Hi, I’m new to the forum as I’m looking at buying our first Discovery as a second vehicle for wife and twin girls (2 years old) to use over winter. Budget is pointing me to the Discovery 3 ( looking to spend no more than £4.5k). Am I right in thinking the 7 seaters are generally higher spec? Any advice on what to look for and places to buy would be appreciated. Spec wise, would like as a minimum cruise control and front/rear parking sensors.

 

Generally the HSE is higher spec. Third row does not mean a lot as I have seen SE models with third row that even lack the third row dedicated HVAC controls.

Cruise is probably standard over there like US models.

If looking at one, first big thing to check out is if the carpets are wet up front. In the corners by the kick panel close to the door, feel around there. If wet you could be buying a vehicle with some major issues. At the very least use it to reduce the price. Mine were wet but I lucked out. The water entry problem is 100% fixable in most cases, just some labor on your end if willing.

 

Thanks for the response and guidance, much appreciated. What’s the usual cause of the water ingress you mention?

 

Sunroof drains, cowl and a pillars

 

But a possible DIY fix?

Anyone know what year the isofix system was introduced in the back seats?

 

Yes the water repairs are DIY. LOTS of info on the forums with pics or videos. The only difficult one of the lot is one of the sunroof drains can be a challenge to get to but a YouTube video on the repair helps a lot. No special tools.

 

I went to view a 2007 HSE today, photos looked fabulous, reality disappointingly different. Really horrible smell inside accompanied by wet footwell carpets (so thanks for pointing that out as a potential issue), torn leather on seats and door handles, broken rear light cluster and a shockingly poor repair to the rear bumper corner. Really frustrated as the spec was great.