What's Wrong With The Discovery 3 & Should You Buy One? 

Other than fuel economy and a crowded console, I've had no big complaints about my 2009 LR3 in 6 years. reliable vehicle. I've driven Landcruisers and owned a 1994 for five years. LRs are much more comfortable to drive with greater pride of ownership. My kids are huge fans of the LR. They are a great camping vehicle.

Love the look of the Land Rover, it's just a shame Toyota don't build them, we'd be all much happier if they did!

I've owned my D3 V8 for almost 5 year's now and it's been fantastically reliable, probably 'cos there's no turbo's, glowplugs or diesel injectors to go wrong 😂

an honest video from an honest D3 owner. thank you... i own a 1989 defender 110 300tdi, been using it as my every day truck for 4 years now. super reliable beast. i've been eyeing on a D3 as it's one of my fav so far. will do more research on D3 and D4.. once that's settled, i should know which one to go for. no worry, i will not trade my defender for anything hehe.. cheers from Malaysia!

Loving the videos, great information. I would love to see a review of the tires in snow conditions. I love the look but I don't go mudding. Keep em coming.

Have owned my 2006 LR3 since 2009. Daily driver, off road, take it everywhere. Has never let me down. Expensive to maintain but dead reliable. 175,000 miles. Love it. Thanks for the videos.

Really good video. Had my D3 for 16 years. Especially agreed with the comment about under specced brakes for the size of the car. Also the epb is a nightmare.

Hi Jay, thanks for your explanation, I mostly agree. I have been driving one Disco 2 and two Disco 3`s since 2003. In this period I drove approximately 750.000 KM`s with the Disco`s in total and it is indeed one of the most comfortable cars on the road and the best family car I know! The only time in 20 years one of the cars left me standing during a trip (at night) was when the crankshaft broke with about 470.000 KM (of which I drove about 370.000) Landrover told me there was not guarantee anymore and so I bought my next one. To my opinion it is essential to have the car serviced at Landrover or a Landrover specialist. This avoids a lot of issues. I am now with my second Disco 3 on 467.000 KM and the goal is to pass the mark of 500.000 KM... Looking at the costs of Landrover servicing it is not cheap but calculated per Km the Discovery is to my calculation (done the math) definitely cheaper than the Volskwasgen Passat which I was driving previously. Just to finish my daughter of 22 years of age wants to have mine and told me last year "Dad when you drive it it is o.k. but when I drive it as it is just cool!" 😎

Thanks great video, informative. I just bought an '06 LR3 V8 which is really clean. Love the plethora of buttons and dials, perfect mish mash of old school throwback with lots of early 00s tech.

Love my Disco 3. Have the 2.7 HSE and it’s a great car. Only issues I’ve had since getting it are the front to rear and rear brake pipes that needed replacing. Also needed the tracking doing as outside tread of tyres was wearing down faster than rest of the tyre. Other than that it’s great. Previous owner did all the big jobs like EGR, Alternator, Etc...

Great video! Lots of detail and you know your vehicle well!

Love the video pal, excellent information and can't wait to see the Xlifter video's

Hello from South Florida, USA! I still have my 2005 LR3 which is going strong at 215K miles because of continued maintenance and part replacements. Great vehicle! This is my opinion.. even though I did encounter most of the issues you mentioned. Looking at getting a used LR4 now. Specifically, a V8 with much less mileage though. By the way, I will still keep my 2005 LR3. With the exception of the suspension light kicking in from time to time, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I did buy a brand new air suspension compressor though. I will install it at some point in the not-so-distant future.

2005 LR3 TDV6 with 189000 miles and zero issues. Not my daily driver - I am in rural North Essex so it's a green laner and weekend dog conveyence but smooth as silk - very modern looking still - have the LR4 facelift kit with latest front grill, front rear lights, side steps rear spoiler - very cool still.

Hello from Ukrainian discovery owner. Discovery 3 V8 4.4 HSE 😊

My from new 8 years old Disco apart from consumables, had a stuck gear lever linkage, replaced ERG valve & I had to replace the tailgate actuator a couple of times. The diesel pre cooker also packed up, but I did not bother fixing it. Not to bad I thought!

I just updated the wiper and indicator stalks to Discovery 4 ones. The washer for the windscreen now works when you pull the lever and rear washer works with the button 😀

I bought a 2006 lr3 HSC here in Atlanta Georgia about a year and a half ago and I absolutely love it. In my opinion it's the most intelligently designed SUV on the market, a timeless design. I don't think there's anything out there that's better even today with the exception of perhaps the new Ford Bronco coming out. I have the V8 gas engine, sunroof, and the third row seat. I'm still experimenting and trying to understand the different driving modes one of the videos I watched here on this channel this week was very helpful. Gives me some idea of what to look for, so thanks for doing that. 🙂 One upgrade I am interested in is getting electronic lockers for the front and rear and curious if anyone has any experience with aftermarket lockers?

I own my doscovery three for 14 years now, and never had serious repairs. I’ve donne + 200.000 km’s now and i expect to do twive the “milage”. I’ve had 3 landcruisers a BJ40, a prado or 90, a HDJ80, all fine cars but less reliable than the disco 3. Yes i’m aware the landrover is much more luxerious and therefor probably liable to faults, but i have to cross my fingers to stay “lucky”. I think the discovery 3 is a fantastic car and great offroader. Off course things can break but that depends on the risks you take offroad. It needs regular maintenance by land rover or if you have the skills (like me) you can do it yourself. LR3 = highly recomendable!

Just watched this. I owned a 2004/54 Discovery 3 , S model with xenon headlights which as you said we're amazing. I absolutely loved my Disco, it was comfortable, quiet and could pull anything and take any load. I drove it down to South West France on many occasions, loaded up and it was a great car to do 600 miles in, in a day. But! My Disco tried it's hardest to bankrupt me, I owned it for five and a half years, and I replaced so many parts, various bushes, suspension compressor, propshaft, wheel bearings, discs, pads etc and I would only ever fit Pirelli Scorpion tyres as I just felt that they suited the car well. I miss the Disco in many ways, and then I don't!

Great video bout to get my disco 1 on the road have had a td5 disco loved it also had a series 1 and 3 they put plenty of grease under my nails but the love of landys runs deep and can definitely see myself getting a d3 or 4 in the future after that land rover lost the mojo on the discos in my mind

If you are so afraid of maintenance and running costs, buy a mountain bike. Great off road, pretty ok on road and the best of it: good for your health!

Thanx for mentioning leakage. I recently found lot of water on my floor and to date havent figured out how it got into my vehicle.

Geat video again! Interestingly, the single most expensive repair I've ever have to had done to my cars, was about 7.500eur on complete engine, turbocharger and sensor swap, at reasonably low mileage for diesel. That only covered me a used high mileage engine too, since factory new one would had been about 11.000eur alone... And, that car was... A Hyundai. Generally considered fairly reliable. Since then I've had a BMW for 2.5 years now, and there's been CONSTANTLY SOMETHING small to medium broken in it, with BMW parts costing a premium I barely survive under 300eur when I visit a garage. All that money hasn't improved the ride quality in that BMW either. Used Toyota Land Cruisers in my country are insanely expensive, for the same model year and mileage I could buy almost two Discovery 3s for the same money one LC costs. And LCs suffer from rust problems, not to mention for the money their on-road ride quality is quite agricultural.

Good info on the Disco. I’ve just remapped my 2.7L. Apparently I now have 50 more bhp and 80 Newton torque.

Very informative! Thank you :)

I have the 4ltr V6. Ford transit engine basically. ok on juice, ok on power but way less issues and cheap to fix (in relation to the other engines). Would still go a V8 in a heartbeat though. Just for the sound alone.

I've owned a 2006 TDV6 Discovery 3 for about four years with over 250,000 km's (approx 155,342.798 miles) and it hasn't given me any trouble at all to date, none of the issues you mention. The two things I keep in the back of my mind is the air suspension and the handbrake. I love the vehicle and it's my daily driver.

The windscreen washer is a real problem! I had a MOT test failed because he didn’t know how to work them. Was quite satisfying tho when I showed him them working 😝

I’m looking at the D3 and 4 as I have 4 soon to be 5 kids so need a 7 seater with loads of room! I have a 2019 4x4 Kodiaq which is a great car and is great in a muddy field, haven’t done anything to bad in it as it’s a company car!

Just bought a D3 with 84k miles - and she will be going to N Uist - Sand, Sea, Machair, beach, hills, gravel roads! Feels like a Tank. AT tyres and tow bar will be the first upgrades. I think she has been driven on school runs in Surrey - so (touch wood) another 100k miles in the Outer Hebrides!. Great videos. wj

I've got V8 with no doubt. Still, sunroof leaks, suspension drops, handbrake (that one that not hand but electric). Thinking about to tie all 4 air lines from all of the shocks under hood and put all valves and air compressor there (air reservoir on it's original place so +1 air line). Air filter also under hood, but no air silencer, it's not needed if your engine running. Should be more reliable with excellent access to valve blocks to maintenance. Cons is that active suspension will work less effetive because cross valves will be a bit far from shocks (hope it will not cause suspension warnings).

I have D3 here in Australia, SE model and V6 petrol, it has been a great car with a few of the issues you just mentioned. Check out the Llams height kit over the xlifter, a little better value for essentially same function..

I am on the verge of buying a strong 4x4 that can tow heavy trailer up a hill. Was considering the D3, but after researching a bit might go for a 2004 grand cherokee, not complete trouble free either but seem a bit more reliable with the Mercedes diesel engine and transmission. They don't way to much and seem mire than half decent off road. But I really love the looks if the D3, choices choices

Hello Joe, i drive disco 3 with only 200 tsd km. The repair costs much less than German cars! Owners have to be clear to have the nearest oil pump, version 6. May be silicone hoses for cooling and if they invest in forge campshat, 1000 €, it runs millions of miles. Best car ever.

I have a LR4 HSE LUX 5.0 with 274,000miles. Major expenses have been timing chains at 240k, air compressor at 100k, air suspension (full overhaul) at 170k and 3 water pumps (and associated lines and gaskets). Other than that, regular service. Goes through tires and brakes like crazy and its a pain in the ass to bleed the cooling system, so much so that I modified the lines to make it easier and stronger.

You hit the nail right on the head, especially the hand break . I hate that thing , what poor design! Having an older Land Rover myself, I figured that I spent already too much money to get it all sorted out, and as the divorce lawyers say..., "it's cheaper to keep her". She still turns heads and i'm still in love! Cheers from Canada :)

For last 40 years I've owned 17 cars, 4 of them - Discovery - 200tdi, Disco3, 300tdi and again Disco 3. Disco is my absolutely favorite for off road adventures. I use it mainly for aproach to paraglading take off places, mounteen bike. etc Ten years ago, after my first D3 I bought a litle japan offroad machine - absolutely loss of time, quality and money. I havn't any big reasons to be disapointed of my Discovery 3 (2008 HSE). This days I fitted to him new excellent tires - 255/55R19 GOODYEAR WRANGLER DURATRAC 111Q. Till now I've drived Pirelli Scorpion winter. I have onother one favorite car - my Opel Ampera - fantastic electric experience. I reccomend it to try too.

I'm in Africa. Bought a 2007 Disco 3 in 2010 from a good friend who had 2 for his company. By far the best ride comfort wise of all the vehicles I've owned. Probably my favourite vehicle, but it has costed me. Crank shaft bent and hand brake is stuffed. Replaced the entire engine due to crank but was lucky as it cost me about 2500USD for the engine which I took off a LR3 I picked up at an auction. I also currently own a 1997 80 series cruiser which I use when out in the bush. Never given me any problems but that online six engine costs me as much in fuel as my LR3 maintenance. Also the ride is bad so you are always tired when you reach your destination. Love all my cars though.

I love these, think the design is timeless. Great video very useful in helping me make .y decision re purchasing an off-roader, eventually settled on a Pajero

Buy a V8 D3, you then don't have to worry about the engine breaking :-) We have just bought our 2nd D3 V8, this one is modified includig the lift rods you mention which are a must when running 275/65x18 tyres. Just found your channel so subbed. I will be doing content on our D3 as well as my current modified D2

That BLEEPING open door annoyance was on the Disco 1 as well!

Good advices and things to consider as I am looking to buy a 4x4 and one of the options is the Discovery 3. the other option I have in mind is the Nissan Navara, what do you think about it? I have seen some videos from people in Australia using it for off-road. Regards!

I’ve owned a D3 for five years and agree with the points in this review , I just wish the components and build quality was as good as a Volvo.

What tire size do you recommend for 90% road 10% light trail off road/overlanding. I wanna get some all terrain ko2s or something

I agree with your comments regarding oddities. To add one more, I find it annoying that with headlight settings are on "auto", to know when the headlights are actually on or off. You have to simply guess, or leave the headlight switch in the "on" position. Otherwise, I'm quite happy with my 2005 D3 HSC which I bought with 117 K miles in 2016, and now it has well over 170 K miles, it costs me approximately 2-3K annually in service, repair, plus soon a hefty ULEZ surcharge, but this is still better value than the depreciation of a much newer D4. I would buy this car again. I'm hoping to drive it at least another 70,000 miles and do some over landing trips with it.

My lr3 is hunting when I excelerate what may be the problem. Thank you Sean

Had the nut covers on my kj jeep. Changed them to solid nuts. Much better than swollen nuts. Ha. great video. Thanks for sharing

I got a Freelander 2 but was thinking of getting a discovery 3 as there's a nice silver one for 5k in my local garage it's just the Freelander is a little small but I hear a lot of people saying don't touch the ld3 because if all the problems

Hello great :) I couldn’t Believe it when you mentioned the water leak as I seem to be the only one experiencing this. Even my LR specialist couldn’t find the fault. I don’t have sunroofs so it must be the roof rail or windscreen, would you have any more info on where to seal? Many thanks. Ter

Thank you for this video. Is Lpg available in the UK? When yes a discovery 4 on Lpg is a option. I drive the disco 3 V8 on lpg in holland. Lpg is cheap. And the V8 is much reliable then the diesel. I'm curious what you think of Xlifter. I've had it on my Discovery 3 for about 1 month now. You have a lot more options than standard, and certainly better than elevation Johnson Rods. ATB Raymond

I've owned my 2005 D3 HSE for around 15 months, and it is becoming a real PITA! I absolutely LOVE the drive and comfort of the car, but here are my main issues that need fixing; 1- Torque converter is knackered, I plan to get the gearbox and TC refurbished in a few weeks. It still drives really well, but the rev counter is riding at around 1500-2000 RPM. It's been like it since December 2020, and hasn't got any worse. 2- Electronic Parking Brake stopped working a few weeks ago. I didn't have the 'squealing' sound like other owners, but the amber light is on all the time in the cluster display. 3- A loud squeaking sound, like a flock of seagulls! It sounds like it's coming from the driver's side front wheel. The local garage told me the only visible thing they can see is a corroded dust plate. I have cleaned the plate and rusty 'lip' of the disc brake, and it is definately quieter...but it's still there. 4- Parking sensors only work when they feel like it! They seem to work fine when we have heavy rain, but when there's hot sunshine for a few days, they seem to go on holiday!!! 5- The Bloody car won't start when the temperature gets to 0*c. I have to remove the engine cover, pour boiling water on the grey plug, and then it starts! It's ok then for the rest of the day....until the following morning! This is probably the glow plugs and apparently they are a right bar steward to change. Oh I wish I still had my Jeep Grand Cherokee!

I took the air suspension out and replaced with spring struts best upgrade ever now the vehicle is perfect was a never ending expensive battle with the air suspension.

What roofrack you have on your car, and, what rock sliders model you have? Where to buy it?

Hi, planning a road trip lasting one month leaving NI and ending in Norway, in this time we plan on travelling through, France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden and then Norway of course. Ive always loved the idea of owning a Discovery 3 and We like the idea of bringing a roof tent ⛺. Was just wondering if you think the Discovery would be a good choice for such a trip and reliable enough to handle such a drive ? I am mainly looking at the Discovery due to space and cost. 2 adults 2 kids (at time of leaving will be 9&14) Cheers

I've had the same 300 Tdi for over twenty years now, but it has gone in for renovation work and will be gone 6 months, so I bought one of these D3's and I am seriously worried now, I have never had any problems with my old Disco, just hope it lasts me the 6 months.

Always wanted a LRD but read so much press about how horrifically unreliable and costly to run they are - you have persuaded me that it is indeed a bad idea - many thanks 🙏🏻

Good video

I enjoyed your video ,I sadly gave my 110 CSW up after 21 years . I wanted to buy a D3-D4 The garage who looked after my 110 had stacks of broken Discos -Scrapped . So sad I had to buy a Volvo as its a minefield for D3s Troubles

Had my D4 for a year now, still totally smitten.

Fortunately, am having none of these problems on my 150,000km D4 diesel except front end every 50,000 km. Xlifter is a great bit of kit. Jay why do people need an IIDtool? Does it give you much more than a $20 Bluetooth reader with free app does?

Hi I’ve had two shoguns and now ready for changing again, my question is, is the discovery 4 a better option I tow a caravan and do go off road . I’ve never really had a problem with the shogun but do find them a bit noisy on the motorway and quite thirsty. I’d be interested what you think, many thanks...

Great vid and info. Well, for years I've dreamed of the Disco 3 or 4 and its very possible I am going to just go for a second hand sometime this year. Obviously I want something reliable and if something does break to just get it fixed but don/ t want to spend my days in a garage. I currently drive a Lexus RX450h which so far at 250000 km is fairly reliable - basically no issues apart from a battery replacement. But in any case, what car nowadays is cheap to repair or maintain? So, any pitfalls I should be wary of when going to view a Disco 3 or 4? I don't want to have to do any of the big jobs like cleaning the fuel jets or transmission oil replace etc...

which toyota will you for

Hi Jay . I dont get it. ai have a 08 d3 with xenon and no sunroof? or did i misunderstand that part ?

The car is super. One only needs a PERFECT WORKSHOP!

As a Disco3 owner...I am considering (for the future) to replace it with Land Cruiser (5 door). Anyway....what is your reason to go for X-lifter if you own IIDTools diagnostic? It deals with suspension hight quite similar (ok...just "similar"). Is it convenience? Or?

Im thinking of buying a disco 3 thats had a new engine should i be worried?

Good overview thanks! Had my 2007 D3 SE for 3 years now and love it - so far had 3 x rear brake callipers that have stuck on, water pump, alternator, water manifold, EGR vales x 3 (removed and mapped) - for common issues I'd add in the float valve in the coolant bottle becoming porous (had that) and also more importantly the glow plugs on the diesel - all 6 gone on mine and haven't got the nerve to change them incase they break in the block, I've fitted a BAS FBH controller instead that gives me pre-heat function now, just need to remember to turn it on! Daily driver that I also use for mild off-road - for anything serious I've got an old Jimny

My discovery 3 love it had it 9 years it’s bottom of the range gs manual gearbox only thing iv had to do is egr up grade intercooler hose and don’t let anyone service it do it all my self + plus oil and filter every 4 thousand miles or twice a year still drives like new did cam belt for £210 last March inc fan belt oil pump and all new pulley s 👍 I even do the tracking on my drive myself I hate other people working on my cars

I have a LR3 2006 with 159,000 miles and runs like new, of course normal maintenances like any other vehicles, but for the age, I doubt I will find a better SUV

Very useful video , been tempted by a D4 myself but the Fl2's we have really are impressive and haven't gave us any issues in nearly 8 years .

Hi Jay..Greetings from Costa Rica...I own a 2007 Disco 3 ..HSE but for some reason ..perhaps someone knows ...My discovery has no sunroof . and it also has no info screen the one for GPS and 4x4 info..it has all the other goodies..It has the 2.7 V6. ..Cheers

Hi great videos👍 but one very large GRIPE.. every time the temperature drops Below Zero it won't start and that bloody sensor needs warm water pouring over it, why on earth does this happen? Why is it there? What purpose does it serve? Questions questions questions 😄

Well considering you've based your channel around the car, I would think so

Swollen NUTS yeah not good 🤭 Brilliant video thanks

has anyone had starting problems in constantly cold/freezing temps ? had a winter in the French Alps and my D3 would not start until i learnt a useful solution

If one doesn't plan to take the LR3 off-road at all, does that mean tne maintenance cost (esp.related to the undercarriage) ia very much reduced ?

I am confused between Discovery 3 and Mitsubishi Shogun ? Any suggestion?

Suspension bushes and wheel bearings every 50k kilometers?? My 08 D3 has done 300,000 klm (180,000 miles) and has just had new rear wheel bearings (only 1 with slight play) and new front lower control arms bushes replaced. Brakes last at least 50k kl even with towing a van 2-3 times a year. I would rather have a LR 3 than a Jeep any day of the week. I do all servicing and any repairs myself so that I'm on top of any emerging problems. My LR has not let me down once. Maybe I'm lucky but if you keep on top of any issues you can nip them in the bud. Admittedly , weather conditions in Aus make it much easier to maintain a vehicle. The 2.7 engine is both economical and more than powerful enough for what I do. Mine's a keeper!

Was glad to get rid of my TDV6 SE. It had the potential to be such a great vehicle. Unfortunately plagued by unreliability despite a brand new engine .

I owned one brilliant fantastic in the snow. Uphill and downhills. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

I am thinking of buying a 2005 LR3 V8 with 190K kms or a 2008 LR3 V8 with 330k kms both almost the same price in Canada- which is a better option do you think?

hello i m french i am searching this sort of monster to replace my old Pajero 2.5 TD, is that a good idea?

Contemplated changing my disco 2 for a 3 many times but can't bring myself to doing it. Costs scare me 🙈

The 'swollen nuts' issue (the stainless cap stretches and expands away from the steel core), is due to people using impact tools on the nuts. If you only use standard breaker bars/ ratchets, you won't have the issue. A tyre shop f**ked all my rear wheels nuts a few years back with their use of impact guns.....

I like the d2

Should have carried on with disco 2 td5 the best around landcruiser drink fuel and dont handle

You must have bad luck,I have a 2015 d4 commercial and has done 180,000 miles towing 3.5t every day all over the uk trouble free.Fantastic motor

VW TOUAREG mk1 is at least as off road capable as a D2 and has all the creature comforts and road manners as a D3/4

I owned a D3 for 3yrs and it was a money pit. Great while it was working but everything that went wrong with it seemed to cost a fortune. Handbrake failure x2 , one hub replaced, calliper issues, suspension issues, bushes, radio switches falling off etc and I’ve never had a car go through as many bulbs in my life. Sold it with 57k on the clock.

X lifter interesting 😁🇬🇧👍

Yea swollen nuts-an issue but cheap enough for new set. I do al, my own maintenance on 2007 gs 91.000 miles. It’s a work horse I drop the oil every 5000 miles no matter what,new cam belt at 70k only £75 but fitted myself. I would imagine a very expensive vehicle if you need a mechanic all the time but both me and the wife love ours. I pull a very big trailer and you don’t even know it’s there. You do need the tools but once you understand their foibles they are great.

HI Jay, what antenna do you have for the CB? Do you have a link?

Dont understand why you wouldn't change for a D4? Vastly better performance, brakes, handling and reliability. Had a 2014 From new. Totally awesome 😁

In regards to your alternative vehicle recommendations at the end of this video- If anyone is thinking about getting a Disco 2, go watch the crash test footage of them and come back here and tell me with a straight face you still want one 🤣🤣

The problem with the old Defender, the Jeep Wrangler and the Land Cruiser (which is a Prado everywhere else in the world where they sell the proper Land Cruiser), is that they're still fitted with solid axles - at least in the rear, and that means appalling on-road ability. If you're really that much into off-roading, and don't use it much for on-road, then you might as well go for the Discovery II. The benefit of the Disco 4 over the Disco 3 is mostly the engine. That 3-litre twin-turbo V6 is far superior to the old 2.7-litre in the Disco 3, both in power and torque, but again, if you're only really using it for off-road, then the Disco 3 is adequate enough. Lastly, the Ford/Land Rover petrol V8 does suffer from timing chain wear issues, and it's more likely to occur in that engine than a broken crankshaft on the TDV6, from what I've heard.

Take a look at the new Ford Bronco’s

I love the Discovery 3 but reliability problems scares me.

Had a D3, 56 plate from new. Loved it for the first 4 years and hated it thereafter. A total money pit, costing £660 each year in tax plus servicing, another £400 and then the obligatory £1,000 annual cost to fix something that shouldn’t have failed. So £2,000+ a year plus insurance and fuel. Madness. LR and RR have lost their cache and rarely driven by the country-set, driven mainly by townies from Manchester and Liverpool. Today’s Burberry. Ghastly.