I know the LR4 is a "fancier" car that has more features, but comparatively from a reliability standpoint, is the LR3 the better car? In my case, I believe I would be comparing V8 engines either way.

 

I wouldn't touch any of the 5.0 V8s that haven't had the timing chain guides/tensioners/etc replaced. It's a fatal flaw, they're plastic and wear down causing play in the chains and ruining the timing.

The 4.4 in the LR3 is much more reliable than the 5.0

 

D3 parts are cheaper if and when they break or fail and the vehicle is less complex.

 

Well, you came to the LR3 forum section to ask this question, so... I think we know what answers you'll be getting here
I've had 3 LR3s, and loved them, and I love the LR4 too overall. It has some weak spots, timing issues, crossover pipes, etc, but overall still a great vehicle. But I am a tech and work on them, so personally not bothered by those issues. Definitely more expensive to maintain and keep on the road when those issues need to be addressed, and you're paying for the work to be done. The performance and luxury of the LR4 certainly beats the LR3.

I'd generally agree the LR3 4.4 is more reliable and cheaper to keep reliable, but they are getting up there in age, so a more recent LR4 *could* be more reliable than any given LR3.

 

It really depends on how the vehicle was maintained but the 5.0s are known for their timing chain failures that are mostly a matter of when not if. Whereas the 4.4 is pretty stout I know quite a few people with close to 400k kms on original everything and still daily and take their trucks off road. I'm not an expert at all but from what I've seen overtime the LR3s seem to be more reliable than the LR4s so personally if it was me I'd go with the 3. But if you find a LR4 with the chains replaced and it's been looked after you should be okay

 

I’ve had a D4 3.0 TDV6 and a D3 4.4 V8. I liked both and the D3 is my daily. Engine wise the diesel has a (well deserved) reputation of snapping cranks.

The D3 V8 petrol on the other hand is commonly accepted as reliable. Just change oil and filter at regular intervals. Spark plugs have a long servicing interval same with the auxiliary belts driving the electrical systems. PCV can get gunked up and might need replacing, easy peasy to do. One of the worst problems is getting the air out of the cooling system but there are tricks for that (or use vacuum). Plastic T-piece on top of the system is known to break, replace it with a brass one. People do not seem to need to replace the timing chains, at least here one of the local indies claim they have customers with 400-500k km and all original inside the engine. The D4 V8 and SCV6 are far from that, unfortunately.

On all model years the satnav and infotainment are getting long in the tooth. Perhaps the best is on D4 to have BT audio (later model years, 2012 forward I think?) but you can retrofit something similar to the D3. Subjective but D3 seats, at least for driver, are IMO more comfortable.

In the end what matters at this point is the individual car’s history and what you’re going to do with it. Two weeks in the Outback outside civilization, a “dangerous” supply run to Whole Foods or something else 😎😂

 

Hi All. Thanks for your replies. I have been hunting a Disco for a while now. There is a 2010 LR4 HSE V8 close by with 125,000 miles on it. It’s air is not blowing cold, otherwise it seemed to be in good shape to me. He wants $8k for it. And then I have an LR3 SE V8 that is out of state, it has 220,000 miles on it and they want $3,300 for it. I have not run codes on either of them. Getting the car from out of state leads to its own challenges. I might be able to talk the LR4 down a little. I have not ridden in either but I have to decide of I’m gonna trek out of state to see the LR3. She says there are ZERO codes on it.

so I don’t know. I’m torn.

 

Well this is an LR3 forum so we are biased. If the LR4 doesn't have timing chain issues then great.... otherwise the LR3 is better. Equal mileage and the LR3 always wins, btw.

 

I'd be in the LR3 camp, but 100k miles difference is a lot. If it were me, I'd take the local LR4 to a reputable indie shop and pay for a pre-purchase inspection including getting a preliminary quote for timing chain replacement. If the total cost fits in your budget, or you plan to do some of the work to keep it under budget, I'd go that direction. If not, go see the LR3. Get a PPI wherever it is, too - wouldn't take much to run your costs up over $10-12k if it needs work and you're having someone else do it.