Hi everyone -

I had my heart set on an LR3 initially, but now I'm thinking maybe a Disco is where I want to be? Thought I would ask here and see what everyone thinks.

I want to use it as a daily driver, will do a minimal amount of off-roading (probably just fireroads, if you can even call that off-roading). Don't need all the doodads. Looking to spend around $7k. I'm decently mechanically inclined (on a scale of 1 to LR Tech, I would say I'm a 3-4).

Thoughts? LR3 or Disco? Has anyone had experiences with both?

 

I'd rather have an LR3 daily driver, it will get better mpg and probably be more reliable. If things do go wrong, it might be more expensive to fix though.

$7000 will probably only get you very rough and high mileage LR3.

$7000 will get you 3 discos, and money left over to replace all of the fluids.

 

Jafir is right about those prices. Personally, I'd spend $4500 on a clean D2 that's already had the head gaskets done and spend the rest when repairs come up and on the gas, which will be 12-13 mpg and you'll only run premium.

 

I would go with the D2, yes they had some issues but overall a great truck, the early LR3's had some costly issues such as front diff failure, some tranny issues both of which are pretty expensive to repair.

 

I'll chime in also - look for a low mile D2 and keep the rest of the $ for repairs. On my 3rd one now and some general rules of thumb:

1. Never ever overheat it and your headgaskets will last much longer - keep water in it by checking it weekly. If it does overheat or need headgaskets, not that bad of a job, just make sure there is no water in the oil or oil in the coolant as those are indicative of bigger engine issues.
2. Run Diesel grade oil 15w40 and as long as the PO took care of oil changes you won't have to worry about spun bearing/rod knocking/timing chain issues - even better if you can actually check the oil pressure before buying. I did on my last one - buy a spin on oil pressure adapter that goes on the filter mount and a mechanical oil pressure gauge - spin the oil filter off, your gauge system on, then filter back on and start the truck - should have 20+ idling hot and 40+ with revs - if it is lower than that walk away.
3. Almost all the oil leaks are caused by plugged breather vent tube in passenger valve cover - I recommend removing the factor baffle and replacing with a Fram FV237 inline in the hose. Oil leaks will disappear (except the power steering pump). If it is leaking when you buy it /look at it the cause is probably that or loose valve cover bolts or both.
4. All the plastics are brittle - be very gentle - bumpers, underhood, etc - they will break before they bend.
5. Great thing about D2's is used parts are cheap and plentiful - good mechanics who understand its quirks are not. Check here for any needed repairs before you believe your mechanic.

 

Stupid question but did you also post the question on the LR3 page? I assume you'll get opposite advice there. If you're impartial, go with whichever great deal comes your way first...they're both great rigs.

 

If it's for a daily driver, tarmac trekker, IMO the LR3 is OK. But whether it's a D2, LR3, LR4 or RRS they all have their own foibles to contend with. It also depends on condition, whose messed with it before you and whether you can afford to service it either yourself or by a shop. As a daily driver I can think of many alternative vehicles I'd prefer if not towing or offroading but some like 4x4's as daily drivers. Typically, my D2 has rarely seen use of the low gear range or had the TC exercised as it's a tarmac trekker and tow truck. Whereas the Pajero gets well used in CDL, low 4x4 etc. Well, the RRS is just a pose really, long motorway cruises in comfort and never/rarely been offroad or the terrain super select exercised. So, IMO, for offroading the D2 takes some beating or even the 90 Defender (the 110 is too long and departure angle too shallow) but for tarmac trekking comfort the LR3 or 4 or the RRS but be prepared to pick up the bills and servicing tabs regularly.