I picked up my Disco back in May/June time frame. I thought it was going to be a good vehicle when I inspected it, but things seem to break left and right on it. I've installed a CDL txfr case, but I have the 3 amigos and no axle locks so its still somewhat limited in cross axle type situations.

Basically what I'm wanting to do is take the $150 I spend now on the Rover, plus the $150-$300 a month in parts I put into the thing and buy an LR3.

I've been reading that there really are not any reliability issues with them save for sunroof drain tubes clogging and suspension air compressors going out (every 50k miles?) This coupled with their offroad capability and luxury would be nice.

I am however hesitant to go from my $150 a month payment where I have a lot more leniency to pour money into broken parts, to the same situation but with $150-200 a month less for repairs/mods. I guess the Disco has me gun shy on LR reliability.

What I'm looking for from the LR3:
More comfort, which I know is the case
Quieter on the freeway (my disco whines)
Reliability
A little lower gas bill. I get 9/10'ish in my Disco.
Hopefully the HD package with limited slip/locking rear diff

 

150-300 a month?
My '95 doesn't even need $1800-$3000 a year in repairs. Heck, it hasn't even needed $1000 a year, including rebuilding the engine.
Of course I do all my own work. But if you off-road, you should know how to do at least enough repairs to fix things that might break on the trail.

Normally I'd say making larger payments will never, in the long run, save you money, but in your case it might.

 

I guess I spun that off wrong. I know I can afford the car payment due to me already spending that much. I know I could keep plugging away and eventually have a fully locked D2 that isn't breaking for much cheaper than $20k. Just not sure if I want to put that much more time/money into it. It's wearing down on me. I really like it; a lot. Hence me considering an LR3 over a Land Cruiser. Reality is starting to set in though.

But yea, since May here is my D2 list. I have done all the work myself:
MAF
Front Differential
Head Gaskets
Reseal PS Pump
Reseal Rear Diff
Rebuilt Alternator
Both Oxygen Sensors
4 Tires (knew this when I got it)
TF 2" HD Lift
CDL Transfer Case
Front Crank Seal
Tore apart cruise pump and new vacuum lines
Made a roof rack with 4 lights

Still Needs:
Horns buttons
Front Pass Door Lock Actuator
Rear Drive Door Lock Actuator
3 Amigos (was rtv'd over when I bought it)
Windshield (rock pitted up)
Front wheel bearing I think (whines at 50-65)
Gas Tank (leaks)
New MAF (cheap ebay one makes it consistently rich)
The rear differential coupling
Lockers

I'm sure there are many better Discos... in fact I'd put money on it. I think I just got a crappy one for sure. Thing is, not even all that stuff was bad when I first bought it.

I just figure by the time I spend all the money/time on getting that all fixed I could have been enjoying an LR3 for quite a while. I'd fix the Gas Tank and MAF and maybe 3 amigos and see how I feel about the Disco. Not even sure if I'd try to sell it on craigslist or whatever. Maybe just trade it in for Rough Trade in to not have to deal with it.

 

Well, you can't count as repairs things like tires, roof rack, CDL, lift, etc.
I don't even count O2 sensors as they are maintenance item, albeit a long term one, like cats.