16k to Spend. FFRR or Disco 3?
16k to Spend. FFRR or Disco 3?
Author
Discussion

GordonL

Original Poster:

275 posts

225 months

Friday 27th April 2012
quotequote all
Currently have a Freelander 2 and like it immensely, however, boat towing duties mean that it needs to be replaced with something with an auto box and a low ratio gear box, the terrain response stuff just won't do it. My launching ramp isn't the best!

Given my budget of around 16k it looks like a choice between a Disco 3 or a FFRR... I realise that they both could give my wallet a serious going over, but which will do the most damage in the long run? I live up in the Highlands and do about 12k miles a year. The rural location makes finding a decent Indy for servicing a bit of an effort but I can travel down to the big cities if necessary.

Leaning towards the FFRR because my better half prefers the look of them. I've driven a Disco 3 and liked it, not driven a Range Rover for about 15 years.



RedLeicester

6,869 posts

269 months

Friday 27th April 2012
quotequote all
GordonL said:
the terrain response stuff just won't do it
You do realise the Disco 3 has TR, as do FFRRs after 2006?

I've had both. Disco3 is a phenomenally capable car, but I'd throw it in a ditch and leap at another FFRR given the choice....

mattdaniels

7,362 posts

306 months

Friday 27th April 2012
quotequote all
The gf has a D3 to tow the horses, not had a FFRR so can't comment on a comparison objectively, but we compared it to a RRS when we were choosing.

The D3 is an immensly capable beast, very comfy, nice place to be inside (particularly for some "dad driving") though obviously does not have the "gentlemans drawing room" feel of the RR. It's staggering off road, amazing just what it can do.

gf preferred the squared boot line and roomier feel inside the D3 compared to the RRS more rakish and car like feel to the interior. Hers is an HSE spec with a few extras on top, so gives a RR a run for its money in terms of toys.

Can't comment on comparable running costs but hers does like a drink, though the roof rack and spotlights dont help.

GordonL

Original Poster:

275 posts

225 months

Saturday 28th April 2012
quotequote all
TR was originally fitted to the FL2 to make up for the lack of low ratio, as far as I know. It's fine but in my particular case, it doesn't really help.


grand cherokee

2,432 posts

223 months

Saturday 28th April 2012
quotequote all
terrain response - just another knob for 'knobs' who cannot drive a 4x4?

do you need to 'tell' the car its on grass/sand/mud?

nanny society at its worst - bet 90/110 defender owners feel inadequate without all the 'knobs'!

get a FFRR before the knobs! - it will do what you require with no fuss/histrionics - lol!

if really want terrain response the following should be added

a) waitrose/sainsbury car park

b) school pavement/road/grass verge

c) anywhere with a kerb

all lol in my opinion of course!


Edited by grand cherokee on Saturday 28th April 12:35

grand cherokee

2,432 posts

223 months

Saturday 28th April 2012
quotequote all
and before my 'fan club' start - my post was a bit of a wee wee take - but there are elements of truth?

as to the OP - a FFRR should meet all your needs - plus its a lovely car to drive

dazco

4,281 posts

213 months

Saturday 28th April 2012
quotequote all
I was also thinking of getting a Disco 3 but then noticed FFRR are about the same price.

Are there any major model or engine changes to look out for in either car around the £15-20,000 mark?

pikeyboy

2,349 posts

238 months

Saturday 28th April 2012
quotequote all
Check out ffrr auto gearbox and front diff failures before making a decision

GordonL

Original Poster:

275 posts

225 months

Saturday 28th April 2012
quotequote all
Goon then.... Google doesn't turn up a great deal.

anonymous-user

78 months

Saturday 28th April 2012
quotequote all
Sod all that. Do it properly and get a Defender.

dazco

4,281 posts

213 months

Sunday 29th April 2012
quotequote all
boy said:
So before anyone buys a Range Rover they should find out how many gears the auto box has (1st link) and make sure you do not put a handbag on the hill descent lever (2nd link).

Ok, will do.

pikeyboy

2,349 posts

238 months

Sunday 29th April 2012
quotequote all
dazco said:
So before anyone buys a Range Rover they should find out how many gears the auto box has (1st link) and make sure you do not put a handbag on the hill descent lever (2nd link).

Ok, will do.
No they should visit a toyota dealer and buy a land cruiser before buying anything other than a defender although few on this forum will agree with this view.

L322's have known issues with autoboxes and the front diffs. To be honest I had a Quick google on my phone and posted the links without fully reading them in an attempt to help the OP apologies if they are not as informative as I had thought.

GordonL

Original Poster:

275 posts

225 months

Sunday 29th April 2012
quotequote all
Defender is no good, sorry, but I need to do at least 2 100 mile plus return commutes per week, that would get very old very quickly in a Defender. Hadn't thought of a Landcruiser, not many of them around up here.


dazco

4,281 posts

213 months

Sunday 29th April 2012
quotequote all
David Beer said:
Had three rr and now have a 90xs,Svx convertible and a griff 500' not posh but love the defenders, rainy day xs, sunny the Svx, the griff less used. The fenders can sit at legal speeds and you het out the end of the journey only a few minutes later than a rr. Having said that, I might be looking for a ff rangie soon, only because I do do 1500'miles a year, and you can only have the right four by four!!
confusedconfusedconfused

Texpis

266 posts

281 months

Tuesday 1st May 2012
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I have a FFR an 03 with 113k on its a great car I have the 4.4 petrol running on LPG. The front Diff problem should have been sorted there was a recall for early models if you buy an earlier than 05 check the recall has been done.

The gearbox problem is well documented on the various RR forums if its a 4.4 petrol BMW engine the main problem is cooling the gearbox oil, its is cooled via the radiator which gets blocked at the bottom which is the part that cools the gearbox. It cannot be flushed successfully so problems with overheated gearbox occurs.

The gearbox also needs an oil change at 100k miles (BMW says sealed for life) Mine had a problem with the torque converter clutch failing. I did the work myself for about £300.

The diesel FFR does also have gearbox problems but not sure of the issues. The more modern FFRs are different with Jag engines not sure of any issues here.

Hope that helps
Mick

GordonL

Original Poster:

275 posts

225 months

Tuesday 1st May 2012
quotequote all
Very helpful thank you. I've been reading up on FFRR forums, I think I'll go with the Range Rover.

Texpis

266 posts

281 months

Tuesday 1st May 2012
quotequote all
Good choice cracking motor

dazco

4,281 posts

213 months

Wednesday 2nd May 2012
quotequote all
Are they really cracking motors?

I am thinking of getting an 04 or 05 or 06 but I read so many horror stories that it scares me to bits.

And when they go wrong, they appear to be a rather expensive affair.

I changed my mind for a Disco 3 but doing my homework they seem no better.

I am presently in the frame of mind to get a 5 series estate but would have preferred one of the Land Rover products if I could muster some confidence in them.

RedLeicester

6,869 posts

269 months

Thursday 3rd May 2012
quotequote all
We did 60k in the FFRR, have done about 40k so far in the D3, yes tyres and consumables aren't cheap, but that's no different to the catastrophically unreliable X5 we had before them.... we've had a few problems yes, but likewise no more or less than any other car. Every model has their horror stories, even supposedly "reliable" makes like VW and Audi - if you read up on their cars on the net you wouldn't buy one either...