The Disco fever won't go away

"BJ" (benjamin-bignell)
01/28/2018 at 15:39 • Filed to: Lr3, Disco fever

I have a stubborn case of Disco fever, so as winter drags on I check online for LR3s that I might be able to afford. Unfortunately, I found one.

It ticks all the boxes: V8, 7-seats, tan inside, not black or silver on the outside, and the HD package which includes the locking rear diff. It’s an SE, not an HSE, so it’s apparently missing some feature I never knew I needed, but who cares?

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Land+Rover/LR3/Vaughan/Ontario/5_36836133_20120214163440059/

My 4Runner isn’t worth much, I don’t feel like financing, and my wife won’t sell her (relatively) reliable Passat for this. Dammit!

DISCUSSION (8)

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > BJ
01/28/2018 at 16:29

I would like to say don’t.

But I can’t say that unless it: doesn’t have a complete service history; does have LR’s now no longer supported sat nav and telematics software; has never had any of the electronics played with; has never been crashed; and isn’t in pristine condition.

If it has that....then it’s quite cheap.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > BJ
01/28/2018 at 16:35

There is a thread in the Disco 1/2 Facebook group about this very thing this morning. Let me see if I can find it...

Ok yeah... looks like they have... issues. Looks like there are a lot of things that require software programming (if you upgrade the air suspension to modern parts, for example) and the front suspension is known to wear out quickly. Also the diesels are apparently known for oil starvation issues, but I don’t think that follows to the V8s.

common faults engine failure (due to running low on oil only hold 5.7 l in the 2.7tdv6)handbrake modules front /rear arms and rose joints wear out regularair susp compressors software download required if fitting upgraded part fuel pump failure high/low pressure + loss of fuel guage due to crap connectors on sender unit amongst other thingshowever you get a lot of tech for your money i personally would have a d3 over d2 anyday more modern more power autos if oil changed regularly are smooth and effortless but if going off road be prepared to strip /clean rear brakes afterwards to prevent premature wear /failure of handbrake module

and

I’ve had one, it was the only thing that cost me as much as the ex wife. Avoid.New engine after the crank snapped. Caused by a big end bearing rotating and causing oil starvation.Gearbox serviced at 80k the replaced at 120k. New air sus compressor, all new suspension arms twice in 4 yrs, wheel bearings, brakes, parking brake, central locking, alternator x2

That said, you can get a pretty ok D2 for the same money as a crap 4Runner. Ask me how I know.

BJ > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media
01/28/2018 at 18:30

If it has a good service history... oooo boy.

Three years ago I skipped out on a 2005 that was very tidy and very cheap because it had no service history. I called LR Calgary at the time and they confirmed that they had done work on the vehicle and that it had had all recall work completed, but they refused to reveal any details.

BJ > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
01/28/2018 at 18:38

I’ve read a lot on the LR3. Front end wears out a bit quick, electronics can be a major pain in the ass. V8 has no serious problems. Air compressor is considered a wear item - replace every 70000 miles. Air bags are AMAZING as long as they stay inflated. Earlier models had exploding diffs due to a coating inside the housing wearing off and getting in the gears.

Most of the major non- mechanical issues were sorted out in the 08-09 models. They’re not perfect, but so tempting.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > BJ
01/28/2018 at 18:43

Cool! Sounds like you’ve done your homework. They’re beautiful cars and surprisingly capable offroad (or at least the D2 is, and I think the LR3 is better) and very comfortable. I really like my D2 despite its issues.

BJ > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
01/28/2018 at 19:02

I have an idea of what I’d be getting into, but at the same time I have no idea what I’m doing!

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > BJ
01/28/2018 at 23:48

I own a lot of unreliable cars. The great thing about unreliable cars is they’re interesting, they’re fun, and most importantly you appreciate arriving at your destination without incident. The downside is sometimes that last thing doesn’t happen.

But in all seriousness I’ve never really been stranded by one of my cars. That said maintenance issues come up a lot but you usually have enough warning to plan the repair. Parts cost is high, especially on Land Rovers, but not astronomical for most things.

I hope it works out for you! I look forward to seeing some posts about it

BJ > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
01/30/2018 at 10:17

Nothing’s decided yet... at the very least, you’ll see posts about me offroading my 4Runner, I hope.