However its been the only car I’ve had that’s given me a grin from ear to ear every time I got in it. Just wished I could of afforded to keep it.

Thanks coz I want to buy one for my parents. They had one a few years ago so when I get them one I'll just get all you mentioned done before hand over. 👍🏾

Please can you do a review on the Discovery 4 because I hear most people saying it''s way different as compared to a disco 3

Thanks you tell it how it is dident put me off made me love it even more I'm in cape town thanks again .

Much appreciated that, been considering one of them. Didn't know any background. Now you have given me it. Cheers👍

Loved the video and you're overall assessment of the LR 👍🇬🇧

Great video, and I agree with you. People do hate on LR and RR for some reason. Yet seem to overlook problems with BMW and Mercedes. We have a disco 4 and love the big ol’ bus. Keep up the good work.

Great video review ! Speaking as a Brit and LandRover lover, I think the 'unreliability' thing was probably invented by the American auto-press! I'm saving the pennies for a late Freelander 2 HSE , and if it costs a bit ..then so be it. I think Landrovers have class and style that other off roaders don't! Rule Britannia!

Having had a disco3 and the 3.2did Shogun I'd have the Shogun all day long, the only thing I prefer with the disco is the separate folding 3rd row rather than the bench in the Shogun...kids all grown up now so in an A3 tdi. Great video

Thanks for the video. Just about to purchase a 55 plate G4 Challenge from a main dealer with 18k miles (they'd forgot all about it until I approached them with an offer). Been sat for quite a while so servicing everything mentioned in the video and a few more bits.

had one for 6 years from 2011-2017 , no issues at all but to be fair I am a light user

I have a 2006 LR3 V8 in the US. Excellent SUV but like all 4x4’s just maintain it. Those people that say negative things just don’t know how to take care of an advanced machine like a Land Rover.

Great video. Just bought one the same on an 05 plate with 106k miles. After 10 years of TD5 ownership its a very refined vehicle. Love the auto box and its in smashing condition. Yes, its a big fat lump of a thing, bit like me really. Plan on enjoying it till retirement in 3 years then it will have to go.

Thanks again for an excellent, balanced review

Nice one! No matter what the naysayers and trolls say (every vehicle has its faults :) ) once you've driven a D3 or 4 on long journeys, loaded or unloaded, every other vehicle in this category pales in comparison for comfort and the driving position/view. Land Cruisers - yes, maybe. Solid or stolid? oh so agricultural :)

The view under the bonnet is all sealed covers - “no user serviceable parts”. The increasing complexity, dependence on electronic systems and the list of likely failures mean that the longevity of these cars as ultility vehicles is much reduced. My choice was down to Landcruiser or Shogun and fortunately I found a new LWB Shogun.

I really want one... and your damn video has just made me want it more. An honest and informative video that is real common sense, thank you.

I have a 2006 Land Rover and I love it so far. Thanks for the confidence.

Nice video and a good review, although speaking as a non off-roading Disco 2 owner, I bought it because I wanted one. I keep it because it has enormous character and practicality!

Thank you another good vid. Lovely motor, I have a 2.7 diesel in my Jag. Good motor. Repair costs will be a little more expensive but that's what you get with a good motor. Cheers

Really good, down to earth review. I’ve a real soft spot for the Disco3

Been thinking about a Discovery for years.... you’ve tipped me over the age... Discovery 3 here we come !!

What's bizzare is in Australia we have the 2.7 diesel in a locally made Ford Territory and they are amazingly reliable without the crankshaft issue. LR owners replace their naffed diesels with the Territory V6. I personally didn't like the air suspension when I had one but most do so there you go

Our auto disco 3 has has done 200,000 miles and the only thing that’s wrong with it at the moment is the turbo is going, it’s expensive but the car is brilliant value overall.

That's exactly what I do for every car I have bought, cambelts and followers,gearbox flush then engine terracleaned and fully serviced regardless if dealer says service has been done,maybe a bit over the top but piece of mind all the same 👍🏻

Again, another honest review. And for whatever reason, I think I could listen to you reading the unabridged version of “War and Peace” full through. 😆

We have one as the family throw in car, mums got a new Porsche Cayenne, dads got a new ford ranger and golf r and I’ve got a 2013 rr sport, and it’s everybody’s family favourite, ours is an early 2004 with 140,000 miles, we’ve got a garage so do the bits needed, and agreee that the gear box flush was a big one, lower arms are quite expensive, they tend to go about every 100k depending on use, but as a car it’s highly capable, and we don’t have to treat it with woollen mits, dogs in the boot, muddy welly’s on the mats, down narrow lanes, yet it’s still a respectable looking vehicle 15 years on

Great review. Thanks a ton for your reviews, awesome work! Would you have a review of Discovery 4? I'd love to learn how you compare both. Cheers

Great vid, thanks bud. Helped me out when buying our Disco 👌

Good solid video as always mate!

Simple thing is ...if you can't afford to maintain it ,don't buy it

I think you've missed out an important part of the suspension comments. It is the ACE pipes (the pipelines underneath the car which connects the entire air suspension system) that fail, they are not physically protected by anything and they corrode after about 10 years. Sadly, they cost a fortune to repair because the frame of the car needs to be separated from the car for them to be removed and replaced. Unfortunately for me, I had to replace the front and back at a cost of around £5k - this was in a RR Sport but it is the same system the Disco uses. Top tip = check the ACE pipes have been replaced if you are buying one, if not check for any corrosion of them underneath the car.

I love British cars, they are the most beautiful and refined, I opine. I've been affraid of buying one for the high maintenance prices and dishonest mechanics here in the US, and taking them to the dealership would be out of my possibilities, but at least I get to see them in your channel. Cheers!!!

Jeep Commander owner here. Needed 7 seats, towing, comfort, and crucially reliability. The Jeep has been absolutely flawless, and the looks have grown on me. When choosing, it was a shortlist of Discovery 3, Commander and XC90. Glad I made the choice I did - I've owned Range Rovers in the past and when they work they are excellent, and I have no doubt on a good day a Disco 3 would be as good as or better than the Commander, but I suspect (and know from friends who have owned them) that the Disco can give you some extremely bad days/weeks too. But chuffed the Commander got a mention, even if it was a jokey one - they are a bit under appreciated.

Great review again ! The TDV6 (manual) is the best Disco I ever had, About reliability I agree, I never had big issues, key is Maintenance and service. But my philosophy with cars in general ( if you can't fix it don't break it ) and never buy a car you can't afford to maintain. Nevertheless maintenance costs of a Disco or Land rover in general are relatively low compared with Toyota, Mercedes or Nissan with a used 10 k Disco you should avoid the official service centers, they always will try to drain your pockets like a Brazilian stripper in a night club. Land rovers are made for DIY repairs and maintenance in mind, even in the most remote places on this planet. Of course there are cars (SUV) that preform better on the road, like the Audi Q5 Q7 Volkswagen Touareg , Mercedes GLE, but they suck in terrain and versatility . In regards of fuel economy, power to torque ratio and versatility and terrain capabilities the disco realy is a class on its own.

Hi Matt, great video as per normal. Don`t know if you remember one of my comments to you months ago, regarding my wife not being very happy with me spending far to much time watching your videos and not paying any attention to her ?? Well it all came to a head and the other day and I got the dreaded ultimatum " It`s either me or him, make your choice " 😂😂😂😂😂 I will miss her 😂😂😂

Great informative review. Helped tremendously when we bought one recently.

Love your videos..so consice and descriptive..Keep up the good work 👍

Seems to me,it's the sort of car you buy with a decent warranty. Not necessarily inherently unreliable, but with lots of moving parts and it's ability to go anywhere (complete with horse box/ trailer). But they look equally nice covered in mud up to the axles as they do washed and glowing outside harrods. We should be proud of landrover for its design.

I’ve got a 2006 version of this, owned for 5 years now, all of the faults you mention have happened to mine plus central locking, high pressure fuel pump, drive shaft... it’s a money pit, 6k in total repairs :-( And it has full LR service history. The only plus IMHO is that it still looks as good as new, doesn’t outweigh the unreliability issues though.

I had a disco se for 7 years. Differential problems, air suspension problems, it killed 6 batteries, internal finishing quality issues, dashboard cracking after 4 years, door autolock issues, park brake stucked, cooler water sensor dead, engine hoses started to crack after 5 years, egr issues. .. But I love it! It runs smooth, silent, confortable and my family feels safe in a case of car crash. I made my mechanic happy.

Fantastic & honest review top job my friend

I feel the short answer is no you shouldn't haha! I've had issues with 1 month old Rover's never mind a 15 year old one haha

The reason I bought a top spec discovery 2 td5 over a d3 is because it’s so much cheaper to run. For sure the d3 is a better vehicle but the road tax is nearly double the price, the performance is only marginally better, fuel economy no better. The big thing is when it comes to repairs, in the grand it costs to change an egr valve, you could buy and swap out the whole engine in the discovery 2. And when a topspec low mileage discovery 2 like mine cost just under 3 grand it really doesn’t justify spending over 3 times the price for a similar spec and mileage discovery 3. It’s a good vehicle but for 10 grand I’d rather get a tdv8 Range Rover l322

Still have our 137k 54 plate S from 2004 till now in 2020. In its 16 year lifetime, it had new air suspension compressor, new air reservoir, new front suspension arms, auto box flush, re-conditioned handbrake & Gear selector, new air con compressor, new turbo actuator, new turbo, new brake lines, various new bushes. Have the Engine and drive train serviced, and it’s a smooth torquey V6 motor. Had it remapped to 225bhp, which drives much better and gives better mpg. Max 30mpg for the auto normal driving on motorways. Tough Interior is holding up well, leather interior still very nice and no rips despite a tough past few years. Despite all the above “maintenance” parts and normal wear and tear items, I can’t really fault it! Having said that, I won’t touch one without knowing it’s history or have tonnes of receipts of work done. That’s why I won’t sell mine, but run it till it can no longer run. Every time is in the garage for anything, £300-£1800 bills are expected, but it will last for a few more years each time. As with any LR, look after it and it will be an amazing capable vehicle that is timeless in drive and design. I had trouble finding something to replace it, every time the decision to keep it running wins out. There’s simply nothing that will Match it for the money, given all big LR or RR are £50k+ new. Buy one with history and service it with deep pockets - this is not a vehicle to run on shoe string budget. Compare it with more recent LR/RR, it’s a real timeless bargain.

Finally bought one, a 2005 V8se, happens to be green with beige leather in excellent condition. Love it!